Ive posted about this in the past, but I just wanted to let you know that the Nielsen Home Scan Consumer Panel are accepting applications again!
This is how it works. Just fill out their questionaire and if your information fits, you will be sent a Home Scanner. You will need to scan all of your purchases and then upload the information through your computer back to Nielsen. You will earn points for your work and then you can redeem them for electronics, toys, gift cards and more. Plus, you are entered into drawings for cash prizes!
I know that kids really like to help with this process. They think it is pretty fun! And, it may get them to help you put away the groceries when you get back from the store.
Some people have said it is too time consuming and others have said it has been easy and a lot of fun. So, it is kind of a toss up. But this is what I think: Not everyone gets accepted. So if you do, try it out! If you dont like it, then you can return the scanner and be done. But if you do end up loving it, then you will be really glad you took a second to apply right? Besides it is totally free! They collect information on what you buy for major brand name companies. Then, they know what items consumers want!
Let us know if you get accepted. Im still on a waiting listfrom months ago. So hopefully one of these days, they will want me because I really want to do this!
Brittney P
I applied a while ago when it was listed, but I just got an e-mail last week saying my household was accepted to get a scanner. I had to fill out another form, but I haven’t heard anything back so I don’t know if that means I’m on a waiting list also…? I guess I’ll find out if and when it comes. I would LOVE this because my kids are EVERYWHERE in the store. I know they would both (4 and 2 years old) absolutely love to help me do this.
lisa p
I have been scanning for a couple of months now for NCP and it can be time consuming but you can win things and earn points to get items for FREE , it is great. I use alot of coupons so my scanning takes awhile but it is fun. I recommend it if you get chosen. GOOD LUCK!!!!
Deirdre
I was chosen to participate in the NCP survey. I would like to know, have you won any prizes or cash yet . Does it that a long time to collect point for a specfic prize? What are the good and bad side of this program.
Diane
Deirdre, I have been doing this for about 15 months now. It is a little fun at first, and they sent me a few cheap free gifts (like a reusable grocery bag) and lots of point boosts in the beginning which kept me going. But it really is very time consuming. I probably wouldn’t mind the time if I felt like the rewards were, well… rewarding, but there isn’t a great selection unless you want to do this every time you shop for a few years. I have invested so much time into it, that it is hard for me to walk away without feeling like I can get something decent out of it. I would estimate the value of prizes I am eligible for after 15 months are only about $30-40 at the most. And that’s probably generous. I plan to continue for only a few more weeks so I can get a reward I can settle with, but I don’t feel like it’s been a fair use of my time.
Tanya
The website froze in the middle of applying 🙁
Tanya
It’s back up!
Stephanie
I have been trying to fill out the application all morning. I entered a bunch of info then the page would never load. I figured it was just busy. So, I just tried again and it said they are not accepting applications in my area (Orem, UT) right now. Darn.
Amanda
I was accepted but on the second form I had to fill out, I put that I no longer wanted to do it. I hear it’s just too time-consuming and you barely get any rewards for all the trouble.
Heather
It’s not really something little kids can help you with. I have to try and scan the bar codes about 20 times before it will take, and then you have to answer all sorts of questions about the quantity/price/sale/coupon etc. etc. And about 1/4 of the items you have to enter the UPC manually, as it won’t scan cold/frozen/uneven surfaces. Just keep that in mind. I just got home from Costco and it took me about 25 minutes to scan everything. If you’ve got lots of time on your hands, then go for it.
Pam
Waist of time I had it for three weeks and sent it back, It takes more time than it’s worth.
Janell
I got my scanner last week and am now getting used to it. 🙂 It’s fun!
Haylee
I agree with what most people are saying! I got accepted to do this and got the scanner…I was excited to try it at first and even the first couple of times thought it was kind of fun. BUT…it seriously takes up so much times, with a toddler, it made grocery shopping so much harder! It’s not something you can just hand to your kids and let them go at it. Not only do you have to scan every item, but you also have to put the regular price, the price you’re buying it at, if you have any coupons and all of the values, how much your total was and then also exactly how you paid for it. If you have the time and want to try it, go for it! But it definitely didn’t work for my family!
Candy H
I just got my scanner today. Will post in a few weeks and share how it is going. 🙂
Randi
Just got our scanner the other day and played around with it a bit, it is a little time consuming so we’ll see 🙂
Linda Bonnes
Couldn’t get the links to do anything for me to even try…
Laura
I filled out the questionnaire on May 24th and was contacted this evening saying I was accepted. I filled out another short survey and it said it would be revued and a scanned would be sent. We’ll see!