Periodically I receive email from people asking about the Nielsen National Consumer Panel. This is a program set up by Nielsen to help manufacturers and retailers track purchasing habits of consumers. If you participate, you’re sent a HomeScan hand scanner, and you’re asked to scan the barcode on the groceries you buy each week when you bring them home. Then, the hand scanner uploads the data to Nielsen. In exchange for your time, you receive points that you can redeem for cash, prizes or sweepstakes entries.
I know we have readers on the blog that already participate in NCP. I will say this is not a program for anyone concerned with privacy, as you will be uploading data on everything that you buy. And, from conversations I’ve had with people who’ve participated, I know that it is time-consuming, and it takes a lot of points to rack up “good” prizes — you will likely not get rich doing this. But, if you’re the kind of person who likes taking part in market research or being included in national statistics on how people shop, and receiving prizes for that, you might like it! The NCP doesn’t always have open enrollment, so if you are interested, here’s a signup link.
jewelover says
I’ve heard mixed things too but after Googling this morning I’m going to do it. A bunch of people are getting free iPod Touches and kitchen appliances with points. Hip2Save has a good article on it too where even if you don’t get picked for the grocery scanner, you can get cash for surveys by being in their system, which sounds good.
https://hip2save.com/2010/07/nielsen-national-consumer-panel-free-cash.html
Tallgal6 says
I actually just sent them back my scanner about a month ago. This is VERY time consuming…especially if you use a lot of coupons :o)
It is a great thing to do if you have the time and get value out of your opinion/purchases/shopping behaviors being counted. In the two years I did it (it was 2 years almost to the exact date), I earned 2 gifts that were worth approximately $50 ($25 each).
I must say I give a sigh of relief when I get home from shopping and realize I don’t have to scan everything I bought!
Other than it not being worth my time, however, the company was great to work with and I had no problems.
mluks says
I’ve only been doing it for 2 months and I’m already tired of it. I think I’m sending mine back. It’s very time consuming, especially if you shop in little bits which I tend to do. Based on my current progress it’s going to take me forever to earn any prizes. I can’t even imagine how long it would take to get an i-pod touch!
armymom says
…after scanninng almost EVERYDAY…and transmitting…EVERY saturday for 52 weeks…i earned enuf points for a “fisher price” stacker OR a soccer ball!..i redeemed my points…and sent the scanner back to Neilsen. It was SO time consuming…countless hours scanning..coming home from shopping..and laying everything out,,half the time , the barcodes don’t scan..and THEN adding in your coupons!!! i would have to say i spent at least, 1 hours per week doing this. So adding up at LEAST 52 hours of work,,,my reward…a BALL! Whick i would be able to “BUY” for around $5.00 at the MOST! so my time and work added up to…..
00.0999 per hour!!!!
Well, hey..i guess on the bright side..i helped consumers have a voice….yeah right…
sthedens says
I did the scanning thing for at least two years, requested a nice bathroom scale. Looked like a good brand name one in the pic, but came in as an off brand that didn’t work. I scanned and participated with web questionnaires too, but quit shortly after all of that. Not satisfied with the return. I didn’t expect a lot, but a little more respect and better treatment. But that was a few years ago, maybe they have changed.
Coupon Maven says
Bumping this up as Nielsen is accepting users again for HomeScan, if you’re interested…
Coupon Maven says
A reader asked about this, so I’m bumping it up! They are also accepting new users again.
theresa1740 says
I have been a member for over 6 years and do their online surveys to get points too. Points DO NOT accumulate FAST. My daughter did get an Ipod with the points and my husband a tire pressure kit for the car. Saving my points for something bigger again but a slow process. Scanning for most stores is not that difficult. The store scans that want me to enter item prices is more time consuming. If I forget to scan something it is usually open and gone–like wrapping paper or top soil for outside. It is your choice if you think the time is worth getting a few free things????
kkris812 says
I did it for awhile too and it got to be too much. Scanning the items is one thing but answering all the other questions is tiresome and I gave up before redeeming any of my points if I even had any.