Here’s an interesting new opportunity I have been reading about and wanted to share. I first saw word of this program – Nielson Homescan – over at MoneySavingMom, and the vast number of comments her post has attracted asking readers about the opinions is quite telling.
So here’s what the Nielson Homescan is: The way it works is that if you are accepted to the program they send you a mini scanner that you use on all your purchases (scanning their bar codes) every week. By sending in the information to Nielson weekly, you receive points that can be redeemed for prizes, electronics, etc. (I can’t find a copy of this catalogue online to see all the prizes that are available – does anyone have one?)
From the reviews of others, it sounds like it can be profitable (there are great prizes) but can also be time-consuming. So it might be something to try and see if it works out for you. I’d love to hear from anyone who has done it. If you want to Join the Nielsen Family of consumers and make your product opinions: Click Here
I used to do this and it was not that bad for time, I did it as I unloaded my grocery bags. The kids thought it was fun to make the scanner beep and often helped without being asked. The points added up fairly quick and they are a great company with excellent customer service in my experience. The only reason I stopped was that we no longer use a land line for our phone and that was how they transmitted – I am not sure if other options are offered now.
I have done Homescan for several years now – after you get it down it doesn’t take too much time at all. The catalog is under rewards tab, select redeem in highlighted area middle of page and then the new page will have the catalog link! I don’t know if you have to be a member to get there or not? I have received rewards of a sewing machine, troybilt blower/vacuum and other smaller items.
You need to download weekly to get your points and then bonuses and they also have several surveys that earn you points.
Note – when I signed up to do Homescan it took several months before I was selected to be a member!! So be patient
I am currently a member of the Nielsen Homescan Consumer Panel (since February). It can be time consuming. I go down my receipt so I don’t miss anything (sometimes I still do) and it is a true test of my memory to remember which coupon was used for what. I did find several mistakes on receipts – one totaled $7 due to me – so I do find this a great way to double check your purchases as well as having a voice in what is being purchased, how we are purchasing, and what is wanted. Nielsen also has weekly, monthly, and other sweepstakes for their members and they send out gifts every so often. I wrote a detailed post here – http://anneonaffiliates.blogspot.com/2009/06/nielsen-homescan-consumer-panel.html (feel free to delete my link)
The catalog offers range from dog toys (9,000 points), coffee maker (18,000 points), microwave (56,000 points), and 8 G iPod Touch (178,000 points). The catalog is only available to members.
Hope this helps. Anne
It might be profitable, perhaps, but only if you don’t mind the headaches of getting unasked for solicitations by phone, mail or electronically, ad nauseum. They get your information and you are essentially theirs for however long it takes to get out from under their greedy telemarketing claws.
I had one of those scanners from Nielsen; trust me, it isn’t worth it in the long run. For those who see the benefits far outweighing the drawbacks, more power to you….
I have tried it, and it is not worth it. It takes forever to scan your purchases and to earn enough points to be worthwhile. If you have little kids or if you consider yourself to be a busy mom, this is not for you. I’ve found doing online surveys fits better into my schedule (I can do them whenever I have time) and I can earn points and rewards faster.
I have been using Nielson Homescan for about a year now. At first it was fun, scanning and keeping track of my savings, taking surveys, etc…But then it got to be a hassle. You must upload your information (faithfully), weekly in order to stay in the running “sweepstakes”. I missed one week and blew my chances for the Yearly Grand Prize…finally I lost interest. They offer nice prizes, but by the time I accumulate enough points, the electronic prizes are obsolete/outdated. It just wasnt for me and I never did redeem any items or win any prizes for my entries.
Hi Karyn – That’s interesting about the landline stipulation!
Hey Ruby – Do you have the link to the catalogue by any chance?
i am currently a member of the homescan panel. however, they have recently changed their name to “national consumer panel”. i don’t always get to the store on a weekly basis so if i miss a week of scanning, i lose points. i agree that it takes a LLLOOOONNNGG time to accumulate enough points for anything really worthwhile, but they do periodically send out small gifts.i have gotten a mousepad, a fleece blanket and a couple other small but useable extras. i feel they are fair, but you have to be willing to commit some time every shopping trip[at least once a week] to this site. i personally wish they would offer more points for the time it takes, but it is their call, i guess. i have also gotten some online surveys from them which give 150 pts. each. they also offer specialty panels from time to time to boost your points, if you chose.i was able to view the catalogue online, but i think only members can see it. overall, i like it. i am retired, so for me, it works out ok, except when i have an extremely busy week, which happens sometimes. i do agree, if you are a full-time worker or just a busy mom, this might not be for you. you can scan a hundred items or just a few, which still gives you the same amount of points. therefore, i think it is fair. sometimes, though, i just don’t feel like scanning. that can be a downfall as far as losing points.
i forgot one thing: i have voip [magic jack] and it works fine w/ it. can’t beat a $19.95 a year phone bill.