Homescan Consumer Panel Reviews and Features

Homescan Consumer Panel website screenshot

Homescan Consumer Panel

85 Broad Street, New York, New York  10004 US
Tel: 800.864.1224   Contact:
Operated by: The Nielsen Company, LLC

KEY FEATURES:

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PAYMENTS OFFERED

checkmarkPrepaid debit or credit cards checkmarkRestaurant gift cards checkmarkApple gift cards checkmarkMovie vouchers checkmarkMerchandise checkmarkSweepstakes entries

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HOW TO PARTICIPATE

checkmarkBarcode scanning checkmarkOnline surveys checkmarkProduct testing checkmarkMobile app

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REDEEMING REWARDS

A minimum account balance of 2,000 points ($20) is required in order to request an item from the Homescan Gift Catalog.

Note: This page encompasses Nielsen Homescan's worldwide panels, so you may see comments and information from various countries. The US version of this panel is the National Consumer Panel.

The Nielsen Homescan Consumer Panel, has existed for over 25 years and is a mini representation of consumers in every country it operates in. Panelists scan the barcodes on their every day purchases and complete engaging surveys, influencing the consumer marketplace via their purchasing decisions. The Nielsen Company is the world’s leading marketing information provider that measures audience and the effectiveness of business media products and services and operates this panel.

Payment and Rewards

Becoming a Member

Start by filling out the online registration form on the website. Note that only one membership can be completed per household. Once the information is received you will be put on the "Reserve Status Waiting List". Nielsen Homescan will then randomly select households to join the community. This is to ensure that panel members are as diverse as possible. If you have registered, do not register again - you may be on the waiting list for a few weeks or even a few months before getting your acceptance email.

Scan and Earn!

Once you are a registered member, Nielsen Homescan will send you a handheld scanner in the mail (they will pay for the shipping on both sending and returning the scanner) or in non-EU countries such as Canada, you can select the option of scanning your purchases using Nielsen's mobile app. Use this handheld scanner/mobile app to scan the barcodes on all of your purchases. Once a week, simply transmit this information to Nielsen - a super easy and quick process!

Each time you scan an item, you accumulate points that can be used towards items in the Homescan Gift Catalog. When you scan items, note that your information will be aggregated with other participants', and your personally identifiable information will be removed. In addition to scanning your items, you can also take part in fun surveys to earn additional points.

Collecting Points

The amount of points you earn is dependent on the duration of your membership with the panel as well as how consistent you are with scanning barcodes weekly. 1,000 points are worth approximately $1 and the minimum cash out balance is $20, which can be used towards items from the Homescan Gift Catalog.

Homescan Gift Catalog

The Homescan Gift Catalog contains gift-cards that can be used towards electronics, toys and household items. Members can also use points toward sweepstakes entries. Gifts are listed at various points levels, so you can use your points right away, or save up for larger rewards like sunglasses, tablets, TVs and more.

Visit Homescan's website 

Community Features

Fun and Easy

Nielsen Homescan works by collecting scanned barcodes on consumer purchases. They also prompt members to complete fun and easy surveys which help with making your voice heard as a consumer!

Other Ways to Earn Points

Complete emailed surveys and earn additional points credited to your account. As a bonus, receive yearly gifts for your participation in the program. Regular participants are also entered into the Nielsen Homescan sweepstakes that are held weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly. Although points give you access to the HomeScan Gift Catalog, sweepstakes sometimes offer cash prizes.

Use the Mobile App to Scan Purchases

In non-EU countries, instead of using the handheld scanner, simply download the “Nielsen Homescan” mobile app, which provides an even easier way to scan your purchases. The app contains the exact same functions as the traditional hand-held scanner but some users find using their mobile phones for this purpose is easier. Note that the mobile app can only be downloaded if you are a panel member and is available in select countries.


Homescan Consumer Panel Reviews (43)

5 Star Reviews (11) 25.6
25.6
4 Star Reviews (5) 11.6
11.6
3 Star Reviews (5) 11.6
11.6
2 Star Reviews (6) 14.0
14.0
1 Star Reviews (16) 37.2
37.2

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Very big waste of time.

January 30, 2014 by Rebecca from United States

At first getting a scanner to scan all of your purchases seems real fun. After the second week, you realize it's seriously a pain. You get very little points each week for scanning. Was a member for years and finally got enough points to cash in for a picture frame I could have gotten at the Dollar Tree. I went on vacation for two weeks and forgot to inform them, well they ended up cancelling my account and demanding the equipment back. They sent a letter saying I would receive $25 once they received the equipment and that I could cash out any remaining points I had. Well...sent the scanner back, received confirmation from them that they received it, wrote back asking about the $25 and how I could redeem my remaining points and I haven't heard back from them since. (June 2013). Very misleading.

Don't do it

January 20, 2018 by Melanie from Canada

It would take a year of scanning everything you buy to get 1 free movie pass. Definitely not worth it.

Monstrous effort for little reward

May 5, 2011 by Kathleen from United States

People who have a lot of time on their hands would like this one. Scanning every item you buy and entering codes for what will not scan takes hours. The Scanner is not reliable, must be constantly recharged, so adds to your electricity bill. They even want to know what you buy at roadside stands and yard sales. After 2 years, you might get a toaster. Woo Hoo!

Home Scan Consumer Panel

September 17, 2010 by Kathy from United States

This sounds like the biggest rip off and scam of all times. They really need to be investigated. They keep sending me invitations to join but guess what, I never will. I just don't have the time or energy to sit around and use a scanner. They need to stop.

People do this?

September 17, 2010 by Robert from United States

Can't believe this thing is still around. I sent everything back immediately. The work requested was tedious and time consuming. The rewards are embarrassing for the amount of work needed to earn them.