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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Waste of time!!

September 17, 2010 by Michele from United States

If you don't have a job, this is perfect for you...as well as waiting forever for points to accumulate after you've waited 2 years to get accepted into the panel!~

They are in total denial

September 17, 2010 by Jesse from United States

I have been doing it for over 2 years.Scan EVERYTHING. They provide a bar code card for anything that does not have a bar code or comply with their software. You get harassing emails about your not using their bar code card even if you do not need to. The system is full of holes and problems. I have pointed out at least 10 that they deny them all. Even with hard proof. . They want personal life/family information. They want names of household members and other information. Generic is okay but they go too far. Demanding that ALL household members.They sign you up for panels that you did not agree to and more time. They required keeping a diary. If you ignore they will write about your failure. If you write them back and refuse they get unhappy. 3 - 6 emails per day.

lots of work involved

September 17, 2010 by Dian from United States

this one asks for you to do a lot for your incentive. and the incentives themselves take forever to collect. but it is one of my faves nonetheless. maybe bacause they are constantly sending me little gifts and an occasional two dollar bill in the mail that have nothing ot do with my "point", but just as a "thank you". they make you feel like your time is valuable to them. That truly makes a difference.

I enjoy it

September 17, 2010 by Jana from United States

Yes, it is sometimes a pain to scan and enter prices, but I do feel valued by this company. I also sometimes get random little gifts from them in the mail just as a "thank you." The rewards catalog is full of cool stuff, and if you send in your scanner info every week, the points rack up pretty quickly.

Lots of work for what?

September 17, 2010 by dermot from United States

You get a scanner and have to scan the barcode on all your shopping.Then you have to type in all the prices. Then you have to transmit the codes down a phone line.On a Saturday night you can spend over an hour trying to get through and give up.You need thousands of points to get the most basic rewards.Customer complaints are usually not forthcoming. They need to improve their Reward policies. Lots of invested time ...no rewards...yet.