I know some of were unable to get into Nielsen the last time it was open. I just received an email that they are again accepting applicants. Let me know if it works for you this time!
Nielsen is accepting applicants again to join the Nielsen Homescan Consumer Panel. If you are accepted as a panel member, Homescan will provide you with a hand-held scanner. Every time you or members of your household shop, you’ll use the scanner to scan the barcodes on all of your purchases.
Once a week, you’ll transmit this information to Nielsen and you’ll earn points which can be redeemed for a variety of items from the Nielsen Gift Catalog.
From what we’ve heard, it takes a little while to earn rewards, but once you do, they can be redeemed for some great prizes like electronics and household items.
The program receives mixed reviews. Many of you have left comments sharing your experience–both positive and negative. Here are a couple of comments that readers have left that may help you decide whether you’d like to sign up:
“I have been on the panel over 8 years now and have gotten some really great gifts or rewards…Nikon digital camera just a few years ago. Still saving my points…have about 70,000 points right now.”
and
“I did this and after about two months I sent it back. You have to send it in once a week but we didn’t shop weekly so I would get emails demanding me to send the stuff back. So beware of this and I didn’t earn anything. I think there are easier ways to earns points for gift cards other than doing this.”
If you have older kids, one idea I’ve heard recently is to have them scan the products for you. (What kid doesn’t love to use a scanner?)
If you are interested in signing up, they are taking applications for their panel right now. Go here to read more and sign up.
This usually closes quickly, so I recommend signing up while you have the chance!
Note: We actually received a scanner several months ago and ended up sending it back. It was right after our move and I just didn’t feel I had the time to devote to it at that time. The nice part is that it was easy to send back and Nielsen paid the return shipping.