I was invited to join Nielsen’s Homescan Panel and am wondering if anyone has participated in this in the past? It’s same company that does the Nielsen Television Share Ratings, so I am not worried about it being reputable…I’m just curious if it’s worth the time.
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I got the same invitation this morning. I googled it, and I agree that it is the ‘real’ Nielsen company. Some people who were doing it liked it and thought it was worth the time, but one guy calculated that with the time it takes you each week, you’re earning about $1/hour in prizes. So if you’re doing it for the prizes, don’t do it. If you’re doing it to further market research in the US, go for it! I emailed the lady about what to do if you buy a bunch of stuff without UPC codes (fruits, vegetables, bulk at the health food store, eggs/milk from farmer, thrift store buys, etc.), and the email bounced back.
Sounds like a waste of time to me.
I had an invitation a while back, and was going to do it, but never got around to it.
Sounds dirty (like sex dirty)to me…but I’m warped as hell so who knows.
I just finished one about a month ago, and they paid me $30 cash just to do it. I hardly even watched t.v. at all. They didn’t care, just wanted me to fill out what shows I did watch. It wasn’t bad, and I got dinner at Olive Garden with the cash I made!
lurker here …
I’ve been doing the Homescan thing for about 2 months now. It was a pain at first, having to remember to scan every little thing you buy. I have a chart thing with codes/barcodes for things like produce and things bought in bulk. I’ve heard you need to participate actively (do your scans, answer the surveys they send you, etc) to make it really worth it. A few months worth of work = a “decent” prize. Have you seen the prize list yet? I think I’ll save up for something that I’d never buy myself, but secretly want, like a Fry Daddy! :)
Oops, I also meant to conclude that it was a pain at first … but now we’re used to it and it only takes a few minutes a week. I scan my receipts in while I’m watching American Idol. :)
A Fry Daddy. Oh, man. This brings up lovely images and thoughts of tempura battered, deep-fried mini snickers bars I finally made this year.
Mmm…
Thanks for the info. I think I’ll probably give it a try. I have some time to kill and why not see how it works. I love participating in marketing studies. They’re fun.