I have heard conflicting reports about this program. What is consistent is that it is a difficult project to get into. If you are accepted you are placed on a waiting list. Then you wait and wait and wait. For a very long time. What they do, is provide you with a scanner and you scan your groceries after buying them. You then send the information to the company via the scanner. Apparently, you are given points. This is where the conflicting stories come in. I have heard people say it takes a long time to scan their groceries. Some say it doesn't take long at all. I have heard some say the points they give are minimal and the prizes require a lot of points. The prizes stink according to some people. Some people say they give lots of points and the prizes are good. Eh, gives me a headache. This is why I only report the actual facts of what has transpired with any given company. Everyone has their own ideas of good, bad, too much work, too little work, good prizes, bad prizes. Lets just stick to the facts when reviewing sites for each other. I recommend not listening to personal opinions, other than your own. I am on the list for this program. Have been for awhile. Just last week I received a survey from them. They wanted to know how many trips to the store I made in a week. How many items I bought. How much I spent. What stores I shopped at. I am hoping this was a survey to search for a panelist in my area and I get in. My area isn't in hot demand by research companies. It's too rural. Only the meth manufacturers care about rural MO.......just kidding.......sort of. If something comes of it I will report the facts. Here's the info. Decide for yourself whether you want to enroll.

AC Nielsen Home Scan Panel Sign up


The Homescan Consumer Panel is a "mini-USA" and represents all types of Americans. As a member, we’ll send you a hand-held scanner that’s yours as long as you’re an actively participating panel member. Every time you or members of your household shop, you’ll use the scanner to scan the UPC barcodes on your purchases. By scanning, you’ll tell us about your purchases in all types of stores. And then, once a week, using your hand-held scanner, you’ll transmit this information to us free of charge. Not only will you help manufacturers and retailers decide what to put on store shelves, you’ll earn valuable gift points, which are redeemable for electronic equipment, household items, jewelry, toys and much more.

TnDIMPLES FOUND Us A GOOD LINK TO THE SIGN UP PAGE!! PLEASE THANK HER!

http://www.homescansignup.com/start.asp?id=70

the link is to a jpg picture......if i take it back to the .com its wants a control number and there is no where to actually sign up. :(

EDIT: I found a link to sign up at http://www.homescansignup.com/start.asp?id=70

I got signed up.......I'm on waiting list.

I'll look into it. Thanks

My mom belongs to this and has to scan EVERYTHINH she buys and list the prices, stores, etc. She enjoys it - but for me it would be a big pain in the REAR! I buy WAY yoo much and when I get through with a 2 week grocery shopping adventure I am WAY too tired to try to scan and list prices for hundreds of items! Might be good for a single person to get into - but if you have a family and buy a lot - it is just NOT worth it! (The points she gets for doing all this work hardly add up to anything... after doing it for 2 years she got to cash in for a cordless phone... NOT for Me!)

I have been a member of this for several months and my points have been adding up pretty quick. You can earn extra points by taking surveys that they send you the link to or they will post the link in your account and you access it from there. As for the scanning, I find it pretty easy. All you have to do is follow your register receipt. Some stores, like Food Lion you don't have to enter the prices, just scan.

I think I filled this out. how do Iknow if I am accepted?

the link is to a jpg picture......if i take it back to the .com its wants a control number and there is no where to actually sign up. :(

EDIT: I found a link to sign up at http://www.homescansignup.com/start.asp?id=70

I got signed up.......I'm on waiting list.

Thank you again TN!!!! What am I doing wrong? When I get to the homepage I click on properties and there in the box with other stuff is the addy. Now, I thought it was the addy to the homepage in there.....but obviously it isn't.
Do you know what I am doing wrong? And Again, Thank you for fixing my mistake!

I signed up, got my scanner in the mail and sent it back after three weeks. This was way to much work, have to scan the groceries after you take them out, put prices in, what a PITA.

I signed up, got my scanner in the mail and sent it back after three weeks. This was way to much work, have to scan the groceries after you take them out, put prices in, what a PITA.


What was there compensation system Gloey? Could you give us more specific straight forward details of the program? You don't have to. Only if you feel like it. Just wondering if you felt like it, if you could give us, a factual blow by blow and possibly save some of us a headache.

Thank you again TN!!!! What am I doing wrong? When I get to the homepage I click on properties and there in the box with other stuff is the addy. Now, I thought it was the addy to the homepage in there.....but obviously it isn't.
Do you know what I am doing wrong? And Again, Thank you for fixing my mistake!

actually i guess your right in most cases that is the correct url but for some reason in some cases its not........I always just highlight the address in the address bar and right click and copy and paste.....hope that helps. :D

I signed up, got my scanner in the mail and sent it back after three weeks. This was way to much work, have to scan the groceries after you take them out, put prices in, what a PITA.

Yeah Gloey SPILL YOUR GUTS ;)

I was picked for this, must of signed up for it and forgot..LOl..When I got the info in the mail, I thought about it and decided not to do it. It was probably on one of "those " days..ugh...I really need to take time throughout the day for a 5 minute breather !!!

actually i guess your right in most cases that is the correct url but for some reason in some cases its not........I always just highlight the address in the address bar and right click and copy and paste.....hope that helps. :D

Yeah, 30 seconds after I posted this I realized that, duh...slow sometimes. I am back on my insomnia streak. That's why I am holding off posting anything. hehe. Don't want to make people run around in circles.

Thanks, I signed up and am on the waiting list.

Signed up and on the waiting list!

I got my scanner about 3 months ago and frequently forget to use it. Nielsen sent me a reminder notice asking why I don't use it more. Now, I remember to scan as soon as I come home before I put the items away. I find the major pain is transmitting the data. It doesn't seem to work on a cordless phone, only on a phone with a cord that has a mouth piece that you can press against. Sometimes it takes a few times for get the "OK" transmission message.

It really doesn't take that long (depending on the # of items you have). I haven't really looked into the prizes but I'm sure you need a ton of points to get something decent.

Yeah Gloey SPILL YOUR GUTS ;)
Sorry I'm late in responding guys. Well, I got the system, downloaded the software and was ready to go. Then I started inputting the groceries and found that they were asking for prices in addition to scans. Well, I wasn't going to sit there and go through my grocery list and search for prices. So, I just said, forget it and sent the darn thing back.

I just got the call. They will be shipping my scanner with a welcome catalog and reward catalog within 2 - 4 weeks. I will post all the details when it arrives.

I just got the call. They will be shipping my scanner with a welcome catalog and reward catalog within 2 - 4 weeks. I will post all the details when it arrives.
I'm anxious to see how long before you tire of it! :yuck:

I'm anxious to see how long before you tire of it! :yuck:


:sidesplit

I've been on the program for a couple years now. I like it.

Yes, the scanning was a PITA when I'd come in with a whole load of groceries then sit down and try to scan and price each and every item. More than once I wanted to throw the thing at somebody. LOL. But then I finally started taking the scanner to the store with me! Now I scan and price right there as the things go into the basket! That way all I have to do is enter the total when I'm through checking out, and I'm ready to go to the next store. Saves a heck of a lot of my sanity! LOL!

Entering prices for stores like WalMat is needed because even among stores the price of an item can vary. But with other stores like Kroger, where the price is consistent throughout the chain for the week, you don't have to enter prices, you just scan the item.

"Points"? Well, as was mentioned earlier by somebody, that's a subjective thing. At first the points don't accumulate very fast, but the longer you are with the program the more each weekly transmittal is worth. i.e. if you've been on the panel less than 6 months you get 150 points for each week you transmit...but between 6mo and a year you get 200 points for that same transmittal, and at 1 to 2 years it's 225 points, etc. A friend has been on the panel for over 6 years and she gets 325 points every week she transmits!

"Prizes"? Well, again that's subjective. If I had to put "dollar values" to the prizes....well, has anyone seen the Petmate Paw Print melamine pet bowl? I bought one for $10 in a local store recently. It's 9,000 points as a redemption. A Toastmaster Hot Air PopCorn popper was $18.95 in a store here, lists as 15,000 points. Hamilton Beach 12 speed Stay or Go Blender runs about $30 locally, lists as 35,000 points. Of course, if you have the patience to reallllllly accumulate your points before redeeming them, there are items like an Audiovox 7" Portable DVD Player for 138,000 points and even a Samsung Dynaflat 20" TV for 146,000 points or a pair of Bose 151 SE Environmental Speakers for 158,000 points. (you can probably look up the price of that last one on the Bose website! ;-)

Mollannie, have you thought about calling customer service and requesting a different scanner? Transmitting weekly isn't a problem for me. I just plug my scanner in to it's cord that is attached to a USB port on my computer. I click on the icon on my computer screen, set the scanner to "transmit", plug it in, hit enter....and it does the rest. Within seconds I've got a "transmission sucessful" message on the scanner, and I unplug the scanner and stick it back on it's charger right along side my cell phone. I'd probably go nuts too if I had to use my one hard wired phone to do something like you're doing. <grin>

All in all, I'm happy with the program.

Any other questions, I'll be glad to answer if I can. :=)

Thanks Mstacks - will contact Nielsen regarding a new scanner. It would save a lot of time (and not to mention headaches):)

I have belonged to this program since last August. I also found it easier to take the scanner with me when I grocery shop too. The only grocery store here that I have to enter prices for is Aldi's. I use 3 other grocery stores (yes I do tend to follow the sales) and no prices need to be entered. My biggest chore for this is remembering what coupons I used and for how much (I use lots of coupons and make multiple purchases if there is a good sale). I transmit through my USB port also.

I did belong to a program many years ago where everything was transmitted over the phone line - I didn't last long in that one LOL.

I have about 20,000 points right now (would have more but I had computer issues for awhile). I haven't ordered anything yet from their catalog but my plan was to save the points and use them for gifts at Christmas. They also send you little gifts - pen, magnetic clip, etc. on 1 month, 3 month, etc. anniversaries too.

The scanner doesn't work with a laptop so you usually need to use a desktop computer and it doesn't work with Macs, which was my problem when I got a new computer.

I too belong to this. I never thought of taking the scanner with me. What a great IDEA!! Yes it is a pain to scan and put in the price after a huge grocery haul!! ( I grocery shop 2 weeks as a time) Now taking the scanner with me is going to make sooooo much more sense. You guys are great!!:cheesy:

I'm anxious to see how long before you tire of it! :yuck:


Okay Gloey, start your timer. I just got my scanner package. Lets see how long it takes before I ship mine back.


Time to place your bets GottaDealers. What day will I return the scanner because I get sick of it?

Hi! I have been a member of the homescan panel since just before christmas and I have really enjoyed it. My points have been adding up fast. I had a few problems at first getting it set up, but I called tech support and they fixed me up real quick....BTW...There tech support or whoever you would call them...are very nice and will help you with any problems or questions you have. when I scan my food and stuff from the grocery store I don't have to input any prices, you just scan all your stuff and tell them if you used a coupon or if the item was on sale and then when you are done you enter the total amount spent at the store. It's ok if you forgot to scan something, they aren't that picky. It only takes a few minutes to scan....only about 5 or 6 minutes for me and I have a family of 5 so I buy alot of stuff. The scanner will save your purchases each time you record them and you only Transmit over the internet with a USB cable once every week. You will get pts one time each week for transmitting.

You will also get points for surveys you take...I atleast one survey a week. they will also send surveys to you depending on what you had scanned, so I suggest scanning EVERYTHING with a barcode. They are usually short surveys.

Every time you scan you are entered into drawings as well...there are weekly,monthly and yearly drawings. These drawings are for money and prizes.

When you first start out, you will get a set amount of points for each transmission....but the longer you are with them the more points they pay. Each anniversary your points increase.

They send a huge catalog with the products you can claim with your points. the items aren't bad...but of course, the more you let your points gain...the better the item. They are mostly name brand items.

oh...and my favorite part of all.....They send you little gifts for participation...I have gotten 6 gifts so far for my monthly anniversarys, and I wasn't even expecting them. I guess that's why I like it. Nothing like getting gifts in the mail that you didn't know were coming. There small gifts...but the kids like them.
examples of the free gifts I received so far are:

Keychain
pocket radio with headphones
Nice coffee mug for the car
magnets




I'm sorry this was so long, but I wanted to give you some good info. I'm sure I missed something. If anyone has any questions, just pm me and try and help.

Thanks for letting me Blab on and on,

Pittsburgh24, what do you mean the scanner doesn't work with laptops? I'm transmitting using one. The Homescan transmitter program doesn't care what "kind" of machine it's on, as long as the software d/l's and runs on the machine and the cord connects to the usb port (or pci port if necessary instead). (dunno about Mac's, never used 'em LOL) I did have a couple of false starts d/ling the program ontoo here, but once I erased everything I'd put on before and started totally fresh d/ling the program I had no problems. And it's never given me any problems transmitting. You might want to check with homescan's Customer Service for a little tech support. I know I've used both desktops and laptops, and my friend in the program 6 years has had nothing but laptops/notebooks that whole time.

Okay Gloey, start your timer. I just got my scanner package. Lets see how long it takes before I ship mine back.


Time to place your bets GottaDealers. What day will I return the scanner because I get sick of it?
I give you three weeks. Lets say July 5!

Naaaa. :no: You're rushing her decision, Gloey. At least trust her to get past the holiday with it. :rwb: She sounds like she'd give it a good try, say a couple of months, before she got too exasperated. ;) I'd go for the middle of August, when everything's so crazy buying for the start of school. That's when I nearly sent mine back cause I was forgetting to scan so much. :eyepoppin But I just trudged on my haphazzard way, scanning when I remembered and not worrying about it when I didn't. :yup: That was a couple years ago, and I'm still at it. :)

I got the call today and I should have mine in 2 -3 weeks.

I got the call today and I should have mine in 2 -3 weeks.


CONGRATULATIONS!

Another GottaDealer just got hers today too.

I'll chime in on this one. I did it about 2 years ago and hated it. At that time, you could only transmit via phone line and after weeks of trying, it never, ever worked for me. Then they got downright nasty with me as I hadn't transmitted (even though I was trying and was documenting my attempts and contact with them) and sent collection notices to get the scanner back. I didn't like it at all! Then again, I have heard of people who got totally into it and loved it. Just wasn't for me.

i am a member. i got my scanner like a month ago. I live in a small town in Iowa so my groceries stores you actually have to enter the prices and all that good stuff. It can be a hassle when you have like 14 bags of groceries to enter, but I think in the end it will all be worth it. The prizes in the catalog are awesome. Not crappy at all.

Just received this email and thought I would pass it on.....


Do you have friends or relatives (who don't live in your household) who might be interested in joining the Homescan Consumer Panel? Well, we're always looking for a few more good panelists just like you!

To become a member of the Homescan Consumer Panel, please ask your friends or relatives to go to the homescan.com login page and locate the "Become a Member" section. Then, they should select the online registration link and complete the registration.

Once we receive their household information, they will be placed on a Reserve Status Waiting List. Using a process called sampling, Homescan will then randomly select households to join the panel. This ensures that every household in the country has an equal chance of being selected, and that our sample truly reflects the country's diverse population. But please remind your friends that this process could take some time.

Please note: You may refer as many people as you'd like, but please don't register yourself. There's only one membership per household!

If you have any questions, please send an e-mail, or call the Panel Support Center at 1-800-962-6700.

Please include your nine-digit ID number in your e-mail correspondence or have it ready for the representative when calling.

I had an absolutely horrible experience with this company. I was on the waiting list for nearly a year, and once they finally sent me a scanner, the wire was torn and it would not connect to my computer properly. The only way to contact the panel is by telephone, but I tried calling several times and they only answered their phone once during normal business hours. I was put on hold for at least twenty minutes, and then the customer service representative was exceptionally rude and said she was about to go on her lunchbreak and did not have the time to process a reorder. I never was able to get through again. A couple of weeks later I received a letter from them, stating that since I had not uploaded my scans, I would need to return the scanner. I ended up just returning it. It was a real disappointment since I had been pretty excited about joining the panel.

I am with gjvr on this. Tried it and hated it. They were also qite rude to me., sent me a scanner that didn't work with my phone and told me to go buy a new phone to make it work! Then, when they didn't get the scanner sent back to them that week, they started sending collection letters. I know of people who do it and LOVE it, but I am not one of them.

They no longer use the scanners that must be used with the phone. You must have a computer with an open USB port. You can now email customer support. You can also order replacement supplies online as well as your prizes.
They are slow in returning emails though. My points are adding up pretty quickly. I bring the scanner to the store with me. The only time it is a real pain is when I have a bunch of coupons. I really wish they would make it so we could just scan coupons. They have just added a system for scanning produce, prescriptions and other things without bar codes. All in all I am pretty happy with it. When I have the kids with me they Love to scan...it's just soooo cooool!

Umm, repost of your own thread?

http://www.gottadeal.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38640

Umm, repost of your own thread?

http://www.gottadeal.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38640

It wouldn't let me post a new comment

Hello All! I'm a new member to this forum...I've been reading it for awhile and love all the info everyone gives. I just wanted to add that I'm a homescan panelist and have only recently been doing this (for a little over a month). My scanner works with my phone and not my computer, so I don't have any of those issues. My youngest daughter who's 13 LOVES to scan and takes charge...she scans when we're done grocery shopping and then puts it all away!! It doesn't get any better than that!! Anyway, my points are adding up and things are going smoothly so far (knock on wood).

Hello All! I'm a new member to this forum...I've been reading it for awhile and love all the info everyone gives. I just wanted to add that I'm a homescan panelist and have only recently been doing this (for a little over a month). My scanner works with my phone and not my computer, so I don't have any of those issues. My youngest daughter who's 13 LOVES to scan and takes charge...she scans when we're done grocery shopping and then puts it all away!! It doesn't get any better than that!! Anyway, my points are adding up and things are going smoothly so far (knock on wood).

Wow really? They told me they no longer have the scanners for the phones! Humph! They insisted I could not sign up until I had a computer. So, for 4 months, I waited until I got rid of the webtv and bought the laptop. Well, that just bites my butt!!! lol Ah well, I am in now!
Good to know! Thanks for setting me straight!
:2welcome:

Hello All! I'm a new member to this forum...I've been reading it for awhile and love all the info everyone gives. I just wanted to add that I'm a homescan panelist and have only recently been doing this (for a little over a month). My scanner works with my phone and not my computer, so I don't have any of those issues. My youngest daughter who's 13 LOVES to scan and takes charge...she scans when we're done grocery shopping and then puts it all away!! It doesn't get any better than that!! Anyway, my points are adding up and things are going smoothly so far (knock on wood).

Are you sure you are a member of
AC Neilson Homescan Panel? I checked with their offices, they no longer Own the scanners that work with the telephpne. Are you a part of the new compnay that has come up? HomeScan Does not use scanners than cannot work without a computer with an open USB port. Best to be safe than sorry. I woul be c ertain who you are dealing with.

I am with gjvr on this. Tried it and hated it. They were also qite rude to me., sent me a scanner that didn't work with my phone and told me to go buy a new phone to make it work! Then, when they didn't get the scanner sent back to them that week, they started sending collection letters. I know of people who do it and LOVE it, but I am not one of them.

I'm right there with ya on this one. I hated the program, found it to be a real pain in the :gd_shake: and then I was getting collection letters from them to after I sent the scanner back.

I'm not off to a stellar start with them, but we shall see how it works out. I got my scanner in the mail today, and read through the setup instructions. No problem, looks simple and straight-forward. After letting the scanner charge for an hour, I installed the software and connected the USB cable to my computer. So far so good, I plugged the cable into the scanner and *blink* my computer reboots.

Um, okay, so that wasn't quite what I expected. After Windows loads, is detects the scanner.....sort of. It sees it as an unidentified USB device that has malfunctioned. I don't have any serial ports available, so it has to be USB *sigh* After monkeying with it a bit (unplugging, rebooting, replugging, etc.) the scanner is still not being recognized, so I called the included 1-800 number for support. That phone call just about got their scanner packed back into its box and shipped back to them, along with a nasty note explaining where they can put it.

The woman I spoke to was rude, didn't listen, and got borderline hostile at points, I ended up hanging up on her. A second call got me a much more helpful representative on the phone, and after about 30 minutes of troubleshooting and "hmm"s, she's sending me a driver CD to try to force the install (that was a bit of a headache in itself, she originally wanted to send me a diskette, and it took a bit of explaining to get her to understand that my computer doesn't have a 3.5" drive) . In the meantime she said that she'll make sure that I don't get any sort of harassment over not transmitting.

Overall, I'm pretty underwhelmed so far, but I'll wait on sending it back to them until I get the drivers. I really would love to be a fly on the wall when they get a support call from someone who's not computer-savvy, someone like my father :mischievo

Oh yuck, I am sorry that it has been such a problem. It was a snap for me to install it on my laptop. Now I have to do this on the desk top I just got, now I am scared!

Hope it works out better for you in the coming days. Someone said in the other thread that days when you have a bunch of grocery's and coupons it is a pain....Oh yeah were they ever right. It is a huge pain on those days!

Good Luck!

I have been a member of Homescan for several months. I just cashed out my points for the Fisher Price Learning Chair for my 18 month old. I expected it to be a long wait on the prize, but they really surprised me. It was here in about a week and my DD loves it!

Oh yuck, services I am sorry that it has been such a problem. It was a snap for me to install it on my laptop. Now I have to do this on the desk top I just got, now I am scared!

Hope it works out better for you in the coming days. Someone said in the other thread that days when you have a bunch of grocery's and coupons it is a pain....Oh yeah were they ever right. It is a huge pain on those days!

Good Luck!


It may just be an issue with my computer, although I kinda doubt it. No other device or gadget has made it so much as blink, and I've thrown several at it. *shrug* The lady I spoke to during the second phone call seemed to think that it may be a matter of XP Pro vs. XP Home, but I really really doubt that I'm the only person using Pro who's tried to participate, so I'm guessing that they would've heard a lot about it if that was the issue.

I'll wait for the CD and give it a shot, partially because I have the time and patience to monkey around with it, and partially because it dared to defy me and not work, the nerve! :P

I'm glad that my scanner works with my phone, and not the computer. I've been using it since the end of July and haven't ever had any issues. I don't understand why they're telling people they don't have those types of scanners anymore, when that's the one I was sent. Strange. I know I'm with Homescan (I go to their website) and not with another company. My daughters are still having fun scanning and it hasn't gotten old for them yet! LOL Anyway, I hope those points start to rack up quickly!

To update on my situation with them, I'll be dropping their scanner off at the post office in the morning, I'm done with them. The "driver CD" I was sent is nothing more than the exact same install program I already downloaded and ran, and the representative I spoke to most recently was utterly useless and fairly snarky. I'm normally a patient person, but they've used up all of my good humor toward them.

I wish anyone else who's dealing with them the best of luck, it sounded like an interesting program but I'll not be harassed and spoken to like a simple-minded child over their equipment not functioning properly.

It may just be an issue with my computer, although I kinda doubt it. No other device or gadget has made it so much as blink, and I've thrown several at it. *shrug* The lady I spoke to during the second phone call seemed to think that it may be a matter of XP Pro vs. XP Home, but I really really doubt that I'm the only person using Pro who's tried to participate, so I'm guessing that they would've heard a lot about it if that was the issue.

I'll wait for the CD and give it a shot, partially because I have the time and patience to monkey around with it, and partially because it dared to defy me and not work, the nerve! :P

i have win xp pro and have no problems with ac neilson

Yeah, the last phone call I made to them determined that the scanner itself was faulty, they had me press a couple of keys together and send it through some self-diagnostic mode.

I'm right there with ya on this one. I hated the program, found it to be a real pain in the :gd_shake: and then I was getting collection letters from them to after I sent the scanner back.


They did the same to me. Make sure you keep any and all proof if you do need to send it back cause they will sick the hounds of hell on you for that thing. lol. Never again to much of a pain to scan everything. Kudos to those of you that can do it.

:confused:

thanks I will give it a try

:bump:

they keep sending me e-mails but i keep deleting them cause i didnt know what they were..

they keep sending me e-mails but i keep deleting them cause i didnt know what they were..

Oh no!!! Are you already a member? Your survey notices are in there. If you aren't a member they may have been contacting you to send you a scanner! :(

Homescan Consumer Panel Thanks You!
Thank you for registering with the ACNielsen Homescan Consumer Panel.

Your household will be placed on our waiting list, and we will send you a scanner as soon as a spot on the Homescan Consumer Panel becomes available for a household like yours. We look forward to your participation!

is this a good sign? or no :fluffy:

that's what i got too

well then I don't feel so alone :) thanks for posting that :p

is this a good sign? or no :fluffy:

Yes. Some people have been told they have no room for their demographic on the panel. Some people wait only a few weeks to get their scanner. I waited about 8 months. Some people have waited a year or longer. I just depends on where you live.

Yes. Some people have been told they have no room for their demographic on the panel. Some people wait only a few weeks to get their scanner. I waited about 8 months. Some people have waited a year or longer. I just depends on where you live.

oh wow that long.. well I do live in a more populated area :)


thanks

Okay Gloey, start your timer. I just got my scanner package. Lets see how long it takes before I ship mine back.


Time to place your bets GottaDealers. What day will I return the scanner because I get sick of it?

So, are you still doing it? How are you liking it?

So, are you still doing it? How are you liking it?

Yep. Still at it. I am just coming off a 4 week period where I have been really sick of it. I haven't been scanning very many shopping trips. I forgot to transmit several times. When you are pressed for time, scanning everything can be a huge pain. My attitude problem about it the last few weeks has been sheer laziness. Nothing they did. Since joining, I have been invited to join two additional panels. One of them I take an extra survey each week. The other I need to complete an online diary about specific types of products I have purchased and take a survey. I earn extra points for each activity. One of the panels has a catalog of merchandise that is offered only to panel members. If you are pressed for time, tired, or feeling like you don't need one more thing to do it can be a pain. The points are adding up, meh, sorta quickly. Not at fast as I would like but not at unacceptably slow rate. The prizes are quality merchandise.

Me and my husband did this for a few months, but honestly...it was more work than it was worth. We were good about it for a few months, but the points didn't add up and it was a lot of effort. They did the whole collection stuff and everything, we sent it back...I think other surveys, like NFO etc...are much more worth it.
Tara

i have a question. I've had my scanner for over a month now. Sometimes I forget to scan my purchases and toss the packages away. I still have my reciepts though, like for walmart, target, jcpenney, and kohl's. when I try to put in the upc's off the reciept its says "invalid entry". I guess those aren't the full upc's? so is there anything I can do? Or just scan only the items and try to remember? Also...how do their points work? do you get points for certains amounts spent or just each time you transmit? it says I'm suggested to transmit on wednesdays. So I've been doing wednesdays. Can I transmit more often? do you get points if you transmit more often? or just once a week? sorry for all the questions. I called them and they are rude and so not in to customer service there.

i have a question. I've had my scanner for over a month now. Sometimes I forget to scan my purchases and toss the packages away. I still have my reciepts though, like for walmart, target, jcpenney, and kohl's. when I try to put in the upc's off the reciept its says "invalid entry". I guess those aren't the full upc's? so is there anything I can do? Or just scan only the items and try to remember? Also...how do their points work? do you get points for certains amounts spent or just each time you transmit? it says I'm suggested to transmit on wednesdays. So I've been doing wednesdays. Can I transmit more often? do you get points if you transmit more often? or just once a week? sorry for all the questions. I called them and they are rude and so not in to customer service there.

You can enter the UPS code manually. I have done it before. I think the numbers missing from your receipt are the two numbers on the far right and far left of the bar code. The ones that are usually a smaller font size than the others and not in line with the other numbers. I could be wrong though. The best way to test it is when you have both the product and the receipt with you.

You get points for transmitting 1 x per week. Regardless of how many times you transmit. You must transmit at least once to get your points. You can transmit whenever you like. I don't go by their recommened day because it doesn't work for me. Your points allocated per week are based on your length of time with the company and not how much you purchase. The longer you are with them the more points you earn for weekly transmissions. I cannot remember at what intervals the points increase though.

walmart...drop the 1st zero at the front but then its missing the last number. I did some of mine manually this morning.

Kandy, how do you figure out what the last number is when you use the numbers on the reciept manually? just curious.

Yup! i just returned my scanner into u.p.s. 2 days ago, because i just dont have the time but i did purchase one gift with the points i had accumulated just from answering surveys on their site.

I tried to post this as a reply to one of the older Homescan threads, but got the message about them being too old, doh.

Anyway, this company is gonna make me crazy. I shipped their borken scanner back to them, they sent a really snippy letter to me demanding that I return their equipment since I'd never transmitted anything, I called them and explained (semi-nicely) that I had returned their broken scanner and had the tracking number to prove it, the lady calmed right down and asked if i wanted to continue my panel membership if they sent me another scanner, I declined.

Should've been the end of the story, but guess what UPS dropped off last week? And when I called to find out why I'd received another scanner, the lady I spoke to was rude.....go figure, lol. I'm glad that the panel is working out for some of you, it just seems like I'm doomed to be annoyed by them. If you have to ship their equipment back to them for any reason, be sure to keep the tracking number for your records, it saved me the headache of having to argue with the first rude woman over whether or not I'd kept their scanner.

I have seen so many bad stories about them. I don't have any interest in dealing with them.

Good heavens! I am sorry it has been so horrible for you. I have not had one bit of trouble!

:bump:

I had the same issue, however one letter said if I sent the scanner back they would send me a $30 gift card or a check or something. So if you cancel, hold on to the scanner till you get that letter, lol!

I'm sorry to hear about all your troubles! I've actually had really good success with this company and haven't had any issues whatsoever. I transmit via my phoneline which is great! Anyway, I keep crossing my fingers that all continues to go well and I keep racking up those points. Whatever I'm doing, seems to be working for me. My daughter loves to do the scanning when we get home from the store so I just let her at it. LOL Anyway, maybe I'm one of the lucky ones.

I had forgotten that I signed up with them until months later the stuff showed up. After looking at it and hearing stories from others on other boards I decided to send it back and not take the time to do the program

Maybe you got my broken scanner! I had an unpleasant experience with Homescan. I was a member for a short time, you are to scan everything that you buy groceries, clothing, etc.

I dropped out because I got frustrated with the scanner they sent me. Once a week you have to download the scans through your phone line. I scanned EVERYTHING for 2 months. I would get the Message that the "download was successful" but my points never showed up on the website. I thought it would take time for points to be updated. When I contacted them they told me that my scanner must not have been working properly-they couldn't award any points. I basically had to start over, I told them not to bother & I would send the junk scanner back.

I was a member for a short time. I dropped out because I got frustrated with the scanner they sent me. Once a week you have to download the scans through your phone line. I scanned EVERYTHING for 2 months. I would get the Message that the "download was successful" but my points never showed up on the website. I thought it would take time for points to be updated. When I contacted them they told me that my scanner must not have been working properly-they couldn't award any points. I basically had to start over, I told them not to bother & I would send the junk scanner back.

Maybe it has to do with the scanners that still use the phone line. I upload data via the computer. I always get my points and don't have trouble with my scanner. As long as I remember to charge it!

I also got the same nasty letters weekly threatening to report me to collections if I didnt return their scanner. I quit them a long time ago.

Good grief.

IAnd when I called to find out why I'd received another scanner, the lady I spoke to was rude.....

I tried calling several times and was only able to get through once. The woman put me on hold for the longest time, and then told me that it was her lunch break and that she didn't have time to talk to me.

Also, they sent me a broken one too...and then they sent me nasty collection letters, even after I returned it.

Mine was not broken, but I misplaced the CD to install it (I think my hubby was cleaning the house and threw it away by mistake). I emailed them asking for new software. I did not hear anything back. I emailed again and did not hear anything back. Finally, I started getting letters and emails from them. I was told in one I would be reported to collections if I did not send the thing back. I packed it all up and had it ready to send. They called the day I was to send it to tell me how to get the software to install it on my PC. I told her I was sending it back. I had waited a couple of months and it took that long for them to reply to me. I sent out the thing that day ( I was moving anyway). A few days later I got a "gift" from them --- not sure if it was standard one or what. It was a book light.

My sister just got an email that hers will be there in a few weeks. I hope she has a better experience.

I have been with them for awhile and no problems with my scanner.

For me, with kids, I find them to be a complete PIA. I quit doing it about two years ago.

I'm really kind of disappointed, as I was looking forward to trying them out. The original scanner they sent me was one of the USB ones, and during the many calls to them to try to get it working, they kept insisting that I should try the phone version, problem being that we don't have a landline phone anymore. *shrug*

One of the earliest big annoyances was that I spoke to at least three people who were less than helpful, reading off of index cards or something and insisting that I reboot, check the usb cable, etc....then I got the smart person who said "press this key and this key at the same time and tell me what it displays", and knew instantly that it was broken. Sounds a lot like my cable company, how much help you get all depends on who answers the phone.

Anyway, their second scanner is on its way back to them, gonna see how many collection letters they send, as well as if they ship me a third one :tongue1:

I also got the same nasty letters weekly threatening to report me to collections if I didnt return their scanner. I quit them a long time ago.

Oh yeah, I forgot about the collections letter! I got one of those too.

my account was canceled

my account was canceled

What on earth for?

i don't know. i just seen the email subject. i'm going to read it in a little while and i will let you know.

no, i'm expired, but it was nielson net ratings. is that the same?

no, i'm expired, but it was nielson net ratings. is that the same?

Your expired? What on earth does that mean? You certainly aren't dead..........so. What did they say exactly?

We are writing concerning your participation in the Nielsen//NetRatings Internet panel. Our records indicate that we have not received any data from you in the last 30 days.

If you have uninstalled our panel software, you are no longer contributing to our research and are therefore not eligible for our sweepstakes prizes and survey opportunities.

To re-install the software and participate in our important research program, please click on the following link:

Oh boy. This is why I always check to make sure my transmissions show up. Good Luck!

Whoops, sorry everyone. It was Shoppers Hotline that sent me the nasty letters every week. They also called me a lot and asked why I wasn't scanning.

I think the net ratings is basically a a non malicious spyware that you agree to have on your computer. Your AV of firewall probably blocks it from sending them info so they have your account expired.

I think mine did the same and I didn't bother with it any more. It doesn't affect homescan.

Yeah, net ratings installed a piece of software that ran in the background and collected information on which sites I visited and for how long....in theory, anyway. It didn't play nicely with two of the online games I play for whatever reason, plus it kept triggering the warnings from the firewall, so their software lost the battle and I ended up uninstalling it.

Evidently I signed up for this in December because today I got a scanner in the mail. I had forgotten doing it, but I must have if they sent one out to me.:o
Is anyone still doing this? If so, could I please have some imput on how it is working for you. What kind of points do you get for scanning and has anyone cashed in for prizes yet? If you have what kind of prizes do you get and does it take a million points to cash in? I have not investigated what kind I got sent and whether it hooks to the computer or the phone line yet. I just wondered should I unpack it or mail it back to them. If it's going to be a PITA then I don't want to fool with it.

I'm actually doing Homescan and it's working quite well...but I know that's not the case for everyone. My scanner works through my phone line and not my computer and that might be why. I scan everything in and transmit once a week so it works great! I've been doing this for 6 months. They send little gifts along the way (got a book light, a stainless steel coffee mug, a blanket, a memo board, and I think something else). These just show up in the mail as thank you gifts. I have about 17,000 points. I could have cashed in already, but I really don't know what I want so I just keep letting them accumulate. I think you can pretty much cash in early on. Of course the better the gifts, the more points it'll take. So, for me, its not a lot of work at all and someday, I'll cash in. I keep hoping I win one of their sweepstakes. They draw 10 people to win $25 each week, 15 people to win $1,000 each month, 30 people to win $500 every quarter. Of course, in order to get in these drawings you need to submit weekly. Someday, my ship will come in and I'll be one of the lucky ones...I hope!! LOL Anyway, if you have any other questions, I'll be happy to try and answer them. :p

I'm actually doing Homescan and it's working quite well...but I know that's not the case for everyone. My scanner works through my phone line and not my computer and that might be why. I scan everything in and transmit once a week so it works great! I've been doing this for 6 months. They send little gifts along the way (got a book light, a stainless steel coffee mug, a blanket, a memo board, and I think something else). These just show up in the mail as thank you gifts. I have about 17,000 points. I could have cashed in already, but I really don't know what I want so I just keep letting them accumulate. I think you can pretty much cash in early on. Of course the better the gifts, the more points it'll take. So, for me, its not a lot of work at all and someday, I'll cash in. I keep hoping I win one of their sweepstakes. They draw 10 people to win $25 each week, 15 people to win $1,000 each month, 30 people to win $500 every quarter. Of course, in order to get in these drawings you need to submit weekly. Someday, my ship will come in and I'll be one of the lucky ones...I hope!! LOL Anyway, if you have any other questions, I'll be happy to try and answer them. :p

I also, received the gifts. I have been a member for about 1 1/2 years. I really enjoy scanning and transmitting. If you have any questions you can call them, their very friendly and helpful. I have about 38,000 points right now. I am saving my points for 2 things. I am need of more points before I can redeem for both. So, I'm just waiting until I get enough to redeem for both gifts.

I signed up for this awhile back, I am so hoping to get picked, I would love this.

my scanner just came yesterday, with absolutely no advance warning *LOL* no email or anything. Guess I'll start using it next time I shop. I haven't charged it yet, but when I grocery shop I'll be taking it to the store with me.

I got mine on monday. I was totally shocked! I will probally start next week too!

my scanner just came yesterday, with absolutely no advance warning *LOL* no email or anything. Guess I'll start using it next time I shop. I haven't charged it yet, but when I grocery shop I'll be taking it to the store with me.


I also got mine on Monday. I don't remember signing up for the darn thing.:D I'm a little nervous because mine hooks to the computer and some say they have problems with that kind.

I also got mine on Monday. I don't remember signing up for the darn thing.:D I'm a little nervous because mine hooks to the computer and some say they have problems with that kind.

I have this one too. The only problem I have had is when I didn't have the scanner charged enough. It didn't want to transmit. I charged it and all was well. Transmitting takes less than one minute.

Just a quick question. When you scan each week, does the dollar amount scanned contribute to the points you earn or is it the same amount of points for just doing the scan? I noticed there is alot of stores listed, that are not groceries. If the dollar amount does not matter, I may just scan groceries and forget about all of my other buying.

The amount you scan each week does not matter...what matters is that you scan and submit every week to qualify for all the sweepstakes and earn your points. They want you to scan everything you buy that includes a barcode. LOL That can be overwhelming sometimes!! :D You go ahead and scan whatever way works best for you!

Are we talking about ACnielson homescan? If so then I have 51,675 points and I have never gotten any gifts. I have bssn a member for about 3 years

Are we talking about ACnielson homescan? If so then I have 51,675 points and I have never gotten any gifts. I have bssn a member for about 3 years

Really? I get them too. Around "anniversary" dates. 1 mos, 3 mos, 6 mos, etc. Maybe after 1 year they quit sending them? Maybe it's a new thing since people quit so often and quickly?
What do you think of this years catalog? I think it kinda stinks.

I have a question, hehe I just received my scanner and In it I noticed it lists fast food :)

How in the world do I scan fast food without barcodes?

Did anyone else see this?

so far Its interesting hehe to say the least :)

I did my first shopping trip today. It was interesting to say the least. I shopped at wm and did not realize I would have to enter prices of everything I bought.:( There I sit in the middle of my kitchen floor with groceries all around me. There has got to be a easier way, just haven't got in the groove of it yet. I'm not sure that I did it right though. I comp lots of items each week and couldn't figure out how to enter that. Any suggestions to make this easier? Does everyone else scan at home or in the store? I really intended to take it with me and try that but I forgot it at home.

I have a question, hehe I just received my scanner and In it I noticed it lists fast food :)

How in the world do I scan fast food without barcodes?

Did anyone else see this?

so far Its interesting hehe to say the least :)


You will receive a seperate mailing with a barcode reference card inside along with an instruction guide...this card has barcodes on it for items that do not normally have barcodes attached to themselves...for instance, if you buy fruit and vegetables, meats,poultry and fish, baked goods, prescriptions,TAKE OUT,gas,floral,apparel,Deli Meats or cheeses ( I think there are a couple more as well), you would refer to you barcode reference card and scan the appropriate barcode. If you don't the barcode reference card shortly, you can call homescan and they will send one out to you...or you can download it from the website and print it out.

I did my first shopping trip today. It was interesting to say the least. I shopped at wm and did not realize I would have to enter prices of everything I bought.:( There I sit in the middle of my kitchen floor with groceries all around me. There has got to be a easier way, just haven't got in the groove of it yet. I'm not sure that I did it right though. I comp lots of items each week and couldn't figure out how to enter that. Any suggestions to make this easier? Does everyone else scan at home or in the store? I really intended to take it with me and try that but I forgot it at home.

The last thing I want to do when I get home is scan all that stuff. I usually don't even feel like putting it away! Take the scanner with you to the store! It is sooo much easier!

I usually shop at 3 0r 4 stores for the best deals and when I get home I seperate the groceries into each store pile.You don't have to put a price into every store just some of them wal mart,dollar store,dollar tree.etc.

You will receive a seperate mailing with a barcode reference card inside along with an instruction guide...this card has barcodes on it for items that do not normally have barcodes attached to themselves...for instance, if you buy fruit and vegetables, meats,poultry and fish, baked goods, prescriptions,TAKE OUT,gas,floral,apparel,Deli Meats or cheeses ( I think there are a couple more as well), you would refer to you barcode reference card and scan the appropriate barcode. If you don't the barcode reference card shortly, you can call homescan and they will send one out to you...or you can download it from the website and print it out.

Thank You so much!
I received my box last week, do you remember how long it took you to get yor additional information?

Thanks!!
:D

Thank You so much!
I received my box last week, do you remember how long it took you to get yor additional information?

Thanks!!
:D


When I first started Homescan ...they didn't have this sheet available...you would just skip it :). It wasn't until I think the middle of last year that they started it, so I don't know how long it took from the time they sent it out. However, I did have to request a new one not too long ago, by emailing them. It arrived within days! If you are in need of it right away...I'd just print out the sheet from the website

Good Luck

Where did you all find the day of the week that they would like for you to send scans in? I have looked and haven't seen it anywhere. Do you all send in the scan on the same day every week?

Where did you all find the day of the week that they would like for you to send scans in? I have looked and haven't seen it anywhere. Do you all send in the scan on the same day every week?

It doesn't say what day of the week you should transmit. They gave me a "suggested day" in an email back when I first joined. That particular day didn't work for me. It doesn't really matter. Because you are supposed to transmit every 7 days it just makes sense to do it the same day every week. Pick a day that works for you and have at it.

Also note, that I believe Sunday starts the new week for them. So, in order to qualify for the sweepstakes, you need to transmit once a week BEFORE Sunday. My suggested day is Friday, and that's generally a good day for me to transmit at some point. If I forget, I still have Saturday! Anyway, like MMM said, you don't HAVE to transmit on the suggested day. They just try to distribute the transmissions so everyone isn't calling at once. Good luck!!

I just got in on the program they called and said that my scanner will be here in 2 weeks. So how is everyone doing with this???

I just sent my equipment back, since I am already doing the shoppers hotline scanner program. Mine came without notice as well, But I just couldnt keep up doing both programs, since AC Nielsen wants you to scan everything the other just wants groceries, it was easier for me.
hope everyone does well with this one.

I got the call and recieved my scanner its nice that I dont have to take it to the store with me I just scan what I bought when I get home Im really excited about this one:)

I go an email today asking me to verify my info and then my scanner will be sent two weeks later.

I got the call and recieved my scanner its nice that I dont have to take it to the store with me I just scan what I bought when I get home Im really excited about this one:)


You don't have to take it to the store. I do tho. It is so much easier for me. A lot of store you will need to input the prices and coupon amounts. Trying to go through the list, read that small print, enter the amounts and then put it away after a long day is a huge pain in the butt.

My best advice is find your own groove and stick with it. When it gets tedious (and it will) just scan the bar code that says you won't be transmitting that week. You will still get your points and you can have a break.

I tried to post this as a reply to my original thread about it, which is here (http://forums.gottadeal.com/showthread.php?t=64068&highlight=homescan), but it's past the cut-off time for new posts.

Well, just to update this saga, I'm now getting phone calls from an attorney over the whole Homescan fiasco, those started on Friday. I gave the lady on the phone my UPS tracking number from when I returned their @<hidden>&*#! equipment, and told her that if the phone calls and letters continue, I'll be contacting my own attorney and they can play Attorney Wars over the harassment and see who wins.

*sigh* I'm glad the company works out for some people, but if you ever have to return any of their stuff, for any reason, make sure that you hang on to your tracking numbers, and don't be shocked if they still act like nitwits once you've provided them with those numbers.

Gosh that's awful. Sorry this is going on. I must say I'm glad I never tried this.

I have posted a screen shot several times showing how to reply to older threads. If you read the entire paragraph after the warning icon you will see You Can Reply.

Threads Merged.

Threads Merged.

All feedback should be provided in the thread for this company.

:bump:

I don't know I have been a member for a few years now and I get gifts all the time the point's are slow to build up but I am getting a check every month from them so I don't have to take any of there gifts. They pay both me and my wife and 3 kids we each get a check. I have not heard anyone talk about getting paid money only the point's? are you sure you are signed up for the whole program not just the barcode scanning ? you wont get much out of it unless you sign up for there other panels. I get a nice little check every month

I don't know I have been a member for a few years now and I get gifts all the time the point's are slow to build up but I am getting a check every month from them so I don't have to take any of there gifts. They pay both me and my wife and 3 kids we each get a check. I have not heard anyone talk about getting paid money only the point's? are you sure you are signed up for the whole program not just the barcode scanning ? you wont get much out of it unless you sign up for there other panels. I get a nice little check every month

I'm kinda new here, what other panels do they have?

Yes...please share what other panels you belong to. I'd much rather get a check every month than have to keep building up the points. I've been a member for over a year now. Thanks for any direction you can point us to. And...are your checks generally about the same amount each month?

there are several MVP is one SP, Diary, some last only a month others last as long as you want to do it. The checks have a base pay with a bonus if you get all your points. Sometimes they send a survey that pay's a few extra bucks the main thing is to keep on with one panel and answer all there surveys and when you fit what they need they will offer you a place on the panel the one panel might just be for more points but if you join that one they might give you one related to it that pays money in another words sign up for everything they got

I got my scanner couple of weeks ago. I have troubles transmitting, I have to repeat it multiple times until it will go through. It's a phone scanner model, I wish I got USB one.

there are several MVP is one SP, Diary, some last only a month others last as long as you want to do it. The checks have a base pay with a bonus if you get all your points. Sometimes they send a survey that pay's a few extra bucks the main thing is to keep on with one panel and answer all there surveys and when you fit what they need they will offer you a place on the panel the one panel might just be for more points but if you join that one they might give you one related to it that pays money in another words sign up for everything they got

Its weird that you are the only one that I know off, that gets paid in CHECKS from AC Nielsen and everyone else gets points to use for merchandise :rolleyes:

I've been doing the Home Scan thing for about a year now & have had no problems with with signing up or doing the scans. I had a brief (about 2 months) wait for them to send my scanner & info. They send me small gifts as incentives from time to time, which are unncessary but I find nice. I live in a small rural town myself, but it hasn't caused me a problem--this is the 2nd time they have allowed me to be a scanner...the first time I sent it back & never started. Overall, it's been a decent experience thus far for the little I put into it! :yup:

they have over 100.000 in each country. I have only heard here that not everyone gets paid

I also get checks as well as points from MVP and Homescan, both are AC Neilson.

I just signed up and was placed on the waiting list. I take so much time grocery shopping that adding the extra time to scan everything would be inconsequential :)

I've been a member of this panel for about 6 months. It's become a habit to scan everything even though I'm wondering how long before I decide it's just too much trouble. I don't have any idea what the prizes are but I do know they 'cost' a lot of points. If I work hard and then don't find anything I want to redeem points for, then I'll send it back. For now, I'm putting up with it and it isn't all that bad.

Just got accepted into this one...should get scanner in 3 weeks. I hope it's worth it. Antone else who is a member could you please fill us in on the rewards and how long it takes...etc...

Just got accepted into this one...should get scanner in 3 weeks. I hope it's worth it. Antone else who is a member could you please fill us in on the rewards and how long it takes...etc...

The rewards come from a small catalogue of merchandise which you can also see on-line. It's the usual household goods, sporting goods, average electronics, and generic tools.

If you're in it for rewards, you're better off babysitting to make money. For a couple like us, scanning takes a hour a week, maybe less if you don't buy loose vegetables, bulk goods, and gasoline, but certainly more if you have a larger family.

As a rule of thumb, figure 1000 points is worth about a dollar and you might score 50,000 points in a year, so congratulations, you earned a dollar an hour.

My wife wants to stay in the program because she says the real points start earning in year 4 or 5. I haven't calculated, but that might be $2 or $3 an hour!

Oh, yes, if you miss one week, you blow bonus points for the year. We hadn't realized the unit hadn't transmitted last week, so blew collecting the bonus.

Its weird that you are the only one that I know off, that gets paid in CHECKS from AC Nielsen and everyone else gets points to use for merchandise :rolleyes:

They're 2 different programs, Homescan and MVP.

The MVP 'pays' you to wear a little monitor like a beeper. 'Pay' is relative because they don't record very well and you only get paid when they actually collect the data. The base is $5 a month and then you can get $2 a week IF, I repeat IF you earn enough MVP 'points'. There's a number of problems such as batteries running down, failure of the mechanisms, and I suspect computer problems. I've seen them worn all day and then fail to accumulate points.

Nielsen provides no way for a guinea pig, er, subject to check what the company actually receives. They CLAIM that if you wear a unit 12 hours, that they record 12 hours, no matter how many points the collector shows. Don't believe it. However, they provide no way for a subject to check how their points are recorded within Nielsen itself, other than a weekly total.

The bottom line is that the program is fraught with problems, and without any accountability or ability for a subject to 'monitor the monitor', I don't see the situation changing.

I got a call that they're going to send a scanner. Does anyone know if I can submit vis cable internet -- the phone jacks in my house aren't programmed to work, my phone is connected through my modem. Can I plug the scanner into the modem to send? TIA!

You get a cable that plugs into your computer. The other end plugs into your scanner. They will give you software to install in your computer. Data will be sent out of your computer like any other data. So you should be ok.

Awesome, thanks :)

got my scanner today..looks overwhelming..maybe it's just that kind of day today....I tried scanning xmas cards, it didn't work, so I had to manually imput the barcode and it asked for the store name, coupons used, total price spent..is this normal...may take too much time, and if it's not worth my time......

got my scanner today..looks overwhelming..maybe it's just that kind of day today....I tried scanning xmas cards, it didn't work, so I had to manually imput the barcode and it asked for the store name, coupons used, total price spent..is this normal...may take too much time, and if it's not worth my time......

Yep. That's what you have to do. It's a real PITA.

Yep. That's what you have to do. It's a real PITA.

lol yep I got mine played with it a few mins and packed it up and sent it back

LOL! Too funny. PITA, just figured out what that meant...Hehe...I'm slow sometimes! Well I'll give it a try. Got hubby to install the thing and played around w/ it. My youngest took it over and started helping me scan all the stuff for Xmas sitting around waiting to be wrapped! She liked it. I think it will be easier to do as shop...we'll see. May end up going back before I know it. Do they only want you to transmit once per week or can you do it more and get more points? Read a little on it and it looked like just once per week is required. Anone who still does this and has any tips, I'd appreciate them. Thanks!

I got a call today.. might give it a try... FYI they said they have both scanners, phone and computer.

Yep. That's what you have to do. It's a real PITA.

Doing the *I told you so dance*

Doing the *I told you so dance*

You just hush up, old lady. :p

Okay Gloey, start your timer. I just got my scanner package. Lets see how long it takes before I ship mine back.


Time to place your bets GottaDealers. What day will I return the scanner because I get sick of it?

HMMMMMM! :gdcensored:

HMMMMMM! :gdcensored:

Lol I lasted over a year at least!

I did this and sent it back. It's a pain in the @<hidden>!! I didn't get checks but would rack up "points" to put towards free items. It wasn't worth my time to scan everything I bought, and call it in. Half the time the transmission would fail anyways.

Mine was the kind that you had to put the reciever up to the phone.

I got a $25.00 check on Saturday. I quit the panel over a year ago. I kept forgetting to return the scanner. For over a year I got phone calls, emails & snail mail. Still, I kept forgetting. Then they sent me a letter with a coupon stating if I returned the scanner w/i 10 days they would send me $25.00 in Amex checks. :shock: I packed that bugger up and sent it back the next day. Yesterday I got the $25.00 check. :cool:

Miranda and maybe other people who quit Homescan, I have a question.
Did you get letters from collectors too or only from Homescan itself? Anyone had any bad consequences for not returning the scanner?

My situation:
I was Homescan member for about 6 month, I had scanner that needs phone landline. We moved in January and I don’t have landline anymore (cell phone and dry-loop DSL are good enough). I could not transmit and asked then to send me a different scanner. They told me that I would have to apply to the panel again and my points could not be transferred to a new account. I had about 13000 points at that time; there is nothing in the catalog in this range that I want. I don’t need a pizza stone and I think tiny thermos is an insult for 6 month of work. I asked them to send me some monetary compensation instead, but they did not want to do it either. Anyway, they dropped me out of the panel and I got few letters from them and now one from some kind of collectors. What should I do? I still hold there scanner hostage. I feel that I deserve at least some kind of compensation that I like for 6 month of work. Any advice is appreciated!
I was thinking about quitting the panel anyway since it is too much troubles/too little reward, I just wanted to have a little bit more points for something useful. Transmitting was always a hassle, it worked 1 time out of 10, and if you really scan EVERYTHING you buy or get as a gift, it is way too much work. I don’t even understand why I did not quit right away. :confused:

For those of us who have stayed with Homescan (even though they haven't had rewards we wanted yet...) Checkout the new rewards-They have Guitar Hero III for X Box and Playstation 3 for 73,000 point , a cute Dourney & Bourke madras wristlet for 30.000 and many other items. I just clicked the new items link, I am very aware of the other items in the 2007-2008 catalog. It may just be time to reward yourselves.

Signed up a few weeks ago and had forgot about this. Got an email in today that said I'd been selected.

Sounds like fun but maybe a bit tedious so I'll have to see.

Anyone done anything really big with these people?

Signed up a few weeks ago and had forgot about this. Got an email in today that said I'd been selected.

Sounds like fun but maybe a bit tedious so I'll have to see.

Anyone done anything really big with these people?

ive only just started with them a few months ago, yes its kind of a pain, to remember to scan everything you purchase, and thats not just groceries, its apparel, any store, going out to dinner, getting gas, pizza delivery, fast food, everything, so save all your receipts. ive been slacking the last few weeks and forgot to send a few transmissions and they actually sent me a letter reminding me to do so, lol...ive gotten a few small gifts from them, not sure how my points with them are doing, since i never remember to check, lol

Home Scan is looking for people now here is the link to sign up http://www.nielsen-onlinereg.com/?cpid=1E00C6

Home Scan is looking for people now here is the link to sign up http://www.nielsen-onlinereg.com/?cpid=1E00C6

I signed up with them a few months ago, and just finally heard back from them this week. They must now just be starting up to recruit again...

I signed up with them a few months ago, and just finally heard back from them this week. They must now just be starting up to recruit again...

:yup: I agree