National Consumer Panel (NCP) Review

User Reviews and Experiences

The user experience with the National Consumer Panel and its mobile app, NCPMobile, is generally positive but can vary based on individual expectations and the value they place on the rewards offered.

Scanning Purchases: Working with NCP involves scanning purchases using the NCPMobile app. This process is straightforward. Users simply download the app, sign up, and start scanning the barcodes of their purchases.

Participating in Surveys: In addition to scanning purchases, users also participate in surveys related to their shopping habits. These surveys are typically short and easy to complete.

User-Friendly App: The NCPMobile app is user-friendly. It’s designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, making the process of scanning purchases and completing surveys simple and quick.

Varied User Experiences: However, the user experience may vary based on individual expectations and the value they place on the rewards offered in exchange for their time and data. Some users find the rewards worthwhile and enjoy the process of scanning their purchases and participating in surveys. Others may find that the time commitment required to scan items and complete surveys does not match the value of the rewards earned.

Positive Reviews: The NCPMobile app has received positive reviews, with users describing it as a great app that rewards you for completing different tasks. It has a rating of 4.5 stars on the Google Play Store.

Negative Reviews: On the other hand, some users have reported issues with the app, such as technical glitches or dissatisfaction with the time it takes to earn rewards.

Quick Details

What is the National Consumer Panel?

The National Consumer Panel (NCP) is a market research panel that focuses on measuring consumer attitudes and behavior. It is a joint venture between NielsenIQ and Circana (formerly IRI), the two leading consumer insight providers in the United States.

NCP offers its panelists the unique opportunity to impact the retail world directly. By scanning barcodes of purchased items and participating in surveys, panelists contribute to a vast database of consumer information. This data is instrumental for manufacturers and retailers to make informed decisions about product development, improvement, and marketing strategies.

Panelists use either a mobile app or a special barcode reader to scan the barcodes on all their purchases. They also provide additional details about their shopping purchase experience.

In return for their participation, NCP rewards its panelists. The panelists can earn points for gift cards, merchandise, and more. This makes NCP not just a platform for consumers to influence product strategies, but also a way for them to earn rewards for their shopping habits.

NCP’s data collection methods and the insights they provide are highly valued by NielsenIQ and Circana, and are used to deliver solutions to their respective clients. In this way, NCP plays a crucial role in shaping the retail landscape.

Brief history of the National Consumer Panel (NCP):

The National Consumer Panel (NCP) has a rich history that began in 1987 when it was formed as a collaboration between Nielsen and Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), two of the most prominent market research companies in the world. The goal of NCP was to gather detailed data on consumer purchasing behavior, which would provide valuable insights to manufacturers, retailers, and marketers.

Initially, NCP participants used paper diaries to record their purchases. As technology advanced, the panel transitioned to using handheld scanners, making it easier for members to scan barcodes of items they purchased. This evolution allowed for more accurate and timely data collection.

In 2010, Nielsen acquired IRI’s interest in the joint venture, making NCP a wholly owned subsidiary of Nielsen. This acquisition further integrated NCP’s data collection with Nielsen’s broader market research capabilities.

With the rise of smartphones and mobile technology, NCP introduced mobile apps, allowing members to scan and submit their purchase information directly from their smartphones. This development significantly improved user convenience and data accuracy.

Today, NCP continues to evolve with technological advancements, maintaining its commitment to providing high-quality consumer insights. It remains a crucial tool for companies aiming to understand market trends, improve product offerings, and tailor marketing strategies based on real consumer behavior.

NCP has been gathering panel members’ opinions and shopping data to help manufacturers and retailers make informed decisions on what products to develop, improve, or sell in the market since 1987. It was formerly known as the Homescan Consumer Panel before the formation of the joint venture with IRI and the merger of the two companies’ existing panels.

How National Consumer Panel Works?

Participants in the NCP use a mobile app or handheld scanner to scan the barcodes of the items they purchase. This data is then sent to NCP, where it is analyzed to provide insights into consumer behavior. The process to join the National Consumer Panel (NCP) and how it works is as follows:

Sign Up: Interested individuals can apply to join the panel through NCP’s website. The sign-up process involves answering registration questions that provide NCP with information about the applicant, their household, and their shopping habits.

Selection: However, immediate acceptance is not guaranteed, as the panel seeks specific household demographics to maintain a representative sample of the nation’s consumers. NCP recruits members online via their secure website, and members are selected based on U.S. population statistics, and targeted demographic and geographic criteria.

Access to NCPMobile: Once accepted, panelists receive access to NCPMobile, an exclusive app for reporting shopping details and scanning barcodes. This app is available on both iOS and Android platforms.

Recording Purchases: Panelists use the NCPMobile app to scan the UPC barcodes of the items they buy. They also provide additional details about their shopping purchase experience. This includes all purchases, from groceries to gas to prescriptions.

Transmitting Data: The data collected is then transmitted to NCP. The NCPMobile app performs the same functions as the traditional handheld scanner used by panel members.

Rewards: In return for their participation, panelists earn reward points which can be redeemed for gift cards and other rewards.

Earning Rewards with NCP

NCP is known for its rewards program, which is a significant draw for many panelists. New members earn points for registration and their first shopping trip, with additional points awarded for birthdays, anniversaries, and other promotions. The rewards catalog is extensive, offering everything from movie vouchers to electronics. Earning rewards with the National Consumer Panel (NCP) is a multi-step process:

Weekly Shopping Data: Panelists earn points by sending their shopping data weekly. This involves using the NCPMobile app to scan the barcodes of the items they buy and provide additional details about their shopping purchase experience.

Completing Surveys: Panelists can also earn points by completing surveys. These surveys are typically about shopping habits, product usage, or opinions on certain products.

Redeeming Points: The points earned can be redeemed for a variety of rewards. This includes gift cards from popular brands and retailers, as well as merchandise from NCP’s online catalog.

Additional Points for New Members: New members can earn additional points for registration and reporting their first shopping trip. This is a bonus to encourage new members to start participating actively.

Special Occasions: Panelists also earn points on special occasions. For example, they earn 250 reward points for birthdays, 1,000 bonus points on their 6-month anniversary, and 1,000 bonus points on their 1-year anniversary (and each year after that).

Does NCP Pay Cash?

No, the National Consumer Panel (NCP) does not pay members in cash. Instead, NCP rewards participants with points that can be redeemed for a variety of non-cash rewards. These rewards typically include gift cards, merchandise, and entries into sweepstakes. The points are accumulated based on the frequency and accuracy of the data members provide by scanning their purchases and completing surveys. While cash payments are not offered, the diverse range of rewards can still provide significant value to participants.

What are some common rewards available through NCP?

The National Consumer Panel (NCP) offers various rewards to its members for participating in their consumer research activities. Common rewards include:

Points System: Members earn points for every week they participate by scanning their purchases and taking surveys.

Gift Cards: Points can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other major stores.

Electronics: Points can also be used to get electronics such as tablets, headphones, and home appliances.

Household Items: Members can choose from a variety of household goods including kitchen gadgets, cleaning supplies, and decor items.

Toys and Games: There are options for toys and games, suitable for different age groups.

Health and Beauty Products: Members can redeem points for personal care items, beauty products, and health-related items.

Travel and Leisure: Points can also be used for travel accessories, luggage, and other leisure-related items.

NCP occasionally offers sweepstakes and contests where members can win additional points or high-value prizes like vacations, cars, or cash rewards.

In summary, NCP offers multiple ways for panelists to earn points, which can be redeemed for various rewards. This not only makes participation in the panel rewarding but also fun and engaging. It’s a great way for consumers to make their shopping habits work for them.

Redeeming Rewards

Redeeming rewards at the National Consumer Panel (NCP) involves the following steps:

Earn Points: You earn reward points each week when you submit your shopping trip reports.

Access Rewards: Tap the menu button in the upper left corner of the NCPMobile app. Then, under the Rewards section, choose Reward Cards.

Choose Reward: This will take you to NCPMobile’s Reward Redemption Center. Here, you can see a selection of reward options, including Amazon.com, Visa, PayPal, Groupon, and many others.

Select Denomination: For example, if you look at Amazon.com gift cards, you’ll see you have the choice of selecting a five dollar, ten dollar, 25 dollar, or 50 dollar gift card depending on how many reward points you have available.

Redeem Points: Make sure you have enough points to redeem before selecting your reward.

Receive Reward: Your rewards arrive to you by email as a digital redemption code, so make sure NCP has a valid email address for you.

You can also redeem your reward points for merchandise in the panel member gift catalog. There’s also the unique Pick ‘N Win Sweepstakes where you can use your reward points to enter for a chance to win specially selected merchandise.

If you ever want to check out a list of your past reward redemptions, you can tap on reward history in the menu bar. If you aren’t sure what email address NCP has on file, contact the Panel Support Center.

Is National Consumer Panel Legit?

Yes, the National Consumer Panel (NCP) is indeed a legitimate platform. It is a joint venture between NielsenIQ and Circana (formerly IRI), two leading consumer insight providers in the United States.

NCP compensates its users for their participation. The rewards are real, and panelists can indeed redeem them for various items and gift cards. This is confirmed by multiple reviews and user experiences.

However, like any platform, NCP has its own set of challenges. Some users have reported issues with the service. These include:

Exclusivity of Panel Membership: NCP is selective in its panelist recruitment process. They seek specific household demographics to maintain a representative sample of the nation’s consumers. This means not everyone who applies gets accepted immediately.
Time to Accumulate Points: Some users have mentioned that it takes time to accumulate enough points for meaningful rewards. This could be a potential drawback for those looking for quick rewards.

Despite these issues, NCP remains a genuine platform that offers its panelists the opportunity to influence product strategies while earning rewards for their shopping habits. It’s important for prospective panelists to understand these aspects before joining.

Pros of Joining the National Consumer Panel

Legitimacy: NCP is backed by reputable companies, NielsenIQ and Circana, ensuring that it is a legitimate and trustworthy panel.

Rewards: Participants can earn points for scanning their purchases and completing surveys, which can be redeemed for a variety of rewards.

User-Friendly App: The NCPMobile app is available on both iOS and Android, making it easy for participants to scan their purchases and track their rewards.

Cons of Joining the National Consumer Panel

Time-Consuming: Scanning every purchase can be time-consuming, especially for those with busy schedules.

Limited Availability: Acceptance into the panel is not guaranteed and depends on the current needs of the panel for specific household demographics.

Privacy Concerns: Some users may be uncomfortable with sharing detailed information about their purchasing habits.

Exploring Alternative Market Research Panels

There are several alternatives to the National Consumer Panel (NCP) that you might find interesting:

P&G Good Everyday: A rewards platform where members can earn money by scanning receipts, answering surveys and quizzes, and more.

Swagbucks: One of the most well-known rewards platforms on the web. Here, members can earn and save money by taking surveys, completing offers, scanning receipts, shopping for cash back, and more.

MyPoints: A rewards platform where members can earn money by answering surveys, shopping online, scanning receipts, watching videos, and more.

Survey Junkie: One of the largest paid survey sites available. They tend to have the greatest number of surveys for anyone to qualify for.

Fetch Rewards: Known for leveraging optical character recognition (OCR) via photographing (aka scanning) the receipt.

Ibotta: Ibotta is a mobile shopping app that gives you cash back on your purchases.

These platforms offer similar features to NCP, such as earning rewards by scanning receipts or participating in surveys. However, each platform has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s worth checking out each one to see which fits your needs the best.

Conclusion