Shopping is a regular part of life, whether you’re buying groceries, clothing, or household essentials. But did you know you can turn your shopping trips into a source of extra income? Receipt scanning programs are not only fun to participate in, but are great for earning valuable rewards!
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How Receipt Scanning Programs Work
Receipt scanning programs are a form of market research conducted by companies that want to understand consumer buying behavior. By participating in these programs, you share insights about your shopping habits, and in return, you get rewarded with points, gift cards, merchandise, or even cash.
Simply sign up, scan the barcodes on your purchases and/or upload your receipts to the program, and collect your rewards!
How to Get Started
Sign Up
To start participating, you’ll need to sign up on the program’s website or app. See below for a list of programs.
Scan Your Purchases
After each shopping trip, you scan the barcodes on the products you bought or upload a photo of your receipt. Some programs may also ask you to include details like store name, total amount spent, and payment method.
Earn Points
Each submission earns you points. The more frequently you participate, the more points you accumulate. Bonus points may be offered for completing surveys, participating in special promotions, or being consistent with your submissions.
Redeem Rewards
Once you’ve built up a points balance in your account, you can redeem your points for rewards including gift cards, merchandise (e.g., electronics, kitchen gadgets, home goods), and cash payouts, depending on the program.
Benefits of Receipt-Scanning Programs
Easy and Flexible
Scanning receipts or barcodes doesn’t take much time or effort. It’s a task you can easily do from the comfort of your home or while unwinding after a shopping trip while you put away your purchases. Plus, there are no fixed schedules—you can decide when is most convenient to participate.
Rewards Without Spending Extra
Unlike cashback apps that require you to shop at specific stores or buy certain products, receipt scanning programs reward you for purchases you already made. It’s a no-risk way to earn extra perks.
Valuable Rewards
Over time, the points you earn can add up to significant rewards. For instance, frequent users of the National Consumer Panel report receiving gift cards worth hundreds of dollars annually.
Opportunity to Influence Products
By sharing your shopping data, you play a role in shaping the products and services offered by manufacturers and retailers. Your feedback helps companies improve their offerings and cater to consumer needs.
Popular Receipt Scanning Programs
The following are some of the most popular receipt scanning programs, which have been around for many years.
IRI Shopper Panel
IRI Shopper Panel focuses on collecting data from shoppers to provide insights to manufacturers and retailers. Participants use a free barcode scanner or the Scan N Go app to share their purchase data. Accumulate points that you can then redeem for a variety of gift cards or Visa prepaid cards.
National Consumer Panel (NCP)
National Consumer Panel is a popular program that has been around for decades. It collects purchase data from households via the scanning of barcodes and store receipts which are used to earn points that can be redeemed for rewards like gift cards, merchandise and prepaid credit cards. Panel members also receive special perks such as discounts on AT&T Wireless Plans and Accessories
What Rewards Can You Earn?
Gift Cards
Gift cards are one of the most popular rewards for participating in these programs. Many participants report receive gift cards for retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, as well as dozens of others.
Merchandise
If you prefer tangible rewards, you can redeem points for home goods, electronics, toys, and more from the program’s catalog.
Sweepstakes Entries
Some programs let you use your points to enter sweepstakes, where you can win big-ticket items like vacations, appliances, or cash prizes. NCP also offers a quarterly $5,000 cash prize draw.
Charitable Donations
If you prefer to give back, some programs allow you to donate your rewards to charitable organizations such as the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and Amnesty International.
Tips for Maximizing Your Earnings
Be Consistent
Regularly scanning your receipts or barcodes will ensure that you keep earning a steady stream of points. Some programs offer loyalty bonuses for consistent participation, so try not to miss a week!
Watch for Bonus Opportunities
Both IRI Shopper Panel and NCP occasionally offer bonus points for specific activities, such as completing surveys, shopping at particular stores, or participating in limited-time promotions. Be on the lookout for free points on your birthday!
Scan Receipts from All Types of Purchases
Receipt scanning programs typically accept receipts from various types of stores, including grocery stores, pharmacies, department stores, and even online retailers. Don’t limit yourself to just scanning your groceries – broader participation can lead to more points.
Stay Organized
Keep your receipts in one place so you don’t misplace them before scanning. Consider using apps like Expensify or Evernote which can help you store digital copies for easy access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe to Share My Shopping Data?
Programs like IRI Shopper and National Consumer Panel place a big priority on participant privacy. The data you provide is anonymized and used solely for market research purposes.
How Much Can I Earn?
Earnings depend on your level of participation; the more you participate, the more you will earn. Dedicated users can earn rewards equivalent to hundreds of dollars annually.
Can I Use the Programs on Mobile?
Yes, most programs offer mobile apps, making it convenient to scan barcodes or upload receipts directly from your smartphone.
Are There Any Costs Involved?
No, participation is free. Programs like NCP even cover the cost of shipping scanners to participants if you prefer to use a handheld scanner instead of your phone.
