ShopandScan review: How does it work and what can you earn?

ShopandScan is a market research programme that asks you to share what you bought in your weekly shopping in return for rewards. But what does it actually involve and is it worth the effort?

One thing we can be sure of, the cost of our weekly shop never goes down. And that’s why I’m always looking for ways to save money. Cashback and receipt scanning apps go some way to help reduce the cost, but I’m always on the lookout for more.

And then, I saw an advert on Facebook for ShopandScan. Now, I’m usually one to avoid social media ads, but this one grabbed my attention. So, I decided to give it a go and see how much I could make.

What is ShopandScan?

ShopandScan is a market research panel operated by Kantar, a leading global research company. It is designed to gather data on consumer purchasing behaviour and trends.

Is it safe?

Kantar has a strong track record in conducting research and adheres to industry guidelines and standards. Your data is anonymized and aggregated to ensure the confidentiality of individual responses. Personal information is typically kept separate from the shopping data collected.

How does it work?

Before we get started, you need to know that ShopandScan can only be used with a Windows-based computer. If you only have a Mac, phone or tablet, then this isn’t for you.

To get started, you’ll need to sign up using a ShopandScan invitation number. ShopandScan is invite-only, so this is easier said than done.

But, click on to the site through a social media ad, and one should be automatically added. If you’re struggling to find an invitation number, take a look at my FAQs below.

You will then need to complete a short application form to see if you’re suitable to join the panel. This is about you, your family and your home. If ShopandScan decides you’re a good fit, you should hear back within a couple of days. When I applied, it was just a couple of hours.

If you get the good news, you will be asked to create an account for their rewards scheme and you’ll be sent your welcome pack in the post. This will include a scanning device and a guide.

You will need to download the ShopandScan software to your computer and plug in your scanning device. Then, you’re ready to roll.

Time to start scanning

You’ll probably feel a little overwhelmed when you first look through the booklet. There are a lot of pages to go through and a lot of barcodes displayed. In fact, you might start to think that this is more hassle than it’s worth. But actually, it’s not that difficult.

After you’ve been shopping, you will need to pick up your scanner and zap the following codes contained in your book:

• The person that went shopping (each person in your house has their own barcode)
• The shop they visited
• The amount they spent
• Then, the barcode of each item needs to be scanned
• If any items were on a special offer (such as a multibuy), there are extra barcodes to be scanned
• Fresh food barcodes are also listed in the book if needed

Every 7 days, you plug your scanning device into your computer and click the upload button.

Does it take a long time?

Now, it might like quite a time-consuming process. But it’s really not that bad. The first time you scan your weekly shop, it might take you around 5 to 10 minutes just to make sure that you’re getting everything right. But after a few attempts, it will probably take you 2 minutes at most.

And if it’s a top-up shop of a few items, it will take 30 seconds.

What shops does ShopandScan work with?

ShopandScan works with the vast majority of stores. Major supermarkets are included, like Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. But you can also scan items from smaller stores – there are barcodes for independent shops like butchers, greengrocers and even the milkman (although, shouldn’t that be milkthey?)

How much can you earn?

Just for joining, you’ll be given 10,000 points after your first submission. After that, you’ll earn 1,100 points each week you scan your shopping. Plus, you can earn an extra 500 points if you upload a photo of a till receipt you send in.

Your points can be exchanged for vouchers for stores like Adidas, Amazon, Argos, Currys, Nike and Sports Direct.

And how much are points worth? 1,000 points are equal to £1. So, each week, you’ll earn £1.60. That works out to £83.20 per year.

But it doesn’t have to be a weekly shop

You can still earn points even if you don’t scan your weekly shop. I find that I can earn just as much each week by scanning items from my top-up shops. It takes me seconds and it’s very easy to do.

What other people think

When I write my reviews, I like to see what other people think. Over on Trustpilot, ShopandScan receives a great 4.2 out of 5. On the plus side, users state that it’s an easy way to make money. However, some reviewers complain about poor customer service and being locked out of their accounts.

My ShopandScan review conclusion

I’m certainly not one to turn down free money offers. However, ShopandScan takes a little too much effort for my liking.

The hourly rate isn’t that bad – I reckon once you’ve got to grips with the whole process, you’re looking at around £10-£12 per hour. But you have to remember to do it each week… and all for a yearly return of just over £80.

It’s not something for me, but I can understand why people still use it.

FAQs