It all started in 2004 when the first panel members joined Aztec Shopper Panel. They got their scanning kits and started sending scanned barcodes data to Aztec. Aztec Shopper Panel panel became IRI Aztec Shopper Panel and then, IRI Shopper Panel in 2016. Today, IRI Shopper Panel collects scanning data from thousands of Australians. For over 15 years, major Australian retailers and manufacturers ha
ve been using IRI Shopper Panel data to make decisions on product price, size, and availability. This data is vital to shaping the future shopping experience for Australians and without it, it’s hard to tell what families want or what changes are needed at stores or factories. IRI Shopper Panel members give a glimpse into what happens in their home on weekly basis and what needs are met (or not) by the products they buy. IRI carefully selects who can participate in the panel. IRI Shopper Panel represents the Australian population according to ABS and thus has a limited number of spots. Each potential member needs to take a screening survey and qualify to join the IRI Shopper Panel. Once qualified, panel members begin representing a population segment within a data pool of Australian shoppers. This selection process is very much unlike survey panels where anyone can join and take surveys as they are sent out to the entire panel. Periodic and consistent scanning is most important for IRI Shopper Panel members and in order to maintain consistency of the data, only a limited pool of members are allowed to join and remain on the panel. What to expect as a member of the IRI Shopper Panel? Scanning product barcodes, rewards, and reminders, a lot of them. IRI Shopper Panel customer service team will constantly engage with panel members to assist with the scanning and to remind to scan to keep up the integrity of the panel data. Retailers and manufacturers value periodic data, and only panel members who scan consistently can remain on the panel. Members are expected to scan on weekly basis to get their weekly points and regular scanning is rewarded with bonus points. The rewards for weekly scanning add up quick, and when compared to taking a 15-minute survey once a week with another panel company, 15 minutes of scanning pays out much more. IRI Shopper Panel is a bit different from your run-of-the-mill survey panel, and many members say it’s a lot more rewarding. Panel members with more than 5 years under their belts found a value in scanning beyond the weekly points. Some point out that it kept them aware of their spending and allowed them to make sure they were charged the right amount for the products they bought. Others enjoy knowing that their scanning data makes a difference. Whatever the reason for joining the IRI Shopper Panel, the barcode data from the panellists is invaluable for every brand and retailer in Australia. It helped countless Australian shoppers with product prices, specials, packaging, availability, and store layouts.