A Google review stand works best when it sits where customers finish paying and is backed by a one-line prompt from staff. Placement is the main decision: a stand beside the payment terminal is seen by almost everyone, while one tucked behind the till or under flyers is easy to miss. This guide covers where to put a stand in a Canadian shop, café, clinic or service counter, how to set it up, and how to keep it within Google's rules and the Competition Bureau's guidance.
Why a Stand Helps Alongside a Card
A stand keeps the review prompt visible when no one is free to hand over a card. A handheld NFC card is ideal for a personal handoff from a barista, stylist or technician, but during a rush staff forget or run out of time. A stand on the counter quietly invites every customer to tap or scan.
What a stand adds in a busy shop:
- Works on every shift, even when staff forget to ask
- Stays put during a Saturday brunch rush instead of getting lost under receipts
- Reaches takeout and quick-pickup customers who barely speak to staff
- Pairs an NFC tap with a printed QR code, so customers whose phones don't read NFC can scan instead
- Can carry a bilingual line for francophone customers in Quebec and bilingual communities
Where to Place a Stand Inside Your Shop
Put the stand where the visit ends and the customer already has their phone in hand. In most businesses that means right beside the payment terminal, at eye level and within reach.
Beside the payment terminal at the till — the customer is already looking there after paying.
On the pickup counter at cafés, bakeries and bistros — customers often wait there with their phone out.
At the host stand of full-service restaurants — guests waiting for a table have a moment to spare.
On the reception desk of salons, dental, vet and physio clinics — at check-out, not check-in, once the service is done.
Beside the service writer at auto, tire and quick-lube bays — when the customer collects the keys.
On the customer-facing side of the counter at dry cleaners, cobblers and boutique retail.
Tip: keep the stand close to where customers pay rather than at the door on the way in. Customers are more likely to review once the service is complete and they're satisfied with it.
How to Set Up a Google Review Stand
Our stands arrive pre-programmed with your Google review link, so setup is mostly about testing and placement. If you need the link to change later, the optional editable-link add-on lets you update it without reprinting.
Before ordering, copy your direct review link from Google Business Profile (Read reviews → Get more reviews). See how to find your Google review link.
When the stand arrives, test it with an iPhone and an Android phone, and scan the printed QR code with a camera app.
Place it beside the payment terminal or at the pickup counter, never behind glass or under the till edge.
Brief the team with one line: "If you have a moment, you can tap here to leave us a quick Google review."
In Quebec or with francophone customers, give the team the French version too: "Si vous avez une minute, vous pouvez nous laisser un avis Google ici."
Check Google Business Profile regularly and reply to new reviews.
Canadian Businesses Where Stands Fit Well
- Independent cafés, bakeries, brunch spots and casual restaurants — pickup counter or host stand
- Salons, barbers, nail studios, med-spas and tattoo studios — reception at checkout
- Dental, orthodontic, chiropractic, vet and physiotherapy clinics — front desk at appointment end
- Auto repair, tire shops, quick-lube and detail shops — the service writer's desk
- Liquor stores, convenience stores and gift shops — beside the till
- Inns, ski lodges and B&Bs — at the front desk during check-out
Mistakes That Hold a Stand Back
- Putting it behind the till where customers can't reach it
- Hiding it under flyers, menus or the tip jar
- Relying on the stand alone — a brief, friendly mention from staff makes it far more likely customers use it
- Offering a free coffee or discount for a review — Google's policy prohibits incentives for reviews
- Asking staff, friends or family to leave reviews to get things started — that's a conflict of interest under Google's policy
- Ignoring new reviews — Google says replying to reviews shows customers you value their feedback
Compliance reminder: Google's policy prohibits incentives, selectively asking only happy customers, and reviews from owners or employees. The Competition Bureau has warned that fake reviews, including employee reviews that don't disclose the relationship, can breach the Competition Act's deceptive marketing provisions. A stand that simply opens your review page for every customer fits Google's policy.
Stand vs Card vs Plaque — Which Fits Where
Each format suits a different moment; many shops use a stand at the till and a card or plaque elsewhere. For a deeper comparison, see review cards vs review stands.
| Format | Best for | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| Counter stand | Busy tills where staff can't hand anything over | Beside the payment terminal or pickup counter |
| Handheld NFC card | One-to-one handoffs after a service | Handed over with the receipt or at the chair |
| Wall plaque | Waiting areas and exits | Wall at eye level near reception or the door |
| Stickers | Tables, doors and menus | Anywhere a stand would get in the way |
A Simple First Month With a Stand
Week 1: Order one stand per till and test each one when it arrives.
Week 2: Place stands beside the payment terminal and brief every shift with the one-line script, in English and French where relevant.
Week 3: Reply to each new review, and share good feedback with the team.
Week 4: Review how often the stand is used and move it if customers aren't noticing it.
Key Takeaways
Place the stand beside the payment terminal, back it with one polite line from staff, ask every customer rather than only the happy ones, and reply to the reviews you receive. See our review stands for current options and prices.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Where should I place a Google review stand inside my shop?
Beside the payment terminal at the till, on the pickup counter at cafés and bakeries, or on the reception desk of salons and clinics at checkout. The goal is the moment the visit ends.
How much does a Google review stand cost in Canada?
It's a one-off purchase with no subscription. [See current prices](/product/google-review-stands) on the product page.
Are Google review stands allowed in Canada?
Yes, as long as there are no incentives, no filtering and no staff reviews. A stand that simply opens your review page for every customer fits Google's policy.
Do Google review stands work with iPhones and Android phones?
iPhone 7 and later can read NFC; iPhone XS/XR and later read it in the background, while iPhone 7–X use the NFC tag reader in Control Centre. Android phones need NFC switched on, and the printed QR code works with any phone camera.
How many Google review stands does a shop need?
Usually one per till, plus one at the pickup counter or reception if customers wait there. Multi-location businesses order one set per site.
How quickly will a stand bring in reviews?
It depends on your customer numbers and whether staff mention it. Google doesn't promise any ranking change from reviews, but making the review page easy to reach generally helps more customers follow through.
Where should I put my Google review stand?
The checkout counter or reception desk is usually the best starting point. Customers pause there near the end of their visit, often with their phone already out.
Do Google review stands work without staff involvement?
A stand is visible without anyone handing it over, so customers can use it on their own. A brief, friendly mention from staff can help more people notice it.
How many reviews will one stand bring in?
There's no reliable typical figure. It depends on your footfall, where the stand sits and whether staff mention it, so track your own review count before and after.
Should I choose a stand with NFC or QR only?
A stand with both covers more customers. NFC suits phones that can tap, and the printed QR code works with any phone camera.
How often should I move the stand?
There's no set schedule. If it seems to have blended into the background, try a different visible spot and see whether more customers use it.
Can I use a review stand alongside cards and plaques?
Yes. A stand covers a fixed counter, cards can be handed to customers, and a wall plaque gives another visible tap-or-scan point.
Related Guides & Tools
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Peel-and-stick NFC stickers for windows, doors, and counters.
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