You can own the best review stand in the world and still collect very few reviews if it is in the wrong place. The stand has to be seen, at the right moment, by a customer who is happy and holding their phone. This guide shows where to put a Google review stand or NFC card in different types of business, and how to get the most out of each spot.
Three rules for good placement
- Put it where the customer already pauses. The till, the reception desk, the table, the waiting area, the doorway.
- Put it at eye level and in the natural line of sight. Not behind a monitor, not tucked at the edge of the counter.
- Pair it with a human prompt. A stand works, but a friendly "if you enjoyed it, just tap your phone here" works much better.
Cafés, restaurants and takeaways
- At the till or counter, facing the customer while they pay or wait for their order.
- On tables or the bar, where diners sit while they finish their meal or their coffee.
- In takeaway bags or boxes, using a portable NFC card so the customer can review from home while the meal is fresh in their mind.
- Beside the card machine, which is often the moment of highest satisfaction.
Hair salons, barbers and beauty clinics
- At reception, where every customer pays and books their next appointment.
- At the mirror or treatment station, right after the transformation is revealed.
- By the exit, for customers who are leaving happy.
- In the waiting area, so people see it while they are there.
Shops and retail
- By the till, in front of the customer while their purchase is packed.
- On the counter near product displays, where people linger.
- Inside the bag, using a card that invites them to review later at home.
Care homes, clinics and professional services
- At reception, where visiting families and clients arrive and depart.
- In welcome packs or information folders, using a card families can take away.
- In waiting rooms, where people have time to read and tap.
In sensitive settings, keep the message respectful and low-pressure, and never ask anyone who is upset or in the middle of a difficult conversation.
Trades, mobile and home services
If you work at customers' homes, a counter stand is not an option, but a card is. Hand it over when the job is finished, or leave it with the invoice. You can also add the QR code to your van, invoices, quotes and follow-up messages.
Events, market stalls and pop-ups
A stand on the stall counter works well for traders at markets and events. Weather-proof your stand if it is outdoors and keep it out of direct rain and strong sunlight.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Hiding it. If customers have to look for it, they will not use it.
- Cluttering the area. Keep the space around it clean, so it stands out.
- Never mentioning it. Silent stands get far fewer taps than stands your team points out.
- Offering rewards. Google does not allow incentives for reviews, so keep the ask simple and honest.
- Only asking happy-looking customers. Invite everyone equally, in line with Google's guidelines.
Give it a fair test
Put the stand in your chosen spot for a few weeks, note how many new reviews arrive each week, and try moving it if the numbers are low. Small changes in position often make a noticeable difference.
Where next?
To go deeper, read how to get more Google reviews, learn what an NFC review stand is and compare NFC and QR code review cards.
Ready to get set up? TruePoint Solutions supplies programmed NFC and QR stands and cards to businesses across Northern Ireland from our base in Bangor. See the Google Review Bundle, browse all products or get in touch.