What Is a Google Review Stand and Does It Actually Get You More 5-Star Reviews?

A Google review stand is a physical display - typically a small plaque, card holder, or tabletop sign - that makes it easy for customers to leave a Google review right at the point of purchase. But do they actually work? Let's look at the data.

What Exactly Is a Google Review Stand?

At its simplest, a review stand is a physical display containing:

• A QR code linking to your Google review page
• Clear instructions ("Scan to leave a review")
• Often includes NFC for tap-to-review functionality
• Your business branding

Review stands are designed to sit at checkout counters, reception desks, tables, or anywhere customers complete a transaction or interaction.

Why Review Stands Work Better Than Asking

Businesses have been asking customers for reviews forever. "If you enjoyed your service, please leave us a Google review!" The problem? This approach has a terrible conversion rate.

Here's what typically happens when you just ask:

1. Customer says "Sure!" (and means it)
2. Customer leaves, gets in their car, checks their phone
3. Customer sees 47 notifications and forgets about the review
4. Life happens
5. Review never gets written

Here's what happens with a review stand:

1. Customer sees the stand while waiting to pay
2. Customer scans QR or taps NFC
3. Google review page opens immediately
4. Customer writes review while still in the moment
5. Done in 30 seconds

The difference is friction. Review stands remove every barrier between intention and action.

Real Results from Real Businesses

We surveyed 200 KudoTaps review stand customers after 6 months of use. Here's what we found:

• Average monthly reviews before stand: 3.2
• Average monthly reviews after stand: 18.7
• That's a 485% increase

Breaking it down further:

• Retail stores saw average 520% increase
• Restaurants saw average 440% increase
• Service businesses (salons, auto shops, etc.) saw average 510% increase

But What About Rating Quality?

A common concern: "If I make it easy to leave reviews, won't I get more negative reviews too?"

Here's the data: Average review rating actually improved for businesses using review stands:

• Average rating before stand: 4.1 stars
• Average rating after stand: 4.6 stars

Why? Because happy customers are the silent majority. Without a frictionless option, only people with strong feelings (often negative) bother to leave reviews. Review stands capture feedback from satisfied customers who would otherwise never think to write a review.

Standard vs Smart Review Stands

Basic review stands just link directly to Google. Smart Review stands (like KudoTaps) add a critical layer:

The Smart Review filter asks one simple question before routing customers to Google, directing happy customers to leave public reviews and giving unhappy customers a private channel to share concerns.

Placement Best Practices

• Eye level at checkout - Where customers are already standing and waiting
• After the transaction completes - Don't ask before they've paid
• Near the exit - Catch people on their way out
• On tables (restaurants) - Multiple touchpoints increase scans
• In waiting areas - Give people something to do while they wait

What to Look for in a Review Stand

• Both QR and NFC - Covers all customers regardless of device
• Durable materials - It will be touched/bumped daily
• Professional appearance - Reflects your brand quality
• Updateable link - In case you need to change the destination
• Analytics included - Track scans and conversions