A sign isn't a kiosk, but it can still cross the line.
Google's policy says a merchant should not require or pressure customers to leave a review while they are on the premises, and should not request that a review include specific content. It does not say that a particular piece of hardware automatically violates the rule.
A sign can still become part of a pressured workflow. Wording such as 'review us before you leave,' an employee waiting for the customer to scan, or a reward tied to the review changes the context. The policy analysis depends on the whole presentation, not the material the message is printed on.
- Google's prohibited & restricted content policy
Google's rules: no requiring or pressuring customers to review on the premises, and no requesting specific review content.
Neutral wording lowers pressure, but context still matters.
Wording that simply identifies the Google profile or welcomes honest feedback is less directive than wording that demands an immediate review. It still should not be paired with staff pressure, a required action, a requested rating, or an incentive.
- "Find us on Google."
- "We're grateful for honest reviews."
- "You can share an honest review on Google if you choose."
- A QR code labeled plainly, without a demand to scan or review immediately.
Pushing or dictating is the risky kind.
The higher-risk signs treat reviewing as something the customer should complete before leaving, request a particular rating or topic, or attach a reward. Staff behavior can create the same pressure even when the printed wording looks neutral.
- "Leave us a review before you go" (pressure to act on the spot).
- "Scan here and review us now" (on-premises pressure to review immediately).
- "Please mention your technician by name" (requesting specific content, also against the employee-name rule).
- "Leave us a 5-star review" (dictating the rating and the sentiment).
- "Review us and get 10% off" (incentives are prohibited outright).
Four things a sign must never do.
If you keep a review sign, review both the words and the way staff present it. These four checks track the main policy risks.
- Don't pressure an on-the-spot review, keep it optional and open on timing.
- Don't specify a star rating or sentiment, an honest review is the only kind you can ask for.
- Don't request specific content, including naming a staff member.
- Don't attach an incentive of any kind.
A post-visit request gives the customer more space.
A sign reaches the customer while they are still at the business or job site. A post-visit request can give them more time and distance to decide whether they want to respond. That does not make every follow-up compliant by default, but it removes the staff-hovering problem from the interaction.
small Talk lets the business send a guided request after the visit. The customer answers short questions about what actually happened, small Talk builds a draft from those answers, and the customer edits it, copies it, and decides whether to post it on Google themselves.
Next step
Let the sign be a bonus, not the plan.
Send a guided request after the next job. The customer can answer on their own time, review the draft built from their answers, and control the final Google handoff.