When I write a review and assign stars to a place, I’m expressing my viewpoint, aiming to assist fellow users who may benefit from my experience on the site, as well as the proprietors, particularly those local shops that significantly contribute to the community. I find fulfilment in this endeavor—until now.
Today, I have become aware of the existence of software that, in my opinion, could significantly alter the essence of reviews. This software generates a QR code on the bill with two functions:
- A direct link to the Google Maps page, facilitating the process of writing a review. This appears to be a useful marketing tool, with no objections from my end.
- Each QR code is linked to the employee who served the customer. This is where my apprehension arises.
The software’s main page elaborates on the advantages of setting goals for employees to garner five-star reviews. It demonstrates how many reviews each employee has promoted, categorized by star rating, and compares them with those of other employees.
When I write a review, I consider factors beyond the control of the employee who served me, such as ambiance, cuisine quality (in the case of a restaurant), restroom cleanliness, and compliance with regulations. However, I do not assign stars with the understanding that these elements are part of the employee’s performance evaluation system.
In my view, this type of software represents a Machiavellian exploitation of our voluntary efforts to review sites and could introduce bias into our opinions.
On the other hand, can a company legally utilize Google Maps data in the manner I’ve described?
4 Likes
Hi @Joan_claveria
Thanks for sharing this.
I think I understand what you wrote, but I don’t see how the reviews can be linked to the individual employees. Such information can not be in the QR code and reliably included in the reviews on Maps. The business can suggest and encourage guests to mention the name of their server in reviews. But you don’t have to.
If the business created more businesses ie one for each waiter this would work, but it will not be a sustainable solution for other reasons.
Also, the timing of when reviews get posted can also not link reviews to individual days and employees. Many Local Guides will not post a review on the same day they visited a business.
I hope this is helpful.
Cheers
Morten
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@Joan_claveria ,
I agree with you that this a disturbing development. My guess is that MortenCopenhagen is correct that they can’t tie your review to your server. Perhaps they are saying this because they know people would hate to give a negative review to their server (unless the server was the issue). Your QR code might be considered personal information, so I won’t ask you to add to your post, but please consider sending it to me by private message. I’d like to explore this.
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Hi @MortenCopenhagen
Your speed always surprises me 
With all due respect, it is very easy to link a review to an employee. It is enough that the QR is different for each ticket, and that it sends to an intermediate page of the software provider. This, in turn, forwards to the Google Maps page, but takes advantage of the QR metadata to link the employee.
By personal email, I will send you the software website.
Best regards
Joan
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Great point, @Joan_claveria
But still it can and should not from deter you from writing reviews. You can just find the restaurant directly on Maps manually and leave what ever feedback you want.
All the best
Morten
PS and you can sabotage the system by opening the QR code repeatedly and never leave a review 
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Hi @Rednewt74
I has sended you by private message the link to the english software mainpage.
Kind regards
Joan
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Thanks for the link, @Joan_claveria
I know of list management systems that are way worse in terms of circumventing Google Maps guidelines
Of cause an in-between computer can count the number of times a leather or wood QR tile belonging to one waiter has been opened. And the computer can forward the user to the submit a review to that restaurant.
And they can use the timing to approximate which waiter each review likely belongs to. But people can freely decide not to leave a review after “opening” the QR code. And they can do it later after finding the restaurant manually on Maps. But I guess the bonus, “novelty”, and excitement in the moment will make sure quite a few reviews that are linked to a waiter.
And some customers might mention the name of their waiter.
Interesting and I acknowledge your dilemma.
As mentioned you can circumvent the system should you want to.
Cheers
Morten
Ps I appreciate learning new aspects like this. Thanks.
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@Joan_claveria
I doubt this set up is violating any Google Maps guidelines.
Cheers
Morten
1 Like
