Harbortouch POS Review 2024

Today’s businesses need payment processing platforms that are equipped with a variety of advanced features and tools. POS systems are crucial for those operating physical locations. Selecting the right system, like Harbortouch POS, can enhance your business’s ability to process transactions, monitor sales, and handle loyalty programs, among other functionalities.

Harbortouch offers a POS solution ideal for small—to medium-sized businesses. Its unified dashboard is designed to simplify business operations. The system allows managers to extract insights from sales data organized by order types, items, departments, and profit margins.

Additionally, it includes features to manage a business’s social media presence and analyze ratings and reviews, which are critical for maintaining a solid online brand reputation. This review of Harbortouch evaluates numerous facets of the system in 2024.

What Is Harbortouch?

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Harbortouch POS is a comprehensive point-of-sale solution for retail stores, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes, and other businesses. The system facilitates labor management, sales monitoring, inventory tracking, and financial analysis, all geared toward enhancing overall operational efficiency.

With Harbortouch, administrators can effortlessly apply discounts, handle special client requests, utilize keyword searches for products, and maintain a centralized customer database, all within a user-friendly interface. Additionally, the platform includes a convenient built-in time clock feature for efficient employee management.

Harbortouch at a Glance: Affordable, Comprehensive POS Solutions Backed by Shift4 Payments

Harbortouch, under the umbrella of Shift4 Payments, is renowned for its reliable POS systems. It offers an array of solutions tailored for various businesses. Shift4 Payments, a prominent payment processing company, oversees an impressive portfolio of industry-leading point-of-sale systems, including Restaurant Manager, POSitouch, and Future POS.

What sets Harbortouch apart is its emphasis on providing affordable POS hardware and software bundled with credit card processing solutions. The standout feature is their provision of a free POS platform, comprising both hardware and software, alleviating the need for a significant initial investment. Rather, users pay a reasonable monthly service and support fee to access the services.

This approach significantly reduces the upfront costs for businesses seeking a new POS system. While a one-year agreement is mandatory, and merchant services must be used, these constraints are not too confusing.

Harbortouch offers various POS hardware options, including the Harbortouch Echo, an Android tablet, and the Harbortouch Elite, a more robust Android desktop. Each system is designed with specific business environments in mind, allowing you to select the option that best suits your needs. While Harbortouch has made a notable mark in the bar and restaurant sector, its services extend to various industries.

Pros and Cons of Harbortouch POS

Features Of Harbortouch POS

Harbortouch offers a range of robust features that cater to various industries. Its website has a well-presented breakdown, specifically highlighting benefits for restaurants and retail businesses. Here are some standout features that set Harbortouch apart:

• Tableside Ordering:

This feature allows servers to take orders directly at the table using an iPad app. Orders are instantly sent to the kitchen, improving efficiency and reducing order mistakes. It’s particularly useful in busy restaurants as it eliminates the need for servers to walk back and forth between tables and the POS station. The app’s interface matches the main POS system, providing a consistent and user-friendly experience for staff.

• Reservations:

Harbortouch includes a built-in reservation management system at no extra cost. This tool enables businesses to accept and manage reservations both online (via a unique URL) and through the POS. The system offers a drag-and-drop interface, calendar views, and the ability to send automatic text notifications to guests when their table is ready, helping streamline front-of-house operations without needing third-party services.

• Employee Management:

Harbortouch provides tools for managing staff, allowing business owners to track hours, monitor performance, and identify top performers. Timesheets can be easily edited, and permissions can be set with just a few clicks. The system also supports scheduling and overtime calculations, simplifying payroll and employee management.

• Inventory Management:

Harbortouch provides a simple system for managing inventory, allowing users to track raw materials and create purchase orders directly from the POS. This is especially beneficial for multi-location businesses, enabling inventory tracking across all sites from one platform. For businesses needing more advanced options, Harbortouch integrates with two external inventory management tools, offering features such as detailed stock tracking and automation.

• Delivery Features:

Harbortouch’s delivery management tools are designed to improve efficiency. The platform offers a dashboard to track the status of current orders and monitor completion times. It integrates with caller ID for quick customer identification and includes mapping and direction features, which are helpful for businesses providing delivery services. These tools help ensure deliveries are managed smoothly and on time.

• Loyalty Program:

Harbortouch has a robust loyalty system supporting gift cards and promotional offers. Users can track customer activity and reward repeat business. The loyalty system integrates with Mailchimp, allowing businesses to run targeted marketing campaigns using customer data. This feature helps retain customers and simplifies the setup of reward programs.

Hardware Options of Harbortouch

One standout feature of Harbortouch is its provision of free hardware to clients, setting it apart from competitors in the industry. An effective POS system requires a significant investment in hardware. Still, with Harbortouch, this concern is alleviated as they provide you with all the necessary equipment at no extra cost.

This complimentary POS program is particularly beneficial for those lacking the initial capital to invest in a new system, making it an attractive solution, especially with its one-year contract term. It’s important to note that while the basic hardware is free, optional add-ons, such as remote printers, KDS systems, digital scales, and barcode scanners, come with an additional monthly cost. Be mindful of this if you opt for these supplementary features.

Selecting the right Harbortouch POS system for your business involves identifying your industry’s specific needs and how each system can effectively meet those needs.

• Harbortouch Elite: Aimed at large operations like upscale restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and major retail stores, this top-tier product offers a robust suite of features. It includes a 15-inch touchscreen, barcode scanners, and receipt printers and integrates with the Lighthouse cloud for real-time data analytics. It supports complex functions such as menu programming and tableside ordering, making it suitable for managing large-scale business operations.
• Harbortouch Retail: This system is designed for retail settings and includes comprehensive inventory, employee management tools, and detailed reporting capabilities. It’s ideal for stores with large inventories like clothing and grocery stores. Features like layaway, vendor management, and flexible pricing help retailers manage extensive product ranges and streamline their operations.
• Harbortouch Echo: This more budget-friendly, tablet-based system is optimal for smaller businesses. Its simple interface is easy to use, making it a good choice for cafes, food trucks, and small retail outlets. It provides essential POS functionalities for businesses that are upgrading from traditional cash registers.
• Harbortouch QSR: Engineered for quick-service restaurants, this system is customized for speed and efficiency. It is suitable for fast-food outlets and pizza delivery services. It supports quick order processing and delivery management and integrates with caller ID systems to enhance service speed.
• Harbortouch Bar & Restaurant: Created for the bar and restaurant sector and recommended by Jon Taffer, this POS system includes menu management, tableside ordering, and online reservation capabilities. It also features comprehensive employee management and real-time reporting, essential for balancing front and back-of-house needs.
• Harbortouch Salon & Spa: This system caters to service-oriented businesses such as salons and spas. It supports appointment scheduling and customer management and tracks employee commissions, ideal for companies that effectively manage multiple services and client interactions.

Harbortouch POS Pricing Simplified

Harbortouch offers the new Onyx POS system alongside its mobile and tableside alternatives. Harbortouch provided clients with a choice between different POS systems, Elite POS, Salon/Spa, and Echo POS, which might still be available in addition to the newer options.

Product	Pricing
Free	Free
Elite	$39 per month
Retail	$49.99 per month
Echo	$29 per month
QSR	$39 per month
Bar & Restaurant	$29.99 per month
Salon & Spa	$49.99 per month

The Echo POS pricing structure involves a monthly fee of $29 per system, an installation fee of $150 for the first system, and $100 for each additional one. On the other hand, the Elite POS entails a $39 monthly fee per system. While there’s no explicit installation fee, a $250 upfront cost for additional wiring may apply.

Although neither agreement includes an early termination fee, businesses ending their contracts must adhere to the equipment return terms specified in the merchant agreement. Failure to comply may lead to an equipment return fee of $500.

Furthermore, both POS agreements outline an array of optional add-ons, each incurring additional monthly fees. These supplementary products and services can also be purchased outright at a one-time cost. Additionally, more economical items such as employee authorization cards, printers, and scanners are billed as one-time purchases.

In addition to its in-store payment processing services, Harbortouch provides details on the expenses associated with its virtual terminal and payment gateway services. For these services, Harbortouch charges 1.79% plus an additional $0.10 per transaction and a $0.35 batch fee.

Harbortouch operates exclusively with Shift4 Payments but supports all principal credit and debit cards, including PIN debit, EMV, NFC, Android Pay, and Apple Pay.

The rates for credit card processing can differ based on the nature of your business, your credit standing, and the Independent Sales Office (ISO) you select. Harbortouch employs a nationwide network of POS resellers and independent sales agents who have the autonomy to determine their pricing. Therefore, the cost of merchant services can fluctuate based on the specific quote you obtain.

Ease of Use of Harbortouch POS

Harbortouch is generally considered easy to use, though it presents some challenges. Its interface functions adequately but needs to have the modern aesthetics of newer systems. The layout of its buttons often confuses users, especially when working with complex items that have numerous modifiers or options. Customization is restricted; users must manually toggle between screens, which can become burdensome during busy periods.

However, the system offers straightforward features like check splitting and ticket management that enhance accuracy, benefiting many businesses. However, mastering the system likely requires more than a single shift, especially for those new to POS systems. The backend includes basic features, but beginners may need extra time for tutorials or help from support staff.

While those familiar with such systems might adjust quickly, newcomers may struggle with the steep learning curve.

Harbortouch POS – Customer Support And Security

Harbortouch offers a thorough support and security framework to help businesses operate efficiently. The company provides a detailed knowledge base on its website, featuring articles on key topics such as customer service, account maintenance, and terminal management. There are also instructional videos to assist with common tasks such as voiding tickets or managing employee time clocks. These resources are particularly helpful for training new employees or addressing minor issues.

Harbortouch provides 24/7 assistance via phone, email, and live chat for urgent support needs, which is crucial for businesses that operate outside standard business hours. However, some users have reported slow response times and unresolved issues during interactions with customer support.

Regarding security, Harbortouch complies with PCI standards, ensuring secure payment data handling. The system encrypts sensitive information during cloud transfers, reducing the risk of data breaches. Additionally, tokenization replaces stored card data with random values, which safeguards data even if accessed unauthorizedly. These security measures are intended to protect both businesses and their customers.

Despite these robust security protocols, some users have noted occasional software glitches that could impact service quality.

Customer Reviews Of Harbortouch

Harbortouch POS has encountered widespread grievances, with many users reporting similar and concerning issues. Despite the company addressing some of these concerns, recent reviews of Harbortouch merchant services continue to highlight the following problems:

• Software Freezes: Users frequently reported instances of system freezing, particularly during card transactions, which disrupted the purchasing process.
• Long-Term Contracts: Complaints revolved around the requirement of signing lengthy contracts, although the company has recently reduced the terms from three years to one year.
• Inadequate Customer Service: Many customers expressed frustration with prolonged hold times, ranging from 30 to 90 minutes, and unresolved issues even after speaking to representatives.

Integrations Of Harbortouch

Harbortouch POS is enhancing its integration capabilities but still offers fewer third-party options than some competitors. The system works with several well-known platforms, such as Uber Eats, Menufy, MailChimp, and DoorDash. These partnerships help businesses streamline operations by supporting online ordering, delivery management, and targeted marketing.

For example, integrations with Uber Eats and DoorDash allow restaurants to manage online orders directly through the Harbortouch POS, eliminating the need to use multiple systems. This integration simplifies order tracking and improves coordination between the kitchen and delivery services. The MailChimp integration enables businesses to create and automate email marketing campaigns using customer data from the POS, which helps in increasing customer engagement and retention.

While Harbortouch continues expanding its integrations, it does not yet offer as many options as other POS systems. However, for small—to medium-sized businesses, the available integrations generally meet the needs for effectively managing essential operational tasks.

These integrations and Harbortouch’s no-upfront-cost model make it a compelling option for businesses aiming to enhance efficiency and customer service without a large initial financial outlay.

Harbortouch POS Alternatives

In the sea of available point-of-sale options for businesses today, Harbortouch POS stands out with its accessible premium hardware and software. Let’s explore some other alternatives that entrepreneurs in the US might consider:

• Stripe

Stripe is a comprehensive solution that combines in-person payment capabilities with advanced online selling tools. If you’re looking to build an eCommerce platform with customizable payment processing and gateways, Stripe has you covered. Additionally, the platform maintains transparent pricing policies, making it easy to comprehend your financial obligations.

• Square

Known for its sleek, user-friendly POS systems, Square caters to various businesses, including restaurants and retail stores. It offers an array of mobile card reader options, making payment processing effortless for businesses of all sizes. If you prioritize transparent processing rates, affordable hardware, and user-friendly software, Square POS could be a solid alternative to Harbortouch POS.

• Clover

Clover shines for its user-friendly setup, intuitive interface, and diverse integrations available on the Clover app market. Every merchant account has tools to monitor earnings and gain insights into top-selling products and peak sales periods. Additionally, certain plans enable merchants to establish digital and physical gift cards, adding a layer of versatility to their services.

Conclusion – Overall Rating

Harbortouch POS provides a comprehensive solution for small- and medium-sized businesses with diverse operational needs. The system’s inclusion of free hardware and reasonable monthly fees makes it an appealing option, particularly for those without significant upfront capital. Its advanced features, such as tableside ordering, inventory management, and loyalty programs, are valuable for improving business efficiency.

However, limitations in customer service and reports of occasional system glitches may require careful consideration. While Harbortouch offers robust functionality, businesses should weigh the pros and cons, including contract terms and potential hidden fees, before committing to the platform. Overall, Harbortouch is a cost-effective option for businesses seeking to streamline operations but may be a better fit for those needing extensive third-party integrations or advanced customization options.

Frequently Asked Questions