Harbortouch POS System Review, Features & Pricing [2019]
Article by Chris Costi, Last update at June 27, 2022
Harbortouch online has been providing POS solutions to the restaurant industry for nearly 20 years and their emphasis is on 24/7 personal customer service, which is a big plus for business owners. The Harbortouch POS system is comes in two feature-rich options: the Echo and the Elite. Each package comes with different service charges as well as hardware and software.
Key Features
- Module based, easy to use software
- Cloud based reporting and POS management through LighthouseTM
- Suitable for small to medium sized businesses
- Payment technology supports all major credit/debit cards
- Step by step setup wizard
- Comprehensive training with optional installation
- No up-front fees, free equipment
- 30 day risk-free trial
Pricing
Harbortouch offers two packages that you can choose from.
The Echo package which has a service fee of $39 per month. This basic package includes cash drawer, receipt printer, integrated customer display, 5 employee cards and keyboard.
The Elite package has a $69 service fee per month and includes everything that the Echo package has, plus barcode scanner, 10 server cards and a 15” touch screen display. Add on accessories are available for both packages if required. There are no upfront costs for hardware or software, but you will have to sign a minimum 3 year contract which will incur a hefty early termination fee. An annual fee of $79 for Echo POS and $99 for the Elite package is charged as a PCI compliance fee.
These are the company’s official terms. Independent sales agents that are employed by Harbortouch could charge more, so be aware of this and make sure you are charged the right price. As a rule, it is advised not to get involved in lengthy contracts, and this would apply to those merchants that have enough startup capital to purchase their POS hardware upfront.
For those that need help at the start of their business, this unusual price structure could be a blessing. As with all contracts it is wise to read the fine print so that you are fully aware of the extra charges that could be charged in the event of early termination.
Things To Note
Unregulated or unsupervised agents reselling Harbortouch products and services have been known to conveniently leave out the early termination charges and concentrate on the ‘free equipment’ that is promised when signing up to make a sale. The company’s contracts do however state all the possible charges and it makes business sense to read these before signing. Many of the online complaints are due to misinterpretation of the ‘free equipment’ deal which require a 3 year signed contract which is automatically renewed.
Harbortouch offers a 30 day free trial period. If you cancel after the free trial is over you will be charged for the full cost of the agreement. This is particularly painful for businesses that close down as they will still be liable to pay the full contract price. Cancellation within the 30 day trial will incur the cost of shipping the equipment back to Harbortouch. Using independent sales agents to sell their products is a standard practice within this industry.
Harbortouch vouches for their sales agents saying that they are given extensive training and any agent found to be misleading merchants will be dealt with swiftly and efficiently.
In A Nutshell
Harbortouch Echo and Elite POS packages offer a reliable and functional POS system for all businesses in the food industry and is perfect for advanced retailers. It is suitable for small to medium sized businesses and their software can be customized for bars and restaurants, retail stores, fast food outlets, salons and spas. Their high rating on the BBB is an indication of the quality of their customer service.
Establishing a merchant account with Harbortouch is simple and they offer competitive processing rates. With Harbortouch payment processing you will be able to accept payments from all major credit or debit cards as well as EMV chip cards and NFC mobile payments.
If what you are looking for is a reliable POS system without having to fork out a small fortune for the equipment needed to run this system, Harbortouch might be the best solution for you. You will justifiably have to sign a three year renewable contract with them which in fact pays for the ‘free’ equipment they offer.
LETS DIVE DEEPER
Harbortouch started out as a merchant account provider in 1999. Based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the company offers card processing services, POS systems, and electronic cash registers to merchants in the USA. The company is a registered ISO/MSP of First National Bank of Omaha and was founded by its CEO, Jared Isaacman.
HARBORTOUCH SOFTWARE
Harbortouch POS software offers all the features you would expect in a good POS system. Some of the advanced features included are multiple payment processing options, sales management, commission sales, consignments and layaways, gift registries and rentals. It also provides an internal clock that can be used with its employee management tools. Harbortouch POS is geared for the restaurant business with great management tools like tables, touch screen ordering, and inventory.
LighthouseTM gives you immediate access to all your account reports at any time from any internet connection. You will be able to follow in real time all your sales and financial reports including employee reports. Remote access will enable you to make changes or even update-menus from wherever you are. Harbortouch provides traditional ECR and touchscreens as well as mobile and wireless processing. Ideal software is available for Bars with easily applied bar tabs, discounts, coupons and automatic discounts at the point of sale.
HARBORTOUCH HARDWARE
Harbortouch offers high-quality hardware with the signing of a 3-year contract. You can add to this by purchasing compatible equipment if required. The Casio Electronic cash register has integrated credit card processing and is available at no cost. It comes complete with a cash drawer, receipt printer and customer display and is the perfect solution for any retail or restaurant business. Harbortouch also promises a lifetime guarantee on this cash register with free replacement if it malfunctions. Electronic cash registers come with a payment terminal for card payments. The keypad on this electronic cash register can be customized and set up to suit your type of business.
Terminals that are supplied with the POS system include the VX 520 EMV & NFC Terminal and the S90 Wireless terminal which allows you to accept payments anywhere. These terminals are programmed to accept all major cards including EMV chip cards and mobile wallets. There is also the choice of HarborPay which enables you to accept payments through your phone with a free credit card reader and mobile app.
PAYMENT PROCESSING OPTIONS & SECURITY
Payment processing options include EMV chip cards which include an embedded microprocessor with advanced security features. Harbortouch also supports near field communication (NFC) technology which allows you to receive payment from Apple Pay™, Android Pay™ or other mobile wallets. All forms of payment are possible with Harbortouch payment processing. Customized gift and loyalty card are available which can be professionally designed with custom artwork and images to suit your type of business.
Check guarantee systems are in place to scan your customers’ checks against a database to avoid bounced checks and mobile payments through NFC enabled phones are also accepted. Harbortouch even offers an ATM solution by supplying equipment and installation of a functioning ATM at your place of business. For all merchants, internet-based or on the ground businesses can rest assured that Harbortouch uses a secure payment gateway with Authorize.Net. This e-commerce solution will integrate with your existing website easily and safely.
HARBORTOUCH HELP AND SUPPORT
You can order your POS system from Harbortouch with just the cost of shipping. This is ideal for those who do not have sufficient startup capital. Depending on which package you choose you will receive the hardware and software needed to get you up and running. Once you have signed their 3-year contract which is automatically renewed you will be able to receive your package with a monthly fee which will allow you to pay for the equipment over a long period of time.
Harbortouch offers training and helps to get you started. Processing rates for payments can be negotiated even though Harbortouch charges are well within the average industry rates. For short term financing, Harbortouch offers a cash advance to qualifying merchants of up to one million dollars. This is a solution offered to those who need a cash advance to get their business started. Harbortouch offers a support team that provides training and they can help you install your menu and inventory items. Help is also close at hand with helpful videos, user guides, and telephonic, email and online chat support.
Harbortouch Best Features
- Module based, easy to use software
Advanced features included are multiple payment processing options, sales management, commission sales, consignments and layaways, gift registries and rentals. It also provides an internal clock that can be used with its employee management tools.
- Cloud-based reporting and POS management through LighthouseTM
LighthouseTM gives you immediate access to all your account reports at any time from any internet connection. You will be able to follow in real time all your sales and financial reports including employee reports. Remote access will enable you to make changes or even update-menus from wherever you are.
- Payment technology supports all major credit/debit cards
Payment processing options include EMV chip cards which include an embedded microprocessor with advanced security features. Harbortouch also supports near field communication (NFC) technology which allows you to receive payment from Apple Pay™, Android Pay™ or other mobile wallets.
- Comprehensive training with an optional installation
Harbortouch offers a support team that provides training and they can help you install your menu and inventory items. Help is also close at hand with helpful videos, user guides, and telephonic, email and online chat support. They boast a 24/7 in house customer service.
- No up-front fees, free equipment, and 30-day risk-free trial
There are no upfront costs for hardware or software, but you will have to sign a minimum 3-year contract. This is ideal for merchants who do not have the funds to pay for the equipment up front. You can also take advantage of Harbortouch’s offers of a 30-day risk-free trial.
