Harbortouch Review

The Harbortouch point-of-sale systems offer high-end solutions at no cost when you sign up for a qualifying merchant account. Harbortouch offers two main POS solutions - the Elite and the Echo.

The Echo is a tablet-based system using proprietary software and integrated hardware designed for businesses on the go, while the Elite combines the best of the best in order to create a fully-functioning POS system suitable for any bar, restaurant, or retailer.

Both systems utilize Harbortouch’s hardware, which is leased to business owners within the monthly software subscription rate, no up-front cost required. As you can see from this screenshot from Harbortouch’s website, the company suggests the right system for particular industries:

Harbortouch recommends the Echo for basic retailers, kiosks, frozen yogurt or ice cream shops, food trucks, and counter service restaurants and cafes. Harbortouch recommends the Elite for casual or fine dining (sit down) restaurants, bars and nightclubs, quick serve restaurants and food delivery, or salons and spas. Harbortouch suggests its new Checkout system (which utilizes the Elite POS) for retailers.

Harbortouch Checkout

The Harbortouch Checkout is the newest POS solution available from Harbortouch. Checkout is specifically geared toward retailers and offers payment functions, inventory management, and reporting capabilities. The Checkout solution runs on the Elite 3 POS, so it’s not technically a different system – it’s just packaged a little differently.

You’ll benefit from the features available with the Elite system as noted in this review.

What You’ll Need

To use the Harbortouch POS system, you’ll need the software with compatible hardware (available through Harbortouch) and a merchant account with the company. You may also need additional accessories if you’re looking for specific things like the ability to weigh produce or frozen yogurt.

Harbortouch POS Features

Harbortouch Echo and Elite POS systems have advanced yet easy-to-use features that make operating them a breeze. From 24/7 reporting capabilities to check services to table management, these POS systems really can do it all. Cloud-based software helps everyone in the business stay connected at all times. Harbortouch Elite allows you to manage multiple different operations throughout your business. Accept cash, checks, and cards, track inventory, manage timesheets, and place orders all within one easy-to-use program.

Kitchen Printing

For restaurants, Harbortouch has both stationary and mobile printers available, including ones with thermal imaging. Info can be sent directly to the kitchen so cooks can see orders coming and going, keeping everything running smoothly.

Store and Forward Mode

Harbortouch Elite and Echo POS systems are cloud-based, and always connected. However, if an Internet connection were to go down, you can still use the system. It will simply store the info, and your data will be updated as soon as you have a connection again.

Management Features

Harbortouch allows you to easily take care of different aspects associated with managing your business. A built-in timeclock offers convenient employee pinch in and punch out and options to set commissions for employees are available, too. Inventory management functions let you easily keep track of your stock levels. Harbortouch offers the ability to sort inventory by department, brand, SKU and other variables as well as searching inventory that is below minimum quantities.

Gift Registries and Layaway

If you’re in a business that wants to offer gift registries or wish lists, you can set that up through Harbortouch as well. Customers can add items to their own list, or print someone else’s list and shop for items on it. If you want to offer layaway, Harbortouch can help set up and manage lawayay infroamtion.

Customer Database

Harbortouch POS includes a customer database for keeping track of purchase history, contact information, and more. The customer database can be used to track purchasing patterns and identify your best customers so you can use the information for loyalty programs. The database is exportable for marketing campaigns.

Harbortouch POS Reporting

Harbortouch offers cloud-based reporting and POS management through Lighthouse, an online dashboard tool. You can access sales reports on the POS hardware or remotely, track and manage employees, view statements, and run hundreds of different analytic reports. All of the reports can be obtained 24/7 from anywhere you have internet access and can be emailed in multiple formats, including Excel, CSV, and QuickBooks.

Harbortouch POS Pricing

The Harbortouch Echo starts at $39/month and includes the POS software, 13.3" touchscreen display, a card reader, cash drawer, receipt printer, 5 employee cards, and a keyboard.

The Harbortouch Elite starts at $69/month with the base package including everything in the Echo system plus a retail barcode scanner, 10 employee cards, and mouse. The Elite features a 15" touchscreen display. There are no upfront costs for machines or installation, but there may be additional fees for add-on software or accessories.

Harbortouch Checkout costs $49/month per terminal. You’ll also pay a $20/month service fee, meaning it's functionally the same cost as the Elite system. These costs are in addition to the rates and fees your processor sets for accepting credit and debit cards. The Checkout system includes a customer display, Elite 3 POS system, barcode scanner, cash drawer, receipt printer, and a chip card-capable reader.

Harbortouch Pricing for Credit Card Processing

Harbortouch Payments accepts major credit cards, PIN-based debit cards, and NFC technologies like Apple Pay. The system can be utilized with existing equipment or the company’s, which is available to you at no extra cost. The company provides information about rates starting around 1.39% on debit and check cards and 1.79% on credit cards, both with a $0.20 transaction fee, depending on type of business and volume. Note that this likely indicates a tiered pricing model, and you may experience much higher costs.

If you’d like to compare offers for processing from leading companies, our quote request tool lets you get custom quotes from as many companies as you’d like. The no-obligation tool is free and private, so you can check pricing specific to your business without pressure from sales reps.

Harbortouch POS Accessories

Harbortouch offers many different accessories and add-ons, to further customize your solution. Available accessories include produce scales, PIN pads, barcode scanners, and even ATMs. Software add-ons include an online reporting tool, customizable loyalty programs, and check guarantee services.