SkyTab POS

SkyTab POS Review

Updated as of June, 2023

Overview of SkyTab POS

The SkyTab POS system (formerly Harbortouch Bar & Restaurant) is a new cloud-based point of sale solution by Shift4. Shift4 owns and operates other POS products like Harbortouch, Future POS, POSitouch, and Restaurant Manager POS.

SkyTab was created to fill Shift4’s product gap with a cloud-based POS solution and will be their main point of sale product moving forward.

SkyTab is an all-in-one platform that will help you manage every aspect of your business, from taking orders and payments to tracking inventory and customers. With SkyTab, you’ll have everything you need to run your restaurant smoothly and efficiently.

SkyTab comes with a back office portal called Lighthouse with reporting and analytics tools to help take the guesswork out of business decisions and improve your operations to boost your bottom line.

It features a POS management system that allows you to change your menu on the fly from anywhere. The labor management features help you track hours, edit timesheets, calculate overtime, and manage job-based permissions. An InCharge mobile app gives you real-time business insights on the go, so you’re always connected to your back office.

The POS hardware, including the workstation and mobile device, are commercial-grade, designed to handle demanding restaurant environments, and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Skytab POS Features

• All-in-one platform for managing every aspect of your restaurant
• Accept orders and pay at the table
• Accept orders online
• Online reservations
• Back office portal with reporting and analytics tools
• POS management system for changing menu on the fly
• Labor management features for tracking hours, editing timesheets, calculating overtime, and managing job-based permissions
• InCharge mobile app for real-time business insights
• POS hardware is commercial-grade and designed for demanding environments
• Lifetime warranty on POS hardware
• Loyalty and email marketing
• 24/7 customer support
• Onsite installation

Is Best For

SkyTab is best for restaurants of all types and sizes. Here are a few restaurant types that would be a good fit.

• Full-service restaurants
• Quick-service restaurants
• Pizzerias
• Coffee shops
• Multi-location & enterprise
• Bars & Nightclubs

The POS solution can work at the enterprise level with everything you need to run an operation. It’s designed to scale, so it will also work well for franchises and enterprise-level restaurants.

SkyTab POS Pros vs. Cons

Let’s look at the pros and cons of the SkyTab POS system to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your restaurant.

PROS:

-No upfront cost

-Can be used with almost any type of restaurant

-Monthly/yearly fees are often lower than other POS systems

-The system is very user-friendly and easy to learn

-Technical support is readily available

CONS:

-The system may not have all the features that some businesses need

-Some businesses may prefer a more traditional POS system over a cloud-based system

-There will be a learning curve for some users when first using the system

-Requires a contract and must use Shift4 payment processing

SkyTab POS Pricing

While the pricing isn’t published online, we expect the price to be $29.99 per month/per terminal with no upfront cost for the hardware and software.

You’ll need to speak to an authorized Shift4 partner or contact Shift4 directly to request a quote.

Our Verdict

Shift4 is a proven leader in the point-of-sale industry, and we like that they are moving to a single cloud-based platform to unify all their technology offerings with SkyTab.

Moving to a cloud-based POS solution will provide users with many more benefits and features and be easy to use for your restaurant staff.

We like the pricing model with no upfront cost, but you must sign an agreement and use Shift4’s payment processing services to join the program. The agreement is for one (1) year, with no early termination fees.

Shift4’s Harbortouch does have a checkered past with some customers due to long agreements and hard-to-exit contracts. We’re confident the new SkyTab agreement will eliminate some users’ concerns.

Based on our findings, we believe SkyTab will be a leading POS solution and have everything most restaurants need to operate successfully. We will update the review as more information becomes available.

Top Alternatives to SkyTab

Toast POS
TouchBistro POS