EMV-COMPLIANT

Pay-at-the-table is a critical component of the new EMV requirements. However, the only pay-at-the-table solutions currently on the market require costly equipment for the merchant. Harbortouch has solved pay-at-the-table with Perkwave and Apple Pay.

MOBILE LOYALTY & REWARDS

The Perkwave app also includes loyalty and rewards functionality to encourage customers to pay with the app, frequent the restaurant more often and find other local businesses that are enabled to accept Perkwave’s embedded Apple Pay technology.

SEAMLESS INTEGATION

Perkwave is integrated with Harbortouch POS so the entire transaction is as seamless as any other payment type. All receipts at Harbortouch Hospitality POS locations will print with a special code that customers can scan or enter with the Perkwave app. The bill will appear on the screen and the customer can finalize the entire payment process through the app. The payment will automatically sync to the Harbortouch POS system for a seamless transaction experience.

How does it work?

LEARN MORE AT WWW.PERKWAVE.COM

• In-Person Apple Pay Transactions - The Apple Pay in-person payment option will be available at any new or existing Harbortouch merchant using the company’s NFC-enabled Perkwave Terminal. Customers can simply tap their iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus or Apple Watch near the contactless NFC reader at these locations to pay.
• Advanced Apple Pay Integration - Merchants using Harbortouch’s Hospitality POS system will be able to participate in advanced Apple Pay initiatives that will be announced at the end of the month. This upcoming program is sure to transform the way consumers conduct payments in the hospitality and restaurant environment.

What is Apple Pay?

Apple Pay offers an easy, convenient and secure way for customers to pay at compatible merchantlocations. It will be available on the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Watch starting in October and it works with most of the major credit and debit cards from the top US banks. Apple Pay uses a “tokenization” process to mask any sensitive payment information during transactions. This process creates a dynamic, one-time security code for each transaction so that the actual credit or debit card number is never shared or transmitted. This tokenization process, along with the Secure Element and the TouchID fingerprint sensor on the mobile device, deliver an extremely secure payment experience.

This announcement follows the recent unveiling of a new and improved generation of the company’s Elite POS system as well as the introduction of a new “tablet killer” Echo POS system.

“When we announced the latest generation of our Elite POS system, everyone was expecting us to raise the price due to the numerous improvements included in the new equipment. Instead, we have gone in the opposite direction and lowered the overall cost of ownership. We have made dramatic improvements to our Elite equipment with the introduction of Elite II, and we have now reduced the merchant’s commitment and cost considerably. These changes make the industry’s best free POS program even more compelling,” states Harbortouch CEO Jared Isaacman.

The new Elite hardware features considerable improvements in terms of both performance and appearance. The CPU in the new Elite hardware has been upgraded from a dual-core processor to quad-core, resulting in 276% faster processing speed than its predecessor. The standard hard drive has also been replaced with a solid state drive (SSD), which extends the life of the hard drive and transfers data 3 times faster than a standard hard drive. The new Elite features an all-aluminum construction, slimmer card reader, dual hinges for more flexible positioning and an overall thinner design. In fact, the monitor is over an inch thinner than the previous Elite model. Elite II also has end-to-end encryption and a brand new payments software module utilizing host capture and tokenization for maximum security.

“Apple Pay is now available to tens of millions of consumers across the US, and Harbortouch has worked proactively to ensure that our merchants are able to support these potential customers through the Perkwave app,” explains Harbortouch CEO Jared Isaacman.
The Perkwave app improves the customer experience by enabling staff to spend more time serving customers instead of closing out checks, and by allowing customers to pay whenever they’re ready instead of having to wait for a server. This streamlined payment process also increases overall speed of service for participating restaurants.

Over 10,000 restaurants across the nation with Harbortouch POS systems will be ready to accept Apple Pay through the Perkwave app. All receipts at these locations will print with a special code that customers can scan or enter with the Perkwave app. The app allows the customer to finalize the entire payment process, including adding a tip, and they will receive an electronic receipt. The payment will automatically sync to the Harbortouch POS system for a seamless transaction experience.

The app also includes loyalty and rewards functionality to encourage customers to pay with the app, frequent the restaurant more often and find other local businesses that are enabled to accept Perkwave’s embedded Apple Pay technology.

In addition to these benefits, the Perkwave app’s pay-at-the-table feature, using Apple Pay technology, provides a simple way for restaurants to comply with impending EMV regulations. “Pay-at-the-table is a critical component of the new EMV requirements. However, the only pay-at-the-table solutions currently on the market require costly equipment for the merchant,” notes Isaacman. “Now, the Perkwave app delivers a far better solution for our restaurant clients. The Perkwave app, using Apple Pay technology, is the first and only offering that has effectively solved the pay-at-the-table problem for US restaurants.”

“Harbortouch was an early adopter and developer of the Apple Pay technology and, as such, has been able to integrate this functionality on a deep level into our POS systems. We have embraced this new technology and have committed to offering this pay-at-the-table functionality along with all of the mobile rewards features to our merchants at no cost for at least the next six months while Apple Pay adoption is still building momentum,” Isaacman states.

Apple Pay offers a convenient, secure and private way for customers to pay with their Apple iPhone. Apple Pay works with most of the major credit and debit cards from the top US banks and uses a “tokenization” process to mask any sensitive payment information during transactions. This process creates a dynamic, one-time security code for each transaction so that the actual credit or debit card number is never shared or transmitted. This tokenization process works with the Secure Element and the TouchID fingerprint sensor on the mobile device to deliver an extremely secure payment experience.

Harbortouch offers their touch-screen POS systems through a revolutionary “free POS program” that supplies a full-featured POS system to restaurants and retail businesses with no up-front cost.

For more information on the Perkwave pay-at-the-table solution powered by Apple Pay, visit www.perkwave.com.

Allentown, PA (10/15/14) – Harbortouch, a leading national point of sale (POS) system and merchant services provider, has unveiled Harbortouch Echo, a sleek, built-for-purpose POS system that is considered a “tablet killer”. Harbortouch Echo combines the power and functionality of a traditional POS system with the simplicity and sleek design of a tablet-based system. The company has also redesigned its flagship Harbortouch “Elite” system with a thinner profile, streamlined design and dramatically improved performance over its predecessor. Both systems are offered as part of the company’s ground-breaking free POS system program.

“In recent years, there has been a lot of attention surrounding tablet-based mPOS systems,” notes Harbortouch CEO Jared Isaacman. “However, we have started to see a backlash against these tablet systems as merchants realize their limitations. These systems utilize underpowered consumer hardware and have limited software functionality both on the front-end and back-end. They often lack key features that businesses need to operate efficiently and offer limited back-end reporting capabilities. Harbortouch Echo delivers an answer to these problems in terms of both hardware and software.”

“The Echo software includes all of the front-end and back-end features businesses need, with functionality for both retail businesses and restaurants. There are no two businesses that are exactly alike,” Isaacman stresses. As a result, Harbortouch has developed unique module-based software for the Echo system which allows businesses to hide features they don’t need in order maintain an uncluttered interface for simplicity and ease of use. This allows the business to make the system as simple or advanced as they require. This approach also enables the software to scale with the business.

“Our built-for-purpose hardware is custom manufactured to stand up to the rigors of everyday use in high traffic restaurant and retail environments,” Isaacman noted. Harbortouch Echo has an all-in-one design and brushed aluminum finish for maximum durability and a sleek, modern appearance. It features a 13.3” screen to deliver better usability compared to the considerably smaller screen size of the tablets in the marketplace today. The Echo’s base can swivel to allow the customer to sign on-screen for credit card transactions.

The redesigned Elite model shares the same sleek appearance and modern design elements as Harbortouch Echo to create a uniform style across the company’s equipment lines. Harbortouch Elite features a 15” screen and includes more advanced features than Harbortouch Echo to cater to larger restaurants and retail stores. Three software options are available for Harbortouch Elite: Hospitality, Retail and QSR & Delivery.

Both models utilize hybrid cloud technology to provide the benefits offered by the cloud such as real-time reporting and redundant back-up while maintaining the advantages of a local system including faster speed and the ability to operate if the Internet goes down.

In addition, Harbortouch has also developed a proprietary networking technology called HTNET that creates an encrypted wireless network at the business’s location to deliver superior reliability and security compared to traditional Wi-Fi.

Another reason that many merchants have become disenchanted with tablet systems is the lack of support offered by their providers. Isaacman points out, “Most of these tablet systems are developed by startup companies who don’t have experience in the industry or have the ability to adequately support their customers. Merchants can’t afford to wait for someone to get back to them if their system has a problem or they need additional training for new staff. In our 15 years in business, Harbortouch has had time to learn our customers’ needs and establish the support infrastructure required. We offer 24/7 customer support and extensive training and support resources.”

Tablet systems have appealed to many business owners due to the perceived low cost compared to traditional POS systems. However, mPOS systems typically require a surprisingly significant up-front investment in addition to an ongoing monthly service fee. “For example, in order to get set up with Square Register, a business owner needs to spend $500 for the tablet itself, $100 for the stand, $230 for a cash drawer, $220 for a receipt printer, and $120 for a barcode scanner. Those prices are directly from the company’s website and are pretty standard among most of the tablet providers.” Isaacman notes, “That’s nearly $1,200 before the merchant even gets started and then they’re on the hook for a monthly fee in the $79-$99 range for as long as they use the service.”

Harbortouch’s free POS program, on the other hand, provides merchants with all the equipment they need to get started with absolutely no up-front costs. With this unique POS-as-a-service model, the only charge to the business is a monthly service fee of $69 per month for Harbortouch Elite or $39 per month for Harbortouch Echo. This program represents the lowest cost of ownership for any POS system on the market. “In addition to the dramatic cost advantages, this approach offers many other significant benefits to the merchant such as free software updates and feature upgrades, access to innovative new services as they are released, 24/7 support, and most notably, free equipment replacements if their system ever breaks or malfunctions for as long as they’re processing with Harbortouch.” Isaacman adds, “This lifetime warranty on the equipment is unheard of in the POS industry and offers a tremendous value for any business.”

Harbortouch’s unique position as a provider of both POS systems and payment processing services ensures that the company’s customers will always be able to support the latest payment technology such as EMV, NFC and Apple Pay™. Harbortouch has also developed numerous innovative technology add-ons for its POS systems including online ordering, online reservations and tableside ordering.

Harbortouch Echo will be available in November 2014.

For more information on Harbortouch’s free POS program, visit www.harbortouch.com.

Allentown, PA (9/18/14)

The online menu syncs with the restaurant’s existing POS menu, so the initial setup process is quick and easy. Restaurateurs can select from various customization options to tailor the service for their needs including the ability to customize the look of their menu to match their own brand. Since the online menu is integrated with the business’s existing POS menu, any menu changes on the POS system are automatically updated online as well.

The online menu can be accessed directly through the restaurant’s existing website using a custom URL. In addition to placing orders on the site, the secure service allows customers to pay for their order with a credit card. The restaurant receives an instant notification when a new order is received online. This notification can be sent by email, on the POS system and/or by automatically printing an order slip in the kitchen. There is even Google Maps integration for delivery orders, including automated delivery charges based on geographic zone.

In addition to providing a convenient way for customers to order and pay online, the service increases sales and enables restaurants to build a customer database for marketing and loyalty purposes.

Harbortouch CEO Jared Isaacman states, “We are always looking for ways to add value for our customers by innovating and adding new features to our POS systems. This online ordering solution adds to the numerous other value-added services we offer such as our free online reservations module, our integration with Tabbedout mobile payments, and Lighthouse, our cloud-based POS management system.”

The industry-leading Harbortouch POS system is offered as part of the revolutionary “free POS program” that supplies a full-featured POS system to restaurants and retail businesses with no up-front cost.

Harbortouch CEO Jared Isaacman states, “We are really excited about the unveiling of Apple’s new payment initiative. Harbortouch has been working for some time now on advanced integration with this technology. Many organizations will be advertising their compatibility with just the NFC functionality of Apple Pay. That has always been the easy part for Harbortouch and the rest of the industry. However, Harbortouch was one of the select few organizations that were involved in the pre-announcement development programs. As a result of this considerable head start and existing market penetration in the POS system sector, we will be announcing a ground-breaking new program at our Accelerate 2014 Sales Conference in New Orleans on October 2. Our new program, operating in sync with Apple Pay, is sure to transform the way consumers conduct payments in the hospitality and restaurant environment.”

Apple Pay will be available on all iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models as well as the Apple Watch. It offers a convenient, secure and private way for customers to pay at compatible merchant locations. Apple Pay works with most of the major credit and debit cards from the top US banks. Apple Pay uses a “tokenization” process to mask any sensitive payment information during transactions. This process creates a dynamic, one-time security code for each transaction so that the actual credit or debit card number is never shared or transmitted.  This tokenization process works with with the Secure Element and the TouchID fingerprint sensor on the mobile device to deliver an extremely secure payment experience.

Harbortouch offers their touch-screen POS systems through a revolutionary “free POS program” that supplies a full-featured POS system to restaurants and retail businesses with no up-front cost. For more information about Harbortouch or to begin accepting Apple Pay at your business, visit www.harbortouch.com.

ALLENTOWN, PA (8/27/14) – Harbortouch has recently earned its sixth appearance on Inc. Magazine’s list of the fastest growing private companies in the nation for 2014. Harbortouch (formerly listed as United Bank Card) first appeared on the prestigious list in 2005 with an impressive debut at number 19. This was due to extraordinary revenue growth of 2,319% between 2001 and 2004. A year later, the company hit another milestone when it was ranked 6th, with 3,845% revenue growth over the previous three years. That 2006 ranking was a landmark achievement for the Inc. 500 list itself, earning Harbortouch the prestige of being the highest ranked company to ever appear on the list more than once. Harbortouch followed with three more consecutive appearances on the list in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and now returns to the list for a sixth year.

Harbortouch CEO Jared Isaacman states, “It’s obviously difficult for any company to sustain the same level of growth as they mature from a start-up to a well-established business, but we have managed to continue expanding over the years by producing innovative products and valuable services that have resonated in the market.”

“Our latest growth spurt has been the result of our company’s pivot from a traditional credit card processor to an industry-leading touch-screen point-of-sale (POS) system manufacturer. Specifically, we were able to disrupt the stagnant POS market by offering our products using a unique sales model. Our ‘free POS program’ enables small to medium sized restaurants and retail businesses to obtain cutting-edge POS systems with no upfront costs. This equipment traditionally cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 per system and represented a significant investment for merchants. POS systems offer countless benefits in terms of operational efficiency as well as valuable insights through advanced reporting functionality, but the high cost of this equipment often made it difficult for SMB’s to afford. We have effectively made this powerful technology accessible to all sizes and types of businesses.”

Harbortouch CEO Jared Isaacman states, “Traditionally, many POS systems required a dedicated back-office PC to run reports or make updates to the menu. With the technology available today, it only made sense to eliminate this antiquated requirement and deliver a cloud-based solution in the form of Lighthouse. Over time, we have continued to make improvements to Lighthouse and version 3.0 delivers the biggest upgrade yet.”

With this release, Harbortouch Retail merchants now have the ability to remotely access a number of real-time POS reports online. Further, these reports are now updated in real-time and merchants have the ability to set up email subscriptions for their favorite reports. Merchants will also now be able to order gift cards and processing supplies, and track POS or accessory orders online.

In addition to these functional improvements, the back-end infrastructure has been completely rebuilt to deliver a more secure, reliable and scalable platform. Further, the online interface has been redesigned to be more intuitive and deliver a better user experience. The online site is also now mobile-friendly to be accessed via smartphones and tablet devices.

The industry-leading Harbortouch POS system is offered as part of the revolutionary “free POS program” that supplies a full-featured POS system to restaurants and retail businesses with no up-front cost.

With Harbortouch sales reports, business owners can filter by sales figures, product, brand, profit, and time period, as well as other data points. The reports help answer a wide range of questions:

• Sales by product: Which products are the most popular? Which ones might you consider phasing out?
• Timing of sales: Do sales of certain products peak during particular months or seasons?
• Brand popularity: Are there certain brands that are particularly popular with your customers? Reports may help you identify trends that are hard to recognize by simple observation.
• Promotional data: Did you run sales and promotions during a particular time frame that were especially successful? Or did particular products contribute to a promotion’s success?

Harbortouch customer reports offer insights such as:

• Sales volume: Who are your biggest customers?
• Product preferences: What are your customers’ favorite products and brands?
• Purchase date(s): When do they shop? All year long? For certain holidays? During certain months?
• VIP customers: Who are your most loyal customers?

The more you understand your customers’ buying habits, the better you can plan to have what they want to buy, when they want to buy it. And you can better predict new products they might like.

Combining the inventory reports, your customers’ buying data, and the sales data from the sales reports enables you to:

• Set minimum on-hand quantities for your most popular products.
• Choose new lines of products and brands.
• Target sales materials to products’ peak sales periods.
• Create high-impact direct marketing campaigns by exporting a list of your best customers based on their buying preferences.

Harbortouch reports can help you understand your customers and your business better to improve every customer’s shopping experience. Remember – satisfied customers are loyal customers, and loyal customers are the foundation of a successful, profitable business.

To learn more about the reporting capabilities offered by a Harbortouch POS system, contact us here.