SkyTab Review

Shift4 launched SkyTab POS in 2019. Targeted specifically for the food service industry, SkyTab promoted that the new POS system promised an intuitive point-of-sale functionality with seamless payment processing.

Shift4 Payments, the company behind SkyTab POS, has a history that predates its current name. Founded in 1998 as Harbortouch, the company initially focused on providing payment processing solutions and point-of-sale systems to small businesses.  In 2018, Harbortouch rebraned as Shift4 Payments. This change was marketed by the company as new chapter promising a renewed focus on innovation and expansion of its payment solutions. Others have suggested the rebrand was an effort to shed Harbortouch’s negative online reputation, which was fueled by complaints about costs, hidden fees, and faulty equipment.

Mobile Point-of-Sale

SkyTab is a portable device designed for restaurants, incorporating Point-of-Sale (POS) functionality. It allows servers or staff to take orders directly at the table, streamlining the ordering process. The device also has the capability to print receipts, functioning as a fully operational mobile POS terminal.

Integrated Payments

SkyTab integrates smoothly with a restaurant‘s payment processing system. It supports all major credit and debit cards, along with contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. The device uses advanced encryption and tokenization technology to ensure secure transactions.

Order and Pay at the Table

A key feature of SkyTab is its ability to facilitate ordering and payment directly at the table. Customers can view the menu, place orders, and pay their bills using the device.

Customer Engagement and Feedback

SkyTab includes features for enhancing customer engagement. After completing a transaction, customers can rate their service and provide feedback on the device. It also offers the option to send digital receipts via email, which is an eco-friendly alternative to paper receipts. This feature can help businesses collect customer email addresses for future marketing, with customer consent.

Online Ordering and Delivery Integration

SkyTab integrates with a restaurant’s online ordering and delivery systems, consolidating all orders in one place to ensure accurate and timely delivery to customers.

Integration with Other POS Systems

SkyTab is compatible with other POS systems, including the Harbortouch POS system, another product by Shift4 Payments. This compatibility allows for seamless integration of mobile and stationary POS functionalities within a business.

New Company, Few Reviews

Given SkyTab’s recent emergence, there are very few SkyTab reviews available, none of which raise significant alarms. However, it’s noteworthy that there are several negative reviews for both Shift4 Payments and Harbortouch. Business owners contemplating SkyTab may find it beneficial to conduct further research on Shift4 Payments.

SkyTab Customer Support Options

SkyTab offers various customer support channels, including an extensive training and tech support database for employees and managers, a customer support form, live chat, and 24/7/365 phone support. As there have been no reported complaints about SkyTab’s customer support, it appears that their services align well with those offered by our top-rated providers for great customer service.

PaymentPop Rating for SkyTab POS

Negative Feedback

There are no negative reviews published about SkyTab POS on the PaymentPop website.

Skytab BBB Rating

SkyTab does not have its own profile with the BBB. However, Shift4 Payments is showing an “A+” and has been accredited since 2013. Shift4 has had 179 complaints in the last 3 years. Shift4 has a 1.09 out of 5 star rating based on 46 user reviews on the Better Business Bureau website.

Shift4 has also received 20 reviews in the last 3 years, all but 1 of which is negative. Many of the reviews are about the back-end of payments, however some do mention Shift4’s POS systems. The most recent such review mentions issues with cost:

Equipment leases can be one of the most costly contract terms in any contract.

No Grade

Since most of the complaints and reviews for Shift4 are not for SkyTab and it is difficult to know whether the ones that mention a POS system are for SkyTab or Harbortouch, we will not be including the BBB’s reports in our score.

Trustpilot Rating for SkyTab

SkyTab has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating based on 92 user reviews on Trustpilot.

Transparent Pricing Model

SkyTab presents a compelling offer with a straightforward pricing model. For a monthly fee of $29.99, customers supposedly gain access to a comprehensive suite of services, including POS software with all future updates, POS hardware backed by a lifetime warranty, 24/7 customer support, cloud-based back office reporting and POS management, and a robust mobile app for accessing reporting and analytics. While this pricing seems attractive, the lack of available contracts or reviews makes it difficult to verify these claims. However, if SkyTab delivers on its promises without hidden fees or contract stipulations, it could offer exceptional value, especially for restaurants in need of a POS system. We eagerly await more information from customers who have engaged with SkyTab and encourage them to share their experiences in the comments section below.

Versatile POS Solutions

SkyTab offers a range of POS hardware options to suit different business needs:

• SkyTab POS: A desktop tablet-like POS system featuring full functionality and an integrated customer display.
• SkyTab Mobile: A compact payment device capable of swiping cards and reading card chips, designed for tableside and curbside use, also supporting mobile ordering.
• SkyTab Glass: An 8” mobile POS device intended for servers to carry.
• Kitchen Display System: A 22” touchscreen solution facilitating immediate order transmission between the front and back of a restaurant.

Be Cautious with Verbal Agreements

Shift4’s use of independent sales agents introduces variability in transaction rates and fees. While agents may offer verbal assurances, it’s crucial to prioritize the terms outlined in the company’s contract. Several business owners have reported instances where verbal promises were not honored, emphasizing the importance of written agreements. Some customers have also encountered undisclosed contract details, such as contract length and early termination fees, highlighting the need for thorough contract review. For merchants concerned about excessive fees, seeking a cost analysis from an independent fee reduction service is advisable.

Revised Terms Bring New Outlook

Shift4 Payments’ prior POS sales faced criticism primarily due to costly early termination fees, an issue purportedly absent with SkyTab. With revised terms and conditions for its other merchant agreements and POS systems, Shift4 Payments earns a “B” rating in this category. Business owners are encouraged to explore alternatives and consider providers listed among the top merchant accounts to ensure they make informed decisions.

While we haven’t found any lawsuits directly involving SkyTab, Shift4 Payments, its parent company, has been embroiled in several legal issues:

• In 2018, Shift4 Payments faced an antitrust lawsuit alleging monopolization of the payment interface and merchant account services market for mid-sized table service restaurants. Although this case was initially terminated in 2019, it was later reopened with few details on its progress, and remains unresolved.
• In 2021, Labaton Sucharow announced an investigation into Shift4 Payments for potential breaches of duty and security violations.
• In 2022, Shift4 Payments faced a class-action lawsuit alleging unauthorized fees for credit card transactions, which was settled for an undisclosed amount. As part of the settlement, Shift4 Payments agreed to refund the unauthorized fees and enhance its disclosures and billing practices.

Dissatisfied merchants seeking alternatives to litigation can consider reporting their concerns to the relevant supervisory organizations.

No Sales Complaints

SkyTab appears to primarily rely on conventional advertising and a network of resellers to market its services. The company hands over its credit card processing pricing to its parent company and does not appear to employ a team of independent sales agents. As a result, there is a very low likelihood of encountering unethical sales tactics from SkyTab. This is confirmed by the overall lack of negative SkyTab reviews related to the company’s salesforce, though this is also in part due to the product’s short time in business.

No Deceptive Advertising

Like most other POS providers, SkyTab markets itself primarily through an in-house sales staff, a referral program, and resellers. Many businesses will find SkyTab marketed through them in coordination with a Shift4 account, so business owners are encouraged to read our Shift4 review. There are currently no SkyTab reviews related to unexpected costs, and the company does not publicly list any promotions or rate quotes that we consider to be deceptive. If you suspect that SkyTab has misrepresented your rates and fees, please let us know in the comment section below.

SkyTab, a new product by Shift4, currently rates as a reliable point-of-sale credit card processing system for restaurants. Its suite of products is on par with the leading edge of the industry, providing a seamless integration of features that cater to the fast-paced demands of restaurant operations. If pricing remains consistent with its advertised rates, SkyTab could offer some of the best value in the industry. Additionally, it seems to prioritize exceptional customer service, providing restaurant owners with strong support to resolve any issues promptly.

Since Shift4 serves as the underlying payment processor for SkyTab, business owners should carefully scrutinize their agreements to ensure transparency in pricing and terms. It’s crucial to understand how SkyTab’s offerings compare to the best iPad POS options and top-rated merchant services providers in the restaurant space. By doing so, businesses can make informed decisions and secure a processing solution that meets their operational needs while ensuring competitive rates and reliable service.