TouchBistro Review

TouchBistro FAQ

Launched in 2011, TouchBistro is an iPad-based point-of-sale (POS) system designed specifically for the merchant accounts in the restaurant industry. TouchBistro operates on a local wireless network and can run on either a single iPad or on multiple iPads connected to a local server, which can be an iMac or a MacBook. TouchBistro is partnered with Moneris, Chase Paymentech, Square, Worldpay , iZettle, Tyro, Premier Payments, PayPal Here, and RBC Caribbean as its preferred payment processors, so it appears that merchants will need to open a merchant account through one of these companies in order to use TouchBistro at this time.

POS System

The TouchBistro POS system is specifically designed for restaurants, bars, and cafes. It features tabletop systems, digital menu boards, customer-facing displays, self-serve kiosks, kitchen display systems, online ordering and reservations, and gift and loyalty programs.

Integration with Multiple Payment Processors

TouchBistro is compatible with various payment processors, allowing merchants to select a provider that best meets their needs. This integration enables the processing of credit card transactions directly through the TouchBistro POS system.

Mobile Payments and Tableside Ordering

The TouchBistro POS system supports mobile payments and tableside ordering. Servers can take orders and process payments directly at the table using the iPad-based system.

Customizable Payment Settings

TouchBistro’s credit card processing services are customizable to meet the specific needs of each business. Merchants can adjust settings such as tip suggestions, receipts, and tax calculations to align with their operational requirements.

Secure and Compliant Payment Processing

TouchBistro emphasizes security and compliance, adhering to industry standards like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). The system uses end-to-end encryption and tokenization to protect sensitive customer data and minimize fraud risks.

User Reviews of TouchBistro

Numerous TouchBistro reviews have been located, providing a mixed perspective valuable for POS System evaluation. The app currently holds a rating of 2.4 out of 5 stars in the iTunes App Store, a slight decrease from a previous 2.8 rating. Negative reviews frequently mention hardware and software issues, limited features, challenging customer support experiences, and problems with syncing and updates. On the positive side, many reviewers commend TouchBistro for its user-friendly interface, affordability, and effective customer support. We encourage you to add your own TouchBistro review in the comments below to contribute to the discussion.

TouchBistro Lawsuits

Our research indicates no outstanding class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints against TouchBistro. Merchants who prefer a non-litigious approach to resolving issues with the company may consider reporting to relevant supervisory organizations.

PaymentPop Rating for TouchBistro

Positive Feedback

There are no positive reviews published about TouchBistro on the PaymentPop website.

TouchBistro BBB Rating

TouchBistro currently has an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau on one profile and an “F” on another, and it has not received BBB accreditation. Across the 2 profiles, there are 23 complaints. TouchBistro has a 1 out of 5 star rating based on 9 user reviews on the Better Business Bureau website.

TouchBistro has also received 5 negative informal reviews on its BBB profile. The negative review describes issues with charges and customer service:

Excellent customer service can help users better understand how to effectively integrate their merchant account services into their business. This is especially true for POS systems which require often include expensive setup fees.

An “A” Performance

In light of this information, we agree with the BBB’s rating for the purposes of this review, but business owners should be aware that there are valid reasons to be skeptical of the BBB’s reviews.

Trustpilot Rating for TouchBistro

Touchbistro has a 3.4 out of 5 star rating based on 307 user reviews on Trustpilot.

Google Maps Rating for TouchBistro

TouchBistro has a 1.3 out of 5 star rating based on 4 user reviews on Google Maps.

Positive Feedback

There are no positive reviews published about TouchBistro on Google Maps.

TouchBistro Pricing Plans

TouchBistro offers pricing starting at $69 per month, with plans that include customized flat monthly pricing when billed annually. These plans can be for software licenses only or bundled options that also include hardware.

The software license fee does not cover the costs associated with credit card processing through TouchBistro Payments or its partner processors, which offer tailored rates. Business owners are advised to discuss all potential fees, as terms may vary significantly depending on the chosen processing partner. While Worldpay and Moneris, known partners of TouchBistro, are not typically considered low-cost merchant account providers and may impose early termination fees, they might offer special conditions for TouchBistro clients. TouchBistro incorporates a $200 setup fee for new accounts. Given the lack of specific complaints regarding contract terms from TouchBistro’s processing partners, it’s inferred that most clients are content with the pricing and fees offered. TouchBistro’s advertised partners include Chase Paymentech, TSYS, and WorldPay, with the referenced rates pertaining to Chase Paymentech as a primary partner.

No Sales Complaints

TouchBistro primarily relies on conventional advertising and a network of resellers to market its services. The company hands over most of its credit card processing pricing to its payment partners and does not employ a team of independent sales agents. As a result, there is a very low likelihood of encountering unethical sales tactics from TouchBistro. This is confirmed by the overall lack of negative TouchBistro reviews related to the company’s salesforce.

No Misleading Advertising

We also have not found any misleading rate quotes or guarantees on the TouchBistro website or in its ads. It prominently displays its pricing on its website and offers transparency that compares TouchBistro favorably to top-rated iPad POS systems. We therefore will assign the company an “A” rating in this category.

TouchBistro presents itself as a robust iPad POS solution tailored primarily for small to medium-sized restaurants, boasting an array of features that facilitate efficient front-end management. The platform’s pricing structure is competitive, offering a range of functionalities that enhance daily restaurant operations without imposing hefty fees. However, its current capabilities may not fully meet the demands of larger establishments, which might find the system’s administrative tools somewhat lacking for extensive operations.

Given that TouchBistro partners with various payment processors, the terms and conditions of these partnerships can significantly differ. Restaurant owners are thus advised to meticulously review any contracts to avoid unexpected terms and to ensure that the processor aligns with their operational needs and financial expectations. Comparing TouchBistro with other top-rated merchant services that offer specialized restaurant POS systems could provide additional value, ensuring that restaurant owners select a service that best aligns with the scale and scope of their business requirements.