When comparing CAKE POS vs Harbortouch, you’re looking at two distinct approaches to restaurant point-of-sale technology. CAKE POS, rated 4.0/5, offers US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. Meanwhile, Harbortouch, rated 4.0/5, provides Small businesses wanting low startup costs. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison: CAKE POS vs Harbortouch
| Feature | CAKE POS | Harbortouch |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Restaurant | Multi-Industry |
| Starting Price | $69/month | $29.99/month |
| Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Target Business | Small Business to Mid-Market | Small Business |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Free Version | No | No |
| Best For | US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration | Small businesses wanting low startup costs |
CAKE POS Overview
CAKE POS is a restaurant point-of-sale system designed for operational efficiency. Features online ordering, QR payments, and 24/7/365 US-based support. Originally launched by Sysco in 2011, acquired by Mad Mobile in 2020.
CAKE POS is offered by CAKE (Mad Mobile/Sysco) (founded 2011) based in Austin, TX. The system focuses on Full Service, Quick Service, All Restaurant Types.
Key Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Menu Management
- QR Code Payments
- Payment Processing
- Table Management
Harbortouch Overview
Harbortouch (now SkyTab) offers free POS hardware with low monthly fees. Features include tableside ordering, table tracking, free reservations, and online ordering. No upfront costs with lifetime hardware warranty.
Harbortouch is offered by Shift4 Payments (founded 1999) based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA. The system focuses on Restaurants, Bars, Retail, Salons.
Key Features:
- Tableside ordering (iPad)
- Table tracking
- Reservations (free)
- Online ordering (free)
- KDS
- Waitlist management
Feature Comparison
CAKE POS Features:
- POS System
- Online Ordering
- Menu Management
- QR Code Payments
- Payment Processing
Harbortouch Features:
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Get Started- Tableside ordering (iPad)
- Table tracking
- Reservations (free)
- Online ordering (free)
- KDS
When comparing features, CAKE POS stands out with Sysco partnership, while Harbortouch differentiates itself with Free hardware. Your choice should depend on which features align better with your specific business requirements.
Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Aspect | CAKE POS | Harbortouch |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $69/month | $29.99/month |
| Pricing Model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Budget |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Free Version | No | No |
Harbortouch is more budget-friendly, making it a better choice for cost-conscious businesses. Consider the total cost of ownership including hardware, processing fees, and add-on modules when making your decision.
Pros and Cons
CAKE POS
Pros:
- 24/7/365 US-based support
- Reduces wait times
- Increases table turnover
- Apple Pay/Google Pay support
Cons:
- Add-ons can be expensive
- Time tracking/scheduling extra
- US-only availability
Harbortouch
Pros:
- No upfront hardware costs
- Low monthly fees
- Lifetime hardware warranty
- Free online ordering
- 24/7/365 support
Cons:
- 1-year contract required
- Must use their payment processing
- Rebranded to SkyTab
Who Should Choose CAKE POS?
CAKE POS is ideal for US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. The system is particularly well-suited for Full Service, Quick Service, All Restaurant Types.
However, CAKE POS may not be the best fit for International restaurants, those needing all features in base price.
Who Should Choose Harbortouch?
Harbortouch is ideal for Small businesses wanting low startup costs. The system is particularly well-suited for Restaurants, Bars, Retail, Salons.
However, Harbortouch may not be the best fit for Businesses wanting processor flexibility, those avoiding contracts.
Our Recommendation
Both CAKE POS and Harbortouch are solid POS solutions, but they excel in different areas. Choose CAKE POS if you’re US restaurants wanting reliable support and Sysco integration. Choose Harbortouch if you’re Small businesses wanting low startup costs. We recommend trying demos or free trials of both systems before making your final decision.
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