Restaurant profit optimization

SkyTab POS — Deep Dive Review

Restaurant-built POS with online ordering, loyalty & gift, reservations/waitlist, handhelds and KDS—built to keep FOH↔BOH moving without duct tape.

Quick Summary

TL;DR

The 30-second version for busy operators

Verdict: A straight-shooting POS + payments stack by Shift4 with strong bundled tools and widely advertised entry promos.

Shines at: Handhelds, KDS, first-party ordering, loyalty/gift, and built-in reservations/waitlist.

Know Before You Sign

Runs on Shift4 processing—optimize total cost (software + hardware + rates + terms), not just one line.

We're partners. If you click our SkyTab link, we may earn a referral. We still call it straight for operators.

SkyTab POS Terminals & Handhelds Powered by SkyTab

Platform Overview

What SkyTab Does & Who It's For

Core Features

Bundled Stack

  • POS & KDS: Order routing, expo views, fire/hold, item timers, handhelds.
  • Digital Storefront: First-party online ordering, delivery options, marketing tools.
  • Guest Tools: Reservations & waitlist with notifications.
  • Loyalty & Gift: Built-in programs to drive repeat visits.
  • Ops: Menu management, multi-location reporting.

Feature availability can vary by plan; confirm modules with your rep.

Who It's For

Best Fit

  • Full-service and fast-casual teams that want a bundled stack with payments.
  • Operators who value handhelds, KDS, and baked-in loyalty/marketing.
  • Groups that prefer a single vendor for POS + payments + guest tools.

Investment

Pricing & Payments Reality

What to ask before you sign

Pricing Notes

  • Software: Common promos around $29.99/workstation/mo (offer-dependent).
  • Hardware: Terminals, handhelds, KDS—spec to your FOH/BOH layout.
  • Bundles: Negotiate multi-unit and add-ons together for TCO control.
Always compare total cost of ownership: software + hardware + processing + add-ons + support.

Payments Reality

Get This In Writing

  • Processing through Shift4; rates are quote-based.
  • Ask for your effective rate (by channel and card mix) and full fee table in writing.
  • Review term length, renewal timing, and any early-exit language before signing.

Processing Fees

Card Processing Snapshot

Illustrative U.S. ranges only

Example Rates

  • Card-present: ~2.3%–3.5% + $0.10–$0.25 per transaction
  • Card-not-present: typically +0.25–0.75 percentage points vs card-present
  • Other fees: chargebacks, refunds, subscriptions/add-ons — request the full table

Request a formal quote from SkyTab/Shift4 for your actual pricing.

Hardware & Setup

Device Options & Ecosystem

Terminals & Handhelds

Hardware

  • Counter terminals with guest displays; handhelds for tableside.
  • Quick item/modifier entry; tap-to-pay flows.

Kitchen Display (KDS)

BOH Ready

  • Routing by station, expo views, fire/hold logic, timers.
  • Designed for heat and volume in BOH.

Setup & Scale

Cloud-Based

  • Cloud back office; remote updates.
  • Multi-location reporting and governance.

Honest Take

Pros & Cons

✓ Pros

  • Bundled stack with loyalty, gift, and online ordering.
  • Handhelds and KDS streamline FOH↔BOH handoffs.
  • Entry promos can lower upfront software cost.

✗ Cons

  • Quote-based pricing—requires apples-to-apples comparisons.
  • Third-party marketplace not as broad as some rivals.

Getting Started

Integrations & Migration Checklist

Integrations & Ecosystem

  • Inventory, analytics, delivery, and workforce integrations—confirm availability and pricing by market.
  • APIs and partner programs evolve—ask for current docs if you need extensibility.

Switching to SkyTab: Checklist

Before You Sign

  • Export menu/modifiers; map required options and pricing.
  • Label printers/KDS routing per station; test expo flows.
  • Payments: confirm effective rate, funding timing, chargeback process.
  • Training plan: FOH, expo, kitchen; soft-open script for first week.

Options

Alternatives & Recommendations

Closest Alternatives

  • Toast: unified stack with first-party ordering and payroll options.
  • SpotOn: integrated ordering plus reservations/waitlist and marketing.
  • Clover: simpler SMB setup with an app marketplace.

What We Recommend

  • Shortlist 2–3 vendors and demo using your menu.
  • Quote apples-to-apples: devices, software, processor, add-ons.
  • Negotiate renewal, exit terms, and service credits before signing.

Common Questions

SkyTab POS FAQ

Does SkyTab include first-party online ordering and guest tools?

Yes. SkyTab offers first-party ordering with loyalty/gift and marketing tools. Confirm delivery options and any fees for your area.

Is there a reservations or waitlist system?

Included

SkyTab includes reservations and waitlist functionality with guest notifications to reduce no-shows.

How is pricing structured?

Software and processing are quote-based. Request your effective rate, add-on fees, and contract terms in writing.

Is there a contract?

Verify Terms

Expect a term agreement. Verify renewal windows and any early-exit fees before you sign.