The SkyTab Buyer's Guide
NYC Restaurant POS Buyer's Guide
Everything a NYC operator needs to evaluate, negotiate, and switch point-of-sale systems — without losing a service or signing a bad contract.
1. The hidden cost of the wrong POS
NYC restaurants burn an average of $14k/year on POS fees they didn't know they were paying — junk processing surcharges, PCI 'non-compliance' fines, paper roll subscriptions, and per-terminal software charges. This guide breaks down every line item you should be auditing before renewing or signing.
2. The 12 questions to ask every POS vendor
What's the effective rate (not the headline rate)? Who owns my customer data? What's the early-termination fee? Is reporting included or 'enterprise'? Does my hardware survive a kitchen power surge? Use these questions to expose contract traps before you sign.
3. SkyTab vs Toast vs Square vs Clover (side-by-side)
We compare monthly software fees, hardware costs, processing transparency, lock-in terms, offline mode, and what's actually included on the entry plan. Spoiler: 'free' often means a 36-month equipment lease.
4. Hidden-fee checklist
PCI fees, regulatory fees, batch fees, statement fees, IRS reporting fees, gateway fees, monthly minimums, chargeback fees, address-verification fees. Cross-reference these against your current statement.
5. NY-specific compliance
Tip pooling rules under NY Labor Law §196-d, the 8.875% NYC combined sales tax setup, surcharge disclosure law (the 'Truth in Pricing' update effective 2024), and accessible-menu compliance for online ordering.
6. Hardware: what NYC kitchens actually need
Spill-rated terminals, handheld battery life through a 12-hour brunch service, kitchen display brightness for line cooks, and why a $99 receipt printer can take down your whole night.
7. The Advantage Program math
Pass-through processing can save the average $1.2M/yr restaurant ~$28k. We show you the math and the legal disclosure language NY requires.
8. Migration plan: switching POS without losing a single Saturday
Our 14-day migration playbook — menu import, staff training matrix, soft-launch night, and a side-by-side cutover that protects your busiest service.
Want a personalized comparison?
A SkyTab specialist will pull your current statement apart line-by-line and show you exactly where the savings are — no obligation.
Get my free audit