EDitor’s UPDATE: Positive rating and recognition has been given to Harbortouch for its commitment to excellence in customer service.
Ripoff Report’s discussions with Harbortouch have uncovered an ongoing commitment by the company to total client satisfaction. This means that clients can expect that the company will work towards finding a mutually satisfactory resolution to any complaints or concerns. Harbortouch listens carefully to client concerns and sees them as an opportunity to learn from past mistakes and become more efficient as a company in the services offered and the support for those services.
The information provided in this report is based on comments made by CEO Jared Isaacman during an onsite inspection held by a third party verification company with no biases toward Harbortouch United Bank Card.
Ripoff Report Verified™ .. part of Ripoff Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program.A program that benefits the consumer, assures them of complete satisfaction and confidence when doing business with a member business..
Harbortouch was started as United Bank card in 1999 as a basic credit card processing service. They are aiming to move to a full service model, touch screen point of sales system at a low service cost to small or midsize business. The vision is to expand to the mobile device for on the go payment.
Their main sources of sales are geared towards small to midsize merchants. Their main sales are done by independent contractors or sales representatives under Harbortouch. These contractors have certain requirements that they must abide by in regards to credit card regulations. They represent Harbortouch and their products and services assist with the completion of paperwork, but Harbortouch does all of the underwriting and approval of applicants. From that point Harbortouch provides all of the services to the merchant. The independent contractor functions as the onsite representative between the company and merchant.
During the onsite interview CEO Jared Isaacman was asked to discuss what types of complaints their company receives and what is being done to resolve these issues: “The most common complaint that has occurred has to do with not having strict control over the independent contractors because they are not direct employees over the company. There is a wildcard factor with sales being made by the independent sales staff due to different variations of compliance with regulation and quality of service. Going from the credit card terminal to the point of sales, which is basically a computer system, is more complex. Merchants have an expectation of the program working a certain way or having different functions and sometimes a merchant will feel like the independent contractor oversold the program.”
”Mr. Isaacman was then asked to describe a specific situation where a client was not satisfied with the level of service they received: “Once an order has been placed with Harbortouch they may have been oversold on the product or feel that there has been a miscommunication on the sale. Once the order has been received, the account gets assigned to an Order Administrator to walk the merchant through the process from then on. If any miscommunication or over sell on the product occurred, this is where it would be worked out. For the most part, Harbortouch will try to accommodate the merchant within reason. Once the order has been shipped, the company’s tech will install the POS system and the merchant must sign off on the installation.”
The merchant has access to 24/7 tech support on site, weekly webinars, newsletters, ongoing training sessions, support material, additional training DVD’s, and independent contractor functions that serve as a resource for support to the merchant.
If there is an issue where a customer feels as though they have been misled or paid fees that they did not authorize, they are encouraged to contact Harbortouch’s customer service department, and if the fee was inaccurate, it will be refunded to the merchant. Their fees do increase twice a year, but this is fully outlined and explained in their contract agreement.
Since complaints were made on Ripoff Report their company has made direct changes to the way they handle independent sales. They hold their representatives accountable for how they present themselves and their program. They have started a certification program for sales representatives which insures that they are fully educated on the products that they will be selling and representing. This increases the quality of the sales representatives and instills professionalism. They are also working on refining their order administration process.
In a leadership role within the company, Mr. Isaacman has instituted many changes in various areas in order to make the customer happy. They have hired a quality control manager, started an in house newsletter, expanded the office to include onsite training for employees, and implemented ongoing reconstruction within departments to better service customers.
Harbortouch is pleased to be a part of Ripoff Reports Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation and Customer Satisfaction Program. They believe that taking part in this process reiterates their commitment to their customers and adds credibility to their services and business, while demonstrating their dedication to their customers.
HARBORTECH / STATEMENT FROM THE THE FOUNDER AND CEO JARED ISAACMAN
”Harbortouch’s primary goal is to provide exceptional service and value to our customers. Our merchant customers are the lifeblood of the company and our success is completely dependent on their satisfaction. Every decision we make reflects the importance of this relationship and every action revolves around our customers. We strive to provide these customers with the best possible experience through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled levels of service."
Harbortouch has placed a strong focus on customer service and satisfaction. Harbortouch values each merchant it serves, realizing that exceptional customer service is just as important as competitive pricing and innovative products. The company’s award winning customer support is handled entirely in-house and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, completely free of charge to all of their merchants.
Harbortouch recognizes that complaints posted on Ripoff Report (whether true or not) are issues that need to be addressed, not ignored. If handled correctly, complaints can be valuable learning opportunities. With the feedback generated by Ripoff Report’s Investigation Harbortouch has made organizational changes allowing its clients and employees a more streamlined approach to problem resolution and a commitment to a great client experience.
In summary, after our investigation, which included discussions with Mr. Isaacman and many of his past and current associates, Ripoff Report is convinced that Harbortouch is committed to quality delivery of products and services resulting in total client satisfaction.
As a matter of policy, when a business becomes a member of the Corporate Advocacy Program they agree to allow Ripoff Report to contact every client who filed a complaint so they can make things right with them. In order to confirm that the complaints were resolved, Ripoff Report is copied on all responses so we can ensure that the member business did right by their customer.
Harbortouch POS SCAM: Made fraudulent charges on my bank account! ---$4000 GONE Allentown Pennsylvania
One of the most scandalous credit card processors I have ever dealt with. Merchants please beware because choosing the wrong processor will bring a lot of stress and unecessary drama in your life. . .
The original cost to lease their POS was 49.99/month, however after their hidden fees and misc cost it actually comes out closer to $100/month. In addition there is a "quarterly fee" which is something they completely made up! Anyhow, after being tired of their poor customer service and deceptive practices, we decided to cancel contract.
I later find out they take out $4000.00 out of our business bank account. I call and email, only to be transferred all over the place. Finally a rep calls back and says there's a $4,000.00 cancellation fee (see page 32 of your contract). Unfortunately we were NEVER given page 32, and it didn't help that the font was literally size 8 on a 50 page agreement.
Ironically its more expensive to lease than buy a brand new POS which you can get on Ebay for way cheaper. Currently suing these crooks but its been a headache nevertheless.
Read the online reviews about Harbortouch and you will find one of the most greediest, immoral credit card processors out there. With the hundreds of negative reviews, its shocking they are still in business. Everyone needs to report them to the FCC because robbing from the American people is not right!
The sales rep was actually fine. Its Harbortouch's illegal money gauging practices that is the problem. We did not sign up for a non working, outdated POS system, nor uneducated, incompetant employees who's only ability is to hit the "transfer" button.
Sorry you guys are losing customers and money, but that's what happens when you screw too many people over ---REPUTATION is everything!
Curtis Stevens
Detailed Explanation
#3UPDATE Employee
Tue, June 25, 2013
Hi,
I would like to provide some clarification.
1. Please know all deals are sold by independent sales agents. Harbortouch corporate cannot control any promises made by an independent sales agent. They can only provide services stated on their application and charge accordingly to the fees on the application.
2. All POS and credit card fees are on the application, fully disclosed on those 6 pages. All merchant fees are on page 3 of 4. POS fees are on page 4 of 4 and the Exhibit A. It is the responsibility of the merchant to read the application they sign. It is also the responsibility of the agent to explain all the charges to the merchant but that is out of the hands of the corporate office. So when it comes to cost, there is nothing hidden. I will be more than happy to explain anything necessary. If an agent says something different than the documents you signed, that is their responsibility to uphold, not the corporate office.
Yes, as the application states, there is a 5 year contract for the POS system. That is a must for the significant investment Harbortouch is making. Their ROI on their investment is many years, assuming the merchant doesn’t go out of business. Harbortouch is investing thousands in hardware, software, labor for programming, installation, training, etc. If you cancel the agreement, you are responsible for the remaining $69/mo of the current term. The agreement is also fully transferrable as well. I would suggest talking to HT about taking the equipment back and reopening your account. They should then refund the cancellation cost.