Plain answers for small shop owners and testers.

What was added in the current build?

V5.5.36 is the current supported private release. It brings together the complete repair workflow, POS and receipts, inventory and purchasing, tablet and Hub tools, Remote Owner, protected licensing, backups, update safety, and the current 0.20.2 Android tablet app.

Is the current demo ready?

The demo candidate is marked ready with 52/52 required checks passed. It is still request-only and should be tested with fake data first.

Is ShopPilot Pro ready to replace QuickBooks or my register today?

It is moving that direction, but the private beta should be tested with fake data first. POS, receipts, closeout, inventory, and reports are being tightened before public handout.

Does it need internet?

The main shop workflow is being built local-first. Hosted pages, tablet install, future updates, and cloud backup features need internet. Tablet offline work can be saved and synced later.

How does the tablet connect?

The hosted tablet page opens from the website. Live sync needs the shop computer Hub, the Hub address, and the tablet on the same shop Wi-Fi.

Will printers and cash drawers work?

That depends on the Windows shop setup and local Hub/Bridge. Set the receipt printer name exactly as Windows shows it, use the drawer test button, and test real hardware before trusting it for live work.

Does Open Drawer work everywhere?

No. Open Drawer is meant to work through Shop Hub after the receipt printer and drawer are connected correctly. Browser-only or hosted pages do not replace the local hardware setup.

Is hosted cloud operation live?

No. Hosted tablet and live-board pages are test-mode tools. Full POS, hardware actions, local records, backups, and money workflows stay on the shop computer for now.

What happens to my data?

The current direction is local-first data with backups. Testers should use fake data first and make a backup before any update or real-world run.

Can I get a demo?

Yes, the demo path is request-only right now. Use the Try page or email demo@shoppilotpro.net so the right beta notes can be sent with it.

Will there be pricing?

Yes. The base-program setup fee is $0, and the first 30 days are included. After that, the standard ShopPilot Pro price is $59.99 USD per month for one shop with POS included. The first five continuously active paying shops can receive the $39.99 founding rate. A future optional computer/register starter package, plus XL, Multi-Store, and Rental, will be priced separately.

How does the monthly membership work?

PayPal will confirm the exact monthly charge before approval and manage the saved payment method. The founding ShopPilot Pro subscription is $39.99 USD per month after the included 30 days, discounted from the $59.99 standard Pro price. This rate applies to Pro only and requires continuous subscription. After approval, ShopPilot verifies the subscription and provides the program license key. Live checkout remains closed until final release validation is complete.

How do I cancel or change payment information?

Cancel anytime through PayPal Automatic Payments. There is no long-term contract. Cancellation stops future renewals, does not delete local ShopPilot records or backups, and access continues through the paid period shown for the membership.

Can I take my shop data to another program?

Yes. Your shop data belongs to you. The Management data portability center creates an offline export with readable CSV files, a complete JSON archive, and individual downloads for attached photos, signatures, and scanned receipts. ShopPilot license and connection credentials are excluded.

What is the founding buyer offer?

The first five paying shops can lock in $39.99 USD per month for ShopPilot Pro instead of the $59.99 standard rate while their subscription stays continuously active, plus Pro upgrades. Canceling or allowing access to expire ends founding-price eligibility. The offer does not include XL, Multi-Store, or Rental.

Do upgrades cost extra?

Product upgrades are included while you are an active ShopPilot Pro member. Hardware, setup, or third-party services may still depend on the shop's own Windows setup.

Can I copy or share the demo files?

No. ShopPilot Pro software, screens, copy, branding, workflows, and demo materials are protected. Demo files are for approved testing only and should not be copied, repackaged, or redistributed.

What should I report?

Report red boxes, failed saves, slow screens, confusing buttons, printer trouble, tablet sync issues, or anything that slows down the counter.