Best MarginEdge
Alternatives
Looking for a MarginEdge alternative? You're not alone. Here's why restaurants are switching and what to look for.
Top Alternative
$99/mo
$0 Setup Fee
Switching From
MarginEdge
$330/mo
+ $250 setup
Save $3,022+/year by switching to 86
Why Restaurants Are Switching
Common reasons restaurants look for MarginEdge alternatives.
Expensive ($330/month + $250 setup fee)
Mobile app is 'desktop-tethered' - must use browser for key tasks
Invoice processing takes 24-48+ hours (not real-time)
Annual commitment required for best pricing
Requires POS integration for full value
Overkill if you just need inventory counting
What to Look for in an Alternative
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees, no per-user charges, no surprise setup costs. Know exactly what you'll pay.
Fast Setup
Your team should be counting inventory this week, not waiting weeks for implementation.
Team Simplicity
If your staff can use a phone, they should be able to use the inventory app. No weeks of training.
Feature Breakdown
See exactly where 86 wins.
Pricing & Setup
| Feature | 86 | MarginEdge |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $99 | $330 |
| Setup Fee | $0 (FREE) | $250 |
| Team Members Included | 5 free | Unlimited |
| Annual Cost | $999 | $4,210 |
| Annual Savings vs 86 | - | -$3,211/year |
Core Features
| Feature | 86 | MarginEdge |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory Management | ||
| Photo-Based Inventory | ||
| Real-time Sync (No Refresh) | ||
| Holiday/Bridge Day Alerts | ||
| Alternative Vendor Suggestions | ||
| Invoice Processing | Unlimited | |
| Bill Payments | ||
| Recipe Costing |
Mobile Experience
| Feature | 86 | MarginEdge |
|---|---|---|
| iOS App | ||
| Android App | ||
| Modern, Fast Interface | Good | |
| 15-Minute Count Time |
Team Management
| Feature | 86 | MarginEdge |
|---|---|---|
| SMS Text Reminders | Email only | |
| Manager Alerts (Missed Counts) | ||
| Push Notifications |
Simplicity & Learning
| Feature | 86 | MarginEdge |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Same day | 1-2 weeks |
| Learning Curve | Seconds (team), 5 min (web) | Days |
| Feature Focus | Inventory only | Invoices + Inventory |
| POS Integration Required | Recommended |
Data & Migration
| Feature | 86 | MarginEdge |
|---|---|---|
| Free Data Import | ||
| Import Any Format | Paper, Excel, POS, CSV | Limited formats |
Calculate Your Savings
See how much MarginEdge really costs over time.
Includes $330/mo + $250 setup
$99/month flat. No hidden fees.
You Save
That's money back in your pocket.
Why pay more for software you'll use less?
Start Saving TodayHow to Switch from MarginEdge
Migration is free and takes less than 48 hours. Here is exactly how it works.
Export your inventory list from MarginEdge (Inventory → Items → Export)
Send the export file to hector@use86.com
We'll set up your 86 account with all your items within 48 hours
Keep MarginEdge running during transition — cancel when ready
Export Tip
In MarginEdge, go to Inventory → Items → click Export to download your item list as CSV.
Frequently Asked Questions
End inventory stress.
Subscribe, send your data, and delegate counting in 48 hours.
Built by Hector, owner of Zaco's Tacos
A restaurant owner who solved his own problem.