2026 Guide

Best MarketMan
Alternatives

Looking for a MarketMan 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

MarketMan

$199-249/mo

+ $500 setup

Save $1,700+/year by switching to 86

Why Restaurants Are Switching

Common reasons restaurants look for MarketMan alternatives.

Expensive pricing ($199-249/month + $500 setup fee)

5-week implementation process required

Complex for small independent restaurants

Overwhelming feature set for simple needs

Steep learning curve requiring weeks of training

Offline mode unreliable in walk-in coolers (poor connectivity)

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

Feature86
MarketMan
Monthly Cost$99$199-249
Setup Fee$0 (FREE)$500
Team Members Included5 freeVaries by plan
Annual Cost (low end)$999$2,888+ (incl. setup)

Core Features

Feature86
MarketMan
Inventory Counting
Photo-Based Inventory
Barcode Scanning
Vendor Management
Real-time Sync (No Refresh)
Holiday/Long Weekend Alerts
Alternative Vendor Suggestions
Recipe Costing
Price TrackingIntentionally excluded

Mobile Experience

Feature86
MarketMan
iOS App
Android App
Modern, Fast Interface
Average
Offline ModeRobustLimited

Team Management

Feature86
MarketMan
SMS Text Reminders
Email only
Manager Alerts (Missed Counts)
Push Notifications
Real-Time Team Progress

Simplicity & Learning

Feature86
MarketMan
Setup TimeSame day5 weeks
Learning CurveSeconds (team), 5 min (web)Weeks of training
Feature BloatNo bloatMany unused features
POS Integration Required
Recommended

Data & Migration

Feature86
MarketMan
Free Data Import
Import Any FormatPaper, Excel, POS, CSVLimited formats
Audit Trails

Calculate Your Savings

See how much MarketMan really costs over time.

Time Period
MarketMan Cost$2,888

Includes $199-249/mo + $500 setup

86 Cost$1,188

$99/month flat. No hidden fees.

You Save

$1,700

That's money back in your pocket.

Why pay more for software you'll use less?

Start Saving Today

How to Switch from MarketMan

Migration is free and takes less than 48 hours. Here is exactly how it works.

Step 1

Export your inventory list from MarketMan (Settings → Data Export → Inventory Items)

Step 2

Send the export file to hector@use86.com

Step 3

We'll set up your 86 account with all your items within 48 hours

Step 4

Keep MarketMan running during the transition — cancel when you're ready

Export Tip

In MarketMan, go to Settings → Data Export → select 'Inventory Items' → Export as CSV.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. EDI integrations are great for large operations with automated purchasing, but most independent restaurants don't need them. 86 focuses on what actually matters: fast, accurate inventory counts your team will do consistently.
MarketMan requires a lengthy implementation because of its complexity. 86 is designed to be set up in a single day — send us your inventory list (any format) and we'll have you counting within 48 hours.
Yes! I'll import your inventory data for free, regardless of format (Excel, CSV, paper, or export from your current system). Most restaurants are up and running within 48 hours.
Setup takes about 48 hours. I handle the data import for free, and I am available to help you get started.
No. I'll import all your existing inventory data. You can also keep your old system running during the transition period if you want.
86 takes 5 minutes to learn. If your team can use a phone, they can use 86. I also provide onboarding support.
Yes. 86 is $99/month with free setup. MarketMan costs $199-249/mo plus a $500 setup fee. You'll save thousands per year with 86.

End inventory stress.

Subscribe, send your data, and delegate counting in 48 hours.

Start setup — $99/mo
Hector, Founder of 86

Built by Hector, owner of Zaco's Tacos

A restaurant owner who solved his own problem.