Honest Comparison

vs MarginEdge

Which restaurant inventory software is right for your team? We compared the features, pricing, and ease of use.

$99/mo

$0 Setup Fee

VS

MarginEdge

$330/mo

+ $250 setup

Save $3,022+/year with 86

Pricing verified November 2025

Get StartedSee Feature Breakdown

How We Differ

Beyond just the price, here is the real difference.

Setup Time
Same Day
vs
MarginEdge
1-2 weeks
Learning Curve
5 Minutes
vs
MarginEdge
Days
Team Members
5 Included
vs
MarginEdge
Unlimited
Offline Mode
Robust
vs
MarginEdge
Unreliable

Feature Breakdown

See exactly where 86 wins.

Pricing & Setup

Feature86
MarginEdge
Monthly Cost$99$330
Setup Fee$0 (FREE)$250
Team Members Included5 freeUnlimited
Annual Cost$999$4,210
Annual Savings vs 86--$3,211/year

Core Features

Feature86
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

Feature86
MarginEdge
iOS App
Android App
Modern, Fast Interface
Good
15-Minute Count Time

Team Management

Feature86
MarginEdge
SMS Text Reminders
Email only
Manager Alerts (Missed Counts)
Push Notifications

Simplicity & Learning

Feature86
MarginEdge
Setup TimeSame day1-2 weeks
Learning CurveSeconds (team), 5 min (web)Days
Feature FocusInventory onlyInvoices + Inventory
POS Integration Required
Recommended

Data & Migration

Feature86
MarginEdge
Free Data Import
Import Any FormatPaper, Excel, POS, CSVLimited formats

Calculate Your Savings

See how much MarginEdge really costs over time.

Time Period
MarginEdge Cost$4,210

Includes $330/mo + $250 setup

86 Cost$1,188

$99/month flat. No hidden fees.

You Save

$3,022

That's money back in your pocket.

Why pay more for software you'll use less?

Start Saving Today

Honest Assessment

We believe in transparency. Here is the bottom line.

✓

Why Choose 86

  • Massive Savings: $99/mo vs $330/mo
  • Simplicity: Team learns it in 5 minutes
  • Zero Risk: No contracts, 30-day refund
  • Free Setup: We handle the migration for you

Best For

Independent restaurants, bars, and cafes who want to stop overpaying for enterprise bloat.

?

Why Choose MarginEdge

  • •Unlimited invoice processing
  • •Bill payments included
  • •Strong POS integrations
  • •Recipe costing and management

Best For

  • →Restaurants needing automated invoice processing
  • →Operations wanting bill payment automation

Frequently Asked Questions

No. MarginEdge excels at invoice automation, but if your main need is simple, fast inventory counting, you don't need to pay $330/month for invoice features. 86 focuses purely on inventory at $99/month.
Yes! Unlike MarginEdge, which works best with POS data, 86 is completely standalone. No POS required — just your phone and your walk-in.
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. MarginEdge costs $330/mo plus a $250 setup fee. You'll save thousands per year with 86.

How to Switch from MarginEdge

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

Step 1

Export your inventory list from MarginEdge (Inventory → Items → Export)

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 MarginEdge running during transition — cancel when ready

Export Tip

In MarginEdge, go to Inventory → Items → click Export to download your item list as CSV.

More Comparisons

86 vs

MarketMan

$199-249/mo + $500 setup

Save $1,700/yr with 86

86 vs

Restaurant365

$289-635/mo

Save $2,280/yr with 86

86 vs

WISK AI

$199-799/mo

Save $1,200/yr 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.