Honest Comparison

vs MarketMan

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

$299/mo

$0 Setup Fee

VS

MarketMan

$199-249/mo

+ $500 setup

Pricing verified January 2026

How We Differ

Beyond just the price, here is the real difference.

Setup Time
Same Day
vs
MarketMan
5 weeks
Learning Curve
5 Minutes
vs
MarketMan
Weeks of training
Team Members
5 Included
vs
MarketMan
Varies by plan
Offline Mode
Robust
vs
MarketMan
Limited

Feature Breakdown

See exactly where 86 wins.

Pricing & Setup

Feature86
MarketMan
Monthly Cost$299$199-249
Setup Fee$0 (FREE)$500
Team Members IncludedUnlimitedVaries by plan
Annual Cost (low end)$2,988$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 Tracking

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

Compare the Cost

See how 86 and MarketMan compare over time.

Time Period
MarketMan Cost$2,888

Includes $199-249/mo + $500 setup

86 Cost$3,588

$299/month flat. No hidden fees.

86 costs $700 more

But 86 includes inventory, ordering, AI accounting, recipes, reviews, tasks, and sales in one connected system — with free white-glove setup. MarketMan covers fewer features and charges for onboarding.

One connected platform vs. separate tools that don't talk to each other.

Get Started

Honest Assessment

We believe in transparency. Here is the bottom line.

Why Choose 86

  • All-in-One Platform: $299/mo includes inventory, ordering, financials, recipes, reviews, tasks, and sales
  • 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 MarketMan

  • Strong EDI vendor integrations
  • Comprehensive recipe costing engine
  • Theoretical food cost calculations
  • Automated low stock alerts

Best For

  • Large restaurant groups needing comprehensive features
  • Operations with strong EDI vendor relationships

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 about a week.
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 about a week.
Setup takes about a week. 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.
86 is $299/month with free setup and includes inventory, ordering, AI accounting, recipes, reviews, tasks, and sales in one platform. MarketMan costs $199-249/mo plus a $500 setup fee. With 86, you get a full connected system instead of paying for separate tools.

How to Switch from MarketMan

Migration is free and takes about a week. 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 about a week

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.

One app. Your whole back office.

Send us your data. We set up everything. Your team counts, your books do themselves, and you see it all from one dashboard.

$299/mo · Free setup · No contracts · 30-day guarantee

Hector, Founder of 86

Built by Hector, owner of Zaco's Tacos

A restaurant owner who solved his own problem.