Build it, or buy it?
Compare the real 3-year cost of custom software vs off-the-shelf SaaS — and get a clear build / buy / hybrid recommendation, the way a senior tech leader would call it.
Your situation
Rough numbers are fine — it updates live.
The call
Cost + strategy, not just price.
Free report + an honest second opinion from Stratgik.
Build vs buy: the decision that quietly makes or breaks your budget
“Should we build it or buy it?” is one of the most expensive questions a founder answers — and most answer it on gut feel. The honest framework has two axes, not one: total cost over time and how much this capability differentiates you.
Cost is a 3-year question, not a sticker price
SaaS looks cheap monthly but compounds with every seat and every year. Custom build looks expensive upfront but is a one-time cost plus maintenance. The right comparison is the full multi-year total — which is exactly what this calculator models, including the break-even point where a build starts paying for itself.
Differentiation decides the ties
If a capability is a commodity (auth, billing, email), buy it — building it just burns engineering time you can't spare. If it's the thing that makes you you, owning the code is usually worth a premium. When cost is close, the tie-breaker is always strategic, not financial.
Why “hybrid” is often the real answer
Most winning teams buy the commodity 80% to move fast, and build the differentiated 20% they can't get off the shelf. The calculator flags when your numbers point to that middle path.
Want this decision pressure-tested — free?
Book a free 30-minute session. We'll challenge the numbers, flag hidden costs, and give you a straight build / buy / hybrid call for your exact situation. No pitch.
Book your free session →Get your full comparison
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