Build vs Buy: a 10-question decision checklist

Build vs Buy: 10-Question Decision Checklist

1. Does off-the-shelf software already cover 80%+ of what you need? — If yes, lean BUY.
2. Is your process genuinely unusual, or are you just unfamiliar with the existing tools? — Unusual → custom; unfamiliar → try the tools first.
3. How many hours per week does the current manual workaround cost across everyone involved?
4. Over three years, would subscriptions to existing tools cost more than a one-time build plus upkeep?
5. Do you need to own the data and the software, or is a vendor's cloud acceptable?
6. How often does this process change? — Frequent change favours a flexible custom build or automation.
7. Is there a compliance or industry-specific requirement that off-the-shelf products ignore?
8. Could you live with a vendor raising prices, dropping features, or shutting down?
9. Do you (or a partner) have someone to maintain a custom build after launch?
10. What does NOT solving this cost you — in errors, wasted time, and missed revenue?

Want a second opinion on your answers? Get a free software review — we'll be honest about whether to build.