Quick Summary
- Building custom software is often the wrong first move.
- SaaS wins when differentiation is low and speed matters.
- Custom builds make sense only when software is the product.
- Most teams build too early and pay for it later.
The Real Problem
Founders don’t ask “Should we build?”
They ask “Can we afford not to?”
In 2026, the real risk isn’t vendor lock-in.
It’s locking yourself into the wrong solution.
When SaaS Is the Better Choice
SaaS usually wins when:
- the problem is common
- workflows are standard
- speed matters more than control
- switching costs are acceptable
Examples:
- CRM
- billing
- analytics
- internal admin tools
If your advantage isn’t in the software, don’t build it.
Unsure if you’re about to overbuild?
Talk to an engineer before committing
When Custom Software Makes Sense
Custom builds are justified when:
- the software is the product
- workflows are unique
- performance or scale is critical
- SaaS limitations block growth
If your roadmap is 80% workarounds, you’re paying SaaS tax.
The Hidden Cost of Building Too Early
Early custom builds often suffer from:
- unclear requirements
- premature architecture
- hard-to-reverse decisions
This is how MVPs quietly become technical debt factories.
Final Take (Bear Version)
Building isn’t brave.
Choosing not to build yet often is.
Want help deciding build vs buy honestly?
Start a project with Bear