Outsource vs Build vs SaaS: Compared by Cost
Three different cost structures. SaaS bills monthly, building costs your time, commissioning costs once. Standard features favor SaaS; tailored long-term use favors commissioning.
Conclusion first: for standard features you need now, a SaaS subscription is fastest. For something tailored to your work that you’ll use for years, commissioning it once and running it at zero is cheaper in total. Building it yourself spends time instead of money.
Cost structures compared
| Option | Cost | Strength | Weakness | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SaaS subscription | Monthly / yearly | Start now, maintenance included | Billed forever, limited customization, stops on cancel | Standard work, fast start |
| Build yourself | Learning + time | Low cash cost, in-house skill | Slow, easy to hit pitfalls | Spare time + willingness to learn |
| Commission (GAS) | Once to build + zero upkeep | Tailored, owned, no monthly cost | Upfront build cost, scope to agree | Custom + long-term use |
Why look at total cost of ownership
A monthly subscription looks small but keeps going out. Over 2–3 years it often passes the one-time build cost. Conversely, if you’ll only use it for a month or two, the subscription is cheaper. Look at duration and frequency first.
How to choose
- SaaS fits when the feature is standard, needs little customization, and you must start fast.
- Commissioning fits when it must match your exact workflow, you’ll use it long-term, and you want zero upkeep.
- Building yourself fits when you have time and want to keep the skill in-house. (Preview the pitfalls in Tech Notes.)
A caution
Even when commissioning, put the maintenance scope in the contract. Not “build and done”: define what’s covered when Google changes a policy or your work changes, and there’s no dispute later.
Next step
If you have or are evaluating a SaaS tool, send your use case and expected duration to contact. I’ll work out which of the three is cheaper for you.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is cheaper, a SaaS subscription or a custom build?
- For standard features you need now, SaaS is faster and cheaper. For a custom fit you'll use long term, building once and running it at zero upkeep has the lower total cost — over two to three years, subscription fees often exceed the one-time build.
- When does building it yourself make sense?
- When you have time and want to keep the capability in-house. It spends time instead of money, so know the implementation pitfalls in advance.
- What should I watch for with a commissioned build?
- Put the maintenance scope in the contract. Defining how far it covers Google policy changes and shifting requirements avoids disputes later.