We're not going to invent a "typical business spends $X on SaaS" statistic. That number depends entirely on the tools you've already accumulated, and most of the figures circulating online for it aren't independently verifiable. What we can show you honestly is how the build-vs-buy decision actually plays out, using the software we build and run ourselves as examples.
What our own products show about this decision
- Civil Proposal (civil engineering scoping and proposals): a purpose-built tool because generic proposal software doesn't know municipal permitting data. See [our work](/work/civil-proposal) for how it's used.
- FillOnce (encrypted form-filling vault): built because generic autofill doesn't handle PDF and Word forms, or hold data in an encrypted vault.
- School2Home (curriculum-aligned homework help): built because off-the-shelf tutoring tools don't map to BC's specific curriculum wording.
- Help Kelowna (community resource directory): free public infrastructure, built because no existing directory re-verified its own listings.
- Foodbank Check-In (front-desk kiosk software for food banks on Link2Feed): built because Link2Feed itself doesn't solve a busy physical front desk.
Each of these exists because a specific gap didn't have a specific-enough answer already on the market, not because "custom" is inherently better than an off-the-shelf subscription.
The actual question worth asking
The useful comparison isn't "build vs. buy" as an abstract choice. It's whether the tool you're renting month to month is solving a problem specific enough to your operation that a general SaaS product will always be a compromise.
When an existing tool is the right call
For a problem that's genuinely common and already well-served (accounting, email, general CRM) a mature SaaS product is almost always the better choice than building something custom. We'd tell you that directly in a discovery call, even if it means we don't build you anything.
FAQ
How do I know if my business needs custom software instead of an off-the-shelf tool?
Start with how much the off-the-shelf tool forces you to change your actual process. If you're building workarounds, spreadsheets on the side, or manual steps to cover a gap, that gap is usually big enough to justify a custom build.
Is custom software always cheaper than subscribing to existing tools?
No. For well-served, common problems, an existing SaaS product is usually the better and cheaper choice. Custom software makes sense when the problem is specific enough that general tools leave a real gap.
Can I see examples of what you've built instead of generic software?
Yes, see our work for case studies across civil engineering, food banks, education, and community services.
Not sure which side you're on?
If you're weighing whether your specific problem needs something built or something off-the-shelf, book a free 15-minute discovery call. We'll tell you honestly which one it is. (778) 401-6551.