Off-the-shelf SaaS is fast to start but often forces your business to bend to the software. Custom software costs more upfront but fits your workflow exactly and removes recurring per-seat fees. This guide breaks down when each makes sense.
When SaaS wins
Commodity needs — email, accounting, basic CRM — where your process isn’t a differentiator.
When custom wins
When the software is the process: your competitive edge, your unique workflow, or where SaaS licensing costs scale painfully with growth.