Ready-made vs custom software: how to choose
A plain-language comparison of cost, speed, ownership and risk to help you decide.
Ready-made (with source code)
Fastest and cheapest way to launch a proven business model. You get a working product in days, own the code, and customise from there. Best when your business model is common, like marketplaces, delivery, booking or POS.
Custom-built
Best when your product is genuinely new, or your workflow is unusual enough that existing software would fight you. Expect months, not days, and a larger budget.
The hybrid route
Most growing businesses start ready-made, then add custom features as they learn. This keeps early risk low while leaving room to differentiate.
Questions to ask before deciding
Does a product already cover 70% or more of what I need? How quickly must I launch? Do I have budget for months of development? Who will maintain the code after launch?
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