Which is cheaper, a SaaS subscription or a custom build?

It depends on the scope, existing subscriptions, setup and maintenance. Compare a written custom quote with the subscription cost over the expected period of use; neither option is always cheaper.

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.

Outsource vs Build vs SaaS: Compared by Cost

Three parallel lanes compare a SaaS subscription, self-build time plus maintenance, and commissioned build plus support and usage; fit, time and ownership shape the decision. — Visual guideCompare the same scope and use period. The best fit depends on time, workflow fit and ownership; the diagram does not promise a universally cheapest option.

Conclusion first: Compare the same scope over the same period. A subscription may be quicker to start; a commissioned workflow may fit your work better. Include setup, your time, maintenance and connected services before deciding which costs less.

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)	Build + maintenance + any account/API costs	Tailored workflow, agreed ownership	Upfront scope and ongoing support to agree	Custom workflow with a written cost estimate

Why look at total cost of ownership

SaaS charges every month, building yourself spends time, a commission is a build plus agreed maintenance and any API costs

Compare the subscription fees over your expected period of use with the build quote, maintenance, changes and any connected services. There is no universal break-even period: a short pilot can help check the assumptions.

How to choose

SaaS fits when the feature is standard, needs little customization, and you must start fast.
Commissioning may fit when the workflow needs customization and a written estimate supports the cost over your expected period of use.
Building yourself fits when you have time and want to keep the skill in-house.

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.

Questions?

Wondering “which of the three is cheapest for my case?” — just ask. I’d nudge you to build it yourself, but if you’re short on time, I also build these.