The Build vs. Buy Decision Tree Every Leader Needs

The hardest question I get asked isn't "Can you build this?"

It's "Should we?"

I run a software dev shop, so you'd think I'd always say yes. Build everything. Custom is king, right?

But honestly? That's terrible advice.

Some of the smartest business moves I've seen were leaders choosing to buy software instead of building it. And some of the worst disasters? Companies that bought when they should've built.

So here's the framework I actually walk through when deciding—no fluff, no agenda:

Start here: Is this software your secret sauce? The thing that makes you you?

→ If yes, build it. Full stop.
→ If no, keep going.

Next: Can you buy something off the shelf that gets you 80% of the way there?

→ If yes, just buy it. Seriously.
→ If no, or if owning the tech gives you long-term leverage, building might make sense.

But wait: Do you have the team (and/or budget) to maintain custom software long-term?

→ If not, buying is safer. Maintenance costs are the silent killer.

Final check: Is speed everything right now?

→ Then buy now, build later. You can always swap it out once you've proven the concept.

Here's the thing—this isn't black and white. The best companies I've worked with often start by buying to move fast, then build strategically once they know what matters.

Software isn't just a tool anymore. It's how you compete. The question isn't whether to build or buy—it's knowing which lever to pull and when.

So I'm curious: What's the biggest build vs. buy mistake you've made (or dodged)? Drop it in the comments—I'd love to hear your war stories.

And if you're wrestling with this decision right now, let's talk it through. Sometimes you just need a sounding board who isn't trying to sell you either option.

#LucusLabs #SoftwareDevelopment #BusinessStrategy #TechLeadership #Entrepreneurship #BuildVsBuy #StartupLife #DigitalTransformation