B/BBuild vs. Buy Decision Tool

The free build vs. buy decision framework.

A free build vs. buy tool that helps product, engineering, and business teams decide whether to build internally or buy a commercial solution. Structured rubrics. Multi-stakeholder scoring. Exportable results.

1
Create
Define dimensions and scoring scale
2
Score
Share a code with your stakeholders
3
Decide
Review aggregated results and export

Designed for Product, Engineering, Operations, and Business stakeholders to apply consistently — across evaluations, vendors, and teams.

Each rubric is divided into dimensions with specific criteria. Lower scores favor building internally; higher scores favor a commercial solution. N/A is always available when a dimension doesn't apply.

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Create a Rubric

Define the capability under evaluation, select your dimensions, set the scoring scale, and share a 6-character code with your stakeholders.

Received a code from a rubric author? Enter it to submit your evaluation or view aggregated results.

What is a build vs. buy decision?

A build vs. buy decision (sometimes called a make or buy analysis) is the choice between developing a capability internally or purchasing a commercial off-the-shelf solution. Teams weigh cost, time-to-value, strategic differentiation, maintenance burden, integration complexity, and opportunity cost. Without a shared framework, these conversations devolve into gut-feel debates — the loudest voice wins and the decision rarely sticks.

Build or Buygives product, engineering, operations, finance, and leadership stakeholders a structured rubric to score each dimension of the decision. Scores aggregate across evaluators so you can see where alignment is strong, where it's split, and where the data pushes you toward building in-house or buying from a vendor.

When to use a build vs. buy framework

  • Evaluating whether to build custom software or license a SaaS platform
  • Choosing between an internal tool and a commercial vendor for a shared workflow
  • Comparing multiple vendors against an in-house build option
  • Running a procurement or technology selection review with multiple stakeholders
  • Documenting the rationale behind a make-or-buy decision for leadership or audit

Frequently asked questions

How do you decide whether to build or buy software?

Score dimensions like strategic differentiation, total cost of ownership, speed to value, internal capacity, integration complexity, and risk. Collect input from every affected stakeholder group, then compare aggregated scores. A clear lean toward higher scores favors buying; a lean toward lower scores favors building in-house.

Is Build or Buy really free?

Yes. Build or Buy is a free, ad-free web tool. Create unlimited rubrics, invite any number of evaluators, and export results — no signup, no credit card.

What scoring scales are available?

Numeric scales (0-2, 1-5, 1-7, 1-10), 5-star ratings, thumbs up/down, and a 0.0-10.0 slider. Every dimension supports N/A when a criterion does not apply.

Who should use a build vs. buy rubric?

Product managers, engineering leaders, operations, procurement, finance, HR, analytics, and executive leadership. Any cross-functional group making a make-or-buy decision benefits from a shared, structured framework.

Questions, feedback, or ideas?

We'd love to hear how you're using Build or Buy, or how we can make it better for your team.

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A free tool for product and strategy teams. · Build or Buy