Jonáš SvětlíkBuy, build or hire?
Before you commit to an AI solution there is one question to settle: buy off the shelf, build custom, or hire someone? Here is a simple way to decide.
Buy off the shelf
Fast and cheap to start, but less flexible, and your data travels to a third party. When: a common problem other people have too (transcription, writing, a simple chatbot).
Build custom
Exactly on your processes and your data, but pricier and more demanding. When: a specific process, a competitive advantage or sensitive data that must not leave.
Hire someone
When you have neither the time nor the people and you want it finished and dependable. Someone designs it, builds it and hands it over. This is where I come in.
A decision cheat sheet
- A common problem → buy off the shelf.
- Specific or sensitive → build it or hire someone.
- Uncertainty → a small pilot and learn as you go.
What to watch out for
Do not start by building a big system. Prove the idea with something small, and only scale what works.
The most expensive AI project is the one you build big before you have checked that anyone will use it.
Not sure where to start?
I will tell you straight whether to buy, build or leave it alone - and if building makes sense, I will build it. Get in touch and we will talk it through, no strings attached.