Comparison Guide
LaunchKit vs Custom Development
The real cost of building a SaaS from scratch versus using a production-ready starter kit.
Custom development makes sense for unique products with novel requirements. But for standard SaaS infrastructure? You're rebuilding what already exists.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | LaunchKit | Custom Dev |
|---|---|---|
| Time to launch | Days | 3-6 months |
| Development cost | $199-449 one-time | $50,000-200,000+ |
| Authentication | Built-in | Build from scratch |
| Stripe integration | Ready | 2-4 weeks work |
| CRM | Included | Build or integrate |
| Booking system | Included | Build or integrate |
| Admin dashboard | Ready | 2-4 weeks work |
| Maintenance | Lifetime updates | Ongoing cost |
| Risk | Low | High |
Hidden Costs of Custom Development
The sticker price is just the beginning.
Developer time$5,000-20,000/month
Project management$2,000-5,000/month
Bug fixes and iterations20-40% of initial cost
Security audits$5,000-15,000
Third-party services$500-2,000/month
Opportunity costMonths of delayed launch
What You'd Have to Build
Every task that's already done in LaunchKit.
+Set up Next.js project structure
+Configure TypeScript and ESLint
+Set up database schema
+Build authentication system
+Integrate Stripe subscriptions
+Build webhook handlers
+Create admin dashboard
+Build user management
+Add role-based permissions
+Create CRM functionality
+Build booking system
+Set up email notifications
+Configure SEO metadata
+Build blog system
+Set up analytics
+Write tests
+Configure deployment
+Security hardening
With LaunchKit: All done
When Does Custom Development Make Sense?
Custom development if:
- -Your product is fundamentally novel
- -You need proprietary algorithms
- -Regulatory requirements demand custom solutions
- -You have unlimited time and budget
- -You have a dedicated development team
LaunchKit if:
- ✓You need standard SaaS infrastructure
- ✓Speed to market matters
- ✓You want to focus on your unique value
- ✓Budget efficiency is important
- ✓You want proven, tested code
Total Cost of Ownership
Custom Development
- Initial development$50,000-200,000
- Year 1 maintenance$20,000-50,000
- Third-party tools$6,000-24,000/year
- First year total$76,000-274,000
LaunchKit
- LaunchKit license$199-449
- Customization work$0-5,000
- Third-party tools$0 (included)
- First year total$199-5,449
Build Your Product, Not Your Infrastructure
Focus on what makes your SaaS unique. Let LaunchKit handle the rest.
