A popular debate is "build vs buy."

Sadly, that's the wrong question.

Here's the thing: shiny features and clever dashboards don't matter if you're solving the wrong problem. And picking the wrong path—custom tech when you don't need it, or off-the-shelf when it can't support your ambitions—can cost you six figures and months of lost momentum.

In this episode of Tech for Non-Techies, Sophia walks you through a simple four-question scorecard to cut through the noise and make the right choice for your business.

No jargon. No hype. Just a clear decision-making framework grounded in real founder behavior, operational limits, and what actually differentiates a tech venture today.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The hidden trap founders fall into when they start with the solution instead of the problem
• When "good enough" off-the-shelf tools beat custom builds hands-down
• The scorecard Sophia uses to judge whether tech can become your competitive moat
• How to avoid blowing six figures on custom software you never needed

Resources from this Episode

Free AI Mini-Workshop for Non-Technical Founders

Learn how to go from idea to a tested product using AI — in under 30 minutes.

Get free access here: techfornontechies.co/aiclass

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/280-the-build-vs-buy-framework-when-off-the-shelf-wins-and-when-custom-tech-is-worth-it