Build vs. Buy
Build a custom planning tool or buy a purpose-built platform? The real costs, the hidden risks, and the criteria that actually decide it for a growing brand.
The build temptation
Every growing apparel brand hits a moment where their spreadsheet-based planning process breaks. Formulas get too complex, reconciliation takes too long, and someone on the team says: "Why don't we just build something ourselves?"
It's a reasonable instinct. The brand has specific workflows, unique data structures, and a team that knows exactly what they need. A custom-built tool would fit perfectly — no compromises, no vendor lock-in, no subscription fees.
The instinct is reasonable. The economics usually aren't.
The real cost of building
Development cost (the number everyone focuses on)
A minimum viable merchandise planning tool needs:
- Multi-level financial planning (department → category → style)
- OTB calculation and tracking
- Assortment planning with attribute management
- Size curve planning
- Buy plan generation
- Basic reporting and dashboards
- User authentication and permissions
Conservative estimate: 2–3 full-stack engineers for 6–9 months = $300K–$600K in fully loaded engineering cost.
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In-depth analysis for apparel and retail planning leaders evaluating process or tooling decisions.
- Detailed cost-of-process analysis based on real planning operations
- Structured argument for planning leaders making the case for change
- Covers both financial and operational impact
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