The verdict in three sentences
For useful AI (document sorting, extraction, summarization, scoring), a vertical AI SaaS costs 200 to 1,500 EUR/month and starts in days, while a custom POC on an LLM API runs 8,000 to 20,000 EUR plus 20 to 300 EUR/month of tokens. Buy as long as SaaS covers your need; build once customization, volume or GDPR confidentiality become critical. In 2026, EU hosting (Scaleway, OVHcloud) and GDPR compliance weigh as much as price in the decision.
Build vs Buy: costs and switch point
The right reflex is to start by buying, then build when SaaS shows its limits. Here is the 2026 comparison on the decision criteria.
| Criterion | AI SaaS (Buy) | Custom (Build) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 200 - 1,500 EUR/mo | 8,000 - 20,000 EUR |
| Recurring | included | 20 - 300 EUR/mo tokens |
| Time to launch | days | 4 - 8 weeks |
| Customization | limited | full |
| Data control | depends on vendor | full (EU possible) |
| Data profile day rate | — | 650 - 850 EUR |
A data/AI profile's day rate ranges from 650 to 850 EUR in 2026. The most common switch trigger: as soon as the SaaS subscription tops 1,000 EUR/month or your data cannot leave the EU, a custom build hosted on a European cloud becomes more relevant.
3-year TCO: the real comparator
A subscription always looks cheaper at the start. Over three years, the picture changes with volume. Example for a medium-volume document extraction need.
| Item | SaaS at 800 EUR/mo | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9,600 EUR | 15,000 EUR (POC) + 1,800 EUR tokens |
| Year 2 | 9,600 EUR | 2,400 EUR (maintenance + tokens) |
| Year 3 | 9,600 EUR | 2,400 EUR |
| 3-year TCO | 28,800 EUR | ~21,600 EUR |
Beyond roughly 800 EUR/month of subscription, custom becomes cheaper over three years while offering full data control. Below that, stay on SaaS: launch speed and zero maintenance win.
Mini case study
Elodie, director of a 25-person consulting firm in Rennes, wants to sort and summarize 400 documents/month. A vertical AI SaaS at 700 EUR/month meets the need, but her clients require data to stay in the EU. Kolonell builds a custom POC on an LLM API hosted at Scaleway: 14,000 EUR, 120 EUR/month of tokens, GDPR under control. 3-year TCO: ~18,300 EUR versus 25,200 EUR for the SaaS. Elodie gains the compliance her enterprise clients demand and saves nearly 7,000 EUR over three years, while keeping control of her prompts and data.
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FAQ
Should I start with AI SaaS or custom?
Start by buying: a vertical SaaS at 200-1,500 EUR/month validates the need without heavy commitment. Switch to custom when customization or confidentiality demand it.
How much do tokens cost for custom AI?
From 20 to 300 EUR/month depending on volume and model in 2026. A well-designed POC (short summaries, targeted extraction) controls this cost; long, frequent processing drives it up.
Does GDPR require EU hosting?
For sensitive personal data, EU hosting (Scaleway, OVHcloud) and a contract governing subprocessors are strongly recommended. This is often the factor that tips toward custom.
At what volume does custom pay off?
Beyond roughly 800 EUR/month of SaaS subscription, the 3-year TCO tips toward custom. Below that, SaaS stays cheaper and faster to deploy.
What timeline for a custom AI POC?
Budget 4 to 8 weeks for a first usable POC on an LLM API, including integration with your data and guardrails. SaaS, by contrast, starts in a few days.
Let's scope your project. Describe your AI use case (sorting, extraction, summarization, scoring), monthly volume and GDPR constraints; we settle build vs buy with a quantified 3-year TCO. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
