The verdict in three sentences
A vertical SaaS (industry-specific) costs 40 to 150 EUR/user/month in 2026 and starts fast, but limits customization and depends on the vendor's roadmap. A bespoke application (45,000 to 120,000 EUR) fits your processes and belongs to you, at the price of an upfront investment and maintenance. The crossover point is often between 15 and 25 users: beyond that, bespoke becomes competitive over 5 years.
The decision criteria
The choice is not only about price. It depends on how well it fits your processes, your dependence on a vendor, and control over your data.
| Criterion | Vertical SaaS | Bespoke |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | low | 45,000 - 120,000 EUR |
| Recurring cost | 40 - 150 EUR/user/mo | maintenance 600 - 2,000 EUR/mo |
| Fit with your processes | 70 - 85 % | 95 - 100 % |
| Vendor dependence | high | none |
| Data reversibility | variable, check it | full |
| Time to launch | 2 - 6 weeks | 10 - 20 weeks |
The 5-year total cost: two scenarios
At a small headcount, vertical SaaS almost always wins. At a mid headcount with specific processes, bespoke catches up then overtakes.
| Scenario | Vertical SaaS (5 yrs) | Bespoke (5 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 users (90 EUR/user/mo) | ~54,000 EUR | ~120,000 EUR |
| 25 users (90 EUR/user/mo) | ~135,000 EUR | ~130,000 EUR |
| 40 users (90 EUR/user/mo) | ~216,000 EUR | ~150,000 EUR |
Reading: over 5 years, bespoke (build + maintenance) becomes cheaper from ~25 users, and the gap widens afterwards. Add to this the unquantified value of process fit and data control.
Mini case study
Julien, head of an engineering consultancy (28 staff), compares. A vertical SaaS at 90 EUR/user/month would cost ~30,200 EUR/year, i.e. ~151,000 EUR over 5 years, but covers 78 % of his processes and forces him to adapt how he works. A bespoke app at 95,000 EUR plus 1,200 EUR/month maintenance comes to ~167,000 EUR over 5 years the first time, but fits 98 % of his processes and stays his. With growth to 35 users planned in year 3, the vertical SaaS would climb to ~189,000 EUR while bespoke stays flat: the switch pays off, on top of full data reversibility.
FAQ
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How do I know if a vertical SaaS is enough?
List your 10 key processes and measure the vendor's real coverage rate. Above 85 % fit and under 15 users, vertical SaaS is almost always the right way to start.
What is data reversibility?
It is your ability to recover all your data in a usable format if you leave the vendor. Check it in the contract: without a full export, a vertical SaaS can become a long-term trap.
Is bespoke riskier?
The main risk is a vague scope. It is controlled with an MVP delivered in 10-12 weeks, a clear perimeter and maintenance that keeps the tool alive. Well managed, it gives you an asset you control.
Can we combine both?
Yes, often: a vertical SaaS for standard functions (accounting, payroll) and bespoke for the differentiating core business, linked by API. You pay each approach where it is strongest.
From how many users should I switch?
Often between 15 and 25, but the threshold depends on price per user and fit. Above 90-100 EUR/user/month and 25 users, the math tilts clearly toward bespoke over 5 years.
Let's scope your project. Send us your number of users, the vertical SaaS price considered and your 5 key processes: we will produce a costed 5-year TCO comparison, bespoke budget 45,000-120,000 EUR. 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.
