The verdict in three sentences
A vertical SaaS packaged for your industry saves you months, as long as your processes fit its mould. As soon as your competitive edge rests on a flow the vendor does not cover, custom becomes a strategic investment, not an expense. The 80 % rule decides: if the standard covers 80 % of your needs, buy; otherwise, build.
Vertical SaaS: speed versus rigidity
Vertical SaaS (practice management, construction software, transport ERP, etc.) is ready to use but billed expensively per user. 2026 orders of magnitude:
| Vertical SaaS criterion | 2026 value | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Price per user/month | 80 to 300 EUR | Recurring for life |
| Setup fee | 3,000 to 20,000 EUR | Config + migration |
| Go-live time | 4 to 10 weeks | Fast |
| Customisation | Limited to options | Rigidity |
| Vendor dependency | High | Price rises |
| Roadmap | Set by vendor | Little control |
The real cost shows over time: at 150 EUR/user/month for 25 users, you pay 45,000 EUR/year, indefinitely.
Custom: control versus investment
Custom takes longer but fits your processes and your roadmap. 2026 orders of magnitude for a Dublin SME:
| Custom criterion | 2026 value | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Initial build | 40,000 to 100,000 EUR | One-off |
| Delivery time | 3 to 6 months | Slower |
| Per-user licence | 0 EUR | Free growth |
| Annual maintenance | 10,000 to 22,000 EUR | Controlled |
| Customisation | Unlimited | Differentiation |
| Ownership | 100 % code + data | Independence |
Mini case study
Antoine, head of a logistics SME in Dublin, is torn for 25 users. Vertical transport SaaS at 150 EUR/user/month: 25 × 150 × 12 = 45,000 EUR/year, plus 12,000 EUR setup. Over five years: 12,000 + (45,000 × 5) = 237,000 EUR. Custom: 75,000 EUR build, 18,000 EUR/year maintenance. Over five years: 75,000 + (18,000 × 5) = 165,000 EUR. Saving: 72,000 EUR. But if only 60 % of his processes fall outside the standard, custom also becomes a productivity lever, not just a saving.
Quick decision grid
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| 100 % standard processes, < 15 users | Vertical SaaS |
| Operational need within 2 months | Vertical SaaS |
| Differentiating process = competitive edge | Custom |
| > 30 users and growth expected | Custom |
| Specific regulatory constraints | Custom |
| Initial budget < 30,000 EUR | Vertical SaaS |
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FAQ
How do I know if the vertical SaaS covers my 80 %?
List your 20 critical processes and tick those covered natively. If fewer than 16 are covered without a workaround, the SaaS will cost you dearly in workarounds; aim for custom instead.
Is vertical SaaS really cheaper upfront?
Yes: 3,000 to 20,000 EUR setup versus 40,000 EUR minimum for custom. But the 80-300 EUR/user/month subscription flips the maths over 3 to 5 years.
Can you customise a vertical SaaS?
Within the vendor's option limits and sometimes an API. Any off-roadmap request is refused or billed as a service, often 500 to 1,000 EUR/day.
What happens if the vendor raises prices?
You absorb it: annual rises of 5 to 10 % are common in 2026. On 25 users, +10 % means an extra 4,500 EUR/year with no new value.
Can we mix both approaches?
Yes: vertical SaaS for the standard, custom for the 20 % differentiators connected by API. This hybrid approach costs 20,000 to 45,000 EUR of targeted development.
Let's scope your project. List your critical processes and user count, and we will apply the 80 % rule and cost both paths over 5 years. 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.
