Build vs Buy: How Product Managers Make the Call

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we unpack the classic build vs. buy decision — one of the most strategic choices a product manager can face.You’ll learn:How to decide when to build custom solutions and when to buy off-the-shelf or SaaS toolsThe trade-offs between speed, cost, control, and long-term differentiationHow to factor in total cost of ownership, vendor lock-in, and roadmap flexibilityWhy commodity features are usually better bought, while differentiating ones may be worth buildingPractical frameworks for aligning this decision with your company’s strategy and goalsIf you’ve ever debated whether to build something in-house or bring in a vendor, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to make the choice with confidence.

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The Product Handbook is a practical show for product manager interview prep and day-to-day skills. Learn frameworks, product sense, metrics, estimation, prioritization, A/B testing, and strategy. Episodes explore case-style topics, roadmaps, and stakeholder communication across startups and big tech. Built for aspiring product managers through senior leaders.