Having said all this, there are ways to determine if a prospect should start with a low-cost assembly kit (a.k.a. build), or choose a third-party package (a.k.a. buy). Our FAST Score™ method weighs and scores all selection criteria according to the client’s requirements. If the packages fail to make the grade, a build approach is best. This is more common for non-traditional ecommerce — for example, online services (travel, finance) versus physical goods.

When retailers solicit objective knowledgeable guidance, they’re far more likely to find a third party solution that suits their needs. The most important consideration: “Do NOT re-create the wheel unless necessary.”

Without such guidance and a strong business case for investment, online retailers frequently underestimate the real costs and wrestle over the sheer number of options. When this occurs, cobbling together something in-house is the path of least resistance… and may lead to many sorrows.