Why we build our own tools
When no app does exactly what you need, you build it yourself.
I spent years building stores for other people. At some point I realized I was spending more time bending generic tools to fit than actually solving real problems. So we started building our own.
Why isn't off-the-shelf software enough?
SaaS platforms solve 80% of the problem. But that remaining 20% is where the difference lies between a business that runs well and one that barely gets by.
A few concrete examples:
- Despacha was born because shipping systems didn't integrate properly with the stores we were building. We needed something that connected carrier, store, and customer in a single flow.
- Cubika came about because retail planograms were done in Excel or with expensive software nobody knew how to use. The answer was a simple app any shelf stocker could open on their phone.
We didn't build out of technical ego. We built because the problem had no available solution at a reasonable price.
What do you gain from custom tools?
| Advantage | In practice |
|---|---|
| Full control | You fix a bug today, not in "the next release" |
| Predictable cost | No surprise pricing from third parties |
| Differentiation | Your tool solves YOUR problem, not everyone's |
| Speed | You iterate weekly instead of waiting on someone else's roadmap |
But there is a real cost: development time, maintenance, and support. If you don't have in-house technical capacity or a partner who does, building can be worse than adapting.
How to decide whether to build or buy?
The rule we follow is simple:
- If the problem is generic (invoicing, email marketing, analytics), use what already exists. Don't reinvent the wheel.
- If the problem is specific to your operation and nothing fits well, consider building something minimal.
- If you've already tried 3+ tools and none covers the complete workflow, that's a sign the problem needs a custom solution.
The key is to start small. A script, a smart spreadsheet, an internal app. You don't need a finished product on day one.
The product studio model
At Mi Primera Tienda we went from being an agency that delivers projects to a studio that creates products. The difference is that every project leaves us with something reusable: a component, a workflow, a tool that the next client can also benefit from.
That changes the economics of the business. Instead of selling hours, you build assets.
If you have an operational problem that no SaaS solves well, let's talk. Sometimes the solution is simpler than it seems. Get in touch on WhatsApp.
Want to take your business online?
Tell us what you have in mind. We reply with a clear plan and a fixed price, no strings attached.