When does a small business need custom software?
When off-the-shelf tools almost fit but do not, and the gap is costing you hours every week. If your team is copying data between systems, tracking jobs in a spreadsheet that only one person understands, or paying for three apps to do one job, custom software is worth a conversation.
It is not always the answer. Sometimes the right move is a better configured tool you already pay for, and I will tell you that.
What do you build?
- Internal tools and dashboards. Job tracking, scheduling, inventory, time clocks, and reporting that fit your process.
- Integrations and automation. Connecting Shopify, Stripe, QuickBooks, Microsoft 365, and other systems so data moves without retyping.
- Customer-facing web apps. Portals, booking and quoting tools, and membership systems.
- Mobile apps. iOS and Android apps built with React Native.
- Devices that talk to your software. Small hardware projects using ESP32 boards, NFC tags, and APIs.
What does custom software cost?
Custom development is $125 per hour. Every project starts with a written scope and estimate. Small internal tools often land in the tens of hours; platforms with billing, accounts, and mobile apps take longer. You own the code.
What does the process look like?
- Understand the work. Who touches the data, where mistakes happen, and what success is worth in hours or dollars.
- Smallest useful version first. Ship something your team can use early, then improve it.
- Build for maintenance. Standard, well-supported technology (Laravel, React, React Native) so any competent developer can pick it up later.
- Hand over. Documentation, access, and a plan for hosting and updates.
Proof
PickCommish is a Total BS product: a Laravel and React platform with native iOS and Android apps, Stripe billing, and live scoring. ROC Tote & Go uses NFC-tagged totes and Stripe deposits to run a rental business.
Custom software development: common questions
How much does custom software cost for a small business?
Development is billed at $125 per hour. You get a written estimate before work starts. A focused internal tool is often a few thousand dollars; a platform with accounts, payments, and mobile apps costs more.
Do I own the code?
Yes. You own the code and the data, and you get access to the repository and hosting accounts.
What technology do you use?
Mostly Laravel (PHP) with React for web applications, React Native with Expo for iOS and Android, MySQL or MariaDB for data, and Stripe for payments. These are mainstream tools, so you are never locked in to one developer.
Can you connect the systems we already use?
Usually, yes. If a system has an API or a reliable export, it can be connected. Common examples are Shopify, Stripe, QuickBooks, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace.
Can you build a mobile app?
Yes. PickCommish, a Total BS product, has apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play built with React Native.
What happens after launch?
You can host and maintain it yourself, or I can handle hosting, updates, and fixes on an hourly basis or through a monthly retainer.
Related work
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PickCommish
Web platform plus iOS and Android apps, built and run by Total BS
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ROC Tote & Go
NFC-tagged totes make packing searchable and more accessible
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ModMyMods
Magento to WooCommerce: 600+ SKUs and full sales history moved
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TLF Graphics
Custom ticketing and scheduling on top of the ERP
Further reading
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Building a SaaS Platform and Mobile Apps as a One-Person Shop: Lessons From PickCommish
PickCommish started as a fix for running football squares on spreadsheets. It turned into a full platform, two app store apps and a piece of custom hardware. Here's what I learned.
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NFC Tags for Small Businesses: A Cheap Tool With Real Uses
A sticker that costs less than a dollar, read by the phone already in your customer's pocket. Here's how small businesses can put NFC tags to work.
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Struggling with your ERP? There's a better way
ERP systems don't always deliver on the all-in-one promise. The real value often comes from building around them with automation, integrations, and AI.