Why is DIY most of the time cheaper?

Ever wondered why DIY is cheaper most of the time?

For example, you can buy a smart door sensor for ~15€ or do it yourself with an ESP32 for ~8€.

But why?

Because if someone wants to sell it to you, they need to put it on a PCB, test it, refine it many times before selling, create a nice case for it, develop all the software around it, and then certify it. When you do it yourself, you buy cheap components, 3D-print a case, play with the software, and you’re done; you only pay for the components.

Ok, doing it yourself still costs some time, but in money terms it is free. But unlike the DIY way, the developers working for a company that sells you a device are paid.

Hope this article helped you. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Disclaimer: The prices in this article are examples. Actual costs vary by supplier, location, and the materials or tools you already own. The comparison does not include every cost of building or selling a product.