Great question! Choosing the right SaaS development route depends on several factors about your project, team, and goals. Here are the main routes you might consider:

1. Build from Scratch

1. When to choose: You have a unique idea with specific requirements, full control needed over features, architecture, and tech stack.
2. Pros: Maximum customization, no dependency on third-party platforms.
3. Cons: Takes more time, higher upfront cost, requires a skilled development team.

2. Use SaaS Development Platforms / Frameworks

1. Examples: Bubble, OutSystems, Mendix, Retool
2. When to choose: You want faster time-to-market, less technical overhead, and possibly no-code/low-code solutions.
3. Pros: Rapid development, less coding, easier to maintain.
4. Cons: Limited customization, potential vendor lock-in, might not scale well for complex apps.

3. White-label SaaS Solutions

1. When to choose: You want to quickly launch a SaaS product by rebranding an existing product.
2. Pros: Fast launch, proven platform.
3. Cons: Limited customization, less control over features and roadmap.

4. Use Open-Source SaaS Boilerplates

1. Examples: SaaS Boilerplate, Bullet Train, Appsmith
2. When to choose: You want a head start with a tested foundation but still want customization.
3. Pros: Faster than building from scratch, can modify code as needed.
4. Cons: Requires some technical expertise, potential limitations from base code.