When does it make sense to pay for products rather than building them yourself? This question has become relevant as Zapier, a bootstrapped company, reevaluates its core values and operations. The "build the robot" mindset, which emphasizes automating tasks through coding and tool-building, may not be sufficient in all cases. Instead, it's essential to consider when to build a tool, when to buy one, or when to hire someone else to automate tasks. This decision depends on various factors, including the complexity of the task, the availability of resources, and the company's goals. By weighing these factors, businesses can make informed decisions about whether to invest time and money in building something themselves or outsourcing it to others.