Introduction
Considering that I also offer Excel templates in my webshop, this is an important issue for me. I found an article that deals with this topic as well. Now, adding my own thoughts (in italics), I am publishing it.
I’ve often seen this question on the Internet:
“Should I use a pre-made Excel template that fits my needs, or should I build one from scratch?”
Since this is a good question, let’s take a closer look at the details. To answer it properly, we must consider several factors, such as skills, time, flexibility, cost, error sensitivity, and so on. Let’s go through them quickly!
1. Excel skills: How comfortable are you with Excel?
This is one of the most controversial points. If you’re an Excel expert who knows how to use most formulas, conditional logic, arrays, charts, PivotTables, and even VBA, you’ll probably prefer to build your own. However, if you only know how to use Excel at a basic level and have no idea what an array formula is, you should consider using templates.
If you need a template that requires transforming the entered data (e.g., merging columns or filling fields conditionally), you may also need to use Power Query.
2. Time: Do you have enough time to build a new spreadsheet from scratch?
Even if you’re quite familiar with Excel, you might still consider using pre-made templates—just to save time for other priorities. From my experience, most people have very similar needs. So why reinvent the wheel?
Many of my Excel template customers have told me they needed the template to meet a tight deadline.
3. Flexibility: Is it important to be able to change many aspects of the file?
Templates are usually designed to meet “general” needs and standards. Most of them—especially the free ones—are as they are. If the template supports only one currency, for example, you’ll probably want to customize it. You might also want to change the colors, layout, or logic of the table. How much flexibility you need will depend on the number of changes you want to make.
Some premium templates allow a fair amount of customization, but they still have limits.
In my own practice, clients often request modifications—and I always implement them. Minor changes are free. My templates are designed so that formatting (like cell or row coloring) is easily adjustable. If a client requests it, I unlock sheet protection for further customization or development.
Recently, a friend told me he needed a 3-dimensional Excel table. I showed him one of my templates that builds such a table in four simple steps, allowing data entry through input forms and drop-down lists. After the demonstration, he said he would only update the table once a year, so he didn’t need the input form. At his request, I removed the input form and the VBA code behind it.
4. Meeting your needs: How specific are your requirements?
As mentioned before, most needs are similar. However, sometimes you might need something very specific. For example, if you’re a small business owner looking for a sales reporting template, chances are good you’ll find one that fits. But if you need a special calculator to measure profit per meter of cable you sell, then you’ll either get an expensive quote or need a custom-built solution.
On my website, I provide detailed product specifications and downloadable demo versions (with limited functionality). Still, customers often call to ask about certain features and how they work.
In my Manager Webshop, there’s also an option to order custom templates.
5. Pricing: Are you willing to spend money on it?
Templates are used in many areas today. For example, if you use WordPress, you might consider buying a premium template from Envato Market (or elsewhere), because most free ones lack customization options, have poor design, and contain bugs.
Pricing, however, can be tricky. Personally, I always ask myself: “Is it worth my effort to do it myself?”
My paid templates are priced between 4,000 and 10,000 HUF, which is roughly 2–4 times the hourly wage of a qualified worker. You simply can’t build a complex spreadsheet from scratch in that time.
6. Errors: How sensitive are you to mistakes?
Most premium templates are regularly reviewed and updated based on user feedback. If you build your own, be prepared to spend time debugging. In addition to possible errors, you might forget to consider some parameters—while templates usually cover most of those automatically.
According to statistics, 88% of unchecked Excel spreadsheets contain errors. Mistakes often occur during routine, repetitive work, such as copying and pasting formulas. Templates, on the other hand, are tested, and their locked formula cells help prevent such errors.
I offer a 12-month repair warranty for my templates.
7. Personal observation: The learning opportunity
When you work with a template, you become familiar with its structure and design, which can prepare you to create a similar one on your own later.
Conclusion
From my personal perspective, even if you have the Excel skills to build your own solution, starting with a good, pre-made template can save you a lot of time and effort. You can always customize it afterward to suit your specific needs.
Ref: Premade Excel Templates VS. Create From Scratch - Someka
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