Should you build your own Indy?
Proposals, contracts, tasks, time tracking, invoices, and client management
Do not mistake the interface for the product. Indy's durable value is banking, compliance, trust, which a solo one-shot build cannot reproduce responsibly. The prompt therefore builds only the closest honest personal consolation tool.
ENOriginal research content in English. Original prompt preserved in English.
Build the closest honest consolation tool inspired by Indy; do not claim to replace its structural moat.
Use exactly this stack: Next.js 15 + TypeScript + SQLite.
Primary job: Build a private freelance business tools ledger that imports user-supplied CSV files, categorizes entries, reconciles balances, and exports reports.
Start from an empty folder and create the complete working project.
Make the default mode single-user and private.
Store user data locally unless the core job requires the declared self-hosted database.
Do not add analytics, telemetry, ads, or third-party accounts.
Put every secret and external credential in .env and provide .env.example.
Use realistic sample data that is clearly labelled and easy to delete.
Implement the smallest polished interface that completes the core loop end to end.
Include clear empty, loading, validation, success, and failure states.
Add import and export so the user is not trapped in the app.
Use accessible keyboard navigation, labels, focus states, and sensible contrast.
Validate untrusted input and never log secrets or private file contents.
Deliberately exclude these paid-product advantages: live bank feeds and payment rails; tax and accounting rule updates; audited security and recovery.
Do not fake integrations, network effects, proprietary data, model quality, compliance, or security claims.
Where an external API is optional, keep the app useful without it and explain the degraded mode.
Write focused unit tests for the data model and the most important workflow.
Add one end-to-end smoke test that proves the core loop works.
Create a README with setup, permissions, architecture, data location, backup, and limitations.
Add scripts for install, development, test, build, and a production-style local run.
Run the tests and build before finishing, then fix errors rather than merely describing them.The prompt opens pre-filled in your agent. Review it before running. · this prompt is generated from the build plan · improve it via PR
What would building your own look like?
Build a private freelance business tools ledger that imports user-supplied CSV files, categorizes entries, reconciles balances, and exports reports.
What you will need
- Node.js 22
- SQLite
- CSV exports from the user's own accounts
- Explicit README warning that this is a consolation build, not a production replacement
Indy: People pay because errors touch real money. Bank connections, reconciliation, tax changes, evidence, security, and support are the product.
xlive bank feeds and payment rails
xtax and accounting rule updates
xaudited security and recovery
xmulti-user controls and accountant workflows
xbank, payment, tax, and reconciliation integrations
Prefer something ready-made?
License, setup, and limitations for each alternative.
How much does Indy cost?
- Monthly billing
- $25/mo$25/mo
- Per year
- $300/yr$300/yr
- Annual billing
- $225/yr25% cheaper than paying monthly
- On a Brazilian card, with 3.5% IOF
- R$131/moR$1,176/yr
Saved to My list. You will see a notice on this site when the price changes.
You complete the purchase on Indy’s site. Vibe Radar does not handle payments.
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) | What is included |
|---|---|---|---|
| free | $0/workspace | $0/workspace | 3 proposals/month; 3 contracts/month; 3 invoices/month; 3 clients; 10 GB storage; 200 MB per file |
| pro bundle | $25/workspace≈ $25 | $18.75/workspace≈ $18.75 | Unlimited clients, proposals, contracts, and invoices; 1 TB storage; 1 GB per file |
Free tier3 proposals, 3 contracts, and 3 invoices per month; 3 clients; 10 GB storage; 200 MB/file; monthly quotas do not roll over
Billing termsfree + $300 prepaid for 2 years; 7-day Pro trial and 30-day refund window
Additional costsThe paid package is a 2-year prepayment rather than a monthly or annual subscription. Free monthly quotas reset and do not roll over.
verified 2026-10-20 · source ↗
Is it cheaper to build or buy Indy?
Adjust the numbers: hours to build, your hourly rate, running costs and the subscription price.
Over 24 months, subscribing is cheaper.
Starting hours estimated from the analysis (not a true replacement; consolation build in one to two days). Does not price what you give up (support, integrations, security).
Can I rebuild Indy?
Not really. Indy’s value is not the code: the moat survives one prompt. See the honest breakdown above.
How much does Indy cost?
Indy costs about $25/mo (Pro Bundle, checked 10/20/2026), which is $225 per year.
What do I lose by replacing Indy?
Honestly: live bank feeds and payment rails; tax and accounting rule updates; audited security and recovery; multi-user controls and accountant workflows; bank, payment, tax, and reconciliation integrations. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Indy?
Yes: ERPNext (CRM, proposals, contracts, projects, time and invoices in one free ERP; setup is considerably less indie.) Dolibarr (Proposals, contracts, tasks, time and billing in one practical suite; the interface has sensible shoes.) The prompt is for when you want it exactly your way.