Build vs Buy – leadbutton.io

September 26, 2026

When Should a Startup Hire Its First SDR? Not Before 2 AEs, a Manager With Capacity, and 5 Months of Budget

When should a startup hire first SDR? Not before 2 AEs cannot fill their own calendars, a manager has real capacity, and 5 months of no output is funded.

In-House SDR vs Outsourced SDR: $130,800 and 5 Months Against $18,000 to $42,000 and 5 Weeks

In-house SDR vs outsourced SDR: $130,800 a year and five months to output, against $18,000 to $42,000 and about five weeks. Every number linked and dated.

The True Cost of an SDR in 2026: $131,000 to $164,000, Itemized

The true cost of an SDR in 2026 is $131,000 to $164,000 a year fully loaded. Itemized from BLS and Bridge Group data, plus the real cost per booked meeting.