Most founders start with Zapier or Make, then migrate to n8n once workflows get complex or expensive. n8n runs on your own server — unlimited executions, no per-run fees. You write custom code directly in the workflow when APIs return messy data. It connects to databases natively and handles errors properly. The tradeoff is setup time and maintenance. You need someone who knows DevOps and can manage hosting, updates, and monitoring. That is what I build. Fully managed n8n workflows that scale without usage fees. You get the cost savings and custom logic without managing servers yourself. If you need automation that runs constantly and handles complex integrations, message me on Contra.