n8n
Self-hostable automation — own the infrastructure, own the $500+/mo retainer
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What n8n is
n8n is a source-available workflow automation platform you can self-host for free or run on n8n Cloud, with strong native support for AI-agent workflows. Its execution-based pricing means one workflow run costs the same whether it has 3 steps or 300, which changes the economics of heavy automations. Best for technical operators who want to own the automation infrastructure they bill clients to run on.
Key features
- Self-hostable free Community Edition or managed n8n Cloud
- Hundreds of native integrations plus an HTTP request node for any API
- Native AI-agent nodes with LangChain support for LLM workflows
- JavaScript and Python code nodes when visual building isn't enough
- Execution-based pricing — one run is one execution regardless of step count
- Git-based version control and environments on higher tiers
💰 Sell it as a service
The offer
Sell hosted automation infrastructure: run client workflows — including the AI-agent builds SMBs are now asking for — on an n8n instance you manage, self-hosted or on Cloud.
What to charge
Charge $2,500-$5,000 for the build and $500-$1,500/mo for managed automation covering hosting, monitoring, and changes. Self-hosting puts your hard cost at a $20 VPS, so retainer margin runs 90%+.
How it gets delivered
Host one hardened instance per client (Docker on a VPS or n8n Cloud), keep workflows in version control, and bake in error alerts so support stays async instead of on-call.
This is one offer. AI Operator Academy is where operators build the full stack — packaging, pricing, fulfillment, and a peer group selling the same services. $999/yr.
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Ready to build with n8n?
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