Hey folks, I’ve been doing automation stuff for a while now. I just tried out Zapier and n8n. They’re cool but I think they might be a bit much for some people.
I’ve done all sorts of things like checking prices, fixing stock numbers, and making invoices. A lot of this can be done with some simple code on a cheap server.
For example:
import requests
from bs4 import BeautifulSoup
def check_price(url):
response = requests.get(url)
soup = BeautifulSoup(response.text, 'html.parser')
price = soup.find('span', class_='price').text
return float(price.strip('$'))
if check_price('http://example.com/product') < 50:
send_alert('Price dropped!')
This little script could save you a bunch of money compared to using Zapier for the same thing.
Don’t get me wrong, Zapier and n8n are great for big, complicated stuff. But for smaller jobs? You might be paying too much.
What do you guys think? Have you found cheaper ways to do your automation?
I’ve gotta chime in here. While I see the appeal of DIY solutions, there’s something to be said for the convenience of tools like Zapier and n8n. Sure, they might seem pricey, but consider the time saved on setup and maintenance. I work for a small business, and we’ve found Zapier to be a lifesaver for our non-technical staff. It’s allowed them to create workflows without bugging our IT department constantly.
That said, I do think there’s a middle ground. We’ve started using Make (formerly Integromat) for some tasks, which offers a more affordable option with similar functionality. It’s been a good compromise between cost and ease of use.
Ultimately, it comes down to weighing the costs against the benefits for your specific situation. If you’ve got the skills and time to manage custom scripts, more power to you. But for many businesses, the convenience and reliability of these platforms can be worth the investment.
I’ve been in the automation game for years, and I can’t help but agree with your assessment. While Zapier and n8n are powerful tools, they’re often overkill for simpler tasks. I’ve found that a combination of custom scripts and open-source alternatives can be just as effective and far more cost-efficient for many use cases.
For instance, I’ve set up a Linux server with cron jobs to handle routine tasks like data backups and report generation. It’s remarkably reliable and costs a fraction of what I’d pay for a premium automation service. Additionally, tools like Apache Airflow have served me well for more complex workflows without the hefty price tag.
Ultimately, the choice between custom solutions and paid services depends on the specific needs and technical expertise of the user. But for those willing to invest some time in learning, the cost savings can be substantial.
totally agree man. i’ve been using Python scripts for ages and they do the job just fine. zapier’s cool but way too pricey for what it does. i’d rather spend a few hours coding than fork out cash every month. plus, you learn more doing it yourself. just my 2 cents