I’m planning to host an N8N fork for clients with consulting fees, but I discovered a high embed fee. Do I risk legal issues if I continue?
As someone who’s been in the automation consulting space for a few years, I can share my experience with N8N and similar tools. While the embed fee is steep, it’s there for a reason - N8N’s business model relies on it. I’ve found that transparency with clients about these costs is crucial. One approach I’ve used is to factor the embed fee into the overall project cost, presenting it as part of the technology stack expense. This way, you’re not directly reselling N8N, but rather providing a comprehensive service that includes the use of the tool. However, it’s essential to review N8N’s current terms of service thoroughly, as they may have specific clauses about such arrangements. Alternatively, you might consider exploring open-source alternatives that offer more flexibility in terms of commercial use and customization.
I’ve been in a similar situation with other automation platforms, and here’s what I’ve learned: while offering N8N as a service isn’t inherently illegal, it can be a legal minefield if not approached correctly. The high embed fee is actually designed to cover commercial use cases like yours. To stay compliant, you should consider either incorporating the embed fee into your pricing structure or exploring alternative licensing options directly with N8N. They sometimes offer special arrangements for consultants and agencies. Another approach is to pivot your service model to focus on implementation and support, rather than hosting. This way, clients would bear the licensing costs directly. Whatever route you choose, clear communication with both N8N and your clients about the licensing terms is crucial to avoid potential legal complications down the line.
hey there, ive been using n8n for a while now and from what i know, offering it as a service can be tricky. the embed fee is def a pain. u might wanna check their licensing terms carefully or maybe reach out to their support team directly. better safe than sorry when it comes to legal stuff, ya know?