Should I migrate from paid automation tools to self-hosted N8N?

Hi folks,

I’m shelling out a decent chunk of change each month for automation services. It’s getting pricey and I’m wondering if there’s a better way.

Right now, I use these tools for a few key tasks:

  1. Getting my Facebook leads into my CRM
  2. Syncing my phone system with the CRM for call logs and tasks
  3. Using webhooks to create contracts automatically

I’ve heard about N8N as a possible alternative. It’s self-hosted, which could save some cash. But I’m not sure about the setup process or how well it works in the real world.

Has anyone here made the jump to N8N? How did it go? Did you actually save money in the end? Any major headaches or smooth sailing?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

I’ve been using N8N for about a year now, and I can say it’s been a game-changer for my business. The initial setup took some time and patience, but it was worth it. I was in a similar boat, paying for multiple automation tools that were eating into my budget.

With N8N, I’ve managed to replicate most of my previous workflows and even create new ones I couldn’t before. The Facebook lead integration works seamlessly, and I’ve set up custom webhooks for contract generation too. The CRM sync took a bit more tinkering, but it’s running smoothly now.

Cost-wise, I’m saving around 60% compared to my previous setup. There’s a learning curve, and you’ll need to be comfortable with some basic tech skills or have someone who is. But once it’s up and running, it’s pretty stable.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to handle updates and maintenance yourself. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s something to factor in when considering the switch. Overall, if you’re willing to invest some time upfront, N8N can be a powerful and cost-effective solution.

i switched to n8n last year and its been great. saved me tons of money. setup was a bit tricky but once u get it going its awesome. i do all the stuff u mentioned with no problems. just make sure ur comfy with tech stuff or have someone who is. def worth trying out imo

I’ve been using N8N for about six months now, and it’s been a mixed bag. The cost savings are real - I’m spending about 40% less than I was with paid tools. However, the learning curve is steep. It took me weeks to get everything set up properly, and I still encounter occasional issues.

The Facebook lead integration works well once configured, but syncing with my CRM was more challenging. I had to write some custom scripts to get it working smoothly. The webhook functionality is robust, though, and I’ve automated my contract creation process effectively.

One downside is the time investment for maintenance and troubleshooting. You need to stay on top of updates and be prepared to dig into the code when things go wrong. It’s not a set-it-and-forget-it solution.

Overall, if you’re technically inclined and value flexibility over convenience, N8N can be a good choice. Just be prepared for a significant time investment upfront and ongoing.