This is the question everyone asks, "Do I want self-hosted or managed" and the honest answer is: it depends on where you are right now and where you want to be.
Let's break down both options clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Self-Hosted: Complete Ownership
When you choose self-hosted eBuilder, you are purchasing the complete software package. You receive the full source code, all applications, documentation, and the right to deploy it on any server you control.
This means you handle your own hosting (a VPS from providers like Hetzner, or similar typically costs £5-20 per month depending on your needs). You are responsible for server maintenance, updates, and security. You have complete freedom to modify the code, add features, and change every aspect of how the platform works.
Self-hosted is right for you if:
You are comfortable with basic server administration or willing to learn. You want complete control over your platform and data. You plan to change the software beyond standard configuration. You are building a long-term business and want to eliminate recurring platform fees. You have specific hosting requirements or compliance needs.
Managed Hosting: Simplicity and Support
Managed hosting means we run eBuilder for you. Your store lives on our infrastructure. We handle server maintenance, security updates, backups, and technical issues. You focus entirely on your business – creating products, serving customers, and growing sales.
This is a service subscription with a monthly fee. You are paying for ongoing hosting and management, not purchasing software to download.
A crucial point to understand: With managed hosting, you use the platform but you don't receive the source code or the ability to run eBuilder independently. You are a customer of our hosting service, not a software owner.
This isn't a trick or a limitation – it's simply how service businesses work. Netflix doesn't give you their streaming platform when you subscribe. Managed hosting works the same way: you are paying for access to a service we operate on your behalf.
Managed hosting is right for you if:
You want to start selling quickly without technical setup. Server administration isn't something you want to learn or manage. You prefer predictable monthly costs to upfront software purchases. You are testing the market and want low commitment to start. You value having support handle technical issues.
The Migration Path
Here's where it gets interesting: these options aren't mutually exclusive over time.
You are free to start with managed hosting to validate your business idea. No large upfront investment, minimal technical overhead, quick setup. You can sell products, build a customer base, and prove the concept works.
When the business reaches a point where complete ownership makes sense – maybe you want specific customisations, or the maths favour eliminating monthly fees, or you simply want full control – you can upgrade to self-hosted.
And your data comes with you.
Your products, customer accounts, order history – everything you have built transfers to your self-hosted installation. You are not starting over; you are moving your established business to infrastructure you own.
This is genuinely portable. We're not trying to lock you into managed hosting forever. If self-hosted becomes the better option for your business, we'll help you make that transition smoothly.
What You are Not Getting
Let's be completely transparent about what each option doesn't include.
Managed hosting does not give you:
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The source code
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The ability to download and run the eCommerce builder yourself
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Software ownership
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The right to deploy on your own servers
Paying for one month of managed hosting and then cancelling doesn't give you the software. That's not how this works. If you want to own and operate this eCommerce builder yourself, you need to purchase the self-hosted package.
Self-hosted does not give you:
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Our managed hosting services
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Automatic updates and maintenance
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Technical support for server issues
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Hands-off operation
You are responsible for your own infrastructure. We provide the software and documentation, but running it is your responsibility.
Making the Decision
Ask yourself these questions:
Do I want to manage a server, or do I want someone else to handle that?
Am I looking for a quick start or a long-term investment?
Does my business need custom modifications to the platform?
How do the ongoing costs compare over my expected timeline?
There's no wrong answer. Some businesses thrive on managed hosting indefinitely – the simplicity and support justify the monthly cost. Others want complete ownership from day one and are happy to handle their own infrastructure.
Both options give you an eCommerce platform built for digital products, without the percentage-based fees that eat into your margins on other platforms. The difference is whether you want to own and operate the software yourself or pay us to do that for you.
Take your time exploring the demo. When you are ready to move forward, you'll know which path fits your situation.
Available as a self-hosted product HERE
Or free your time with Managed Hosting HERE
