Are retainers allowed under the sustainable-license

Questions
1

I’d like to clarify something regarding the Sustainable Use License.

If I’m self-hosting n8n ( or using the cloud version at the beginning at a small scale) and offering workflow automation as a service (e.g., posting to social media or syncing data), but I:

  • Operate under a retainer model,
  • Get explicit consent from each user to use their credentials,
  • And users are aware I’m managing the automation for them,
  • getting commercial fees from the users

Would this setup still violate the Sustainable Use License? Or would it fall under acceptable use?

Thanks in advance for your guidance!

2

Hi @Layyyas

Here’s what I’ve heard on this topic. If you are providing consulting services, and assisting clients with setting up self hosting in their environment, it shouldnt be a problem. I would just think of it like this… Are you essentially just reselling n8n for your profit? If so, thats probably not within the guidelines.

Are you proposing self hosting in your environment, and collecting a retainer? Would the client build workflows on your self hosted instance? or just you?

fyi, I’m not working for n8n, but these thoughts are just what I have heard in the community.

Best,

Robert

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3

Sounds like you are using their credentials on a instance that is hosted by you. This is not allowed and requires a license.
If it is their server and their credentials you are all good without license.