HACKER Q&A
📣 sharan_gohar_

Anyone else using open-source platforms to avoid SaaS lock-in?


I'm a solo founder trying to build a lean food delivery startup. Most of the SaaS options I explored were expensive and didn’t give me the ability to self-host, which is why I went with something different.

I used a semi open-source solution called Enatega and with some developer help, we self-hosted and customized it. The learning curve was steep but worth it. I now have full control over features, costs, and user experience, but I’m still in the initial phase.

Curious if others here have taken a similar path; whether for delivery, marketplaces, or other verticals. What worked for you? Any pitfalls I should watch out for as I scale?

  👤 Abee_09 Accepted Answer ✓
I've been exploring the idea of building a food delivery/logistics solution for myself as well. I've looked at Saas based options and I am really turned off by not having full control and basically just "renting" the solution from someone else.

I've tried searching for alternatives but it mostly leads me back down to the Saas hole.

Can you tell me how you found out about the solution you're working with?

Also, how exactly is it open source?

👤 rahimnathwani
I'm curious how you feel about the backend being proprietary.

Are you able to customize the backend or add new elements to the API?

👤 ggoggam
I’m self-hosting a semi OS project with my own custom backend that proxies the said service. It works pretty well and only took me a few days to set things up
👤 avemuri
Take a look at Frappe/openerp
👤 sharan_gohar_
Comment: If anyone’s interested, you can check the github repo here: https://github.com/enatega/food-delivery-multivendor