When you buy a self-hosted eCommerce Builder from Djangify, you are not renting a tool you are receiving a complete eCommerce system that you own outright. That ownership gives you full control of your shop, your data, and your future. This article explains what that means in practice and how hosting works once your site is ready to go live.
\r\nWhat It Means to Own Your System
\r\nMost online platforms operate on a rental model: you pay a monthly fee, use their tools, and your site exists only as long as your subscription does. If the company changes its pricing or shuts down your account, your business goes with it.
\r\nDjangify works differently. When you purchase an eCommerce Site, you receive:
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- The complete system including all apps, templates, and configuration files. \r\n
- Access to your database and media files. \r\n
- A fully configured site branded to your business and ready for production. \r\n
- You own the code, content, and database. \r\n
That means you can move your site and back it up anytime you want. Your business runs independently of any third-party platform.
\r\nHow Hosting Works
\r\nHosting is where your site lives on the internet. Your Djangify system is delivered pre-configured and ready to host on any modern Django-compatible environment.
\r\nDjangify Setup Process
\r\nThe setup process will differ depending on whether you are self-hosting (you put your site up yourself), managed hosting (I look after your site) or a complete custom build of your site where I install it for you on your own hosting. After purchase of a complete custom build, you complete a questionnaire providing your domain, colours, logo, and product information.
\r\nDjangify configures your eCommerce Site and prepares it for deployment.
\r\nThe final version is installed on our own hosting server for three months free. During and after that time you can then move the site wherever you choose or keep it with djangify and pay a small monthly hosting fee.
\r\nEverything is set up for you. There are no manual installation steps required.
\r\nThe newest option is managed hosting. For a monthly fee your ecommerce site is managed for you, so you don't have to worry about servers and updates or backups.
\r\nSelf-Hosted: Complete Ownership
\r\nWhen you choose self-hosted Djangify, 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.
\r\nThis means you handle your own hosting (a VPS from providers like Hetzner, or similar typically costs a few pounds per month depending on your needs). You are responsible for server maintenance, updates, and security, and an included AI-ready setup guide walks you through it: if you can ask Claude to do something and follow the steps it gives you, you can do this. You have complete freedom to modify the code, add features, and change every aspect of how the platform works.
\r\nSelf-hosted is right for you if:
\r\nYou are willing to ask AI to help with server administration and follow the steps it gives you. 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.
\r\nManaged Hosting: Simplicity and Support
\r\nManaged hosting means we run Djangify for you. Your shop 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.
\r\nThis is a service subscription with a monthly fee. You are paying for ongoing hosting and management, not purchasing software to download.
\r\nA crucial point to understand: With managed hosting, you use the platform but you don't receive the source code or the ability to run Djangify independently. You are a customer of our hosting service, not a software owner.
\r\nThis 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.
\r\nManaged hosting is right for you if:
\r\nYou want to start selling quickly without setting up a server. Server administration isn't something you want to take on. 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 infrastructure issues.
\r\nRecommended Hosting Option: VPS
\r\nIf you are self-hosting (putting it up yourself) a Virtual Private Server (VPS) is the preferred choice for this system because it provides:
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- Full ownership and control. \r\n
- Direct file access and SSH management. \r\n
- Built-in SSL encryption and automated backups. \r\n
- Consistent performance without shared hosting limitations. \r\n
For self-managed hosting and the full custom build I use my own VPS Hosting. I put your site up and you receive your credentials and site details once setup is complete, allowing you to manage and update your shop.
\r\nBackup and Migration
\r\nEvery Djangify eCommerce Builder Site is hosted on its own secure VPS (Virtual Private Server)
\r\nWith managed hosting your site is backed up and the infrastructure is maintained for you, plus the ability to download a copy of your site is available in the admin area.
\r\nThe custom build option includes six months of managed hosting. During this time Djangify will handle updates and backups.
\r\nYour data belongs entirely to you and you always have the option to take a full copy of your site whenever you wish.
\r\nYour VPS hosting includes:
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- Automatic weekly backups (server-level). \r\n
- Database backups \r\n
- Media and uploaded files stored in your /home/ directory. \r\n
These backups protect your products, pages, and orders in case of data loss.
If anything ever goes wrong, Djangify Support can restore your site from one of these backups during your hosting period.
Accessing Your eCommerce Login
\r\nYou will receive your eCommerce login details if you decide to continue hosting your site with Djangify. Obviously, if you choose to move your site then we no longer have access to your domain or site and it is now the responsibility of your new hosting company.
\r\nHowever, if you choose to remain and pay monthly for your hosting you will receive log in details to your eCommrece admin area.
\r\nExporting Your Site Data
\r\nIf you decide to move your site to a new host or manage it independently, you can download a copy your database which will include a complete export of your database and media files, which allows another server to recreate your site exactly as it is.
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- The datadump includes: \r\n
- All product and order data \r\n
- All Info Pages and documentation \r\n
- Uploaded media and digital files \r\n
- Site settings and structure \r\n
To generate this export, simply go to the Site Data area in admin and click on Backups & PWA Stats
\r\nMoving Your Site to Another Host
\r\nYour site is built with Django, SQLite3, and Tailwind CSS V4.
To move it elsewhere, your new host must support:
Python 3.12 or later
\r\nA Django-compatible environment
\r\nBecause migration involves moving both files and databases, you might want to get your new hosting company to do this for you. Many of them offer that service.
\r\nData Privacy and Control
\r\nBecause your system is self-hosted, your customer information and sales data remain entirely under your control.
No third-party service can access or share your data. All sensitive details, including passwords and payment confirmations, are handled securely by Django and Stripe.
This setup protects both you and your customers while meeting GDPR compliance standards for UK and EU users.
\r\nUpdates and Maintenance
\r\nDjangify provides clear documentation for routine maintenance. Most updates are handled automatically during your hosting setup for managed and custom created sites. For system or security updates:
\r\nYou can follow provided instructions if you are self-hosting.
\r\nYour shop continues running during updates - no downtime or reconfiguration required.
\r\nBecause the system has no plugins or third-party integrations, maintenance remains simple and predictable.
\r\nWhy Ownership Future-Proofs Your Business
\r\nOwning your system gives you independence. If you grow beyond your current plan, you can scale the same codebase to a new server or add new functionality without rebuilding from scratch. Your shop becomes a long-term business asset, not a temporary subscription.
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