# On your tools vs we host it — how to choose

> Choose “On your tools” if you already live in Zapier or Make and want logic in your accounts; choose “We host it” if you want ScopedOps to run the automation middle layer while you keep your CRM and forms — same Ops job either way.

ScopedOps hosting choice explained in plain language: build in Zapier/Make on apps you already pay for, or let us run the automation middle layer.

Canonical HTML: https://scopedops.com/resources/on-your-tools-vs-we-host-it
This file: https://scopedops.com/resources/on-your-tools-vs-we-host-it.md
Published: 2026-08-11
Pillar: lead-intake

**On your tools** = we build in Zapier/Make inside accounts you already pay for. **We host it** = we run the automation middle layer on our platform while you keep your CRM and forms. Same Ops outcome either way — pick based on who should babysit the runtime.

![On your tools versus we host it](/images/resources/inline-hosting-split.svg)

## What does “On your tools” mean?

We build and maintain the automation **inside apps you already pay for** — typically Zapier or Make, plus your CRM, forms, calendar, and inbox. (See Zapier’s and Make’s own primers linked in Sources for what those platforms are.)

**Choose this when:**

- You already have Zapier/Make (or want those skills in-house later)  
- You’d rather keep the automation in accounts you already own  
- You want maximum portability of the raw zaps/scenarios  

**Tradeoffs:** you carry the Zapier/Make subscription; we still need access to maintain it under monthly care.

## What does “We host it” mean?

We run the automation on **our managed platform**. You keep your CRM and forms; we handle the middle.

**Choose this when:**

- You do not want another automation SaaS to babysit  
- You prefer one vendor accountable for the runtime  
- Your team should not touch scenario builders day to day  

**Tradeoffs:** usually a higher monthly, because we carry the runtime. Export/portability rules are in the offer terms — ask if that matters for you.

## What does not change between the two?

- The **job outcome** (lead intake, appointments, home service) is the same product line  
- Kickoff still collects access and agrees the first milestone  
- Pass-through costs for SMS, CRMs, and ad platforms remain yours  

## How should I decide quickly?

<div class="table-wrap">
<table class="comparison-table">
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col">If you…</th>
<th scope="col">Lean toward</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Already live in Zapier/Make</td>
<td><strong>On your tools</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Want fewer vendor logins for staff</td>
<td><strong>We host it</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Are unsure and want a plan first</td>
<td><strong>Ops Master Plan</strong> before a package</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>

## Next step

Pick the Ops job you need — Lead Intake, Appointment, or Home Service — then choose hosting on that package page before checkout. The band below starts with Lead Intake as a common entry; browse Ops for the others.

## FAQ

### What does “On your tools” mean at ScopedOps?

We build and maintain the automation inside apps you already pay for — typically Zapier or Make plus your CRM, forms, and calendar. You carry those subscriptions; we need access to maintain the scenarios under monthly care.

### What does “We host it” mean?

We run the automation on our managed platform. You keep your CRM and forms; we handle the middle. Monthly is usually higher because we carry the runtime.

### Can I switch hosting later?

Sometimes, with a migration effort. Treat the first choice as real; do not assume a free flip. Ask at Kickoff if you expect to change within a year.

### Does “we host it” mean ScopedOps owns my customer data?

No. Customer records should stay in your CRM/forms. We host the automation layer in between, not your system of record.

## Sources

- [Zapier — What is Zapier?](https://zapier.com/learn/getting-started-guide/what-is-zapier/) — Zapier — Vendor primer on the “on your tools” class of automation platforms.
- [Make (Integromat) — What is Make?](https://www.make.com/en/what-is-make) — Make — Alternate no/low-code automation platform commonly used when we build on your tools.