Hosted vs source code vs done-for-you: which way to buy an AI agent?
On AgentDukaan you can buy an AI agent three ways. Choose a hosted subscription if you want it running in minutes with nothing to manage; buy a source-code license if you’re a developer who wants to self-host and customise everything; or pick done-for-you if you’d rather a verified provider set it up for you. Most businesses should start hosted.
| Hosted subscription | Source-code license | Done-for-you | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | ₹999–₹4,999 / month | ₹14,999–₹59,999 one-time | ₹8,000–₹35,000 per project |
| Who hosts it | AgentDukaan (fully managed) | You self-host | Provider sets up; you or they host |
| Time to live | Under 10 minutes | Hours to days (dev work) | Days (provider does it) |
| Customisation | Config + settings | Unlimited — full source | Provider customises for you |
| Technical skill needed | None | Developer required | None |
| Ownership | Subscription (no code) | You own the codebase | Depends on the package |
| Ongoing cost | Monthly fee | Your own hosting only | One-time (support window varies) |
| Best for | Most businesses wanting it running fast | Developers / agencies who want control | Owners who want it done for them |
Which should you pick?
If you want results fast and don’t want to manage infrastructure, start with a hosted agent — it’s the lowest-risk way to try one and you can always move later. Choose a source-code license when you need full control, white-labelling, or to run the agent inside your own stack. Choose done-for-you when you know the outcome you want but don’t have time to set it up yourself.
Ready to look? Browse the agent catalog or read the FAQ.