New lighting node operator, keeping it simple while understanding the data
I’m running a Lightning node and I’m still very early, just a few channels, learning how the network behaves. At the same time, I help with a small e commerce business that runs subscription boxes.

In the short term, it seems obvious that the business should just accept Lightning using a simple wallet like Strike, Cash App, or Phoenix, and convert to USD if needed. That feels clean and low friction.

Longer term though, I’m trying to understand where self hosted Lightning nodes actually fit for merchants. Not trying to force routes or fake volume, more just thinking through the layers.

At what point does it make sense to issue invoices through your own node using something like LNbits or BTCPay? Do most node operators keep routing and commerce completely separate at first? Is it reasonable to think nodes eventually act more like backend payment infrastructure rather than the checkout experience itself?

I’m not trying to rush anything, just looking for sanity checks and real world experience from people who’ve been running nodes longer than I have. Appreciate any perspective. Little bit of a new hobby but also would love to see the possibility’s of lightning along the way .