At what point does it make sense to issue invoices through your own node using something like LNbits or BTCPay?
My suggestion is to start slowly with simple solutions, even custodial, until your customers get to use to pay with BTC. Once you have a higher volume, start looking into BTCpay and/or LNbits and many other solutions (see my guides).
Do most node operators keep routing and commerce completely separate at first?
For a merchant, public routing is not so important. Important is to have sane INBOUND liquidity, that means public and private channels with enough inbound space to receive more. End of day/period, swap out and keep the channels almost empty , ready to receive more. Then repeat this process. At some point you will have to buy INBOUND channels from good LSPs so your clients could pay easily.
Your usual clients also could open channels with your node if they are paying more often. Once they empty them, refill and repeat.
Please read all my guides, I've explained there all these aspects.
Very good if you want to start learning.
I will suggest to start reading my guides:
My suggestion is to start slowly with simple solutions, even custodial, until your customers get to use to pay with BTC. Once you have a higher volume, start looking into BTCpay and/or LNbits and many other solutions (see my guides).
For a merchant, public routing is not so important. Important is to have sane INBOUND liquidity, that means public and private channels with enough inbound space to receive more. End of day/period, swap out and keep the channels almost empty , ready to receive more. Then repeat this process. At some point you will have to buy INBOUND channels from good LSPs so your clients could pay easily.
Your usual clients also could open channels with your node if they are paying more often. Once they empty them, refill and repeat.
Please read all my guides, I've explained there all these aspects.