diff --git a/docker-compose.yml b/docker-compose.yml
index 42318a3..b272846 100644
--- a/docker-compose.yml
+++ b/docker-compose.yml
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@ services:
   app:
     build: .
     image: datewise:latest
+    pull_policy: build
     restart: unless-stopped
     depends_on:
       db:
@@ -42,7 +43,9 @@ services:
 
   # Sweeps expired holds, sends reminders, offers freed places to the waitlist, reconciles missed orders.
   worker:
+    build: .                 # same Dockerfile; the build cache makes this free after the app's build
     image: datewise:latest
+    pull_policy: build       # never look for "datewise" on Docker Hub
     restart: unless-stopped
     depends_on:
       app: