[csrpj]

so i have an option to selling my own t-shirts, or selling as an affiliate for a site with similar designs.

the pros to my own is i get to be exercise creative, and i suppose can be proud of having something of my own. also, i don't have to worry about trusting to the site i'd otherwise be an affiliate of to pay me fully. on the other hand, as an affiliate, i don't have to deal with start-up costs or designing my site or anytihng. perhaps it makes sense to first start as an affiliate, and if i can make some good sales, then move on to having my own site... what do you think? the affiliate seems to be good pay: the shirts cost $18 and i get $4 for each one i sell. (on the downside, they don't use cookies, meaning i get it if my affiliate code is in the link, and not if they take out the link or remember the main URL and buy it later...)

 

[Rodney]

what do you think?

As you pointed out, they both have their advantages and disadvantages. You just have to figure out which is a priority to YOU and how deep you want to get into it.

There's a lot more to selling t-shirts that just putting up a website. You have to print the t-shirts (or pay someone to), handle ecommerce, customer service, hosting and *most importantly* you have to have the time and money to properly market and advertise your products so people actually know you're there.

If this affiliate site is already established, then it might be a good jumping off point depending on how comfortable you are with the situation.

 

[OriginalShortees]

I agree with Rodney. There is quite a bit to take into account if you set up your own site. While you have all of the benefits of being in control, you have all of the responsibilities of running a business, and there are many.

If your objective is to just make a little money then being an affiliate may be a great thing to do. You are walking away with 25% of the sale price as net profit and that is not bad for not having to do any of the other work involved in running a business. The question is how good a job does the site do in marketing and sales.

I always support people who want to follow their entrepreneurial instincts and never want to discourage anyone from going into business for themselves. In this case give a lot of thought to what it involves and if you are not ready to tackle the workload and investment, strongly consider the affiliate route. You are not making any life commitments to them and can always take what you learn and start your own venture later.