AffiliatePal is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Affiliate marketing and drop shipping are two different business models that can be used to sell products online. Here are some key differences between the two:
- How they work: Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services from other businesses and earning a commission on sales made through your referral link. Drop shipping involves partnering with a supplier or manufacturer who stores and ships the products for you, and you handle the marketing and sales.
- Inventory management: With affiliate marketing, you don’t need to worry about inventory management or fulfillment. With drop shipping, you will need to manage inventory and ensure that your supplier has the products in stock to fulfill orders.
- Profit margin: The profit margin for affiliate marketing can vary depending on the products you promote and the commission rate. With drop shipping, the profit margin will depend on the markup you charge on the products, as well as the cost of the product and shipping.
- Customer service: With affiliate marketing, you are not responsible for customer service or returns. With drop shipping, you will need to handle customer service and handle any returns or exchanges.
- Risk: Affiliate marketing carries less risk than drop shipping, as you are not investing in inventory or handling fulfillment. Drop shipping involves more risk, as you are responsible for managing inventory and handling fulfillment.
Both affiliate marketing and drop shipping can be profitable business models, but they have different pros and cons and require different approaches and strategies. It’s important to carefully evaluate your goals and resources before deciding which model is right for you.
