Affiliate Marketing vs Dropshipping

Affiliate marketing typically sends shoppers to a merchant and earns a commission on eligible conversions. Dropshipping usually means your store takes the customer order and arranges for a supplier to ship the product.

Affiliate marketing

• You promote; the merchant sells, ships and handles returns.
• Less operational work.
• Income is a commission set by the merchant.

Dropshipping

• You run the storefront and set prices.
• The supplier ships, but you remain responsible to the customer.
• You handle customer service, refunds and delivery problems.

Risks compared

Dropshipping adds fulfilment, refunds, shipping and payment risks, while affiliate marketing depends on tracking and the merchant's rules.

Which suits you?

If you enjoy creating content and building an audience, affiliate marketing fits. If you want control over your brand and pricing and can handle customer service, dropshipping may suit you.

Check before choosing

Choose the model only after confirming the partner's permissions and actual costs. In Pakistan, reselling on platforms like MoneyEarn sits between the two: you earn a margin while the seller ships.

Frequently asked questions

Which needs less money to start?

Affiliate marketing usually needs less, since you do not run a store or handle orders.

Who handles returns in dropshipping?

The store owner is responsible to the customer, even if the supplier ships the product.