Q: Should I launch on a network or build an in-house program first?

Q: Should I launch on a network or build an in-house program first?

Start on a network if you're under ~$50k/month in affiliate revenue and need affiliates fast. Networks bring an existing partner pool, handle payouts and tax forms, and absorb fraud disputes — you pay 25-30% override on top of commission for that.

Go in-house once you can answer two questions: do you have a recruiter or manager to source partners yourself, and can you afford a tracking platform (Everflow, Tune, Affise) plus a payout rail? In-house drops that override and gives you raw click-level data the network won't share.

The honest middle path: run both. Keep a network for reach and tail partners, move your top 10-20 producers in-house where margin matters most. Most programs that 'graduate' fully too early just lose volume.

Caveat: in-house means you own compliance and chargebacks. No safety net.

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