Monetizing domaining related service

What are my options for making money?

[instinct]

I have developed a <domaining related product/service>. What I am trying to figure out, is the best way to monetize it.

Here are my options (feel free to point out others!).

1. Affiliate links. Users would use my search service then move on to register elsewhere. Pros: simple to setup, no cash needed. Cons: Limited revenue possibility.

2. My own registrar. Either as a white label solution or the full monty. Pros: Big (recurring) revenue potential. Cons: Significant capital outlay required.

For number 1, is it possible to make really decent income this way? ie Five figures or more per month?

For number 2, is it feasible to start as a white label registrar and grow into the real deal? Would you be able to take your customers with you? Is the slightly better cut (vs affiliate route) worth all the headaches? What are the other pros and cons?

Thanks.

[edited by: Webwork at 9:06 pm (utc) on Dec. 4, 2008]
[edit reason] Per Charter and see stickymail [/edit]

[buckworks]

What research have you done to conclude that there is "limited revenue possibility" with affiliate links? I'd be interested to hear your logic for that comment.

[instinct]

I guess "limited revenue possibility" should actually read "not as big a revenue possibility as the other option" :-)

Your tone suggests to me I'm off base in thinking this couldn't be a significant revenue generator. That's good news!

The only data point (somewhat anecdotal) I have on this is of an acquaintance who runs a service that could be considered parallel/similar. He uses domain affiliate links and makes some decent money but nothing spectacular.

[buckworks]

The way to create spectacular income is create spectacular value for someone.

The possibilities as an affiliate would depend on how effective you were at sending well-targeted traffic to your merchant partners. That would be the key to success for your own business, too.

[SlimKim]

you know you can start a white label registrar with a enom reseller account and it won't cost you a penny

i know several different enom resellers that can set you up or just search for "enom reseller"

and i will pm you about monetizing, but you can set up accounts at any number of banner networks and earn cpm ... the deciding factor will be how much traffic you can get

[mike031]

everything is possible..... i think you need to slow down though, and start out small, with a reseller account.. and if your "service/product" takes off.. then you can take appropriate action.

don't jump the gun... ;)

good luck!