How to include e-commerce on a content site?

[stevebydac]

Newbie here, mulling over a great opportunity but need your suggestions...

A hobby I enjoy has no site on the web that gives full item descriptions, photos, how to use, hobby tips, etc. all in one spot. Some are e-commerce sites selling the hobby's product; some are mediocre content sites of 20-75 pages -- none do both tasks well. I want to fill the void.

I curse every time I try to find in-depth info on this hobby on the web. So, I want to build that perfect site. I am totally convinced that if I build a 200-500 page content site on this hobby, it will be treasured by fellow hobbyists. It would have no rival.

Here's my challenge: how will I make money? I can't imagine that enough money will come in from banner advertising etc. from a strictly content-based site of a niche hobby. So I would like to sell the hobby's products on the site. Problem: much of the product is perishable, and all of it (perishable and non)would take up too much warehouse space and cost for me to even dream of handling it.

Is drop-shipping through a wholesaler my best option? And since this is a niche, I don't know how many of the wholesalers are interested and/or customer-focused enough in drop-shipping delicate product for me (there is a big element of trust between customer and seller in this hobby). Or (if my gut is right about my eventually owning a top-level site) do I try to get an affiliate relationship started on the best terms possible for myself, and simply refer my readers to such a linked e-commerce site?

It is frustrating to see this amazing potential in a content site that I know I could build and not know how to financially capitalize on it.

Advice? Anyone been in this same situation and been very profitable at it? Thanks!

[bcc1234]

Try becoming an affiliate of sites that only sell related merchandise, but don't have any content.

[mep00]

You said there already were e-commerce sites in your niche. Perhaps they would be willing to advertise on your site (and cut out the middle man), or perhaps you could make a deal with one of them to be your supplier. Since they are already set-up to ship, they might be willing to pay you a commission.

As far as Adsense goes, if can build the "Mother of all Widgets'" site, you may even generate enough traffic to make it profitable.

[stevebydac]

I appreciate the advice.

Can you explain briefly the difference between receiving a commission for assisting an (advertiser/affilite)link's sales versus what I receive from an affiliate agreement? I thought they were the same.

And is there an industry standard affiliate percentage for items that typically sell for $50-150? For $500-2000?

Thanks again.

[Essex_boy]

There is no standard comm. When I sold boots I received 10% when I sold boats I received 3%.

On general outdoor gear costing say $35 I received 3 - 5 % Shop around