Self Hosted Affiliate Program or Using an Affiliate Network?

The only reason I use networks is because they lighten the workload - ie, they pay affiliates, handle taxes, manage the technical, etc. If the numbers make sense then use a network. Those numbers can add up though and most networks charge a healthy premium.

9 out of 10 affiliates that will generate sales for you will be those you find and recruit. So having a large pool of affiliates may be a selling point networks use, however that tends to be the least of what you'll gain.

In-house has the opposite set of issues - you'll have to pay affiliates, issue tax forms, deal with technical headaches, etc. But you can also save some money and maintain more control over your business.

I think it's also worth noting that some networks (IMHO) literally steal your customers. If your customer buys your product they're added to the network's mailing list unless they happen to notice that tiny little checkbox next to the fine print and opt-out. It's no small consideration that YOUR customer is going to be pitched crap every day that someone else profits from.

All the best to you - John