Both dropshipping and affiliate stores have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the ease and cost of implementation can depend on various factors such as the business model, the products or services being offered, the target market, and the platform being used to set up the website.

In general, setting up an affiliate store website can be easier and cheaper to implement compared to a dropshipping store.

This is because in affiliate marketing, the retailer does not need to hold inventory or handle shipping, as these tasks are handled by the retailer. Therefore, the retailer can focus on promoting the products and driving traffic to the website, without worrying about managing inventory, shipping, or fulfillment.

On the other hand, setting up a dropshipping store can require more effort and investment in terms of finding reliable suppliers, managing inventory, and handling shipping and fulfillment. Additionally, dropshipping businesses may face issues such as longer shipping times and potential quality control problems, as the retailer has less control over the product and shipping process.

However, both dropshipping and affiliate marketing can be profitable business models if executed properly.

The choice between dropshipping and affiliate marketing ultimately depends on factors such as the retailer's goals, target market, and resources available for the business.

If you are on a budget and planning to start selling one or a few products, affiliate marketing could be a better option to start with compared to dropshipping. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Lower upfront costs: In affiliate marketing, there are no upfront costs associated with inventory, shipping, or fulfillment. This means you can start promoting products immediately without having to invest a lot of money upfront.
2. Lower risk: Since you are not holding inventory or managing shipping, you don't have to worry about the risk of unsold inventory or the cost of returns. This can help reduce the risk associated with starting a new business.
3. Easier to get started: Affiliate marketing can be easier to get started with, as you don't have to worry about finding suppliers, setting up a store, or managing inventory. You can simply sign up for an affiliate program and start promoting products through your website or social media.
4. No need for a website: While having a website can be helpful for promoting affiliate products, it is not always necessary. You can also promote products through social media, email marketing, or other channels.

Overall, affiliate marketing can be a great way to start selling products on a budget, with lower upfront costs and less risk compared to other forms of e-commerce such as dropshipping. However, it is important to choose products that align with your audience's interests and needs, and to promote them in an authentic and ethical way to build trust with your audience.