Affiliate vs distributor

Where might one draw the line on a small product line - how would you determine if it were worth it to drop ship vs just signing up for an affiliate program?

The best way to find out is to test it out with a small experiment - try both and see which one you're better at.

By the time you try, you should have a good feel where your skillset lies. Affiliate promotion is more about marketing whereas Drop Shipping is more about E-Commerce.

Both are potentially lucrative.