Payment terms and risks are a key factor to look out for when working directly with buyers versus an affiliate network. Typically, networks handle payments, ensuring you get paid even if the buyer delays/defaults. Payment terms are standardized and you dont need to worry about not getting your money. Direct deals may be more profitable, offering greater control as they involve negotiating payment terms, and you are responsible for ensuring payment. Making a deal with the wrong buyer could result in non-payment. You can ensure avoiding these issues by asking for upfront deposits in the beginning and verifying the buyers credibility to avoid potential non-payment issues. Tracking & Attribution is something else to consider when working directly with a buyer. Networks usually provide sophisticated tracking tools, pixel integrations, and detailed reporting on your performance. When working directly with a buyer, you will need to handle tracking on your own or invest in third party solutions which may increase your costs while not offering effective tracking services. To combat this, ensure both yourself and the buyer agree on tracking mechanisms to avoid disputes over lead attribution as misattributions can lead to lost revenue or disagreements.