A frequent feature in Marvel comics of the 1970s and 80s was the allure of starting your own business or earning income through affiliate sales. The North American School of Drafting said “Drafting pays big!” in 1976. But that wasn’t the only way to get big pay.
The Mellinger Company encouraged buying products at wholesale prices to sell on at high profits. Their unique “Drop Ship” plan had similarities to today’s version of dropshipping years before the term would be associated with online stores. As President B. L. Mellinger said, “I started in my garage with less than $100. Now I have a business that takes in millions.”
The Russell Products Company (above) was more mysterious in how you could make easy money for free, but a $10 to $50 profit in the first hour likely would have tempted many to write in.
The Stuart McGuire Company sold its shoes by providing affiliate partners commissions from each sale.
The Super Hero Prize Club in 1980 offered affiliate partners the option of earning cash or points, which they could put towards prizes such as radios and bikes. And if that didn’t work for you, you could sell metal social security plates on behalf of Engravaplates and Anchor Specialities Company.
And here’s Christy Trades School from 1966, encouraging people to start their own business in electrical appliance repairing.
