Affiliate Marketing Secrets

I watched part of this documentary about how second-hand clothes from the US end up in Africa. Apparently the Salvation Army doesn’t even unpack most of their clothing donations, they SELL them to dealers in Africa who mark them up 400%. This industry has put almost all of the domestic clothing manufacturing out of business and a lot of people who had those skills are out of jobs, many of them gone from hand-making traditional clothing to selling second-hand US clothes at markets. Would people still donate to the Salvation Army if they knew what they were really doing?
Not to mention the whole “we don’t hire gays” policy but that’s another story …

I watched part of this documentary about how second-hand clothes from the US end up in Africa. Apparently the Salvation Army doesn’t even unpack most of their clothing donations, they SELL them to dealers in Africa who mark them up 400%. This industry has put almost all of the domestic clothing manufacturing out of business and a lot of people who had those skills are out of jobs, many of them gone from hand-making traditional clothing to selling second-hand US clothes at markets. Would people still donate to the Salvation Army if they knew what they were really doing?
Not to mention the whole “we don’t hire gays” policy but that’s another story …

I’m interested in advertising and selling certain clothing/accessories that could greatly appeal to Japanese youth, but am currently based in the United States. I was wondering if anyone might have some tips or sort of “how-to” advice on the steps I might take to attempt a business venture on the Japanese market.
What would be an absolute must?
Would it be advisable to have an affiliate actually in the nation of prospect?
Would a website be the best way to start off?
If online, any advice on how one might provide savings on shipping for customers in Japan (assuming I remain based in the U.S.)?
I would greatly appreciate being pointed in the right direction for more information if you are unable to explain yourself. Any help is appreciated, thank you.

I am currently an unemployed student who is not in much of a mood for the hectic, tight scheduled work place. I love fashion and I am actually making sketches for clothing that I would like to market one day. I also have been running into some pretty lousy service lately. I think becoming a secret shopper would be an excellent opportunity to let off some stress, put a voice on lousy service and product, and get paid to do something that I already love doing what won’t add much extra stress while I am in school. How do I get my hands on this type of opportunity? And how do I fish out the scams if I happen to run into any during my endeavors?

A friend and I once debated the merits of opening a specialist wool shop, which sells hand-knitted clothing and balls of wool – the twist being is that the shop is aimed at adults. The items of clothing would be revealing and quite sexualised – hence the shop name, ‘Sexu-Wool™’ – and there would by quite artistic displays of erotic imagery made, Art Attack style, from wool collages on the walls and ceiling. The shop would be dimly lit in a red afterglow, and the shop staff would sport these skimpy woolen outfits.
I think, as a niche business, it would take off like a rocket. What do you think?
Failing that, I plan on opening another clothing shop, where Muslims can get robes, outfits and accessories on the go, served quickly and efficiently – Burqa King™.
Am I Dragon’s Den material or what?