You can consider slicing as glambling if you think about it. Sending your companion cost money, and the money they bring back usually barely make up for it. Even with the occasional premium box which can double the income, it evens out with the rare and sad mission fails.. Overall, it's a steady income tho, you don't actually loose money. Where the actual money comes from are the "coffers" you find while leveling, it will seem crappy at first since you'll find low amounts in them at low level, but it will increase as you level. Finaly, you have the extra rare schematics that pops from time to time. Extra money in the AH. The good part is. The investement in the craft is pretty much free and doesn't dependant on the AH market since the mission sending alone makes up for money spent. So you can skill up very high even at low level. Whereas other crafts, you need mats from gathering which require higher level to be in the zone, etc.. Other mission skills as well, since you only get items as reward, it will depend on the market for you to make up for money spent.