When is personal selling appropriate, and when is it not appropriate?

QUESTION

When is personal selling appropriate, and when is it not appropriate?

What will be an ideal response?

ANSWER

Answer: Personal selling is very expensive and, therefore, is only really appropriate when the product is somewhat expensive, somewhat complex, and aimed at few customers located close together. Less expensive, more common products that are meant for the masses are not as effectively promoted through personal selling.
Explanation: Personal selling is more expensive than other kinds of selling (such as telemarketing, direct marketing, and Internet sales) because it requires so much training, time, and travel. Therefore, this type of promotion/selling is only really appropriate when the product is somewhat expensive, somewhat complex, and aimed at few customers located close together. Less expensive, more common products that are meant for the masses are not as effectively promoted through personal selling.