As compared with sale promotions, personal selling is more immediate in some cases than others. In the case of coupons or promotions relayed through print media personal selling is advantageous in means of immediate feedback and tailored messaging. It is also more direct and personal. In the case of promotions at a location, such a gym, health spa or event, personal selling and sales promotions are about equal in effectiveness in terms of feedback and direct relations with our customers. As compared to publicity and public relations, personal selling is still the most direct means of promotion.
Publicity can sometimes be free and can also be good or bad.
It tends to be indirect and not personal. Though any press is good press, personal selling is easier to monitor as far as feedback and customer's reactions. We want sales people to be well informed about our product and be able to communicate our message to consumers in effective manner. We want them to be persuasive and be able to convince the people sitting on the fence to jump on over to our side. We must also evaluate the effectiveness of alternatives.