Understanding Personal Selling and Non-Personal Selling for 21-year-old Students

Introduction to Selling Types

In marketing, selling is a crucial process where businesses persuade customers to buy their products or services. There are two main types of selling methods: Personal Selling and Non-Personal Selling. Understanding these concepts is important for anyone interested in marketing, sales, or business.

1. Personal Selling

Definition: Personal selling involves direct interaction between a salesperson and a potential customer. This method can also be called direct selling, hard selling, or pressure selling.

Key Characteristics:

• Direct Communication: The salesperson talks face-to-face with the buyer.
• Customized Approach: Sales techniques can be tailored to the specific needs of the customer.
• Hard or Pressure Selling: Sometimes, the salesperson might use firm persuasion techniques to convince the buyer immediately.

Example: A car salesperson discussing features and prices directly with you to encourage immediate purchase.

2. Non-Personal Selling

Definition: Non-personal selling means selling through indirect means without face-to-face contact. This is done via media and promotional tools, so the seller communicates with many buyers simultaneously. It is also called soft selling.

Key Characteristics:

• Mass Communication: The message reaches a wide audience.
• Use of Media: Tools such as advertising, sampling, window displays, online promotions, and other media are used.
• Soft Selling: The approach is less aggressive, focusing on creating interest over time.

Example: An online advertisement for a new phone or a billboard promoting a special offer.

Summary

To put it simply, personal selling involves direct, face-to-face interaction with potential buyers, often with a personal touch and sometimes with pressure to buy quickly. Non-personal selling uses media and promotional tools to reach a broad audience without direct interaction, focusing on building interest in a softer way.