Selling is the distribution arm of marketing, and it works best when it’s done face-to-face. This type of interaction allows for a dialogue where in the seller can listen to the potential buyer and fill his or her needs. Direct selling isn’t only expensive in terms of employee costs; it can also be expensive in terms of opportunity costs. If you’re the only salesperson for the company and you’re talking to a potential customer who doesn’t buy, you may have missed being able to talk to other customers who would have bought. You can’t make products if you’re in the process of selling, either.