The advantages and drawbacks of using a professional agency in promoting a product?

Answer 1

Pros:
- They often bring expertise that you don't have
- They often have connections that you don't have
- Usually, they can get discounts and/or negotiate better terms for your media
- It's another source of ideas and way to get the work done

Cons:
- They cost $...depending on the task and amount of spending, sometimes it will be a good investment, other times it won't. The bigger the campaign, the more likely for it to be a smart investment.
- Some agencies are better than others; and, some acct managers are better than others. There is high variability. Make sure you interview/meet w/ the whoever will handle your account before making the decision (sometimes the people who make the pitches are much better than those that actually do the work)

Answer 2

it all depends on the ff:
the type & reach of your product
the size & reliability of your agency
your budget
if you're just starting out, and you don't have the budget, then do not rely on the services of an agency. you're not P&G or Unilever. maybe tv shopping networks may work best for you. well that is you have the celeb personality...

Answer 3

on a broad scale it is definately a pro -

they are good on a broad campaign, like nationwide release