| A | B |
|---|
| Advantage - Reach | Intermediaries may have geographical or cultural access to markets and segments that the provider does not |
| Advantage - Cost | Provider only pays commission on sales - if no sales no cost |
| Advantage - Reputation & Regulation | Regulation requiores complex and high risk products only sold via intermediary |
| Advantage - Product type | Many consumers are not financially confident enough to buy complex products without some advice or explanation |
| Disadvantage - Reach | Not every target market will want to purchase via an intermediary |
| Disadvantage - Cost | Salaried intermediaries will receive a basic salary despite low sales |
| Disadvantage - Reputation & Regulation | The intermediary might mismanage or misrepresent the provider and damage their reputation |
| Disadvantage - Product Type | Simple products are better being sold via direct channels to avoid customers being pressurised by a salesperson |
