Strathclyde Cutting Tools manufactures industrial products. Until recently, they employed 12 salespeople to call on accounts and prospects. Dissatisfied with the results, the sales manager discharged all 12 in favour of nine independent agents who were self-employed and sold a number of other products to the same customers. Sales immediately began to increase and new accounts were obtained. Analyse the possible reasons for this improve- ment and point out the possible drawbacks in the scheme.