Employing a sales person

[dfen5]

I'm going to need someone to do sales/marketing, planning to get this in place by the end of the year.

As I'm a relatively small start up I'm thinking commission only for a start and then moving (the hopefully successful) person to salary / commission. Anyone experience if this can work?

I'm a bit loathe to use agencies due to the fees, not getting very far from word of mouth, other route suggestions?

[dfen5]

Thank you all for the replies. All in all very constructive and real food for thought.

Still learning.