Direct & Indirect Supply:
The concept of direct and indirect supply relates to the channels of distribution from producer to consumer, and the different roots that are taken by different retailers and businesses. 
Direct Supply is when the goods are sent directly from the Supplier to Consumer with no parties in between. Businesses such as Etsy will use this line of supply. The advantages of this supply line is that you can respond directly to all forms of feedback from the customer, and you do not need to split costs with any third parties. The disadvantages of this is what it is harder to set up as you need to now cover costs of transportation, warehouse and storage costs. 
Indirect Supply is when the goods go through third parties before reaching the customer. Indirect can be Short or Long. 
Short Indirect Supply is when the goods go from Producer, to one Retailer to facilitate the exchange to the Consumer. This is how companies like ASOS operate. 
Long Indirect Supply is when the goods come from the Producer, to Agent and Wholesaler, then it is sent to the Retailer to do the exchange with the Consumer. Starbucks are one of the companies who have adopted this way of supply. 
The advantages of indirect supply is that it is easier for customers to chase their products and you can then avoid managing the complexity of the distribution logitstics. The disadvantages are that you now need to share costs with third party delivery services, and there is now a lack of control over the whole supply chain. There is also now no transparency.

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