Final answer:
The members of the glee club selling cupcakes directly to students without any intermediary is an example of a direct channel of distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the episode of the Glee television series, the members of the glee club sold home-baked cupcakes directly to students at school to raise money. This type of distribution, where the products are sold without any intermediary or middleman, is called a direct channel of distribution.
A direct channel of distribution is one where a company sells directly to the end consumer. For instance, an athletic apparel company that manufactures sports shoes and sells them through an e-commerce website or at their own retail store is employing a direct channel of distribution.
Retail is another example of direct distribution. For example, a customer walks into a store, chooses an item and then walks out with the item. In other distribution models, like indirect distribution, many parties may be a part of the process.
Direct distribution channels are those that allow the manufacturer or service provider to deal directly with its end customer. For example, a company that manufactures clothes and sells them directly to its customers using an e-commerce platform would be utilizing a direct distribution channel.