Press Releases

RS Components voted Best eCommerce Distributor 2012 in China

Award solidifies company's lead as the distributor of choice

Taiwan, 4 July 2012 :

RS Components, the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the world’s leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products, has been voted Best eCommerce Distributor 2012 by readers of Electronics Supply & Manufacturing China (ESM China).  This award marks the fourth consecutive year that the company has been recognised by readers of ESM China.

Voted for by Chinese engineering professionals, including corporate, purchasing and procurement managers, the annual ESM China Distributor Awards  is one of the most respected awards events within the electronic distribution industry in China.

RS Components has previously been recognised with “Special Achievement Awards” in the Catalogue Distributor Category for the past three years.  This year’s “Best eCommerce Distributor” award is especially important as it not only reinforces the company’s position as the distributor of choice but also affirms the success of its eCommerce strategy and investments.

The web remains a key sales and marketing channel for RS Components across the Asia Pacific region which saw eCommerce revenue grow by 32% in the last financial year ended 31 March 2012.  Ongoing investment in improved functionality, including online quotes and additional payment methods, and the introduction of an online chat service, Live Chat, were implemented last year to the benefit of customers in China.  Other local initiatives included the opening of store fronts on TaoBao and Alibaba to ensure outreach to as many customers as possible and the addition of more electronic design tools to help engineers design faster.

“We are thrilled to receive the “Best eCommerce Distributor” award. Knowing that readers voted for us makes this award even more meaningful,” said Clement Zheng, Country Manager, China, RS Components.  "Customers are becoming increasingly sophisticated with their internet usage.  They want accurate product information instantly, relevant technical data, accessory suggestions and the ability to personalise their web experience.  To deliver the best online experience, we are focused on customers’ core needs and I think this award proves that we are doing the right things.”

During the last financial year ended 31 March 2012, RS Components increased investment in all aspects of digital marketing, from search engine to web functionality and content.  This increased online traffic by 23% including a 39% increase in traffic from search engines.  The launch of market-leading search and browse functionality delivered 100,000 more orders worldwide. 

“eCommerce is a major driver of growth for our business and the entry point for our customers to a long-term multi-channel relationship with us.  Our website gives us a significant competitive advantage by allowing us to offer customers flexible and targeted pricing, the ability to view 3D product models online, and the convenience of 24-hour purchasing.  It also gives us an ability to reach customers locally at the point of need,” said Marcelo Wesseler, Head of eCommerce, Asia Pacific, RS Components.  “We remain excited about the range and scale of opportunities to further exploit the full potential of our eCommerce offer.”