We operate through the following sales channels:

Catalogue

Our traditional channel to market is our catalogue. The size and frequency of distribution varies from market to market. In the UK our catalogue comprises 5 volumes and is issued every six months. In the majority of other markets we issue annual catalogues.

e-Commerce

Our e-Commerce offer comprises the internet websites, PurchasingManager™ and e-Procurement. We have 70 websites in 17 languages operating around the world. To find your local website visit the Where We Work page. PurchasingManager™ and e-Procurement both allow the customer to monitor and control purchases. PurchasingManager™ is our customised front-end to our website and is provided free to customers. e-Procurement utilises a customer’s own e-Procurement system. The level of sales via e-Commerce varies from market to market but totals around 25% of the Group’s sales.

Trade counters/sales offices

In many of our markets we offer trade counters. These enable a customer to obtain our products even more quickly than via the catalogue or e-Commerce.

Our UK trade counters offer a Managed Stock Replenishment service where RS manages a customer’s stock at the customer’s own site supported by stock replenished from a local trade counter. In the UK we also have Call and Collect centres in Nuneaton, Coventry and Leicester.

Our sales offices throughout North America provide dedicated local account management to customers.