The challenges
- Sell 650,000 items across 13 countries
- Become more competitive online
- Customise offer to the procurement needs of individual customers
- Provide customers with a one-stop shop
Unite’s solutions
-
Mercateo Marketplace
For more reach -
BusinessShop
For direct sales and branding -
BusinessShop Plus
To fulfil individual customer needs
The result
- Increased sales and exposure across the existing 13 target markets
- Fulfilled an array of customer requirements
- An expanded sales strategy
- Achieved visibility in ERP and e-procurement systems
- Set up consistent processes across all countries
It didn’t take RS long to figure out where its customers place their orders and then meet their digital procurement needs. Today, customers can choose from up to 650,000 RS items on the Mercateo Marketplace.
Data transparency gives way to dynamic decision-making
According to Mirjam van der Most, corporate account manager at RS, shipping conditions are the most important factor for customers on the Mercateo Marketplace. Suppliers get access to reliable product data, favourable conditions and real-time information on product availability or partial deliveries per order, giving them a competitive edge. RS runs a dynamic sales strategy: based on the given product, the company decides on the best pricing and availability strategy as well as delivery time. Transparent, automated data on current demand, competitors’ prices and availability help RS make these decisions.
The right solution for every customer
Mercateo’s Marketplace and Procurement Portal are ideal for small and medium-sized companies. It covers their entire indirect procurement on the web while providing access to a wide range of products. It also comes with useful features such as user and cost management as well as approval processes.
Customers with their own e-procurement system can connect their solution to the Mercateo Marketplace via API or punch-out and still keep their own approval and budget control processes. Most customers cover their indirect spend using this procurement method – which is a good reason for suppliers to meet their customers at this point in the buying journey.
RS was one of the first suppliers to activate our BusinessShop solution. With a BusinessShop, RS’ sales team can map existing customer relationships under its own brand, digitalise them and connect them with a dedicated contact person. At its core, it’s a branded online catalogue enabling a direct sales approach featuring personal contact with maximum transparency.
Measurable success with digital turnover
The company’s experience with the Unite BusinessShop has been outstanding. In Germany, RS has recorded a significant increase in e-shares in sales, high access figures, many active customers as well as steadily high demand and customer satisfaction. The Unite BusinessShop has already established itself as an everyday go-to for RS customers. This success has led RS to roll out its catalogue solution to 12 more countries. Bonus: the revenue achieved can be assigned to individual sales reps. Adding a digital dimension to traditional sales offers real added value.
Many suppliers feature key accounts in their sales portfolio, i.e. those that are crucial for their revenue and reputation. With BusinessShop Plus, RS can offer its key accounts a customised catalogue and range of features to serve their high-revenue demands.
Customer focus
Customised offers are especially important for large accounts as they’re largely responsible for predictable turnover. With the BusinessShop Plus option, RS can offer customised assortments and prices as well as payment and return options. It also lets customers define their own catalogue specifications, such as item identification or product group mapping. Unite makes sure that RS’ systems are compatible with their key accounts.
Mercateo Marketplace
- Access to a large customer base
- Suppliers sell anonymously and only have one debtor
- Customers book all their orders to one creditor
- Mercateo is in charge of credit assessment and customer service and assumes non-payment risk
BusinessShop
- Brand shop connected to Mercateo or the client’s own ERP or e-procurement system
- Direct sales with a customer service rep
- Customer loyalty and development
BusinessShop Plus
- Digital solution for framework contract catalogues
- For specific needs, including individual prices, assortments, shipping and return conditions
- Extra benefits such as catalogue management with approval and change history features
We’re an omnichannel provider, so Unite won us over immediately. The low upfront cost for SMEs gives our customers quick access to digital supplier management. A win-win for everyone involved.
Mirjam van der Most, Corporate Account Manager, RS (Germany)
Unite: it’s up to the customer
With Unite, RS has been able to expand its reach and market presence. It’s now relevant to customer groups that had only shown little interest before. The customers get to decide which solutions suit their requirements best. “Our customers are still our customers – whether they take the indirect or direct purchasing route,” says Mirjam van der Most. Quick availability is and always will be a key factor for maximum levels of customer satisfaction with C-parts. With Unite, RS can handle any online sales scenario, serve different customer needs and provide personal support to its customers. It’s the perfect combination of traditional and digital sales.
About RS
- Sector: C-parts distribution
- As seen in image: German warehouse in Bad Hersfeld
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
- Headcount: over 8,000 worldwide
- Unite’s solutions: Mercateo Marketplace/BusinessShop/BusinessShop Plus across 13 countries