RS UK & Ireland  Reviews 3,223

I ordered an item online for collection from the local RS outlet. I received several emails from RS confirming the order and various other things but nothing that actually said when the order was ready for collection. Confusingly one of the emails said that the order had been dispatched as if it was going to be delivered to me. I found out later that the email just meant that the RS warehouse had dispatched the item to the local RS outlet. In the end, I just went to the RS outlet and asked if the item was there. The assistant warned me that they were about to send it back because I hadn’t collected it. When I explained that I hadn’t received any communication to say it was there, she said that I wasn’t the first person to say that.

I just don't know where to begin with how bad RS are, its as if the senior management don't have any experience of actually working in electronics or production at all.

First off, they continue (despite many redesigns) to have al abysmal website - A key irritant is that they choose to display the two dimensional data set that is parametric component data in a one dimensional pane on the left of the window - this is a textbook example of dysfunctional UI design.

It also can't decide what category its in when you use it and I quite often resort to using the very bad search engine to find a device in the right category just so I can click on it, and get the page breadcrumbs so I can click on them to get the correct category.

The search engine won't return zero results if I can't find a close match, even if you type gibberish it will give you pages and pages of search results which is just a waste of time.

When it comes to actual products, particularly components, they will have multiple choices for the same part, all differentiated by packaging (rather than having them listed as one product with multiple packaging options like a sensible person would) - But it gets far worse! If I want a strip of 500 SMD resistors for a short production run my choices are: A full reel of 10,000! or 50 individual plastic bags each with a strip of 10 resistors inside, none of which I can put on a pick and place machine and make use of - Seriously, this is just the most useless thing ever and literally every other supplier will provide what I want on one length of cut tape which can go straight on the machine - This is so daft it defies belief.

When it comes to accounts - WHY THE HELL CAN'T I DOWNLOAD MY INVOICES? They almost never arrive by e-mail and the only way I can get them is to submit a request for a copy which will arrive many hours , sometimes days, later. Literally all the other companies I deal with let you download invoices from the site. RS make everything so much harder.

Fast and efficient. Ideal in an emergency. Carry a huge range of parts.

Great Service. Always easy to located products online, always a prompt service with reliable deliveries.

Service is good but you're always chasing invoices that have already been paid.

Ordering via your website is so easy, however recently all of the issues we have had, is regarding the late/ delayed deliveries via DHL.

Found what I was looking for at a very reasonable price. Delivered next day.
Still have difficulty looking up items though. Seems the more search terms you add, rather than narrowing the results, you get tons more items listed

Very easy to find parts. Delivery information was easy to get and delivered on time

Items arrived promptly and correct, packaging satisfactory.
Delivery by DHL not good!
The package was left outside by roller shutter door whithout obtaining a signature or notifying anyone of its arrival. it was only by chance we found it.
Your ref 2009800347

Overall, a very good experience with RS Online. The product quality was excellent and delivery was on time. I faced a small delay in order confirmation, but customer support resolved it quickly. Reliable supplier for electronics and industrial parts.

Constantly facing issues with RS recently. Says items are in stock, so you place an order only to then be told on the day its due to deliver that they are on backorder.
Fed up of paying premium prices for a substandard service. Time to move on, especially now more alternatives are available.

Excellent website, easy to use and quick delivery.

Parts of order for various sized fluorescent jackets not received. Contacted via chat twice and although promised follow up none has been received on either occasion. Items ordered before Christmas 2025 and now in February! One turned up last week. Good job the jackets weren't urgently required.

Great service, prompt delivery and product 100% as described

Delivery is usually good, some items are extremely expensive. Have experienced problems ordering recently but seems to have resolved. Search function is problematic - hard to find items. Descriptions can be lacking especially items that are related eg terminals, din rail, terminal accessories. Some items have been delivered in inadquate packaging and were damaged. Replacements sent.

the speed this item was delivered was amazing, item as add, = happy customer, thank you.

Perfect in every way
Easy to select , order and fast delivery just what’s needed

easy to find on web site, in stock and delivered next day