Portaltech helps Premier Farnell increase global online sales through enhanced customer check out capability

Published 18th May 2009

Sales abandonment rates drop by 50% thanks to new ‘Express’ Checkout capability developed by Portaltech for Premier Farnell’s 42 global B2B websites

London, 29 April, 2009: Portaltech, a leading UK eCommerce Systems Integrator and Consultancy, today announced that it has helped UK-based Premier Farnell, a global distributor of electronic products to businesses, reduce abandonment rates on its 42 global websites by 50% through the implementation of an Express Checkout capability. Developed on Premier Farnell’s existing ATG platform, the service was implemented in only three months and within budget.

Stephen Paterson, Global eCommerce Officer at Premier Farnell, said; “Our goal is to become a global eCommerce business and with 42 websites globally servicing our customer’s needs, often in local language, we have built an infrastructure to support this business expansion. However, we found that we were experiencing high abandonment rates due to the complexity of the transaction process and number of web pages involved.”

Having carried out an analysis of its main competitors’ websites, Premier Farnell found that its own websites were the same in terms of complexity and page numbers, so decided that an opportunity existed to create a competitive advantage by developing a simplified express checkout facility across all its websites to reduce abandonment rates and increase sales.

“Having looked at a number of options, we decided to ask Portaltech to implement a solution for us based on our existing ATG platform,” said Paterson. “We had used Portaltech previously to implement our Chinese website and found their delivery ability and expertise invaluable in supporting our eBusiness operations.”

“Since the system has gone live we have seen a huge improvement in our online sales,” said Paterson. “Our abandonment rates have been reduced by 50% and the Express Checkout service will be a critical support in helping us drive a higher proportion of our business online.”

Speaking about the project, Andrew Walker, CEO of Portaltech, commented: “The approach Premier Farnell has taken in simplifying its online sales channel is an example of how many industry leading companies are using the web in a more innovative way to drive sales. We work with our customers in developing solutions using best of breed solutions to bring the best value and results to their businesses and helping them see the kinds of benefits now being enjoyed by Premier Farnell.”