By: Johanna Baker-Dowdell
Creating a new look for your store is exciting, but your excitement at the prospect of a new shop fitout can quickly dissipate if the project takes too long, costs too much, or doesn't even fit!
Follow these steps to ensure your project runs smoothly and the end result is just what you had in mind.
Evaluation
The first thing you need to do when considering a shopfitting project, is putting together a plan for the job. Look at your business, which products/sections to be highlighted with the fitout, your budget, existing fittings that can be refurbished, whether you need a completely new fitout and what you want from the project.
Having a clear idea of what you want and what you can afford before you jump in and start construction means the fitout will meet the business's needs and look fantastic.
Choosing Your Contractor
It can be difficult to know who to choose to complete your shopfitting project. Ask around your fellow business contacts where you are located, or at your Business Chamber meeting and Association conference, or even your competitors. Recommendations from others you respect is worth a lot - and don't be afraid to ask them if you can look at the job before you make your decision. It might look great and do the job for them, but isn't right for you.
Project Management
Another important point to remember is to appoint a shopfitting firm that will manage all aspects of your project so you won't have to deal with the plumber, electrician, sign contractor and builder yourself. A project manager provides one contact point for all trades so one person knows exactly what is happening when and can update you on every aspect of your project.
Timing
Make sure your shopfitter gives you a clear idea of how long the project will take and factor this loss into your budget. Think about when the best time is to complete your project so as to cause the least difficulty and keep the costs down. If you sell seafood then summer could be the worst time for a fitout, but if your business is snow gear then it probably is the ideal time.
Design
You want your fitout to draw attention to your business, so make sure you work with a specialist who will listen to your needs and create a design for you that is individual and functional, as well as eye-catching.
Measurements
Once you have decided on a design that meets your criteria ensure the shopfitters spend the time to get the measurements right. You want your design to fit perfectly in your premises.
Installation
Speak with your project manager regularly so you know where the project is up to and what to expect at each stage. This is particularly important when your project is at installation stage, because you want to create a minimum of inconvenience for your staff and customers.
ResultsA great fitout will boost your business's productivity and increase profitability, as well as improve the environment you and your staff work in and your customers' shopping experience. Make sure the job you settle on will cover all these points.
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