Are you planning a new retail fit-out?
It can be a daunting idea – and there is so much to consider! Not least of your considerations is which shopfitter to choose.
Here at CMLS Commercial Interiors, we want to make things a little easier for you. We offer this simple guide to help you understand some of the things to take into account when selecting a Sydney shopfitter and the questions you need to ask any prospective provider you are leaning towards hiring to bring your new or reimagined retail space to life.
Choosing the Right Shopfitter Near You
You need to be pragmatic about choosing your fit-out company. Unless you’ve worked with one before and know they are great (in which case, hire them immediately!) you should look online for at least a few providers near you and get a feel for them based on their website. A provider who has a modern, highly functional, sophisticated website that offers detailed information about themselves and their services, as well as physical address and phone number contact details, is a green flag. It demonstrates a company that cares about its clients, its image, and its service offering.
Narrow your options, make a list of questions to ask, and make initial contact. You will likely want to work with a provider who is patient, able to understand your business, willing to answer questions and listen to your ideas, and able to offer good ideas of their own.
Any good provider will make a site visit to your premises. Look for:
- Punctuality
- Professional presentation
- Clear and easy communication
- Creative vision
- Honesty, transparency, and integrity
- Willing to share their portfolio
- Explanation of the entire process
- Prompt feedback and quoting
- They will inspire confidence
9 Questions to Ask Your Shopfitter
- How Long Have You Been Operating?
Yes, everyone needs to start somewhere, but experience does matter. Even if your chosen fit-out business is relatively new, the team behind it will ideally have plenty of collective experience.
At CMLS Commercial Interiors, for example, we bring a wealth of experience – well over two decades! – and expertise to our work which incorporates not only commercial projects but also health sector, office, and hospitality fit-outs.
- Have You Worked on Similar Projects to Mine?
You need to be confident that your shopfitter has experience with the type of project you are hiring them for. Not all commercial premises and shopfronts are the same, not all shopfitting jobs are the same, and not all shopfitters are the same. This applies to both their approach to a space and the quality of their work.
- How Can You Transform My Space?
Site visits are the first step here, to take measurements, discuss your needs, and understand the space that they will be working with. The shopfitter should ask questions of you as well to understand what your and your customer’s needs and expectations are; what you need in terms of point of sale, window displays, display shelving etc, signage, seating, change rooms, storage spaces, flooring, lighting, and more.
- Can You Share Examples of Your Prior Work?
This is important so that you can get a feel for and insight into what the provider offers. Do they have a signature style and design approach or is their work more eclectic to be on-brand to suit a wide array of client needs? Do they create functional spaces – and do they stand out for all the right reasons?
- Can You Provide Testimonials?
This is a big one. Word of mouth from genuine past clients is very powerful, and any reputable provider (let’s face it, across any industry or niche) will be more than willing to share their reviews and testimonials with prospects.
- What Does My Quote Include?
Can the shopfitter work within your budget? The right provider will provide options (e.g., material alternatives) to ensure, within reason, a stylish, functional space at a price you can afford.
- What Is Your Time Frame for Completion?
Time is money, as they say, and you need to know that you will be in business or back in business as soon as possible. This means having a clear understanding of not only when work on your project will commence but also how long it will take to complete and handover.
The process of the shopfitter you choose will greatly inform the timing of your project. Downtime for you will be minimised if your provider takes measurements and then pre-fabricates some of the joinery, etc, offsite. A highly committed team may also work after hours and/or on weekends to meet deadlines where appropriate and necessary.
- Are You Insured?
Builders, carpenters, tilers, painters, electricians, plumbers, and shopfitters: must all have their own insurance. This is a non-negotiable and any reputable provider will be fully insured to protect you against liability in the event of anything going wrong during your project. This includes worker injury, damage to your premises, or (unlikely if you choose the right provider) any need for work to be rectified.
- What is Your Warranty?
Reputable fit-out companies will guarantee their work. Ask about the materials and workmanship warranties they offer and ensure that you are comfortable with these before you sign the work contract.
Why CMLS Commercial Interiors is the Right Fit for You!
As one of the leading Sydney commercial fit-out companies, we have the experience, expertise, and creative insight to deliver on our promise of excellence for your retail space. We will collaborate with you to understand your commercial business, brand, and vision, and work to design, build, and install stylish, functional, and fit-for-purpose interiors to meet the needs of you, your staff, and your customers.
Let’s have a chat about what you need and how we can make it happen!