How to Hire Professional Shopfitters Near You?
Shopfitting is the business of building and installing commercial spaces, a process more widely known as “fitting-out” in professional circles. The services of professional shopfitters can range from fitting out small retail shops and cafes to large commercial offices, department stores and restaurant fit-outs.
Shopfitting service cost varies depending on the materials, labour, and more. Shopfitting work can be carried out on a per-project basis by a shopfitter or permanently by a shopfitting firm. Shopfitters are highly skilled tradesmen and women who have a wealth of experience and knowledge in shopfitting, retail and design.
When looking for professional shopfitters near you, it’s essential to look for someone who knows their field, has a reputation for quality craft and has plenty of experience. Here are a few things you should know about professional shopfitters and how to hire the best one for your unique project needs.
What Do Shopfitters Do?
Shopfitters are responsible for preparing clients’ designs and then building them in the shop once approved.
The job role of a shopfitter involves the following duties:
1. Planning and designing
While the client will have the final say on the final design, you can be sure that the shopfitter will put together a great design based on your initial brief and the information you provide about your business.
In their goal to provide a great design, shopfitters will hold plenty of meetings with you to understand your business entirely. This may include what you are hoping to achieve with your shop, the facilities you will need, the typical flow of customers, the number of staff, etc. They will also research the design of similar shops to gain a broader perspective in their drafts.
2. Building
Shopfitters need excellent woodworking skills and the necessary machinery and tools to carry out the building. If you are looking for a custom-built project, you will need a shopfitter who has all the necessary skills and experience.
3. Installing
A shopfitter will need to have a great deal of knowledge about shopfitting, including all the different types of products they can use. Shopfitters are expected to know the best place to source all their products, including fixtures, fittings, tiles, flooring and more, as well as provide a detailed costing of these for your review and approval.
Qualities and Traits of a Good Shopfitter
Like any other skilled tradesperson, it’s essential to look for a reputable professional shopfitter who has the necessary skills and experience. Here are some tips on how to choose the best shopfitter.
1. Qualifications
While most professional shopfitters will have the necessary qualifications to perform their jobs, it is always important to check that they have the necessary qualifications for the job.
2. Experience
You can always ask about the experience of a shopfitter or look for an apprentice shopfitter to choose someone with a lot of potential.
3. References
Always ask for references, and even take a look at some of the work that shopfitters have done in the past. Good shopfitters will have plenty of references from satisfied clients, so don’t skip this part.
4. Communication
Shopfitters will have to work closely with you, and you need to be able to communicate well with them. They will have to provide you with a detailed plan of the shopfitting project, a price estimate and more. You will also need to be able to discuss and explain any changes you want to make to the shop fit, which you need to speak about clearly and not feel uncomfortable about.
5. Creativity
Shopfitters will need to be highly creative, as you don’t want to end up with a dull shop design. Shopfitters will come up with original ideas and provide a design that will appeal to you and your customers.
Choosing the Best Shopfitter Near You
It’s essential to make sure that you choose the best shopfitter for your unique needs and requirements. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best professional shopfitter near you.
- Shop Around – When looking for a shopfitter, it’s always essential to get at least three shopfitters to look at your plans and give you a quote. You want to ensure you get the best deal possible.
- Hire Someone Local – You want to hire someone local and nearby so that they don’t have to travel too far to the site, which will help to save you on transport costs. You also want to make sure that they are close by to visit you often to keep you up to date with the progress and changes to the shop design.
- Get References – Always ask for references, and check out the shopfitting work they have done in the past. You can also talk to a few of their previous clients so that you can get a better idea of their work.
Finding the ideal shopfitter for your project has never been easier. With the help of HIREtrades, you can post your project details and reach our Australia-wide network of shopfitters and other tradies.
Post your job on our web and app-based platform today, so we can help you get up to three free quotes!
