7 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR FURNITURE FIXTURES & EQUIPMENT PROVIDER

In today’s market, there are many providers of furniture, fixtures and equipment procurement and interior design services. How can you find the perfect match for your commercial project? Below are seven questions to help you find the best provider for your project.

  • Will the FF&E provider and designer walk the property with you prior to starting work?

Will they be available for site visits and follow-up during your project?   After your installation is complete, will they perform a punch list walk-through with you?You are making a big investment. An FF&E procurement project is a complex undertaking, and having the chance to meet face-to-face with your design and procurement consultant is invaluable.

  • Does the provider have past experience with your brand?

Your provider should have extensive knowledge and expertise working with your brand. In addition, the corporate brand team should be familiar with the provider’s quality of work.

  • How much money can the provider save you?

Will they find trusted, quality alternative product sources at lower costs that meet or exceed brand standards? Two important measures of value for a purchasing provider are how hard they are willing to work and how skilled they are at finding savings.

  • Does the provider have a team of specialists for turnkey services?

Will you work with a dedicated team for custom design, purchasing, project management, logistics, installation, and accounting?  Skilled experts who can serve you throughout all aspects of the project will keep you on track so you can focus on running your business.

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Do vendors recommend the provider?

This is an important clue to provide insight into a provider’s relationships, business practices, behavior and financial stability. It may also reveal how much clout a provider will have with its vendor base for expediting an order or resolving a product issue.

  • Will the provider assign a support coordinator for logistics?

Will the FF&E provider assign you a dedicated coordinator responsible for all logistics and transportation, updating you with timely delivery reports, and replacing any items damaged during shipment at no additional charge?  Having a dedicated team member will provide you with the status of your product within the supply chain. In the event of a problem with your shipment, you will have a partner to solve delivery problems quickly and, if necessary, replace items at no additional cost.

  • Will the provider assign a credit analyst for the project?

Who will help you expedite the release of orders, manage project payments, and reconcile your project’s accounting?  The value of a dedicated specialist cannot be overstated. Your credit analyst will begin working with you early in the FF&E purchasing process taking a proactive approach, saving you time and money. With the right specialist, you will find answers to your questions and be certain your accounting needs are being met.

Creative Builds facilitates the buying of furniture, fixtures, and equipment for commercial and corporate projects. We have access to hundreds of vendors and the purchasing power to offer competitive pricing to our clients. For more information, contact us.

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