How To Get The Most From Your Chosen Retail Shelving Supplier Using Store Fixture Plan Take-Offs

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Good store fixture suppliers will look forward to helping you with your display fixture take-offs from either your professional store planner´s layout or the one you did on graph paper. Your objective should be communicating precise information, saving time and increasing the fixture quotation accuracy.

Store fixture plan take-offs help you to:

• Get your thoughts and store layout organized

• Gives you a way to communicate what you need to a store fixture supplier

• Provides you a way of determining the knowledge level of prospective store fixture suppliers

• Generates reference data on fixture costs from a single department to the entire store

An important objective of a plan take-off is also making sure you are comparing ´apples-to-apples´ on store fixture shelving quotations provided by competing retail fixture suppliers. The more detailed your store plan, the more accurate the shelving fixture take-off. You need this accuracy because it reduces the variables that could alter either supplier´s quote. And that could unknowingly leave you with an ´apples-to-oranges´ comparison. You may want your fixture take-off done by department too, so make sure you request your fixtures be quoted this way.

One of the largest single variables when comparing shelving quotes is the shelf count to shelving unit ratio. This is also known as the shelf profile. Because upper shelves (shelves placed above the base shelf) are the next most expensive component of the shelving unit it is critical that both fixture suppliers quote the same quantity of shelves. The quickest way a vendor can show you a lower cost is to quote you short on upper shelves. The reverse is also true. If you are unsure of your shelf count you could be over-loaded on shelves costing you more. Once shelves are delivered to you, returning them can be very expensive. You will most likely pay for the return freight plus a re-stocking charge that can be as high as 25%. Some custom items or colors may not be returnable at all. Always ask to go over return policies and associated costs.

It´s important that you work with your fixture supplier to determine the best shelf profile to merchandise your products if you are unsure. This way you are confident that you are minimizing additional needs or any returns. Be sure to ask the store fixture supplier what their merchandising experience levels are, too. A good shelving supplier will have an experienced store planner and/or merchandiser on staff who understands the relationship between product and display. Be prepared to share your types of product, number of facings desired based on shelf depth and inventory levels. Presentation variables also play a part in the type and number of shelving units.

Another way to select your store fixture supplier is feeling comfortable with their knowledge level, and this can be determined by the questions you or they ask. As you go over and discuss your plan layout, do they understand or request clarification on details such as, are seismic anchors required, or what type of wall anchors could be needed to secure wall fixtures, or even how are you going to handle a wall area with protruding pilasters, thermostat locations or even fire sensors and emergency lights. Such supplier knowledge can help you avoid problems when it´s time to set up your fixtures.

Be sure to check out the display fixture professionals at Midwest Retail Services / EZGondola. We are a multi-line display fixture distributor, experienced with merchandising and display requirements and handling fixture plan take-offs. We can offer several fixture types and brands as well as many solutions to your fixture display requirements.

To learn more contact the professionals at Midwest Retail Services/EZGondola– 800-576-7577 or go to www.midwestretailservices.com or www.ezgondola.com

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