How to Choose a Shopfitter: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Choosing the wrong shopfitter is an expensive mistake. A failed or delayed fit-out can push back your trading date, trigger penalty clauses with your landlord, and result in a space that does not perform commercially. The stakes are high.

But choosing well is straightforward if you ask the right questions. Here are ten.

1. Do You Design, Manufacture, and Install In-House?

This is the most important question. Many shopfitters design in-house but subcontract manufacture or installation. Every handoff adds cost, time, and the risk of something getting lost in translation. An end-to-end in-house operation — like OLLYWOOD — gives you one point of accountability and typically better value.

2. Can I See Completed Projects Similar to Mine?

Any credible shopfitter should be able to show you relevant completed work. Look for projects in similar sectors (retail kiosk, hospitality, office refurbishment) and at similar locations (shopping centres, high street, industrial units). Ask about the brief, the challenges, and the outcome.

3. Have You Worked in This Type of Location Before?

A fit-out inside a Westfield shopping centre is very different to a standalone high street unit. Landlord requirements, approved contractor lists, working hours, and delivery logistics vary enormously. Make sure your shopfitter has experience navigating the specific environment you are working in.

4. How Do You Handle Scope Changes?

Scope changes are almost inevitable on any fit-out. The question is how the shopfitter handles them. You want a clear process — written change requests, agreed costs before work proceeds, and transparent communication. Vague answers here are a red flag.

5. What Is Your Project Management Approach?

Good shopfitting is as much project management as it is craft. Ask how they plan, how they communicate progress, and what happens if something goes wrong. Military-discipline project management — the kind OLLYWOOD brings from 20+ years of experience — means your project stays on time and on budget.

6. Do You Have Public Liability Insurance?

Non-negotiable. Ask to see the certificate. Most commercial landlords will require evidence of insurance before works begin.

7. Who Will Actually Be on Site?

Some shopfitters manage projects remotely and send different subcontractor teams to site each day. Others, like OLLYWOOD, have their own employed installation teams. The latter gives you consistency, accountability, and someone who actually cares about the outcome.

8. What Is Your Lead Time?

Good shopfitters are busy. If you need a fit-out in four weeks and the team is already fully booked, the quality will suffer. Be realistic about timelines and book early. The best teams are always in demand.

9. How Do You Handle Landlord Approval?

If you are fitting out within a managed retail destination, your shopfitter will need to work within the landlord’s guidelines and submit drawings for approval. Ask whether they have experience with this process, how long it typically takes, and what documentation they provide.

10. What Happens After Handover?

The job is not finished when the team leaves site. Ask about snagging processes, warranty periods, and how defects are handled. A good shopfitter stands behind their work.

OLLYWOOD answers yes to all of the above. If you are ready to start your search, we would be happy to be on your shortlist. Get in touch with the team today.