How do you keep the delivery and setup of new fixtures from stalling your new store openings? We asked several NASFM members to give their best suggestions for retailers.

Adequate Access to the Job Site

� Provide the fixture manufacturer access to the job site at least three to four weeks before the installation is scheduled. This will ensure accurate field dimensions are taken and field fabrications are kept to a minimum.

� On delivery day, the job site should be able to accommodate delivery. Better yet, several store departments or areas should be available when the shipment is off-loaded in order to accommodate a large crew of installers, particularly when the setup deadline is tight.

� The Move or Phasing Schedule must be realistic and enforceable for all contractors.

� When a contractor misses a deadline, the retailer should notify its manufacturers, so that unnecessary onsite delays and excessive overtime can be avoided.

� Consider spacing installations throughout the year. Most installations occur in June through November. Retailers could benefit financially if installers can avoid shipping tools via airfreight from one job to another during the "crunch" months.

Accurate Contact and Job Site Information

� Accurate contact information is crucial for all contractors, manufacturers, trucking companies, and installers.

� Information should include the names of specific contacts and their telephone numbers. Beepers and cellular numbers are particularly important for weekend deliveries.

� Advise the freight carrier of any site-specific delivery restrictions, i.e., truck size limitations, parking restrictions, and the specific location of the truck docks at a mall or other large facility.

� Provide a site survey that includes a description of egress from the sales floor.

� Knowledge of special equipment required for delivery at the site, i.e., a fork lift truck, ramps, etc.,
will prevent delays.

� Notifying the dock manager/operations manager of the store site in advance ensures that the trucks will clear security promptly and that there will be a place to unload them.

� A "Fixture Bible" describing assembly procedures and a photo of the end product are essential, particularly if the fixture manufacturer is not onsite or if multiple fixture manufacturers are involved in the project.

� Make sure that the manufacturer sends a packing list, not a "wish list." Retailers typically find the process to be more accurate if the manufacturer, before shipping, marshals the load in a staging area for a final inventory and then creates a packing list.

� Ask manufacturers to clearly identify the contents on boxes. If hardware is included, it should be noted on the box as well.

Involve the Fixture Manufacturer

� Although progress of the overall project is rightly controlled by the retailer, it's a good idea to involve the fixture manufacturer during the installation whenever possible. Some manufacturers have in-house installation departments.

� Even when a retailer has a designated installer or hires a local installer, most fixture manufacturers prefer to supervise the process onsite.

� Consistent partnering among retailers, fixture manufacturers, and installers is the easiest way to spell "on time."

� Providing adequate access to the job site, sharing contact information and site specifics, and getting the fixture manufacturer involved in the delivery and installation process ultimately helps ensure that the fixtures make it to the store in time for a fabulous store opening.

NASFM members contributing suggestions:
Ron Choka, vice president, northAmerican Van Lines, Blanket Wrap Division
Jon Moore, president, Southwest Fixture Installers
David Osborne, CEO/president, NFI (Nationwide Fixture Installations)
Donald C. Ramsey, president and COO, Modern Woodcrafts Inc., a CT-based fixture
manufacturer that also offers installation services