Furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E)
Introduction
- Questions to be answered are: When is the hotel opening ? Are there designs and specs from a designer? Do you have an operator to manage the hotel or is it an independent?
- Do you want to deal direct with manufacturers, fit out managers or FF&E procurement agents?
- Who will be providing the project management and installation?
FF&E Specialist Services
- FF&E procurement agents provide a fee based service to Clients. The scope of service is agreed with the Client but normally includes tendering to three reputable manufacturers, as agreed with the Client and or operator, negotiating best prices, organising samples and the model room, presenting the best proposal, placing orders with manufacturers, organising global transportation, warehousing and delivery. Installation is either by the selected manufacturers or through a specialist installation company. Sometimes the main contractor will do the installation. Often the hotel operator will recommend a short list of FF&E procurement agents.
- Supply/fitout companies will provide the Client with a turnkey price for the supply and installation of all the FF&E. The FF&E is by manufacturing partners of the supply/fitout company. Installation is normally by the supply/fitout company’s own inhouse team.
- Manufacturers. If the Client has their own procurement team then they may decide to procure the FF&E themselves by tendering to reputable manufacturers.
- FF&E is manufactured according to design briefs supplied by Client’s designer.
- Quantities must conform to the manufacturers’ minimum order policy. (normally 75 guestrooms rooms minimum)
- Manufacturers will quote direct to the Client.
- Negotiation of prices, due diligence and logistics is by the Client.
- Installation is arranged by the Client . Sometimes the manufacturer will do this.
- Due diligence is by the Client.
Typical FF&E scope
Guestroom FF&E:
- Headboards, bed side tables, coffee tables
- Wardrobes , TV units
- Desks, Luggage units
- Wooden free-standing units
- Decorative lights
- Carpet
- Seating eg armchairs, upholstered sofas
- Curtains
- Bed covers
Public Area FF&E:
- Furniture
- Some counters
- Free-standing wooden units, Screens
- Wall cladding
- Decorative lights
- Carpet
- Seating eg armchairs, upholstered sofas
- Curtains
Image Credit:Round furniture icon from 365psd.com