How to Choose a Fabrication Partner for Commercial Projects

The cheapest quote is the easiest to compare, and often the hardest to live with. On commercial work, a fabricator is judged on the day parts arrive, fit and match the drawing, and again when you reorder.

Here are six checks to make before you commit.

1. Can they make what you actually need?

Ask for capability in plain terms: which materials, which processes, which finishes. Ask what is done in-house and what is sent out. Every outsourced step is another handover and another place for delays.

2. Do they work to a specification?

Commercial projects live on drawings and tolerances. Ask whether the supplier provides specification sheets with tolerances, and whether they will flag drawing problems before cutting. RhinoWorks supplies architectural-grade specification sheets with tolerances for exactly this reason.

3. Who will you speak to?

You want a short line between your question and the person who can answer it. Test it during quoting. If answers are slow before you have ordered, expect the same later.

4. How do they handle volume?

Multi-site roll-outs, hotel fit-outs and repeat orders behave differently from one-off jobs. Ask how pricing changes with quantity. RhinoWorks offers commercial and hospitality volume pricing, so larger runs are priced as larger runs.

5. Can you see a sample first?

A sample shows cut quality, edge finish and fit before you commit to the batch. RhinoWorks offers samples on request, cut and shipped within 48 hours. See why samples reduce risk.

6. What does the finish look like?

Raw, primed or powder coated changes cost, protection and appearance. A good partner will explain the options and what suits the environment.

What are the warning signs?

• A quote with no stated material, thickness or finish
• No questions about your drawing
• Vague answers on who actually does the work
• Pressure to decide before you have seen a sample

Where do you start?

Prepare a clean drawing. Our DXF file preparation guide shows how, and a good file makes every quote sharper. If your project includes decorative elements, DecorativeScreens.co.za is a useful place to collect ideas before you brief.

Looking for a fabrication partner? Send RhinoWorks your drawing, quantities and finish preference. We’ll tell you what is practical and quote on it.

Hashtags:
#Fabrication #Procurement #Manufacturing #SouthAfrica #Construction #Hospitality

Get in touch with us to speak with our design team
+27 83 263 6337 today and let us assist you with any CNC, laser,
or custom engraving projects. Orders can also be placed via
Email: info@rhinoworks.co.za.
Visit our News Page to stay up to date with the
latest from Rhinoworks.

Follow us on Facebook
to keep up to date with more exclusive details about
Rhinoworks