For UK shopfitters and commercial fit-out

Shopfitting quote template (UK)

A clear layout for a shopfitting quote that sets out scope by section, the programme, out of hours working and VAT properly, so the client knows what is included before the unit is stripped out.

Last updated 15 July 2026 · 6 min read

What a shopfitting quote should include

Shopfitting quotes turn on two things a domestic quote never has to face: the opening deadline and the fact the unit may need to keep trading while you work. A good shopfitting quote prices the fabric of the fit-out clearly, states the programme and the working pattern it assumes, and names every trade you are coordinating, so the client is not surprised and you are not out of pocket when the shutter goes up on launch day.

Your business. Trading name, address, contact, and your VAT number if registered. Note the registered electrician who will certify the electrical work.
The client and the unit. The client name and the unit address, including the centre or parade and the landlord where relevant.
A specific scope by section. Shopfront and signage, partitions and ceilings, flooring, lighting and electrics, bespoke joinery such as counters, display and shelving, decoration, and any mechanical or HVAC coordination.
Programme and deadline. The opening date, the sequence of trades, and whether the work is continuous, out of hours or phased to keep the unit trading.
Labour, materials and subcontractors. Your rate and days, materials, and the trades you are coordinating and pricing on the client's behalf.
VAT. If registered, subtotal, 20% VAT and total. If not, say so.
Landlord and licence. Note that a landlord licence for alterations and any dilapidations obligations at end of lease are the client's responsibility unless agreed otherwise.
Payment terms. Stage payments against the programme and any deposit against ordered joinery and shopfront materials.
Exclusions. Landlord licence fees, structural works, business rates and shopfront planning consent are commonly excluded. Say so clearly.
Validity period. "Valid for 30 days" so a joinery and shopfront price does not follow you around after supplier costs move.

A shopfitting quote example

The figures below are illustrative and shown only to demonstrate the layout. They are not market rates. Price every job from your own supplier prices, subcontractor rates and day rate.

Section	Detail	Amount (example only)
Strip out	Remove existing fit-out, dispose of waste and make unit safe	£X
Partitions and ceilings	Stud partitions, suspended ceiling grid and plasterboard finish	£X
Flooring and decoration	Floor preparation, floor finish and full decoration throughout	£X
Joinery and shopfront	Bespoke counters, display and shelving, plus shopfront and signage	£X
Electrics and lighting	Power, lighting and testing by registered electrician with certificate	£X
Subtotal		£X
VAT (20%, if registered)		£X
Total		£X

Scope note: "Strip out, form partitions and ceilings, floor and decorate, supply and fit bespoke counters, display, shelving, shopfront and signage, and complete electrical and lighting works certified by a registered electrician. Excludes landlord licence for alterations, structural works and shopfront planning consent." Terms note: "Price assumes continuous daytime working. Out of hours or phased working to keep the unit trading is priced separately and any change to the agreed working pattern will be quoted and agreed in writing before proceeding. Valid for 30 days."

The mistakes that cost shopfitters money on a quote

Not pricing out of hours or phased working. Assuming daytime working then being told the unit must keep trading is where a good job turns into a loss. Price the working pattern as its own line and state what the price assumes.
Ignoring the landlord licence for alterations. Starting before the landlord licence is in place risks a stop notice. Note whose responsibility it is and that your programme depends on it.
Underpricing the coordination of trades. A fit-out is many trades in a tight sequence. The time you spend coordinating shopfront, ceilings, electrics and joinery is real cost. Do not leave it out.
Missing the deadline penalties. If a late opening carries a client penalty, be clear your programme assumes access and a fixed working pattern, so a client delay does not become your liability.
Forgetting dilapidations. On a leased unit, end of lease reinstatement can be a separate obligation. State that dilapidations are excluded unless quoted separately.
Confusing a quote with an estimate. A quote is a fixed price. An estimate can move. Label the document as one, never both. See quote vs estimate.

Should a shopfitter send a quote or an estimate?

For a defined fit-out to an agreed drawing and specification, quote it firmly. Where the unit is a bare shell with unknown services, or a strip out may reveal hidden defects behind the old fit-out, an estimate with a firm quote to follow once you have opened up is the honest approach. Put the scope, programme and variations in writing either way. Our guide to quote vs estimate for UK trades explains when each is fairer.

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This page is practical quoting guidance, not legal advice, and it does not cover registration, licensing or lease obligations, which are set by the applicable rules and your lease. For a serious dispute or a large sum, take proper advice.

Shopfitting quote FAQ

What should a shopfitting quote include?

Your business details, the client and unit, a specific scope by section, the programme and opening deadline, whether the work is out of hours or phased, a breakdown of labour, materials and subcontractors, VAT, payment terms, exclusions such as landlord licence and dilapidations, and a validity period.

How do I price out of hours or phased shopfitting work?

Out of hours and phased working carry uplifted labour rates and lost productivity, so price them as a separate line against the hours the client needs the unit to keep trading, and state the working pattern the price assumes so any change is a variation.

Should a shopfitter quote or estimate a fit-out?

For a defined fit-out to an agreed drawing and specification, quote it firmly. Where the unit is a shell with unknown services or a strip out may reveal hidden defects, an estimate with a firm quote to follow once opened up is often fairer.

Do shopfitters charge VAT on a quote?

If you are VAT registered, show the subtotal, 20% VAT and the total. If you are not registered, say so clearly on the quote.