The acronym FF&E hardly seems adequate to describe such an important part of hotel development. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment can make or break your guests' experiences - and your budget. Cost overruns and time delays are typical in the FF&E purchasing process, and mismanagement of procurement can even set back the opening of your hotel.

The procurement process is more than just numbers and phone calls. You are called upon to make countless decisions, from settling on an overall aesthetic with your designer to choosing a procurement agent to agreeing upon a budget and timeframe for installation. Resources are precious, time is money, and outcomes are critical. That's why it's essential to approach the FF&E process with a strategy to maximize your resources. It is possible to prevent or prepare for the common roadblocks in FF&E purchasing.

Never underestimate the importance of project management. An organized, efficient procurement consultant makes a world of difference in the purchasing process. You don't want to be surprised with unnecessary cost overruns and delays, and your procurement partner should plan for any and all contingencies. Frequent and detailed reporting - on the information you need to know - is essential, and you must demand transparency in ...