Fit-out cost and payback

What determines the price

• Scope. One side of the cargo area, or both. Shelving only, or also a floor, a partition and a work surface.
• Number and type of pull-outs and drawers. Steel drawers with locking are different from plastic boxes in aluminium frames.
• Degree of customisation. An assembly made from example parts is simpler than a fully individual structure.
• Infill materials. Film-faced plywood, plastic, protective flooring and lining.
• Accessories. Locks, lighting, sockets, a vice, carriers, holders.
• Professional installation. Turnkey, or self-assembly.
• Vehicle. Dimensions and specifics of the model, the number of vehicles fitted out in the same way.

How to think about return on investment

A fit-out does not pay for itself in one big sum, but in many smaller ones. For comparison it is enough to estimate how much time you lose daily searching for tools and rearranging them, what an hour of your work costs, how much equipment is damaged or lost, how much downtime costs you when something is missing on a job, and what damage loose cargo causes. The total of these items over a year is often higher than you expect. Calculate it with your own figures and compare it with the price of the quotation.

Buy cheap, pay twice

Used shelving and cheap ready-made sets are tempting, but they often do not match your vehicle or your tools. Rebuilding, modifications or problems with anchoring can end up costing more than a made-to-measure assembly. What matters is the cost over the whole life of the fit-out, not just the purchase price.

Financing and leasing

A fit-out can often be included in the lease or financing of the vehicle, or purchased separately. The terms depend on your leasing or credit company.