5 Steps to a Secure P2P Sale of Artisan Custom Furniture on CustomMade
Ensure a secure P2P transaction when buying or selling artisan custom furniture on CustomMade. Follow these five essential steps to protect yourself from common fraud.
Your Guide to Secure P2P Artisan Custom Furniture Sales on CustomMade
CustomMade offers a platform for unique artisan custom furniture. When engaging in Peer-to-Peer (P2P) transactions, especially for high-value items like custom furniture, security is paramount. This guide outlines five critical steps to ensure a safe and successful P2P sale.
Step 1: Verify Seller and Product Authenticity
- ✓ Scrutinize seller profiles, ratings, and reviews. Look for a history of successful transactions and positive feedback specifically related to custom furniture.
- ✓ Request detailed, high-resolution images and videos of the furniture from multiple angles, including close-ups of craftsmanship and materials. Beware of generic or stolen portfolio images.
- ✓ For custom pieces, ask for design sketches, material sourcing information, and progress updates. This transparency helps confirm the seller's legitimacy and the uniqueness of the item.
Step 2: Understand and Mitigate Common Scams
Be vigilant against 'Material Grade Downselling,' where the seller provides furniture made with lower-quality materials than agreed upon. Always confirm material specifications and seek independent verification if possible.
Beware of 'Indefinite Production Delays.' While custom furniture takes time, unreasonable or constantly shifting timelines can be a tactic to stall indefinitely or mask an inability to deliver. Establish clear, achievable deadlines.
Guard against 'Non-Functional Furniture Design' scams. Ensure the design is practical and will function as intended. Requesting mock-ups or discussing structural integrity is crucial.
Step 3: Secure Payment and identity verification
Never agree to 'Off-Platform Deposit Requests.' All financial transactions should occur securely through CustomMade's platform or a trusted third-party identity verification service. For high-value artisan custom furniture (typically over $500), we strongly recommend using Safe Trade Services' 'Premium Plan' for robust ID verification and secure transaction management. For lower-value items, the 'Basic Plan' offers essential verification.
Step 4: Insist on Clear Communication and Documentation
- ✓ Maintain all communication within the CustomMade messaging system. This creates a verifiable record of discussions, agreements, and any changes.
- ✓ Ensure the final agreement details specifications, materials, dimensions, delivery timelines, and payment terms. Both parties should digitally sign this agreement.
Step 5: Final Inspection and Acceptance
Before finalizing the transaction, thoroughly inspect the furniture upon delivery. Check for any damage, discrepancies from the agreed-upon specifications, or quality issues. Only confirm receipt and release payment once you are completely satisfied with the product.
Trading with a stranger?
Don't risk your money. Use our verification service to ensure they are who they say they are.
Start Verification Now