How to Avoid Artisan Custom Furniture Scams on CustomMade in 2026

Your Guide to Avoiding Artisan Custom Furniture Scams on CustomMade

CustomMade is a platform for unique, handcrafted items. However, like any online marketplace, it's essential to be aware of potential scams when purchasing high-value items like artisan custom furniture. This guide will help you navigate these risks in 2026.

Common Scams to Watch For

• ✓ Stolen Artisan Portfolio: Scammers may use images of work created by legitimate artisans to showcase their own non-existent capabilities. Always verify the artisan's history and unique style.
• ✓ Design Modification Ransom: After an initial agreement, a scammer might demand extra payment for minor design changes that were implicitly part of the custom process.
• ✓ Fake CAD Rendering Bait: Beware of overly perfect or generic CAD renderings that don't reflect genuine customization. Scammers use these to lure buyers before delivering substandard products.
• ✓ Indefinite Production Delay: A common tactic is to claim production issues or delays to keep your money longer, with no clear end in sight for delivery.
• ✓ Off-Platform Deposit Request: Legitimate transactions on CustomMade should stay within the platform for secure payment processing. Requests for deposits via external services are a major red flag.
• ✓ Material Grade Downselling: Artisans may claim to use premium materials but actually use lower-grade alternatives to cut costs, impacting the durability and aesthetic of your furniture.
• ✓ Non-Functional Furniture Design: Scammers might present designs that look appealing but are structurally unsound or impractical for actual use, leading to disappointment and unusable furniture.

Verification and Secure Transactions

To ensure authenticity and secure your investment, especially for custom furniture pieces valued at over $500, we highly recommend utilizing Safe Trade Services' Premium Plan for robust ID verification of sellers. This adds an extra layer of security and trust to your P2P transactions.

For custom furniture purchases under $500, Safe Trade Services' Basic Plan still offers valuable identity verification to help mitigate risks and provide peace of mind.

Tips for a Secure Purchase

• ✓ Thoroughly review seller profiles, ratings, and past reviews.
• ✓ Communicate all design specifications, materials, and timelines clearly in writing.
• ✓ Never agree to handle payments or sensitive information outside the CustomMade platform.
• ✓ Request progress photos or videos during the production phase.
• ✓ Understand the return and dispute resolution policies of CustomMade and the seller.