How to Safely Verify a Custom Luxury Home Decor Seller on CustomMade (2026 Guide)
Learn how to verify sellers on CustomMade for custom luxury home decor to avoid common scams. This guide provides essential steps and red flags to watch for in 2026.
Verifying Sellers on CustomMade for Custom Luxury Home Decor
When purchasing custom luxury home decor, it is crucial to ensure the legitimacy and reliability of the seller on CustomMade. This guide outlines key verification steps and common scams to watch out for in 2026 to ensure a secure and satisfactory transaction.
Key Verification Steps
- ✓ Review Seller Profiles and Portfolios: Examine past work, customer reviews, and any verification badges displayed on their CustomMade profile. Look for consistency in their presented work and professional demeanor.
- ✓ Check for External Reviews and Reputation: Search for independent reviews or testimonials of the seller on other platforms or industry-specific forums.
- ✓ Communicate Directly and Ask Detailed Questions: Engage in clear communication regarding design specifics, materials, production timelines, and pricing. A reputable seller will be transparent and responsive.
- ✓ Understand Material Sourcing and Authenticity: For luxury items, verify the origin and authenticity of materials. Inquire about certifications or guarantees for precious metals or stones if applicable.
- ✓ Utilize Secure Payment Methods: Always use the platform's recommended payment gateway. Avoid off-platform transactions or requests for upfront deposits outside of CustomMade's secure system.
Common Scams to Watch For
Stolen Artisan Portfolio: Be wary of sellers who use generic or stolen images for their work. Cross-reference their portfolio images online to ensure they are original.
Material Grade Downselling: Sellers may misrepresent the quality or grade of materials used in custom decor. Always confirm exact specifications for metals, woods, fabrics, and finishes.
Plated Metal vs. Solid Gold (and other precious metals): Scammers may pass off plated items as solid precious metals. Insist on clear descriptions and, if necessary, third-party verification for high-value items.
Fake CAD Rendering Bait: Some sellers may use sophisticated computer-generated designs to entice buyers, only to deliver a vastly inferior physical product. Compare renderings with actual past work.
Indefinite Production Delay: Be cautious of sellers who are vague about production timelines or who consistently push back delivery dates without valid reasons. This can be a tactic to string buyers along.
Off-Platform Deposit Request: Legitimate sellers will conduct all transactions through the CustomMade platform. Be highly suspicious of any seller requesting deposits or payments via wire transfer, personal check, or other off-platform methods.
For high-value custom luxury home decor items (typically above $500), we strongly recommend utilizing the Safe Trade Services Premium Plan for an added layer of identity verification for both buyer and seller, ensuring a secure peer-to-peer transaction. For lower-value items, the Basic Plan offers essential verification to mitigate risks.
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