Is CustomMade a Scam? Your Guide to Avoiding Artisan Furniture Frauds in 2026.

Navigating CustomMade: Identifying and Avoiding Artisan Furniture Scams

CustomMade connects buyers with artisans for unique furniture pieces. While many transactions are legitimate, it's crucial to be aware of potential scams designed to defraud customers. This guide will help you identify red flags and protect yourself when purchasing artisan furniture.

Common Scams Targeting Artisan Furniture Buyers

Several fraudulent tactics are prevalent on platforms like CustomMade, specifically concerning artisan furniture. Understanding these methods is the first step in safeguarding your purchase.

• ✓ Stolen Artisan Portfolio: Scammers may use the work of legitimate artists to create fake profiles, making their offerings appear more credible than they are. Always verify the artisan's previous work and reputation independently.
• ✓ Indefinite Production Delay: A common tactic is to accept payment and then continually delay the production of the furniture with vague excuses, often leading to a complete loss for the buyer.
• ✓ Off-Platform Deposit Request: Legitimate platforms usually have secure payment systems. Be wary of sellers who insist on receiving deposits or full payment outside of the CustomMade platform, as this bypasses buyer protection.
• ✓ Material Grade Downselling: Artisans might claim to use high-grade materials but substitute them with lower-quality alternatives, significantly impacting the furniture's durability and value. Requesting material certifications can help mitigate this risk.
• ✓ Non-Functional Furniture Design: Scammers may present attractive designs that are structurally unsound or impractical for actual use, leading to a beautiful but unusable piece of furniture.

Protecting Your Purchase with Safe Trade Services

To ensure a secure transaction for high-value artisan furniture pieces, we highly recommend utilizing Safe Trade Services. For items exceeding $500, our Premium Plan offers robust identity verification for both buyer and seller, alongside secure payment identity verification.

For lower-value artisan furniture purchases, the Safe Trade Services Basic Plan still provides essential identity verification, adding a layer of security and trust to your P2P transactions on CustomMade.