7 Warning Signs of Scams When Buying High-End Custom Audio Gear on CustomMade

Indefinite Production Delays: Be wary of sellers who consistently push back delivery dates without valid explanations, especially for custom-built audio equipment. This can be a tactic to string buyers along or to mask an inability to deliver.

Material Grade Downselling: Some unscrupulous sellers might claim to use premium materials for custom audio components (like specific wood veneers for speaker cabinets or high-purity copper wiring) but actually use lower-grade alternatives. This is particularly concerning for high-end gear where material quality directly impacts performance.

Non-Functional Design Promises: For custom audio furniture (like speaker stands or equipment racks), a seller might present impressive designs that ultimately fail to function as intended, affecting acoustics or stability. Verify design claims and look for reviews or portfolios showcasing functional pieces.

Off-Platform Deposit Request: If a seller insists on taking a deposit or full payment outside of CustomMade's secure payment system (e.g., direct bank transfer, Zelle, or cryptocurrency), this is a major red flag. This is often a tactic used by scammers to avoid platform protections and dispute resolution.

Sourced-from-China Resell (with misrepresentation): Be cautious of sellers who claim to be artisans creating unique custom audio gear but are actually just reselling mass-produced items, potentially from overseas, at inflated prices. This misrepresentation devalues the 'custom' aspect.

Plated Metal vs. Solid Construction: For components like high-end connectors or chassis, sellers might advertise 'gold-plated' or similar finishes without clearly stating if the underlying material is solid or merely plated. For audio gear, the internal construction and material density are critical for performance.