Can I buy the products I see on your website directly from CustomMade.com?
No. We specialize in helping customers find just the right woodworker to assist them in designing and making something custom. The pictures on our website are simply examples of other projects that our artisans and craftspeople have successfully completed. If you are interested in purchasing a product that you see, please contact that artisan directly so that he or she can make it for you!
Why should I buy CustomMade?
Purchasing CustomMade allows you to decide how you want your piece built. It is a new way to shop for people who have irregular wall spaces, specific tastes, or an eye towards quality. In addition, you are supporting a local artisan rather than a large furniture store or furniture manufacturer.
How do I use CustomMade.com?
We have set up CustomMade.com so that you can find the right information as quickly and efficiently as possible. You can browse through our Galleries by clicking on “Browse Galleries”, you can search for a woodworker in your state by using the search bar on top of every page, you can also type in specific search terms, types of wood, styles, or anything else that you are interested in looking at.
Why don’t woodworkers just make pieces and then sell them on your website?
Sometimes they do, but it’s very rare. Unlike a traditional gallery (which focuses on selling products), we believe that the process of having something custom made is a service. Our goal is to help you find the right service provider amongst our artisans and craftspeople, rather than sell you something that was made for and designed by someone else.
How do I know that my custom made project will turn out as I expect it to?
Careful communication with the artisan or craftsperson is the key to a good outcome. Be sure you have a clear mutual understanding about what is to be built, what construction methods and materials will be used, and how delivery or installation will occur. The majority of all problems can be avoided with effective communication.
I see a price listed in the description of a project or furniture piece, does that mean it’s for sale?
It could mean that, but more often, the craftsperson is simply trying to provide potential customers with a rough idea about how much he charges to make comparable pieces.
The woodworker I contacted wants a good portion of the fee for the project up-front. Is this common practice?
Artisans often have to purchase expensive materials and go through an extensive up-front design and planning process. As a result, they often like to get most of their fixed expenses paid up front. The terms of a specific project are negotiable, although it is not at all uncommon for woodworkers to ask for 50% of the total price up-front.
I am worried about getting my money back if I am not satisfied. Can CustomMade help me if I have a problem?
Unfortunately, CustomMade is not equipped to intermediate the process of selecting and engaging a woodworker, nor are we equipped to mediate disputes. However, we can assure you that customer complaints are extremely rare (after all, woodworkers rely heavily on word of mouth and referrals for repeat business – they want you to leave the transaction immensely satisfied with their work!) No woodworker about whom a substantive complaint has been received is allowed to remain on our website.
How do I figure out a fair price to pay for my custom made project?
Most woodworkers are happy to educate you about the time involved in a project and the materials costs they will incur. However, the more you understand about the construction and design process, the more effectively you can determine a “fair” price. Different artisans manage and charge for their time differently, so price discrepancies are normal.
Can I upload my project or my design and have woodworkers bid against each other to make it?
No. We believe the design process is, by its nature, collaborative. We just try to make it easy for you to find the right person to work with.
I am a woodworker and I want to list my work on your site. Where do I go?
Here is a link to our “Subscribe” Page with more information about joining our community.
