10 Questions Before Ordering Custom Furniture
Custom furniture should be exactly what you want — but only if you ask the right questions before you pay. Here are the ten things we think every buyer should confirm, with the answers you should expect from a factory that knows what it's doing.
The right questions before ordering save months of regret afterwards.
Ordering custom furniture from overseas can feel like a leap of faith. It doesn't have to be. The factories that are easy to work with answer the same ten questions clearly, and usually answer them before you ask.
The Ten Questions
- What materials and certifications? Ask for the board grade (E0/E1) and the certificate. Any factory can claim 'eco-friendly'; a certificate is proof.
- What is the real lead time? Get two numbers: production time and shipping time. A '20 days' quote usually means production only.
- What do I need to measure? A good factory gives you a measuring checklist before you pay, not after.
- Is the drawing free? You should see a 3D drawing of your piece and approve it before any production starts — and it shouldn't cost extra.
- What hardware is included? Soft-close hinges, drawer runners and handles: confirm what's in the price.
- How is it packed and shipped? Ask about export packaging, carton strength and the shipping method for your country.
- What is the MOQ? For sample orders, the answer should be one piece. For bulk, ask how pricing scales.
- Can I see a sample or photos? If not a physical sample, expect production photos and videos of your actual order.
- What if something arrives damaged? Agree on the process: photo evidence, replacement parts or a remake, and who covers the cost.
- Who do I talk to during production? You should have one contact person who replies within a business day.
Confirm the interior layout in the drawing — it's far harder to change after production.
Why These Ten?
These questions cover the four risks that cause most overseas custom furniture problems: materials (question 1), timing (2), specification drift (3–5) and after-sales (6–10). If a factory answers all ten without hesitation, the order is probably going to be smooth.
How We Answer Them
For reference, here are our answers: E0/E1 certified boards and sealed edges as standard; 12–30 days production depending on the product, plus shipping quoted upfront; a free measuring checklist and a free 3D drawing with every quote; soft-close hardware included; export packaging on every order; MOQ of one piece for samples; production photos and videos of your order; a clear photo-based process for any shipping damage; and a dedicated contact person — eric@cnderdi.com — who replies within one business day.
Ready to compare? Send us your requirements and you'll have all ten answers — plus a drawing and a factory-direct quote — within 24 hours.
What Good Answers Sound Like
Vague answers are the real warning sign. 'We use good materials' tells you nothing; 'E0 certified particle board, sealed edges, certificate on request' tells you exactly what you're buying. 'About three weeks' is not a lead time — 'production 12–25 days depending on the drawing, plus 20–30 days sea freight to your port, quoted on the invoice' is. A factory that answers in specifics is a factory that has done this before, many times. A factory that answers in generalities is asking you to trust them on faith — and custom furniture is too expensive for that.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Prices quoted without asking for your measurements first
- No drawing before payment, or a drawing fee that appears after you're committed
- Lead times that grow every time you ask
- Payment terms that leave you with no proof of production (photos, videos, inspection)
- A contact person who takes more than a business day to reply
Any one of these is worth asking about directly. Two or more, and it's usually cheaper to walk away and start again with a different factory.
Ask us all ten questions
Send your requirements and get our answers — drawing and factory-direct quote within 24 hours.
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