Custom Storage Cabinet

This was our first CustomMade experience and Ed / VSF helped made it incredible.

We posted a job for a custom bedroom set (queen bed, wardrobe, end tables, entertainment center) on the CustomMade job board and about 7 makers submitted bids. We had 2-3 bids in the $3500-4300 range and a few up near $7500-10,000 for makers in and around Boston.

Most makers asked us to increase our budget, which we set to about 25% more than it would cost us to get the same set (obviously of lesser quality…) from Crate and Barrel. We were immediately impressed with Ed because he took the time to work up drawings for us, something other makers didn't do.

Ed was one of the makers who didn't hassle us on the budget, but instead submitted a reasonable proposal along with his drawings which was higher than our budget.

Based on his past work and enthusiasm, we decided to hire Ed to do our project.

Fast forward to the day of the delivery and we were AMAZED. Seriously, this furniture set is the nicest thing we own.

The quality of the furniture itself is top notch: super heavy solid maple, high quality hardware, and the paint job… wow - it really looks like a factory finish.

Our constructive criticism to Ed goes to communication. We would have appreciated more timely responses and more photo updates. The photos we did receive were fine, but Ed could benefit from photos with more clarity and more regular updates. This is something he could improve on by getting an iPad for his shop or hiring some help for 5-10 hours per week to manage his projects. We totally get it: his energy and passion is devoted to his craft.

We plan to work with Ed again. If you are considering a project and you want incredible value and craftsmanship, go with VSF.

(Photos to come)

I worked with Ed Fox designing my historical double entry doors. Ed was able to create exactly what I described in the time frame I needed the doors. He communicated with me throughout the project always positive and polite. His craftsmanship is outstanding I am happy I found both custom made and Ed for my project. I highly recommend Ed.

Despite detailed drawings and feedback from emails, Ed missed several key specifications, including finish and drawer size. The drawer size error means I had to mount the vanity sink off center of the vanity base, light fixture, and mirror. Oops. Missed the original and revised delivery dates. Had a 1" spot on the veneer separate from the frame, which I fixed myself.

My suggestion was that I should get some money back since the items Ed missed were pretty important to me. Ed has not replied in two weeks since I complained. Custommade Customer Support has been completely ineffective in resolving the dispute. Strongly recommend against doing business with VSF and Custommade.

Response from CustomMade:

We apologize for your experience with V.S.F and CustomMade. As the majority of the conversation occurred over the phone and outside of CustomMade, the support staff was only able to make their ruling based on the information that was on CustomMade. Discussion regarding the exact finish and measurements all occurred outside of the Trust and Safety Department's jurisdiction. In the future- we recommend to keep all information on the CustomMade messaging platform, if there is a disagreement about the final product, the support staff will be able to get involved.

This was a wonderful experience. The work was done on time, delivered to my house, the craftsmanship was exquisite and the communication over the design and the entire process extremely easy.
I would 100% have Ed make something for me in the future.