Custom Projects & Commissions

The “Start a Project” feature on Maker Marketplace allows buyers to commission a fully custom, made-to-order item. To use it, click the “Start a Project” button on the homepage or a maker’s profile page and fill out a brief describing what you want — including dimensions, materials, style, and intended use. From there, you are connected with multiple skilled makers who will bid on your project, collaborate with you on the design, budget, and timeline, and once you make your selection, they will create and ship your item. You can ask questions, request adjustments, and track the creation process through direct communication with your maker.

Yes. Commissioning custom furniture is one of the primary use cases for Maker Marketplace. Buyers can submit a detailed project brief describing exactly what they want — wood type, dimensions, finish, hardware, style — and the platform connects them with vetted furniture makers who specialize in bespoke work. Past examples of commissioned furniture on the platform include custom walnut reception desks, baptismal fonts, wood turned ornaments, solid oak dining tables with metal legs, reclaimed wood conference tables, and custom coffee tables with acrylic or granite elements, and much more.

Lead times for custom-made items on Maker Marketplace depend on the maker and the complexity of the project. Simple accessories or smaller goods may ship within a week, while custom furniture or large-scale pieces typically require four to twelve weeks for fabrication. Timeline expectations are established directly between the buyer and maker during the project discussion phase, before commitment, so there are no surprises. Maker Marketplace recommends discussing timeline upfront when you initiate a project.

1. Describe what you want: the piece, materials, size, budget and date. 2. Makers who do that kind of work send proposals. 3. You choose one, approve its price and spec, and pay a 50% deposit. 4. The maker builds the piece and shows it to you by photos, a video call or a studio visit. 5. You approve it and pay the balance. Maker Marketplace holds that payment while the piece ships.