1. What are Blackwolf's Custom Capabilities?
At BlackWolf we build each piece of furniture to order, one piece at a time. Within our walls are designers, engineers and craftsmen, all passionate about what they create. We thrive on opportunities to design/build furniture of all styles. Call us with questions or ideas. We will guide you through the entire process from idea to reality.
2. Can anyone buy from BlackWolf?
BlackWolf is committed to serving the needs of the Interior Design Trade. Our customers work very hard in creating these custom pieces and we are diligent in making sure any new customers are fully licensed in the trade. We therefore require that you be a licensed designer in your state, and furnish us with your state Sellers Tax ID number.
3. Where do I start?
Please go to our website, well I guess you are already there if you are reading this, click on “Designer Login” and fill out the form. Once we can verify that you are in fact in the trade, we will send you the link to finalize the login registration. Then, you are free to create the pieces specifically to your needs.
4. Can I send a photo or a sketch of a piece of furniture that I would like to have built?
Absolutely! Many great designs start with an inspiration. Simply provide a picture, sketch, or BlackWolf item number to get started. We will also need the sizing of the piece, and if you are really prepared at this point, give us the finish and hardware selections as well. Otherwise, we can finalize those two items later. Please note that for custom colors, there is a 5% custom color match charge.
5. Can I change the size of items on your website or in your catalog?
Again, absolutely! With our organization, you have the freedom to create whatever fits your needs.
6. Will you match a color sample that I have?
Yes we will. Simply forward us the sample. We will match it, and send your original and our match, back to you for your approval. Simple as that. Sometimes we don’t get it right the first time. If that happens we will give it another try, no extra charge. But first we will want you to talk directly with our finishing supervisor and speak directly to the issues you are having. If we listen well, that should be all we need.
7. Can I send you a color sample from a paint store for you to match?
Indeed you can. We will work with paint chips from any of the national brand companies.
8. What if I don’t have a color sample or paint chip?
a. We have worked with many of our clients in this manner. In the past they have sent us a fabric sample that is going in the room with the piece we will be building. At their direction, and with the sample in hand, we have created a color that is to their specific instructions. In fact some of our best efforts have come with this method.
9. Does it cost to have you match color samples?
Yes, a custom up charge and strike off fee is added to the piece.
10. What materials do you use to build your furniture?
For 90% of our work, we use Alder. We will and have used cherry, maple, walnut, oak and ash in both solids and veneers. For exotic woods, we will most often use veneers, A more efficient and effective way to use the imported woods.
11. What about hardware? Can I choose my own? Do you have standard selections?
We have 3 companies that we can find hardware from to fill most any need. If we cannot, yes, you can supply your own hardware, or just instruct us on what you have selected, and from where, and we will handle (no pun intended) the rest.
12. Do you use sustainable materials in your furniture?
We do. Alder is being replanted and growing at a faster rate that it is being harvested. This from the National Hardwood Lumber Association.
13. How can I get a quote from you?
There are a number of ways. First, from the website you can go to the contact us page, fill out the form and make your comments and requests there. If you are logged in, click the "custom project" at the top of the page, fill out the information and send it in. Second, you can email us with your request. Send a fax with your information and requests and, as a last resort, pick up the phone, give us a call and engage in the fine art of conversation with us. Tell us what you need and we’ll get a quote out in 24 to 48 hours.
14. How do I place a purchase order?
There a number of ways to place a purchase order. First, you can prepare a purchase order on your own format, and fax it in to us. Next if you have a quote from us, all you need to do is sign it and fax it over. With our new website, once you log in, you can go to the item that you are interested in, and from there, enter a Purchase order electronically. In all cases, once we receive your purchase order, we will prepare a Sales Order and send it over to you for your review. This information is the basis of construction and should be reviewed, signed and sent back in order to confirm that all is correct. This gives the designer full freedom to tweak the design prior to construction. Once you sign off on that sales order, we will begin creating your piece. The order also notes any down payments required for production.
15. Will you send me a drawing for approval when I order my custom piece?
If you have ordered an item from our catalog or website, and it is a size that is listed as one of our standard sizes, no, we will not send a drawing for approval. We assume you know what you are getting based on the photos shown of the piece. If it is an item that is a new creation or that you have modified significantly, most definitely we will send along a drawing for approval, and we will not begin cutting wood until we have a signed approval from you telling us all is good with the design.
16. How long will it take once I place my order?
Most often, we are operating within an 8 to 10 week lead time. Should you have a need to meet a deadline that is shorter that the quoted lead time, call us to discuss if there is a way to meet your time frame. We will do our best to help you any way we can.
17. How do you ship your furniture?
We build our own crates on a piece by piece basis. We wrap and protect the furniture with blankets, cardboard, and foam. Then we build a wooden frame and wrap it in plywood for the best protection we can reasonably give it. We then find the best carrier that will travel into your area.
18. Will it be delivered directly to the customers’ home?
Most often the best way is to ship it to a moving and storage company where the crate can be unloaded, the furniture uncrated and inspected, the crating materials discarded, and delivery into the home scheduled. In certain instances, it may be possible to blanket wrap the piece, and in those cases, you can have it delivered directly into the home. Generally, blanket wrap runs a little bit more than crating and delivery to a receiver.
19. Who pays for the freight?
Because of our volume of shipments, we are able to receive a significant discount on freight, which we pass along to you. We take care of arranging pickup and delivery to your destination, and add that expense to your invoice.
20. What do we do if there is damage to the furniture during shipment?
Well, the most important thing that you can do upon receiving your shipment is to inspect if for damage, preferably before the driver leaves the dock. It is most important to document on the bill of lading any noticeable damage, again, preferably before the driver leaves the dock. It will be the responsibility of the receiver to file a damage claim. We will be involved, helping in any way we can, but it remains the responsibility of the receiver to document the damage on the bill of lading and file a claim.
21. How will you stand behind your furniture?
We guarantee our furniture for finish and workmanship for one full year. Our belief is that if there will be defects in the finish or workmanship, it will happen as the season change from cold dry winters, to warm and humid summer months. No matter where we ship it in the country, the change of the four seasons will bring to light any issues. If one appears within the year, we will assess the situation, and work with you and your client to get to the best resolution.
22. How do we take care of the finish on the furniture?
We recommend keeping the piece clean with mild soap and warm water. Never leave water standing on the surface. Pieces should only need polishing quarterly with a lemon oil and beeswax polish. Extensive heat or acidic fluids may also affect the finish (hot coffee, orange juice, nail polish remover, etc.)