Anyone use Tophatter?

[Former_Member]

So I just discovered Tophatter, and I was thinking about trying it out. Does anyone have any experience with it? Has it worked for you?

Thanks!

[RelatingThroughArt]

I use it! It's a lot of fun. When I have my items up I usually find other things to bid on!

I think it's a good place to put things after the etsy listing expires to see if other people like it or if it isn't sold or bid high on, I know to revamp the item.

Good luck! :)

[Former_Member]

I find the community to be a bit twee for my tastes, but it's neat to see what shows up.

[heyshopbonnie]

I JUST did my first Tophatter auction like ten minutes ago, ha!

It was... not so good. I've read a lot about it on the forums, so I was wary going in. The items are up for literally like ten seconds before they take them off the block. I didn't even have time to answer a question about them before it was taken off.

I guess to be successful on Tophatter you're supposed to start by pricing your items low. However, this is difficult for me. I listed a handpainted martini set that retails for around $60 for $40. I guess I could have priced it at $20 to get more bids, but what if I sold it for $20? I put way too much work into my products to drastically undersell them that much.

Also, the site is slow and the auction format is pretty cheesy and corny. They have these little avatars that remind me of those dumb Facebook video games like Farmville.

I'll probably try again a few times, but I don't have high hopes :(

[Former_Member]

Out of three auctions I signed up for, only one item sold. I got a little more than half of what I had it listed for on Etsy. That was a couple of months ago. I haven't bothered with it since.

The site freezes up a lot, which isn't good if you're bidding or selling. It froze up on me just as my item was coming up for bid. I had to log off and log back on hoping I didn't miss my own auction.

[Former_Member]

I tried to sell one thing and didn't get any interest. Seems like a lot of trouble for not many sales and low prices. I would like it more as a buyer if I had any money to spend. They do have a lot of nice stuff going cheaply.

[OffOnAWhimJewelry]

I feel the same, am hesitant to list something so much lower than the price of materials or effort put into the object, on the risk that someone may or may not buy it for more. But some people have been incredibly successful and done very well at TopHatter. I listed one item, but as I live in Japan, I didn't realize I'd have to stay awake all night before my item came up for bid. I ended up going to bed and missing the auction entirely, and of course, it didn't sell, LOL!

[Former_Member]

I've tried it a few times with little, as in zero, success. I both scheduled an auction and have done standby. I haven't bothered anymore with it, and would have a hard time recommending it. But that's just me.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the opinions everyone! Even though most people don't seem to have much luck with it, I still may try it. I probably won't do well, lol, but I still may try.

[Former_Member]

I had my first auction tonight and didn't get any bids. I'll try it again and see what happens. I have some photos that I'm selling that I actually didn't have to pay for to get them printed so even if the photo sells for a dollar - I still made some money. ;)

[MegusAttic]

I've been using TH a lot to get rid of my destash beads and my jewelry that hasn't sold at Etsy for a long time. I think the key is to list items that can be made cheaply and quickly.

If I can take apart the jewelry and redesign it, I do so. But when it's not possible I sell it at TH. I usuakky get back the cost of the materials plus additional $1-15.

So list items that you really want to get rid of at the price of the materials plus $1 to cover the TH fee.

[Former_Member]

I just found out about it yesterday and, out of curiosity, I scheduled my first auction. It's set for Tuesday so we'll see how that goes. In any case, I agree with most people here about the cheesy format and I'm not holding any great hopes. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Former_Member]

I've tried it a few times. I can't stay awake to be there for the auction as I'm in Malaysia, but it doesn't seem to really matter anyway since it goes so fast. I sold one item, but the person never even paid, so that got canceled :P I'm still trying because at least more ppl see my pieces and a few will click to my etsy shop. I put items there hat are close to expiring here on etsy. If it doesn't sell I'll re-list on etsy and try something else.

[Former_Member]

I've had an account with TH for like 3 months now, and I hate to say that it's not really a place for handmade items. If you sell supplies, you will do well. It's really difficult to get your items into an auction, and once you do there is no guarantee that they will sell. I use it purely as a way to get my name out there. I have heard of other sites like Tophatter that are starting up, one of these is called Outbid. I haven't checked it out yet, but would love to know if anyone else out there has an opinion.