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[BigBlueBed]

I have had a few emails about Tophatter, via Handmadeology people, and I was just wondering if anyone has either bid on anything or sold anything.

[Kitty Ballistic]

I was on there for a very short while. I was only selling a few destash bits and bobs. I watched several auctions before deciding to list my stuff, as I wanted to see what kind of prices things went for (lots of 'vintage' keys went for over $40  ). I listed and sold 3 or 4 lots (only one person didn't pay up, but the site is quite clear - you try to contact them again and if they don't respond in a few days, you can cancel the sale and leave them negative feedback, which I did). It was just taking off when I was listing, and it got very popular once the Etsy crowd joined in, so it was really difficult to find a spot in an auction.

However, I was put off using the site when I discovered that the buyer of one of my lots was relisting the items (no problem there)...using my exact text and photos. I did a double-take, as I thought I'd somehow relisted the items myself. I contacted staff to complain and they did respond, but because there were a few hours to go to the auction, they weren't able to (or didn't want to) make the person remove my text and images and do her own. It might seem a small thing, but it put me off somewhat.

I have bought a couple of things without problems, but I am trying to clear some stash before buying more stuff.

I would be wary of selling anything that has a high value or that you have invested a lot in (emotionally, I mean), as I have seen lots of really nice stuff (mostly jewellery) go unsold, or for stupidly low prices, as the recommended starting bid is half the retail value. I know some people on Etsy have had to sell at really low prices, and they aren't happy about it.

I'm opening a destash shop on Etsy instead, as I feel I have more control over what I'm doing, and I can list whenever I want, rather than waiting days for a slot to open up.

[BigBlueBed]

Thanks Kitty.

I have put one lot up for auction.

Then I went and watched an auction and you are right, things do seem to go for quite cheap , so I might not bother if I don't sell.

I did put a high starting price as I didn't want to sell it for nothing.  So it probably won't sell.  But then I haven't lost anyhting, and gained experience.

[BigBlueBed]

Well I sold an item.

It was a set of buttons that normally sell for $19 on etsy.

They sold for $12 on tophatter plus p&p.    But Tophatter fee for this is $1.20.

So positives - I have sold a set of buttons, which although I sell for more on etsy - I have never actually sold yet.   I had actually set my starting price at $12 so it was up to me to raise or lower this.  This was a price I decided worth it to try Tophatter.
I sold a set of buttons to a new customer who might come back for more.

Negatives - I received less money that I might have done, if I had ever sold them on etsy. Plus the fee is higher.


So I am quite happy and might sell again.  But this time I think i will raise my prices a bit higher.