FAQs
These are the questions we’re often asked from new and prospective sellers.
Quick overview
Can you tell me a little about your company?
- Tophatter is a high growth mobile shopping site with 9 million women shoppers.
- Founded in 2011 in Palo Alto, California. We also have offices in San Francisco and Shanghai.
- Top sellers sell 5,000+ items per week.
- Popular categories: jewelry, home, electronics, apparel, beauty.
- 80% sell through rate in 90 second auctions.
How the site works
How does the site work?
A seller once described Tophatter as “Instagram meets eBay”. Shoppers browse the app at various times throughout the day. Instead of ‘liking’ photos, they discover and bid on products in auctions.
The difference to eBay is that each auction lasts only 90 seconds. Tophatter is targeted at shoppers that enjoy auctions and want to win fast.
What happens when a shopper bids?
Each time someone bids, the price goes up by $1. After bidding passes $10, each bid moves the price up by $2. It’s just like a traditional auction. Just faster and on the mobile. The highest bidder wins.
Why do prices start at $1?
Like with any auction, low prices get more buyers engaged in the bidding. More bidders means competition and fair prices for the seller.
Selling
How does selling work?
Just like with eBay or Amazon, you list items. They sell on the site. You send the product directly to the customer (some sellers dropship or use third party warehouses).
What is the profile of a successful seller on Tophatter?
- Established business or brand with $1 million — $100 million + of annual revenue
- Experienced selling on eCommerce Marketplaces
- Quality products with high margins
- Able to fulfill your own orders from your warehouse or a 3rd party warehouse
Note: Tophatter is not a site for small, casual sellers
When do sellers get paid?
You get paid after the item is delivered to the customer. Each item requires a tracking ID. This ensures sellers are protected from customer claims that the item was no received.
How much does it cost to sell?
There are no monthly fees or commitments. You only pay when your items go up for sale.
Fees vary by category, but the average fees are 25–35% of the sale price (including shipping). We run a limited number of sales per week (approx. 400,000) and each of your items is featured on the front of the site.
What makes Tophatter different?
How is Tophatter different to eBay, Amazon, and other marketplaces?
- Mobile first
Almost all our shoppers use the ‘Tophatter’ mobile app. - Female-focused
Over 90% of our shoppers are women. - Faster auctions
On eBay, the shortest auction period is 24 hours. Many last up to 30 days. On Tophatter auctions take just 90 seconds (on average) meaning you sell more volume, more quickly. - Bigger fish in a smaller pond
At 5 years old, we’re much smaller than eBay so you can stand out as a new seller. - Auction-focused
Over 85% of sales on Tophatter are in the 90 second auction format. Less than 15% of sales on eBay take place in Auctions. - Tophatter = entertainment
Think of Tophatter as a fast shopping game. 90 second auctions create a sense of excitement and urgency. - Discovery
Shoppers come to Tophatter to discover new products and brands. Many other marketplaces are focused on search-driven shopping.
Why should I sell on Tophatter?
Sellers come to Tophatter to add a new sales channel alongside eBay, Amazon, Walmart.com, and other sites to sell 500–5,000+ items per week.
See Case Studies of other sellers →
More questions
What are the most popular categories?
Jewelry, Fine Jewelry, Electronics, Home, Apparel, Beauty, Fashion Brands.
How do we get our products on the site?
Add them in the ‘Product’ area individually or via CSV upload.
What is the average selling price?
- Unbranded items: $15-$30
Jewelry items, electronics, etc - Branded items: $50-$100
Michael Kors and Coach Handbags
How can we grow our sales as quickly as possible?
Focus on selling quality products that get good ratings, set starting prices at $1, ship quickly, and advertise so more shoppers see your products.
More info on growing your sales on Tophatter here.
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Want detailed answers to other common questions on adding products, shipping, how returns work, and more?
