How Do I Get a Refund from TopHatter?

TopHatter is a popular auction site where buyers are given just 90 seconds to bid on items, from clothes and jewelry to computer and phone accessories. With such a short time frame to place bids, you have to make a quick decision to grab that bargain. But what happens when you realize you've won the bid for an item you didn't actually want?

Luckily, TopHatter offers a full and instant refund if you cancel your order within two hours.

1. Go to the top right-hand corner and click on the three horizontal lines.
2. Select My Orders.
3. Select the item and click Request A Refund.
4. Choose a reason from the pop-up list and provide any further details.
5. Click Request A Refund.

You can still request a full refund in this way, up to three days after placing an order, or until the orders tracking status is Preparing to Ship or Ready to Ship. However, it's not issued instantly as the seller has to approve or decline the request. If your refund is denied, you still have the option to refuse delivery.

1. When the order is delivered, do not open the package.
2. Write the word Refused on the outside.
3. Give the package back to the carrier. Alternatively, drop it off at the shipping carrier or post office within 3 days of delivery.
4. Ensure the carrier scans the package as Refused. This step is vitally important, as TopHatter will only process a refund if the package is confirmed as being returned to the seller through its tracking system.
5. Contact support and provide the order and tracking number.

As long as the tracking status confirms the package as being refused, you should receive a full refund.

If you have received an order that's not as the seller described or is incorrect, TopHatter has a 30-day return and refund policy on most items. Go to My Orders, click on the item, and select Return Item. You will receive a confirmation email containing full details of what to do next. Several factors will determine what those steps are, such as your location and the location of the seller.

1. An instant refund could be issued without needing to return the item.
2. If you live in the US, you may receive a free shipping label to cover carrier costs. This will be in an electronic format and needs to be printed out.
3. If you are located outside the US, Tophatter credit may be issued for some or all of the cost.
4. You could be expected to cover the full cost of shipping with a carrier that provides tracking/delivery confirmation.

You have seven days from requesting a return for a shipping carrier to take possession of the item. If no shipping label is provided, go to My Orders, select the item, choose Add Return Tracking. Enter the carrier's details and the tracking number. Refunds are only given if the item is returned in its original condition.

TopHatter also allows you to request a full refund if you haven't received your order after tracking says it's been shipped. Report a late delivery through My Orders and click Where's My Item?. The incident will be logged, and if there is no confirmed delivery after 60 days of the shipment date, a refund will be automatically processed.

There are plenty of ways to request and receive a refund from TopHatter. Just bear in mind that if you cancel too many bids after winning, you can be banned from using the site. So, always make sure you are only bidding for items that you actually want!