• HotTopic

HotTopic

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Overview

HotTopic has a rating of 2.2 stars from 189 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about HotTopic most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and free shipping problems. HotTopic ranks 415th among General Apparel sites.

  • Service
    46
  • Value
    42
  • Shipping
    38
  • Returns
    30
  • Quality
    37
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 0%
Positive
0
Neutral
0
Negative
5
17
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How would you rate HotTopic?
Top Positive Review

“Would order again”

Lisa B.
4/6/16

Good products, customer service is alright, the shipping has been known to be unpredictable. Sometimes super fast, others a little slow. If buying Christmas presents from here, make sure to order months earlier.

Top Critical Review

“Terrible Customer Service + Nonsensical Cancellation Policy”

Emily W.
5/4/24

I ordered 2 items about an hour ago from HT's website. I get a notification about 30 minutes later saying one item isn't in stock, so I call customer service to tell them to cancel the other item; I just don't want the order. They absolutely REFUSE to cancel the order even though it hasn't shipped. They tell me the only way to get a refund is to wait for them to ship it, then waste my time and money returning it, wait for them to get the return, then finally I'd get a refund. It's absolutely asinine to have a policy like this. They've permanently lost me as a customer and I'm warning everyone else to please don't waste your time and money with this garbage store since they obviously don't care one bit about their customers' time and money.

Reviews (189)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (59)
Thumbnail of user lisab224
Canada
3 reviews
1 helpful vote
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April 6th, 2016

Good products, customer service is alright, the shipping has been known to be unpredictable. Sometimes super fast, others a little slow.
If buying Christmas presents from here, make sure to order months earlier.

Thumbnail of user katk7
Canada
19 reviews
52 helpful votes
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January 5th, 2015

Based on My Online Order Experience:

Order Process Length: 9 days* (From placing order to receiving).

Quality/Size: Exactly as advertised. More information below.**

Customer Service: I have not personally dealt with the staff yet, but I would liked to have been informed my order was actually sent with 2 different tracking numbers. I had to go to the drop-off location twice because they arrived on separate days.

Overall: The order went smoothly, save for the information I mentioned above. I am just upset that the quality was not as great for the price I paid (and that was even with a 20% off sale). I will just have to lower my standards in terms of fabric-related articles from this site. Although it seems super soft, I feel they are focused on style more then durability.

Tip for consumers:
*Standard Delivery Method: 2-6 Business Days. "The expected delivery date is 7-10 business days once the order has shipped."

**I purchased a comforter and full sheet set. I wish they had included the measurements for both, because not all full/double mattresses have the same dimensions. And unfortunately, they don't appear to have the same durable quality as other sheets. But they are beautifully designed.

Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user aoifed7
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 20th, 2023

Bought the spirited away sprite soots hairties, there is 2 in one pack for 9.90$, not even a day later, one hairtie already broke even though i did not stretch it. The charm was loose on it as well, will not purchase them again, and not worth 9.90 in my opinion, i live in harrisburg, and i go to the park city mall, they have a hot topic there.

Tip for consumers:
not worth the money.

Products used:
hair acessory

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user veronicas39
New York
40 reviews
182 helpful votes
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December 29th, 2015

The clothes don't fit right. I usually wear a small size shirt but some reason, the shirts here are somehow loose in the chest and tight in the shoulders/top of sleeve and a larger size is just too big. The make-up and body products are the lowest quality and unusable. There are almost no original designs or products- just walls of Disney Princess, Dr. Who, My Little Pony and Nightmare Before Christmas merch with some Star Wars and Youtube flashes in the pan. Did I mention this is all insanely expensive?

Thumbnail of user jamies496
Idaho
1 review
9 helpful votes
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March 20th, 2020

Purchased something online. Showed up crushed. Called customer service and requested "hold place in line" call back. Didn't call after 2 hours. Called back and got through in about 3 minutes or less, but rep hung up on me. I called back and this rep refused to do an exchange. Even implied I was lying about it! I am done with these people. Worst service I have ever gotten.

Thumbnail of user christopherc47
Michigan
2 reviews
13 helpful votes
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November 3rd, 2017

Will never place an online order from this company again! Placed an order on 10/2 for a couple items we wanted to wear on our vacation starting 10/13. Credit card was charged immediately on 10/2. Items didn't arrive as of 10/13, so called to check on status and cancel order. Was told we can't cancel an order if it was placed more than an hour ago (but the person would try to send the warehouse a message anyways), and that our order would be shipping "soon". Have called back 3 times since then and told a different date for delivery every time. Today the person told me it shipped back on 10/19, but it's still NOT arrived in the store yet over two weeks later. We don't even want the stuff anymore, yet we're going to have to go to the store just to pick up and return the items. We shop here both online and in the store pretty often, but that's going to be changing as a result of this complete disaster or an order and customer "service". What a joke...

Thumbnail of user leannes10
Pennsylvania
4 reviews
2 helpful votes
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July 30th, 2015

I love this store because of the products they carry, and that is the only reason. Bad customer service. If you call it takes 20 minutes to reach someone, and they drop calls randomly. My call was dropped and when I told them about it, they said it does that and they can't fix it. My call got dropped 9 times before I gave up at the end of the day. Also they are super expensive. 25$ for a t shirt. 70$ for a dress. Give me a break considering most of their shoppers are students. Shipping takes a while. But shipping is cheap. Sizes are kinda small for girls. The only thing that keeps me shopping is their merch,

Thumbnail of user candyb37
Germany
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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October 18th, 2018

I had some delivery problems, my purchase was delivered to wrong address. The response from the customer support people was delayed. At the end, the problem was solved, but it cost a lot of inconveniences. Other than that, the product is very satisfactory.

Thumbnail of user adyl3
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 12th, 2021
Verified purchase

I purchase using gift certificate on this site, but they said my address is mismatch?
I send an email asking Customer Service, they answer to place new order.
After i place new order, using same payment method with same result.
Both of my order has been cancelled, and i have to wait est. 7 day to restore the balance that NEVER able to use.
And also for my 2nd order, i won't asking Customer Services.
Because i guess will be same reply too.
I send proof of my order (kept private).
Thank you.

Tip for consumers:
not sure, just try to place an order by your own.

Products used:
t-shirt

Thumbnail of user marceln20
Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote
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July 14th, 2023

30% of your first offer, but only when you buy socks(this doesn't show, until you try to pay).

Shipping costs are excessive, or when you choose the free option, picking it up in the store it will take forever!

Thumbnail of user danas175
Netherlands
3 reviews
4 helpful votes
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October 18th, 2018

My last order was delivered right on time and everything fit perfectly well. The communication was prompt and efficient. I had some issues with Hot Topic in the past, but I am willing to shop there from time to time. They have a great selection of clothes and accessories.

Thumbnail of user bethh210
Michigan
1 review
9 helpful votes
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January 14th, 2020

Ordered several items for Christmas. Shipping in multiple boxes. They said large box was delivered on 12-11. It showed up on 12-24. Customer service kept telling me tracking said it was delivered. I returned most of the items because they were too late showing up. Still waiting on refund. They ripped me off for hundreds of dollars & won't respond to my emails. Worst customer service ever!

Thumbnail of user nikkim137
California
1 review
2 helpful votes
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August 29th, 2020

I ordered a Archie comics Sabrina printed shirt and it was delivered today, only it was a blank black Gildan t-shirt. Really confused of it was coming from a print on demand company that Hot Topic works with, and maybe they forgot to print the graphic? After reading these reviews about them "losing it in the mail", going to try and return it to a store tomorrow.

Thumbnail of user amberm520
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 16th, 2021
Verified purchase

Be careful! I ordered stuff and updated my address but it only updated my billing not my shipping. Okay well I realized it immediately and called support and they said they can't change the address because it's already shipped, but also said when it ships I can contact the carrier to try and change the address…. Hm but I thought it already shipped? The guy I spoke to was rude and sounded like he hated his job. Plus hot topics items are honesty a poor quality half the time. I only ordered stuff for a gift. But whatever hot topic can refund me for what i bought when I don't receive my order.

Products used:
None because I can’t get my items!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user laural196
Texas
4 reviews
0 helpful votes
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November 11th, 2017

This was and can sometimes be my favorite spot to shop at when I am looking for geeky stuff. They often have a great selection of shirts and other niche items. I guess my only complain is the fact that their accessories are overpriced because they are not of good quality.

Thumbnail of user maddyg3
Ohio
1 review
2 helpful votes
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October 29th, 2015

I ordered some items from Hot Topic online back in mid-September and it is now the end of October and I have not received the order. I called and was told the packed got sent to a completely wrong address in NY, while I live in OH! My credit card was charged but STILL I have not received my order. I'm currently on hold with Customer Service... going on ten minutes now with no response. The online service is inexcusably bad. Do not order from Hot Topic! It will be an absolute nightmare.

Thumbnail of user dawnh11
New York
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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July 19th, 2017

Tried to place an order 2 1/2 weeks ago. They were having some good deals, but as soon as I entered more than $30 worth of merchandise into my cart, the deals were wiped out $15 was deducted from my total. I did not enter any promo codes. Called customer service. They were absolutely useless and very frustrating. Ended up having to split my order in 2, losing my HotCash. A week later, I received 2 emails stating my orders had shipped. The next day, I received an email saying that one of my orders was ready for pickup. No word on the other order. I have called twice now to see what is going on with the second order. The 1st time, they told me it should be in the store the next day. I called again today (6 days later) and they said they have no tracking and cannot tell me when the order will arrive. I would suggest that if you need to receive something within a reasonable amount of time, avoid HotTopic.com. Go to the physical store or order it elsewhere.

Thumbnail of user sunahk
New York
3 reviews
22 helpful votes
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November 29th, 2020

They created a label for shipment and it never shipped. The worst customer service ever. Then they said the partial order was not refundable. They sick as much as Box lunch their sister company. Never ordering from them. Beware before ordering

Thumbnail of user haleys14
Kansas
8 reviews
25 helpful votes
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November 16th, 2017

I've ordered from their website and shopped in-store many times. My local store is always organized and has polite, helpful employees. I find it very easy to shop there. I've had a similar experience with them online, but I have experienced problems with a few orders. However, everything's always been taken care of and corrected. HotTopic constantly has a large variety of products, including many things I couldn't find anywhere else. They also have deals frequently, and their prices are reasonable. I think it's a great place to shop!

Thumbnail of user lisab742
Canada
1 review
3 helpful votes
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October 2nd, 2018

They have been giving me the run around for over a month. Charged me, sent a tracking number that doesn't work. Now a month later they have decided my order is lost, but they can't issue a refund until the store marks it as "picked up"? Hands down the absolute worst service I have encountered.

Thumbnail of user adriannev4
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 18th, 2024

I order my anime shirt from hot topic because they're nice quality. My last purchases however my t shirts looked like the graphic designs were xeroxed on there. They look cheap. Not only that ONE OF THE DESIGNS IS OFF CENTER. For that I could have ordered from a no name person off Amazon and got it for a lot cheaper

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user hankc15
Kansas
1 review
2 helpful votes
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June 13th, 2015

Online store has sales for items they do not have. Even though the site showed in stock I got an email notice removing this item from my order and shipping the rest. I did not get a chance to cancel the rest of the order and customer support refused to refund the shipping cost. Not a reputable online seller. Email correspondence was slow, when they responded.

Service
Shipping
Thumbnail of user danaea
New York
38 reviews
172 helpful votes
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May 7th, 2013

I've ordered A LOT from hottopic.com
When there was an issue, their customer serious fixed it right away.
The reason for 4 stars and not 5, their email customer service is non-existent. I emailed three times and got no response so I had to call. Thankfully they're West coast timezone like me so I was able to get a hold of someone.
Great shipping rates, quick shipping times, pricing is good, promos available online and in the store. Membership is linked to online and store.
I like that.

Thumbnail of user helens85
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 19th, 2015

Ordered a Christmas gift on December 12 and was charged the same day. Website said 4-10 day delivery so I figured my purchase would arrive by Christmas. A whole week went by and I was never sent a tracking code. I sent an email and received a reply 3 days later which read.

"Your order has been canceled – either due to your request (which kinda bums us out), or because we currently have no inventory (in which case we're super sorry.)
Hey! Your account or credit card will not be charged. Yay. Credit card refunds will be based on your bank's policy."

I never cancelled and if they were sold out why the HELL would they sell it to me and why charge me the same day! Now I have no gift and Christmas is less than a week away. What a nightmare.

Don't buy online, instead go to the store. Never Never Never again will I buy online with Hot Topic.

Thumbnail of user noemiv9
New York
1 review
4 helpful votes
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July 14th, 2020

I made a purchase on July 2 and until today they have sent me the shipment, when one could order, one hopes to receive it on time since it was for a special occasion, they never gave me discounts or sent me the merchandise quickly, but I never buy from such an irresponsible company

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About the business

Hot Topic specializes in music and pop culture inspired fashion including body jewelry, accessories, Rock T-Shirts, Skinny Jeans, Band T-shirts, Music T-shirts, Novelty T-Shirts and more - Hot Topic

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