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4.1 235 Reviews

Hot Topic Complaints Summary

5 Resolved
51 Unresolved
Our verdict: If considering services from Hot Topic with a critical resolution rate, extra caution is advised. Examine detailed customer feedback to understand the severity and nature of unresolved issues. Be prepared for the possibility of unsatisfactory responses and have contingency plans, including seeking assistance from consumer advocacy groups if necessary.
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12:36 pm EDT

Hot Topic rude cashier experience

Don't get me wrong, I love Hot Topic and am a regular at this location. So far, I have had only one bad experience, which I am talking about now. This occurred back in June of 2017. The cashier was just plain rude towards me when I attempted to change my mind about purchasing a pin. I wasn't even like I had waited a few days to return it, I was changing my mind on the spot. She could not get the machine to work and didn't even bother to call service to help her, she just took 20 minutes and failed to do it herself. She was the only worker that day, and later when I was walking out of another store, I saw her on break with a huge line at the counter. Ridiculous. Luckily, I have not seen her since, and this is the only I have ever had a negative experience at Hot Topic.

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pobarjenkins
Minneapolis, US
Oct 29, 2017 1:19 am EDT
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Just out of curiosity, why did you wait four months to make a complaint?

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J
9:29 pm EDT
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Hot Topic bad customer service

On August 4th I bought some items including a shirt which I tried to return September 2, 2017. Your receipt said I had within 30 days to return. The first time I went in the cashier said I needed my hot cash to return the shirt, so I returned later with it. He then told me it was too late since today was the 30th day, yet I was still within the 30 days. He should've mentioned the first time I tried to return it that it was over the 30 day limit, even though I believe you should be able to return items on the 30th day. I made two different trips to try to return this shirt which was very inconvenient and time consuming.

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12:29 pm EDT

Hot Topic received fake money as change; associates provided awful service and kept my money

On 7/29/17, I purchased three shirts for my daughter and paid by debit card ($49.80). My daughter came up and wanted to buy six buttons and a choker. I paid for these items with a $20 bill. The total was $13.85, so I received $6.15 back in change. We left the mall and I went to a another store and I attempted to use the $5 I had received from Hot Topic, but was told it was "fake". (the $5 bill and $1 bill were folded within the receipt from Hot Topic.)

I called the Hot Topic store immediately (at 8:07pm) and spoke to a Sierra. I explained that I had made purchases at 7:33pm, but that the cashier gave me a bill that was not real. I explained that if I had not gone to the next store and attempted to use the change I had received from Hot Topic, then I would not have been able to place exactly where the fake $5 had come from. I expressed that I was relieved that I could pinpoint that I had received the $5 bill and $1 bill as part of the $6.15 change from my $13.85 cash purchase.

Sierra said that she "had never experienced a situation like that and was unsure of how to handle it". Sierra asked me to give her my telephone number and stated she would call another store manager to see how to resolve the matter. I gave her my number, but I also asked why I could not simply come in for my $5 since I could specifically pinpoint that the associate Melissa gave me the change. She replied that she would call me back. This reply did not sit well with me, but I figured that she wanted to speak to the cashier and/or a manager.

About 15 minutes passed, but I received no call back (the mall was to close at 9pm). I decided that I should go back to the store and allow them to see the receipt and the money, so that even logically they could assess that I was not lying about the $5 bill or how I was able to pinpoint exactly where the fake money had been received. I made it back to the store around 8:30(ish), and I still had not received the "call back". I waited patiently in line. When I got to the cashier, Melissa (the very person who gave me the fake bill), I explained that I had called ahead and was back to return the fake $5 and get a "real" one.

Sierra came over and asked to see the $5. I handed it over along with the receipt showing that I had received a $5 and a $1 bill as change a short time ago. I explained that I had just spent $65 in the store and there would be no logical reason to attempt to lie/scam anyone for $5. I just believed that if I pay with authentic cash, then the business should provide me with real money as change.

At this time, Sierra stated that I had left an hour ago and by leaving the store it was no longer their problem! I was shocked. I explained that I had left the store and driven to another store to buy a bag of ice, took the $6 change out and handed over the $5 bill to pay, and it was at that time that I learned the change I had received was not real money. Sierra reiterated that they had no way of knowing that. I asked if I was going to receive another $5 bill. Sierra said "no". I said that was unfortunate especially as I had paid for all of my items with REAL money. I then stated that I wanted to RETURN all of the items I had purchased with my REAL money. Sierra said "no problem" and proceeded with the refund process on the $65 worth of merchandise that I had purchased for my daughter. (My daughter would have really loved to keep the items that we had found while shopping, but there was no way I wanted to patronize a business that responded that way to a logical line of reasoning to events that were no fault of the customer.)

As Sierra conducted the return process, I asked her for her manager's name. She stated that she was a manager, but that the store manager's name was Sam Wise. I inquired as to whether she had really called another store manager when she got off the phone with me. She stated that she did and that she was told "exactly what she told me." Sierra seemed to find the whole ordeal humorous, particularly the part wherein I decided to return the items I had purchased. I told Sierra that the situation was not funny, and I asked her if she had ever been in a situation like this? Her reply was, "No, I always check my money before leaving the store!" Wow! The denomination was five dollars, I didn't think that a store would give me back fake money as change. I also didn't think that a business would enjoy losing a repeat customer over mishandling a $5 transaction.

I know that $5 is such a small amount of money to haggle over, so I have taken that loss. However, the handling of the entire situation is what has me writing this complaint. As the customer/consumer, I was made to feel as if my money spent in the store was not needed. I was made to feel as though I would spend an hour leaving and returning to the store all so that I could tell a lie to cheat Hot Topic out of five dollars. I was embarrassed at the second store for presenting a counterfeit bill to pay for my item. I was lied to over the phone that I would receive a call back. I was laughed at and told that I did not do my due diligence by checking my money for authenticity before leaving the store.

If Sierra and Melissa (associates) did not know how to handle the matter, then I think that proper training would have prompted them to refer me to a store manager (the following day). Instead, the cashier decided to make up rules as she went along. I think that based on the explanation provided, the cashier being present for the purchase and the return visit, as well as the low denomination amount, that Sierra and Melissa should have simply given me my $5 bill back without the hassle. Had it been $20, $50, or even $100, then logically it might raise a brow. However, knowing that I was a customer in the store a half an hour prior, who had spent far more than the $5 in question, the situation should have been handled better. My daughter and I are repeat customers to this store, as my fourteen year old loves the merchandise. It was a blow to my daughter to have to watch her special items be returned because of sheer principle: my business at this store is unwanted or unappreciated.

As far as a desirable resolution to my complaint, I don't know what to request. I was embarrassed at the implication that I would try to fraud the store. I was embarrassed that I was told by another business that I was in possession of fake money (received from Hot Topic). I was embarrassed when I returned to the store when told that the cashier "was not going to give me my money owed" and that she "checks her money before leaving the store." Aside from the embarrassment endured, my time and effort was wasted. My daughter and I had spent time in the store shopping for the items we purchased, which we no longer have. My daughter and I spent time driving back to the store/mall to see if the problem (due to no fault of our own) could be resolved. Also, time was wasted as Sierra took her time to complete the "return" transactions of the items my daughter and I had purchased/wanted.

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1:17 pm EDT
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Hot Topic employee behavior

I went to the Hot Topic in the Freehold Raceway Mall with my parents to shop for Harry Potter merchandise. I had recently dyed my hair orange and received a few compliments from the employees. However, one employee with blue dyed hair took it upon herself to come up behind me and run her fingers through my hair and play with it without my permission all while talking to me about how nice it was. She stopped after a couple minutes and I walked away, but she came up to me again and continued doing to until I left the store. She had absolutely no sense of personal space and it was extremely unporfessional to do so without my consent. I will never return to that store again.

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9:42 am EDT

Hot Topic mystery bag: rick & morty

On April 25th of 2017, I went into the Concord, NH Hot Topic. My daughter bought a few things and I decided to buy her the 'Rick & Morty Mystery Bag', the girl running the register opened the bag and checked it for some odd reason. When we got home my daughter opened the bag to find that there were only five items in the bag, when the card on the bad clearly states that there are supposed to be six items in the bag. I was far more disappointed than my daughter, I'd just like to receive the sixth item that I paid for. We've never had issues with Hot Topic before and if this can get worked out that would be amazing.

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2:05 am EST

Hot Topic just not worth it

Hot Topic is the worst company to deal with! I bought something from them and paid extra $18 for fast shipping and didn't receive anything! My order was made 6 weeks ago and all that time I had no idea what was going on and where my order was. Recently they finally found time to contact me and finally I was told that my order was cancelled! They cancelled my order 5 weeks ago and no one bothered to tell me!
I asked for a refund and they said sure, but I already know how these guys work, so I don't expected to get it any time soon. Please, don't waste your money and time and buy from another store. Hot Topic is just not worth it.

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3:31 pm EST

Hot Topic online ordering

When ordering Christmas gifts online (my first mistake), I never got a confirmation email for my first purchase and the money wasn't taken out of my account. So a few days later I reordered. Literally the next day, I received an email that my original order had shipped. Once I got the order, I returned it through the post office with the return label that hot topic sent me. After being informed it would take a few weeks to receive credit, I decided to wait it out. Well it's been over a month so I messaged hot topic and they message back five minutes later saying they'd be 'glad to help me' but they claim to have never received my return... a lot of looking around they did. They said to get back to them in three days if I haven't figured it out, and to call USPS first. Well the post office is zero help. I messaged them the return label they sent me, asking if that would be helpful in finding my package. They need a tracking number but I was never given one... I don't know if there was a problem with the label THEY sent me or they're just too lazy to look. A lot of hassle for something they screwed up originally. They basically kept telling me to stop contacting them and to figure it out myself, right after saying they're glad to help... Never shop Hot Topic. Worst experience I've ever had, and I online shop and make returns often. Never had such a problem.

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7:57 am EST

Hot Topic a necklace

order number: DH200353688
i had gotten a ravenclaw choker from hot topic in December. i had only tried it on once then put it away with my jewelry. when i tried it on again a couple of weeks ago it had white on the edges near the metal clasp and immediately broke when i put it on. i issued a complaint a week or so ago and was told there were none in stock but i would be getting a refund just this once. i still haven't heard anything from them and i haven't been issued a refund.

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pobarjenkins
Minneapolis, US
Feb 12, 2017 1:41 am EST
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Did you go in with your receipt? They probably can just give you a refund.

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1:36 am EST

Hot Topic rude employee asked me to leave the store

I often bought from Hot Topic and was pretty satisfied with their service until now. Two days ago I went to Hot Topic store and wanted to buy a dress. I needed it for a special event so I spent there quite a lot of time because I couldn't decide which dress to buy. While I was thinking one of Hot Topic employees came to me and asked if I was planning to buy something. She was rude and her voice was unfriendly. Then she added that if I wasn't buying anything I should leave the store! Tell me Hot Topic, how dare your workers talk in such a terrible manner with customers? I left the store because I was disgusted with that kind of attitude. You just lost a customer and I really wanted to buy one of the dresses and actually I was even thinking to come back for the second one later! Horrible service and that rude girl should be fired!

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Darla Andres
, US
Aug 14, 2022 11:55 am EDT

My daughter and I have been shopping at Hot Topic for 15 years and spent thousands of dollars in there. We used to love them and their employees, obviously. Then just before the pandemic something changed. I believe upper management changed over as they put in a new system for cashing out customers; what a nightmare! With that, they changed the system for rewards and coupons, ordering and reduction in inventory. Last but not least, store managers and employees, gone. Needless to say, we limited our visits. Now the bank that handles their credit cards, Community Bank, has done a 180. They're trying to force you to pay online. NOT EVERYONE PAYS ONLINE STUPID BANK! They won't answer the phone at any location; I've gone down the list for each one. Then they ding you for $20.00 late pay. I tried to express my concerns to the corporate office and even though the receptionist was nice the District Manager never contacted me which she promised he would. So for that, I'm taking it to a public forum. Do Not shop at Hot Topic Town Center Kennesaw, GA. I promise, you will be sorry at some point. Evidently, higher ups don't care. We'll NEVER go back.

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Young Tang
, US
Oct 13, 2018 11:25 pm EDT

Wow, and I thought I was being singled out here in Reno's store. I experience similar situation just today! I think it was the manager there, she act as if she owns the whole franchise! When she gave me such attitude, I called her out politely and said I really don't appreciate the attitude you are giving me. And she told me they dont need me as a customer, and even dare me to call her district manager by giving me his phone number and name. Just wow! Looks like they literally train their employee to act such jerk. especially when you want to return or exchange something within their store policy!

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3:37 am EDT
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Hot Topic customer service - in-store/customer service/overall

Made 2 separate purchases for daughter clothing-wise. First order had to return a few items. Returns state you can take to store location. Upon returning to Northpoint Mall location, the manager did everything but yell at us for returning to the store instead of via mail. I stood my ground and she reluctantly returned but kept up the guilt trip. Second order needed to return 5 items (of an order of 10). Decided to return to Gwinnett Mall location. Much more receptive to return but I had ordered 3 sizes of 1 item (since 1st order sizing was way out of whack!). I was told that I could not return them for credit, only could get store credit because they were now clearance. Still do not see them listed on site as clearance. Got home and have so far made 4 attempts to contact customer service via their "customer service" number. Each time I have been hung up on. Will NEVER buy again from company and would give them and F- for rating!

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11:21 pm EDT

Hot Topic assistant manager at woodbridge, nj store

I like the chain a lot but I was very uncomfortable at this location and won't be going back. Good customer service is one thing but the Assistant Manager takes it to a whole new, creepy level. He is married and so am I but he really laid it on thick, constantly flirted with me, and somehow always found reasons to be near me (looking through items at the same places I was looking through them, rearranging stock at another location where I was, etc.) and talk to me. A friend was with me and she can corroborate this.

He used a ladder near my dressing room while I was trying on bathing suits, so he could easily have seen over the door. He also invited me into the back room, which he calls the "inner sanctum". The icing on the cake, though (yes, I'm being sarcastic) was when he sent me selfies that were taken in the Hot Topic bathroom. In the pictures he was wearing underwear and a smile, if you catch my drift.

I went to another store to have my personal information taken out of the computer system so he had no way to contact me. That store's Manager had his District Manager get in touch with me. I told her what happened, but when she spoke to him he lied and denied everything.

I also blocked him on all social media (or so I thought). On 5/26/16 I got a threatening message on Yelp from the person I mentioned in this review, and his wife made a new Facebook profile just to harass and threaten me (I have blocked those profiles and reported him to Yelp). He's trying to shut me up because he doesn't want people (especially his wife) to hear the truth about him.

I have gone to the police and filed a harassment report. I also had my lawyer send them a cease-and-desist letter, demanding that they leave me alone. If either of them gets in touch with me again, I will be pressing formal harassment charges.

I'm a grown woman who can easily handle unwanted attention, but I can't help but worry about the underage female workers and customers who may easily be intimidated by him, especially if he is their superior.

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4:02 am EDT

Hot Topic worst online shopping experience!

I received a defective product and wanted to return it, but these guys didn't allow me to do that! After receiving the product I contacted HotTopic and told them that I want my money back. They said that they need some time to discuss that and promised to contact me back later. For about two weeks they ignored me and when they finally called me they said that it was not possible to get a refund since over two weeks already passed! Are kidding me? I contacted them immediately after I got my package and they made this on purpose! This is terrible! People, please, stay away from this company!

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4:14 am EDT

Hot Topic criminals!!

Filed a complaint with PayPal and still no sign of my money! I returned the defective product and was supposed to get a refund months ago! These guys from HotTopic were ignoring me the whole time and it seems like they decided to keep my money! They are real scammers and they are not afraid of anything. I threatened them with my bank and police, but they really do not care! Avoid at all costs!

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9:06 am EST

Hot Topic extremely slow!

Placed an order for three items on 21 / 10 / 15, order is still "in process" on 17 / 12 / 15. Yesterday i finally received a message from them stating that two items i ordered are not in stock anymore. They said they cancelled my entire order. It took them two months to reply, and now they say that my order is cancelled. This was a christmas present for my children and now i have to think of something else. Their customer service is extremely slow and they ruined my plans! I should have suspected something earlier. But i am an optimist and all this time i believed in them. Thanks to my credit card company i returned the money. I will never buy another item from hot topic!

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8:37 am EST

Hot Topic online service and rewards program

I used to order from hottopic.com all the time despite the ridiculous shipping to international customers. I would usually just wait until a 50% off international shipping sale so I was only paying slightly more than their competitors for shipping (which is sad). Despite that they're site used to at least provide me with what I ordered most of the time and ship within a reasonable time. Then... the site changed. Now they are just awful. I was dealing with them for nearly a month just to get one of my orders shipped from their warehouse. By the time they actually starting packing it half the items were missing and I wasted my special discount code. Their site also never properly reflects the stock in their warehouse. It took me quite a while before I actually got a hold of a customer service rep that was helpful. The email customer service is terrible and they spout off stock answers and move on. The Facebook message customer service line is hit and miss. I had to call multiple times and leave public messages on their facebook site to finally get some movement on my order. I actually had placed another order a week later and received it a week ago. I am STILL waiting on that first order though I AM told it is shipped now. When I did get someone good on my first problem she was helpful, but it was not easy and luck of the draw when I got her. On Facebook they said that they would get someone to call me between a certain hour. I waited 2 days and contacted them again on Facebook only to find out the agent that was told to contact me just plain didn't so they got another person to call me immediately. I placed another order later and used five $5 instant rebates on it totaling $25. One of the items I ordered was $15. It wasn't in stock so they refunded me for the item. But what they did was they refunded me for how much the item was on the order after the discounts were applied so instead of the $15 for the item I was given $3.15 back on the order and my $5 rebates were thrown away, essentially waving a carrot in front of my face to quiet me about a previous issue only to swipe it back. I was not refunded the full amount for the item nor given my rebates back and I argued this for 2 days of which I eventually just gave up. After a month of dealing with nothing but problems from this company I just don't even care about what I'm owed anymore. They have lost a regular customer who has spent nearly $1000 there just in approximately the last 2 months. If that's how they treat a customer like that imagine how they will treat the person who only spends $50 here and there. Seriously, there's much better and cheaper alternatives. Go somewhere else.

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7:10 am EST

Hot Topic constant online order problems and rewards problem

I used to order from hottopic.com all the time despite the ridiculous shipping to international customers. I would usually just wait until a 50% off international shipping sale so I was only paying slightly more than their competitors for shipping (which is sad). Despite that they're site used to at least provide me with what I ordered most of the time and ship within a reasonable time. I was Ok with that. They were at least a 3 star site at one point. Then... the site changed. Now they are just awful. I was dealing with them for nearly a month just to get one of my orders shipped from their warehouse. By the time they actually starting packing it half the items were missing and I wasted my special discount code. Their site also never properly reflects the stock in their warehouse. It took me quite a while before I actually got a hold of a customer service rep that was helpful. The email customer service is terrible and they spout off stock answers and move on. The Facebook message customer service line is hit and miss. Some phone people are OK, others are just awful. I did praise the helpful ones to the customer service supervisor just so they know they were actually good amongst a pool of unhelpful employees. I had to call multiple times and leave public messages on their facebook site to finally get some movement on my order. I actually had placed another order a week later and received it a week ago. I am STILL waiting on that first order though I AM told it is shipped now. When I did get someone good on my first problem she was helpful, but it was not easy and luck of the draw when I got her. On Facebook they said that they would get someone to call me between a certain hour. I waited 2 days and contacted them again on Facebook only to find out the agent that was told to contact me just plain didn't so they got another person to call me immediately. I placed another order later and used five $5 instant rebates on it totaling $25. One of the items I ordered was $15. It wasn't in stock so they refunded me for the item. But what they did was they refunded me for how much the item was on the order after the discounts were applied so instead of the $15 for the item I was given $3.15 back on the order and my $5 rebated were thrown away. I was not refunded the full amount for the item nor given my rebates back and I argued this for 2 days of which I eventually just gave up. After a month of dealing with nothing but problems from this company I just don't even care about what I'm owed anymore. They have lost a regular customer who has spent nearly $1000 there just in approximately the last 2 months. If that's how they treat a customer like that imagine how they will treat the person who only spends $50 here and there. Seriously, there's much better and cheaper alternatives. Go somewhere else.

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12:50 pm EDT

Hot Topic terrible policies and service

I placed an online order with Hot Topic last month, the shipping messed up so the order went back to Hot Topic, I emailed HT as the order was enroute back to them to ask why the order was heading back, I did not hear from them so emailed AGAIN within the week...still did not hear, finally called Customer Service only to be told that my order had been put back into stock and I had been reimbursed...except that I REALLY wanted the item and by that point it was Out of Stock! Customer Service on the FB page told me that HT had emailed me, but when I asked for a copy of the emails I never heard anything. (And I have NO record of emails from them but I do have copies of my emails TO them) So to add salt to my wound I get this email from HT...just made me so frustrated!

"Thank you for shopping with us! We hope you'll write about your Disney Cinderella Corset Ball Gown while it's still fresh on your mind.

$100 gift card? Hell yeah!
Write a product review on hottopic.com to be entered for a chance to win a $100 Hot Topic gift card. There’s a new winner every month - log in now and write one already.

Good luck!"

My review is that Hot Topic has TERRIBLE customer service and TERRIBLE policies regarding how to deal with customer issues.

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2:14 pm EDT

Hot Topic customer service/ online orders august 2015

I am extremely frustrated with the situation that I am dealing with.

I placed an order. I paid for an order. Now, as far as I am concerned, that item is mine. I have paid for it.

It ships. Somehow, between Hot Topic and the postal service and the shipping company, that delivery gets messed up. The package returns to Hot Topic stating that the delivery address is incorrect. (It was not incorrect, I verified with the agent I spoke to that it was the correct address)

I track my package only to discover it has been returned to Hot Topic. I write HT and ask them to please return my dress. I hear nothing. I write again. I get a message telling me that my CC has been refunded. I don't want a refund, I want my dress. I call. I spend 45 minutes before I speak to a human. She tells me that the dress is no longer available.

How is this possible when I already paid for it, it is mine? Why did HT arbitrarily decide that I did not want my dress? If I were running a company and shipped out an order, only to have it returned with an "incorrect address" label, I would contact my customer to make sure of what the customer wanted. I would not assume they did not want it and refund them.

I am very annoyed at the poor customer service! :-(

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12:38 am EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hot Topic disgraceful non existent online service

I bought three funko items from them, 1st one arrived- not as described. TOTALLY DIFFERENT BUT THE SAME AS MY DAUGHTERS EXISTING COLLECTION. 2nd and third have NEVER SHOWED UP? Im in australia- there seems to be NO WAY FOR INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS TO CONTACT THEM! RIPPED OFF $100 AUD! Will be contacting my c/c merchant and requesting chargeback! WILL NOT DECLARE THE FIRST ITEM HAS ARRIVED...WHY THE HELL SHOULD I RETURN AT MY COST FOR THEIR MISTAKE? IM OUT OF POCKET MYSELF...FOR THIER STUPID F*CKUP AND THEN NO ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF MY COMPLIANT 100% IGNORED! NEVER, EVER DEAL WITH THIS ROTTEN COMPANY! OUT OFF 10 YEARS BUYING ONLINE ALL THE TIME, IVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT...INTERNATIONAL BUYERS DONT GET CONNED BY CHEAP PRICES, JUST BUY EBAY OR ELSEWHERE AND PAY EXTRA IF YOU WANT YOUR GOODS!

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Never Shopping at Hot Topic Again
Roswell, US
Dec 26, 2014 11:09 pm EST
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I have purchased from Hot Topic many times. I tried to return on online purchase made for Christmas and took it to the local store. I was told that I could not return the item to the store because the online purchase (made on November 1) was paid with PayPal-a direct link on their site. I spent 58 minutes on the phone with Steven, ID # 5115. Steven promised that he would send me an e-mail with a return label. This e-mail was never received. Steven would not get his supervisor on the phone during this 58 minute conversation, though I requested it over and over. I was told that I would receive a phone call by 3:00 p.m. EST-no phone call. I still have a brand new jacket with a receipt and am unable to return the item for a refund. I will not shop at this company every again. Buyers BEWARE!

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11:17 am EDT

Hot Topic they provided fake tracking number and impossible to contact them

I bought shoes and accessories from the company www.hottopic.com. It was total rip off, ‘coz after these ### got my payment, they provided me only fake tracking number and nothing else. I tried to check it, but it showed error. After that I wanted to contact the online chat agent, but all agents were unavailable. They are liars and scammers, and I want to find other deceived customers, who lost money. Please we need to stop this company and return our money. Post your comments.

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Hot Topic Customer Reviews Overview

Hot Topic is a retail company specializing in counterculture-related clothing and accessories, as well as licensed music and video game merchandise. They offer a diverse selection of products, including band T-shirts, alternative fashion apparel, funko pop figures, and unique collectibles. Catering to a variety of tastes, Hot Topic also provides a platform for fans to express their affinity for various pop culture phenomena, from rock music to TV shows and movies. Their services include both online shopping and physical stores across the United States.

Hot Topic In-depth Review

In summary: Hot Topic stands out as a unique retailer specializing in pop culture-inspired fashion and accessories. With a diverse product range and a strong focus on alternative styles, it caters to a niche market effectively. While prices can be on the higher side, the quality and authenticity of merchandise often justify the cost. The website is user-friendly, though some may find it cluttered due to the extensive selection. Customer service is generally responsive, and the company has a clear return policy. Hot Topic's loyalty program and frequent discounts provide added value for regular shoppers. The brand's commitment to community engagement and social media presence is notable, though information on environmental and social responsibility is less prominent.

Overview of Hot Topic: Hot Topic is a retail destination for music and pop culture-inspired clothes and accessories, plus fashion apparel for girls and guys. It has a strong reputation for catering to various subcultures and fandoms, offering a mix of licensed merchandise and original designs.

Product Range and Selection: The product range at Hot Topic is impressive, featuring a wide array of band tees, pop culture figures, costumes, and fashion items. They cater to fans of various genres and interests, from anime and video games to punk and goth subcultures.

Pricing and Value for Money: Pricing at Hot Topic can be a bit steep for some items, but they often reflect the quality and uniqueness of the merchandise. They offer value for money through the authenticity of their licensed products and the durability of their clothing.

Website Usability and Navigation: The Hot Topic website is relatively easy to navigate, with clear categories and search functionality. However, due to the vast range of products, some users might find the site a bit overwhelming at first glance.

Customer Service Experience: Customer service at Hot Topic is generally well-regarded, with multiple channels for support including phone, email, and live chat. Response times are reasonable, and the staff is known to be helpful and accommodating.

Quality and Authenticity of Merchandise: Hot Topic is known for the high quality and authenticity of its merchandise, especially its licensed products. Customers can expect genuine items from their favorite bands, TV shows, and movies.

Size Inclusivity and Range of Options: Hot Topic offers a range of sizes, including plus sizes in many of their fashion lines, making it a more inclusive retailer than some of its competitors.

Online Shopping Experience: The online shopping experience at Hot Topic is generally positive, with an easy checkout process and clear information on products. The site's design reflects the brand's alternative style, which appeals to its target audience.

Payment Options and Security: Hot Topic provides a variety of payment options, including major credit cards and PayPal. The site uses industry-standard security measures to protect customer information.

Shipping and Delivery Services: Shipping options are varied, with standard, expedited, and international shipping available. Delivery times are generally as advertised, though there can be delays during peak shopping seasons.

Return and Exchange Policies: The return and exchange policy is clear and customer-friendly, allowing returns within a specified period for most items, provided they are in original condition.

Customer Reviews and Feedback: Customer reviews on the Hot Topic website and third-party review sites are mixed, with many praising the product selection and quality, while some note issues with customer service and shipping.

Loyalty Programs and Discounts: Hot Topic offers a loyalty program called HT Guest List, which rewards customers with points for purchases, as well as special offers and discounts. They also frequently run promotions and sales events.

Brand Collaborations and Exclusive Merchandise: The retailer is known for its exclusive merchandise and collaborations with popular brands and franchises, offering unique items that can't be found elsewhere.

Community Engagement and Social Media Presence: Hot Topic has a strong presence on social media, engaging with their community through various platforms. They are known for their interactive posts and involvement with pop culture events.

Environmental and Social Responsibility: While Hot Topic participates in community events and has some initiatives, detailed information on their environmental and social responsibility efforts is not prominently featured on their website.

Final Verdict and Recommendations: For fans of pop culture, music, and alternative fashion, Hot Topic is a go-to retailer with a solid reputation. We recommend signing up for their loyalty program to maximize savings and keeping an eye on their social media for the latest product drops and promotions. While shopping, be mindful of sizing and check customer reviews for specific items to ensure satisfaction.

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Contact Hot Topic customer service

Phone numbers

1 800 892 8674 1 855 847 1400 More phone numbers

Website

www.hottopic.com

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