Mike the Hatter — Local services in Cleveland

Buyer beware! I do not recommend anyone purchase from this store, especially online orders.

I purchased a hat online. Before I could receive my hat, I was then presented with a bill for an additional $35 in broker fees. I had no choice but to accept if I wanted my order.

After paying for the hat, the shipping and additional unexpected broker fees, I received and opened the package. I found the wrong hat in the package, and I mean not even close to what I ordered; wrong style, wrong color.

I contacted the store to help me rectify the situation. After being told I would be sent a return shipping label, I never heard back from the seller. I followed up several times, never received a response and never received a return shipping label or refund.

I was forced to open a dispute with my credit card provider, which has finally settled in my favor. Unfortunately I can not recoup the additional charges I was forced to pay for an incorrect order. I'll have to take it as the cost of a lesson. I hope others learn from my lesson and avoid this shady,...

Most hat shops I found don't offer blocking, cleaning, and repair services to match Mike the Hatter. Even the venerable Batsakes in nearby Cincinnati (founded in 1907, thirty years older even than Mike's!) no longer repairs hats.

My beloved Akubra fur felt Western style (with an opal on the leather hat band!) plus another Scala Western style hat... I had badly neglected both of them due to sudden turns in my life. Filthy, black with mold, I wasn't sure either one could be saved.

So, I studied reviews here. Also, customers have kept this family business going for 87 years; not for no reason. Heart in throat, I shipped my hats to Mike the Hatter in Cleveland, asking them to use their own judgment.

I'm back to report TERRIFIC results with blocking, resizing, cleaning, and reshaping. The Akubra has a new liner and an inside hat band. Mike the Hatter added a lining to that Scala, which never had a lining. (It adds some stiffness to the crown, just as I hoped.)

Hey,...

TLDR: do not hesitate to send them a hat for repair.

When my granddad passed away, I went over to his house. He loved hats and had a good many. I picked my favorite camo cap. I’ve hunted and worn in it for years. I cherish it and take it on all my trips and hunts. Unfortunately, over the last few years it became tattered from wear and tear, even though I tried to protect it when not using it. I was worried it was going to completely come apart. I did a little research and found Mike the Hatter. I sent him some pics to ask if he thought he could help before sending. He said he could and if not would just send it back to me.

I received it back today (after some usps tomfoolery) and I was shocked. Mike has a gift and a skill that’s likely been lost across most of the country. I couldn’t recommend him more. I’m not suggesting he charge more, but I would’ve paid 10x what I paid because of my much this simple hat means to me.

Before and...