Hello, Premium.Chat readers. It’s that time again! As you know, we’re always on the lookout for exciting online services that allow the incredible range of creators within our online community grow their following and further monetize their unique talents! With that in mind, today we’re here to take a look under the curtain over at Throne.com, a wishlist website like WishTender for content creators.
Throne.com offers users the ability to create a “privacy-first Wishlist” that lets their fans support them by sending gifts without sharing personal information. The premise of giving and receiving Throne gifts certainly sounds promising. However, to help you make an educated choice about your own monetization ventures, we’re going to drop all the details on how the Throne wishlist works and provide the skinny on the latest Throne reviews—covering the good, the bad, and the ugly. Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents:
1. What is Throne?
2. How Creators Get Throne Gifts: The Basics
3. How Does a Throne Wishlist Work?
4. Is Throne Anonymous?
5. Payment Methods Offered by Throne
6. How Creators Get Paid By Throne
7. Throne Safety and Legitimacy
8. Throne Reviews
9. Does Throne Have an App?
10. Increasing Your Creator Revenue Stream With Premium Chat
11. Conclusion
Introduction
According to Crunchbase, Throne was founded in 2021 by Heiner Stinner, Leonhard Soenke, and Patrice Becker. Over the years, it has also been known as Throne Gifts and Throne.me. However, today, the platform simply goes by Throne and is located at Throne.com.
At time of writing, according to Throne’s website, the platform has already attracted more than 300,000 creators from more than 80 countries, which is no small feat! However, the Throne wishlist has also been embroiled in some light scandal, with TechCrunch reporting on a supposedly now-fixed data breach.
So, out of the gate, we’ve got a mixed-bag impression of Throne.com, but let’s move a little further behind that curtain, and find out more about how trustworthy or useful the platform truly is to content creators!
What is Throne?
Throne is an online platform that allows content creators to set up a wishlist, and their fans to purchase or contribute to the cost of items on that list, maintaining anonymity if they wish to. Throne gifts can be purchased either from partnering vendors listed on Throne.com or from other online stores preferred by the creator.
How Creators Get Throne Gifts: The Basics
To make a Throne wishlist, creators first need to signup for an account using their email, Google account, Twitch, Twitter, or Youtube. From there, they can set up a Wishlist of items that their fans or followers can purchase for them.
To have success on Throne and other wishlist-focused platforms, it’s critical to customize your profile and share your wishlist with your fans! Throne also allows purchasers to add messages to their gifts and remain anonymous if they wish to, while recipients can respond with both public and private thank-you messages or videos.
How Does a Throne Wishlist Work?
There are plenty of flexible options for Throne gifts, including a wide selection of products with Throne-partnered suppliers. If creators put these on their Throne wishlist, then the platform will purchase and arrange shipping of the items on their behalf.
Alternatively, creators can add items from other online shopping sites using a link, list cash gifts, or set up crowdfunding for larger gifts. In these instances, the value of the gift(s) will be added to their Throne Balance and can then be withdrawn to their bank account. There is also the option to allow your followers to send surprise gifts or make gift suggestions!
Is Throne Anonymous?
The idea with a Throne wishlist is that the platform acts as a middleman, keeping the information of creators and fans private and not sharing it between the parties. Both creators and their followers operate on the platform with usernames, so there is no need to share any personal information.
On their website, Throne says “We believe that it should be possible for fans to support their creators with gifts without the creators risking privacy-related issues.”
For sure, this sounds like a positive concept and sentiment, but, as you will read in the Safety and Legitimacy segment a little further into this article, Throne hasn’t always been able to live up to its pledges around safeguarding user privacy. That said, today all signs indicate that the platform has locked down its prior vulnerabilities.
Payment Methods Offered by Throne
Throne uses Stripe to process both fan purchases and Creator payouts, which means that both parties get to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a certified PCI Level 1 service provider.
However, as you will see when we get to Throne reviews, some users wish that the platform would also introduce user-friendly Paypal payments. Promisingly for those who favor Paypal, Throne have shared their intention to offer this option in the future.
How Creators Get Paid By Throne
Whenever a fan buys a Throne gift for a creator that is supported by the platform’s partner program, trusting that the creator’s address is registered correctly, they will receive the gift as a home delivery.
However, many potential Throne wishlist enthusiasts will be wondering how they can get cold hard cash out of the platform! In order to make a withdrawal from their Throne Balance, wishlist owners will need to go through the platform’s Know-Your-Customer (KYC) process, providing the necessary documentation to verify their identity.
Once approved, Throne gift recipients will be able to withdraw their money via Stripe, either to their bank account or a credit card, with a payout time of 7 business days. Keep in mind, Throne charges a 2.9% + 30 cents processing fee, plus platform service fees that range between 0% and 7%, depending on the gift type.
Throne Safety and Legitimacy
Throne boasts that all the data on their website is hosted on Google Servers in the US and that users’ data is secured by TLS (SSL) 256-bit encryption. They also encourage users to report instances of abusive or illicit behavior. But, is the site legitimate and can their claims be trusted?
According to Scamadviser.com, Throne is a legitimate website that can be trusted. However, some would-be users may pause after discovering that a data vulnerability on the platform was uncovered by a group of good-faith hackers called Zerforschung earlier in 2023. Throne issued a blog post about the incident, although the hackers claim that Throne hasn’t been entirely transparent about what went down.
Throne Reviews
As any savvy content creator knows, the best way to know if a product or service is worth your time or money is to take a deep dive into its reviews. With that in mind, we headed over to Trust Pilot to see how Throne reviews are measuring up, under the watchful eye of the online community. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/throne.com
At time of writing, Throne has amassed more than 900 reviews and claimed an impressive Trust Pilot rating of 4.9 stars out of five. A pretty mighty 92% of reviewers gave the platform a full 5-star review, which is definitely good going. However, there were a few negative reviews in the mix. Here are some of the ones that stood out to us across the spectrum:
Reviewer Soviatus said: “From the start Throne has been a great service for me as a streamer and the other streamers I moderate for as a safe and easy wishlist management tool. The integrations with Streamlabs and OBS are super quick and easy to set up. Beats using direct Amazon wishlist links all day.”
Reviewer Eve said: “This website was easy to sign up for and it has such a cute format with the way you can customize the little things such as banner and profile. It’s very easy to share the link to share with other and I’ve heard others say that it’s very easy to use on the creator and gifter side.”
Reviewer King Allonsy said: “Throne has been nothing but a godsend for my channel and community! Easy to use, fun suggestions, and the anonymity especially makes this site the top tier wishlist. My only complaint is that some things take a W H I L E to process and ship, but I’m no expert in this business and understand this could be out of their control. Wonderful resource for creators.”
Reviewer D D said: “Still not Paypal or SEPA payment (while it has been suggested 1y ago)”
Reviewer Siren said: “I love the idea of Throne and joined at the start, but it is still very US orientated, even though they claim it is international. They are fees even for not using US dollar, fees for none partner stores which aren’t available outside the US, and payment processing fees.”
Reviewer Lola said: “To receive a gift I’ve had to set up a stripe account, but still, they won’t release the money to me. Not to mention, the ‘gift’ has gone from my list, so even if I do get the money I don’t know what it was… its so frustrating. It looks like a scam, though I think it’s just poorly managed. Stink!”
Does Throne Have an App?
These days, we all enjoy a great app that can make our lives easier. However, at least for now, it is important to note that Throne does not have an App. So, don’t get confused by other products listed under a similar name on the Google Play and Apple stores!
Happily, Throne is smartphone browser friendly, so users can access the platform on their mobiles. It also offers cross-platform integrations, such as automatic custom Tweets, Discord messages, stream overlays and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Throne
How does throne wishlist work?
The Throne wishlist works as a tailored platform for creators, allowing them to curate a list of desired items that they can share with their audience. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the process works, according to information from Throne:
- Curate Your Wishlist: Creators start by curating their wishlist. They can add products from partner brands or any other online store, making it a versatile option for different types of items. This curated list is designed with privacy in mind, ensuring that personal details are secure.
- Share Your Wishlist: Once the wishlist is created, creators can share it with their fans. They can add their wishlist link to their bio on social media platforms or directly tell their fans about it. This makes it easy for fans to see what the creators are interested in and would like to receive as gifts.
- Fans Buy Gifts: Fans who want to support the creator can visit their Throne wishlist and purchase items from it. During the checkout process, fans have the option to leave a message and their name, adding a personal touch to the gift. Throne also offers integrations that allow these gifts to be showcased on streams or acknowledged automatically on platforms like Twitter when new gifts are received.
- Throne Ships Gifts: After a gift is purchased by a fan, Throne takes care of the shipping. The gifts are sent directly to the creator’s address, which is kept private from the fans to maintain the creator’s privacy. This ensures a seamless and secure delivery process.
Throne emphasizes privacy and security throughout this process, ensuring that creators’ personal information, like their delivery details, remains confidential and inaccessible to anyone but the necessary parties for shipping. This system offers a unique way for creators to engage with their audience, allowing fans to support them in a tangible manner while also safeguarding the creators’ privacy.
Are throne purchases anonymous?
Yes, Throne purchases can be made anonymously. When buying a gift, your payment details and email are kept private and used solely for the purchase. Optionally, you can leave a message and a pseudonym for the creator, but this is not mandatory.
How long does it take for throne gifts to ship?
Throne gifts typically arrive within a few weeks from the purchase date. However, shipping times can vary based on the method used and whether the item is shipped internationally, which might take longer. Delays can also occur due to factors like weather or merchant backlogs. Throne uses the base shipping method offered by merchants and does not offer expedited shipping options.
Do you have to pay taxes on throne gifts?
Generally, the recipient of a gift, such as those received through Throne, does not have to pay gift tax. It’s usually the responsibility of the giver to handle any gift tax obligations, especially when the gift surpasses the annual exclusion amount, set at $17,000 per recipient for 2023.
The information provided on Throne’s website does not explicitly state whether the recipient of a gift has to pay taxes. Tax obligations can vary based on local laws and the nature of the gift. For accurate information, it’s advisable to consult local tax regulations or a tax professional.
Can you track throne gifts?
Yes, you can track Throne gifts. For items like partner store products, Amazon items, and some Etsy items, automatic tracking is provided once it’s available. If you’re concerned about a delay or missing item, you can request tracking from your order page up to 7 days after the order is placed by your fans. If the item still appears to be lost after requesting tracking, you have the option to file a lost item ticket.
How do I import Amazon wishlist to throne?
To import your Amazon wishlist to Throne, first obtain the public link of your Amazon wishlist by selecting “Send list to others” and then “Copy Link” on your Amazon profile. Log into your Throne account, navigate to your Wishlist dashboard, and look for the “Import Amazon Wishlist” option at the bottom of the page, where you’ll paste the copied Amazon wishlist link to start the import process.
How does throne payout work?
Throne allows creators to withdraw funds from their Throne Balance to a preferred withdrawal method, such as a bank account or credit card, which can then be used to purchase gifts for themselves. The withdrawal process involves completing onboarding for security and KYC reasons, receiving funds in the Throne Balance, and then withdrawing those funds to a bank account or card. Withdrawals are powered by Stripe and typically arrive in the bank account within 24-48 hours after the provided date, with an additional 4-5 business days for the funds to appear on the bank statement, depending on the bank.
How do gift cards work on throne?
To access a Throne gift card, navigate to your Orders page and select the order details for the gift card. Click “Redeem” for instructions on how to use your key. Note that there might be a waiting period for digital items, including gift cards, as a fraud prevention measure. For emailed items, the redeem button may not work, so check your email for details.
How do surprise gifts on throne work?
Surprise Gifts on Throne allow your community to send you items not specifically chosen by you. Fans can select from categories you’ve predetermined, and you won’t know the exact item until it arrives. This feature can be enabled from your settings page under the “Surprise Gifts” tab. For more details, you can visit the Throne Help Center’s page on Surprise Gifts.
How does Throne compare to Wishtender?
Throne:
- Audience: Primarily designed for content creators across various platforms.
- Features: Offers a privacy-first wishlist where creators can add items from any online store or partner brands. Fans can purchase items for creators without knowing their personal information.
- Customization: Creators can customize their wishlists, add gift suggestions, and even integrate thank-you notes.
- Safety and Privacy: Emphasizes privacy and security, ensuring that personal details like addresses are not disclosed to fans.
- Charges: Throne may charge service fees or payment processing fees for transactions, depending on the item’s source.
Wishtender:
- Audience: Also caters to content creators and influencers, allowing them to receive gifts from their audience.
- Features: Similar to Throne, it provides a platform for creating wishlists. Details about specific features like integration with stores or customization options might vary.
- Privacy and Security: Wishtender also values privacy, offering mechanisms to protect the personal information of its users.
- User Interface: The ease of use and user experience could be different, potentially affecting how creators and fans interact with the platform.
- Charges: Like Throne, there may be fees associated with transactions, which could depend on various factors including the type of gift or service used.
Both platforms share the core concept of enabling fans to support creators through gifts while maintaining the creators’ privacy. The choice between Throne and Wishtender might come down to personal preference, specific features, or the level of integration each platform offers with the creator’s content platform. For a detailed comparison, I’d recommend checking out user reviews or direct comparisons on tech or creator-focused forums and websites.
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Conclusion
So, is Throne.com a good option for content creators aiming to increase their income stream? According to our sleuthing, the Throne wishlist is a legitimate service with hundreds of satisfied users.
However, the platform doesn’t have a squeaky-clean track record when it comes to safeguarding user data. As always, if safety, data protection, and anonymity are as important to you as they are to us, we suggest proceeding with caution.
That’s a wrap for today’s Throne review from the Premium.Chat team! Be sure to delve deeper into our blog for more ways to boost your online hustle, or better yet, sign up with Premium.Chat today!
