If you’re looking to make money by selling collectibles, vintage items, apparel, or niche goods online, you’ve probably heard of Whatnot. Launched in 2019, Whatnot is a live stream shopping platform that’s gaining traction among sellers and collectors alike. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to offload extras from your collection or a budding entrepreneur, this platform offers a dynamic and engaging way to connect with potential buyers in real-time. This comprehensive guide is designed to walk beginners through everything they need to know to start selling successfully on Whatnot.
What is Whatnot?
Whatnot is a live auction marketplace where sellers host shows to auction or sell items in real time. Unlike traditional marketplaces where listings remain static, Whatnot creates a more interactive experience that combines elements of entertainment, social media, and commerce. It initially gained popularity in niche categories like Funko Pops, sports cards, and Pokémon collectibles, but has since expanded into fashion, comics, toys, video games, and other product categories.
Why Sell on Whatnot?
Before jumping into how to sell, let’s explore some reasons why Whatnot stands out for sellers:
- Live Selling Format: You get to engage directly with customers, answer questions, and share the story behind your products.
- Secure Transactions: Payments are processed through Whatnot’s system, adding a layer of protection for both buyer and seller.
- Curated Audience: The platform is full of passionate collectors and fans interested in niche categories.
- Growing Platform: With its rapid growth and increasing categories, early adopters have a chance to stake a strong presence.
Step-by-Step Guide to Selling on Whatnot
1. Create a Seller Account
Before anything else, you’ll need to apply to become a seller. Unlike other platforms, Whatnot has an application process to ensure quality and trust. Here’s how to get started:
- Go to www.whatnot.com and create a basic user account.
- Navigate to the seller application page and fill in the details, including information about what you plan to sell and your experience.
- Optionally, attach links to social media or other platforms where you’ve sold similar items.
Approval times vary, but many users report hearing back within a few days to a couple of weeks. Once approved, you’ll gain access to Seller tools and features.
2. Understand the Platform Rules and Policies
Whatnot has strict policies in place to protect both buyers and sellers. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with:
- Prohibited items
- Shipping requirements
- Conduct in live streams
- Return and refund policies
Violations can lead to suspensions or permanent bans, so it’s worth reading the fine print.
3. Set Up Your Store and Profile
Customization helps differentiate your store from the competition. After approval, you can:
- Add a profile picture and banner
- Write an engaging bio that explains what you sell and why
- Set up your bank account information to receive payments
Good branding goes a long way in building trust with potential buyers.
4. Plan and Schedule Your First Show
This is where Whatnot truly shines. Live shows are interactive presentations where you showcase your items and engage with your audience. To schedule one:
- Go to your Seller dashboard and click “Schedule a Live Show.”
- Pick a date and time that works for your target audience (evenings and weekends tend to perform well).
- Add a catchy title and description for your show.
Shows are often promoted within the app, so compelling titles and appealing thumbnail images help draw in viewers.
5. List and Organize Your Inventory
Before you go live, make sure the products you’re selling are well-organized. Each item needs to be added to your show as a listing with a title, description, starting price, and optional images. It helps to prep ahead of time, especially if you’re handling a large volume of items.
Tips for preparing inventory:
- Use SKU labels for fast referencing during your show.
- Have all items within arm’s reach and sorted in show order.
- Make sure your camera and lighting setup clearly showcase the items.
6. Go Live!
Now comes the fun part—going live! Here are some essential tips to keep your audience engaged and your show running smoothly:
- Start with an introduction: Greet your viewers, introduce yourself, and explain how the show will run.
- Be interactive: Answer chat questions, thank bidders, and build a fun atmosphere.
- Explain each item: Give context and demonstrate item conditions (especially important for collectibles).
- Keep the energy up: Enthusiasm is contagious and helps boost sales.
Even if your first show isn’t a massive hit, don’t get discouraged. Building a loyal following takes time and practice.
7. Ship Items Promptly
After your show, Whatnot handles payment processing and provides you with prepaid shipping labels. Sellers are expected to ship items within 2–3 business days. Keeping up with shipping deadlines helps maintain your seller rating and earn trust.
Best practices include:
- Use protective packaging to avoid item damage.
- Print labels through Whatnot to ensure tracking is accurate.
- Include a thank-you note or coupon for future shows to build customer loyalty.
8. Grow Your Audience and Sales
Once you’ve conducted your first few successful shows, it’s time to focus on growth. Here are ways to attract more buyers:
- Promote on social media: Share your show schedule on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and other platforms where your audience hangs out.
- Offer giveaways: Freebies and raffles can drive engagement and attendance.
- Join seller groups: Whatnot has a community of sellers who share tips and promote each other.
- Stick to a schedule: Having a consistent day or time each week helps repeat viewers know when to tune in.
Final Thoughts
Selling on Whatnot is an exciting opportunity for beginners to join a fast-growing marketplace that thrives on human interaction. Unlike static online storefronts, Whatnot offers the chance to create a brand, build a community, and generate repeat buyers through your personality and product knowledge. While there’s a learning curve involved—especially with live broadcasting and organization—consistent effort and adaptability can pay off significantly.
Start small, prepare thoroughly, and make it fun. Over time, those 5-star reviews, regular viewers, and steady sales will speak volumes about your growth as a Whatnot seller.