Whatnot is a live shopping marketplace. Sellers go live on video, show items one by one and sell them through quick auctions or fixed prices while viewers bid in real time. It began with trading cards and collectibles and now covers sneakers, fashion, vintage, comics, toys, electronics and more. It runs in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and parts of Europe.
At a glance
| What it is | Live shopping and auction app |
| Main categories | Cards, collectibles, fashion, sneakers, vintage |
| Commission (US) | 8% on most categories |
| Lower rates | 5% electronics, 4% coins and money |
| Processing | 2.9% + $0.30 per order (US) |
| Listing fees | None |
How it works
You apply to sell, set up your profile and schedule a show. During the show you run auctions or buy-it-now sales; buyers pay through Whatnot, and you ship using its labels. You can also post static listings to the marketplace. Payouts are released after delivery.
Fees
In the US, Whatnot takes 8% of the item price on most categories, 5% on electronics and 4% on coins and money. Payment processing of 2.9% plus $0.30 applies to the full order, including shipping and tax. In eligible categories, commission stops above $1,500 per item. Some reduced rates are temporary promotions, so check the current fee page.
What sells well
Items that benefit from excitement do best: trading cards, collectibles, limited sneakers, vintage clothing and mystery packs. Regular sellers who show up on a schedule build followings that come back for every show.
Getting started
Apply through Whatnot’s seller page with details of what you sell. Plan your first shows with enough stock, good lighting and a clear price strategy. Start auctions low only for items you’re happy to sell at that price.
Running your first show
Prepare more stock than you think you’ll need, set up good lighting and a steady camera, and test your audio. Announce shows in advance so followers can plan. Keep the pace brisk and talk about each item’s condition honestly. Ship quickly afterwards; fast shipping leads to better reviews and repeat buyers.
Shipping and payouts
Whatnot provides shipping labels, and buyers often bundle several wins into one parcel. Payouts are released after delivery, so plan your cash flow if you’re buying stock between shows. Keep enough cash aside to restock before your next show.
Owen’s take
Whatnot is the most exciting reselling channel right now if you can talk to camera. Fees around 11% to 12% all-in are well below Poshmark’s, but the real cost is your time live.
Who it suits
It suits resellers of cards, collectibles and fashion who are comfortable on camera. It suits less well people who prefer quiet listing and shipping.
Similar options
- eBay has auctions and fixed-price listings for collectibles.
- Poshmark offers live Posh Shows for fashion sellers.
- Mercari lets you sell almost anything with simple listings.
- StockX sells sneakers and collectibles at market prices.
More options are in Reselling.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Real-time bidding can lift prices
- No listing fees
- Loyal audiences for regular shows
Cons
- Needs time on camera
- Processing fee on top of commission
- Auctions can end low
FAQ
How much does Whatnot take?
8% commission on most US categories, plus 2.9% and $0.30 processing.
Does Whatnot have listing fees?
No.
What sells best on Whatnot?
Trading cards, collectibles, sneakers and vintage.
Can I sell without going live?
Yes, through marketplace listings, though live shows drive most sales.
Where is Whatnot available?
The US, Canada, the UK, Australia and parts of Europe.
