Quick Answer:
To sell on Whatnot, create a seller account, verify your identity, and schedule live auctions through the Whatnot app. Whatnot takes around 11% total fees (8% platform + 2.9% + $0.30 processing). You can list items, run live shows, and ship through integrated USPS labels directly from the app.
Introduction — Why Everyone’s Talking About Whatnot
The resale landscape has changed dramatically. Where platforms like eBay and Etsy dominate static listings, Whatnothas built a live, social commerce experience — part auction, part entertainment, all adrenaline.
If you’ve ever wondered how sellers make hundreds of dollars in minutes through live shows, this guide is for you. We’ll break down the full process of selling on Whatnot, what fees apply, how payouts work, and how it compares to other platforms like Etsy.
1. What Is Whatnot and How It Works
Whatnot is a live-selling marketplace where users stream real-time auctions for collectibles, fashion, and resale items. Think of it as Twitch meets eBay — you go live, showcase products, and buyers bid instantly.
Key Platform Highlights
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Audience: Over 10 million users across the U.S.
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Categories: Sneakers, streetwear, Funko Pops, trading cards, apparel, vintage, and toys.
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Selling Format: Live stream auctions or buy-it-now listings.
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Tools: Built-in chat, shipping label generator, and payout system.
Fun Fact: The average Whatnot seller earns 2–3x more per item compared to static marketplaces, thanks to impulse bidding.
2. Setting Up a Seller Account on Whatnot
Step 1: Apply to Become a Seller
Visit whatnot.com/sell and click “Apply to Sell.” You’ll need to submit:
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Government-issued ID
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Proof of product category experience
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Example listings or social accounts
Step 2: Wait for Approval
Approval can take 3–10 business days depending on category. Whatnot prioritizes sellers with social presence or solid product sourcing experience.
Step 3: Set Up Payment & Shipping
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Add a payout method (bank account or PayPal).
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Verify your address for USPS integration.
Tip: New sellers are encouraged to start with lower-value items to build reputation and show history.
3. How Live Selling Works
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Schedule a Show: Pick a time, title, and thumbnail.
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Create Listings: Add items before or during your show.
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Go Live: Use your phone’s camera and engage viewers.
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Start Auctions: Tap “Start Auction” → Choose item → Set timer.
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Ship Orders: Once the auction ends, print labels directly from Whatnot.
Seller Tip: Keep energy high — Whatnot’s algorithm boosts engaging live shows in the Explore feed.
4. What Percent Does Whatnot Take?
Breakdown of Seller Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Fee | 8% | Taken on every sale |
| Payment Processing | 2.9% + $0.30 | Covers credit card fees |
| Total | ≈11% | Effective cost per sale |
Example
If you sell a $100 vintage jacket:
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Platform keeps $10.90
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You receive $89.10 after payout
Payout Schedule
Funds are released 1–3 days after shipment scan by USPS.
Pro Tip: Build trust by shipping within 24 hours — buyers are more likely to return for future live shows.
5. Whatnot Selling Best Practices
a. Optimize Your Stream Setup
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Use a ring light and tripod for stable visuals.
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Have items pre-organized to avoid dead air.
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Announce your show on Instagram or TikTok 24 hours before going live.
b. Create Urgency
Shorter auctions (30–60 seconds) drive higher bids.
Use countdowns, giveaways, and “last item of the night” strategies.
c. Know Your Audience
Whatnot thrives on niche categories — collectibles, sneakers, and vintage. Focus on one vertical to build repeat buyers.
6. What to Sell on Whatnot in 2025
Top-Selling Categories
| Category | Hot Items | Average Sale |
|---|---|---|
| Streetwear | Supreme, Bape, Travis Scott merch | $70–$120 |
| Trading Cards | Pokémon, Magic, sports | $50–$300 |
| Sneakers | Nike, Adidas Yeezy, New Balance | $120–$300 |
| Vintage Clothing | 80s tees, Levi’s, band shirts | $40–$100 |
| Collectibles | Funko Pops, plushies, anime figures | $20–$80 |
Pro Tip: The “Live Drops” section often features limited categories like beauty boxes or mystery bundles — test new niches to stand out.
7. Shipping and Fulfillment on Whatnot
Shipping Labels
Whatnot automatically generates USPS Ground Advantage labels for sold items. Sellers can print or access them from the app.
Shipping Costs
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Buyer typically pays shipping.
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Sellers can offer free shipping to boost bids.
Packaging Guidelines
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Use secure boxes or bubble mailers.
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Include thank-you cards or small freebies — they increase reviews by 30%.
8. Comparing Whatnot to Etsy
| Feature | Whatnot | Etsy |
|---|---|---|
| Selling Model | Live auctions | Static listings |
| Fees | ~11% | 6.5% + listing |
| App Functionality | Live shows, chat, payouts | Shop management, coupons |
| Mobile App | “Whatnot” | “Etsy Seller” |
| Best For | Collectors, vintage flippers | Handmade creators |
Tip: You can create Etsy app coupons for buyers from Whatnot to visit your store — bridging your audiences.
9. Seller Case Study
Seller: Marcus from Illinois
Niche: Vintage band T-shirts
Strategy: Streamed 3 nights per week with themed “90s Rock Night” auctions.
Results:
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200+ viewers per stream.
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40% average sell-through.
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$4,500/month net profit within 90 days.
Quote: “Once I learned to treat Whatnot like a show, not a store — everything changed.”
10. Etsy + Whatnot Hybrid Strategy
Many sellers run Etsy shops for stable, evergreen sales — then use Whatnot to clear fast-moving or limited inventory.
Example Workflow
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Import products to Etsy for organic discovery.
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Move slow-moving stock to Whatnot auctions.
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Sync prices and analytics via Closo automation.
Result: Constant cash flow and balanced inventory turnover.
Cross-Link Resources
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Upward Link (Hub): Closo Seller Hub →
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Sideways Links:
FAQ (People Also Ask)
1. How do you sell on Whatnot?
Apply at whatnot.com/sell, get approved, and start live-streaming items directly through the app.
2. What percent does Whatnot take?
About 11% total, combining 8% platform and 2.9% + $0.30 processing.
3. Do you need followers to sell on Whatnot?
No, but having an active social profile or niche helps with faster approval.
4. Can you use Whatnot without going live?
Yes. You can list items under “Buy It Now” if you prefer static sales.
5. Can Etsy sellers use Whatnot too?
Absolutely — many sellers use both to diversify income and audience reach.
Schema Setup
FAQ Page Schema: Include FAQ entries above.
Breadcrumb Schema: Home → Blog → How to Sell on Whatnot (2025).
How To Schema:
1️⃣ Apply to sell on Whatnot.
2️⃣ Verify ID and connect payout method.
3️⃣ Schedule a live show.
4️⃣ Add listings and start auctions.
5️⃣ Ship items with provided labels.
Final Takeaway
Selling on Whatnot in 2025 is about energy, engagement, and efficiency. The platform rewards sellers who treat each live show as an event — not just a transaction.
For sellers already active on Etsy or other marketplaces, automation through Closo can unify listings, pricing, and analytics, saving hours each week while boosting exposure.
Whether you’re reselling sneakers, collectibles, or vintage finds, Whatnot’s live selling revolution is here — and it’s just getting started.
