~15 min read
Quick Answer:
To become a Whatnot seller, you must complete the seller application form, submit identification, select your selling categories, and record a short video showcasing your products. Approval typically takes 5–14 days depending on category demand and review queue.
Introduction — Turning Passion into Profit on Whatnot
Whether you sell sneakers, trading cards, or vintage apparel, Whatnot has quickly become the go-to marketplace for live selling. But before you can start hosting auctions or posting “Buy It Now” listings, you’ll need to pass the Whatnot seller application process.
Many sellers are surprised to learn the process isn’t instant. Whatnot carefully reviews each application to maintain quality, prevent scams, and ensure that sellers understand its live commerce structure.
This guide breaks down the entire process — from eligibility to video submissions — and explores whether you can sell on Whatnot without going live, how much you can earn, and how automation tools like Closo can streamline your selling experience.
1. Overview of the Whatnot Seller Application Process
To sell on Whatnot, you must apply and be approved — it’s not open signup like eBay or Etsy.
The Application Includes:
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Basic Information – Your name, contact, and shipping location.
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Identification Verification – Valid government-issued ID.
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Category Selection – Choose what you’ll sell (e.g., apparel, collectibles, electronics).
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Video Submission – Record a 30–60 second clip showing your products and sales style.
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Review Process – Whatnot team evaluates your application.
Typical Review Time:
| Seller Type | Average Approval Time |
|---|---|
| New Individual Sellers | 5–10 business days |
| Business / Brand Sellers | 10–14 business days |
| High-demand categories (e.g., sneakers) | Up to 3 weeks |
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Step 1 — Go to the Whatnot Seller Application Page
Visit whatnot.com/sell and click “Apply to Sell.”
Step 2 — Choose Your Selling Category
Examples include:
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Apparel & Streetwear
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Trading Cards
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Toys & Collectibles
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Vintage
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Electronics
Pick the most accurate category — this determines which team reviews your application.
Step 3 — Fill Out Seller Information
Include:
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Name & address (must match ID).
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Social media or storefront links (Etsy, eBay, Instagram).
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Example inventory photos.
Step 4 — Upload a Short Introduction Video
Show your face and sample inventory. Whatnot uses this to evaluate authenticity and presentation skills.
Video Tips:
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Film in good lighting.
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Speak naturally about what you sell.
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Keep it under 60 seconds.
Step 5 — Submit and Wait for Review
You’ll receive an email confirmation immediately and a status update within 1–2 weeks.
3. Common Reasons for Application Rejection
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Incomplete form | Missing ID or contact details. |
| Low inventory | Insufficient proof of consistent stock. |
| Poor video submission | Low-quality or missing inventory footage. |
| Restricted categories | Attempting to sell unapproved items (e.g., weapons, alcohol). |
| Duplicate accounts | One seller attempting multiple submissions. |
Pro Tip:
If rejected, you can reapply in 30 days after improving your submission.
4. Can You Sell on Whatnot Without Going Live?
Yes — you can sell without hosting live auctions by using Buy It Now or Marketplace listings.
These are static listings similar to eBay or Etsy. You simply upload your products, set prices, and manage sales passively.
Benefits of Selling Without Going Live:
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No camera anxiety.
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24/7 availability.
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Great for testing inventory.
Limitations:
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Lower visibility than live streams.
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Slower follower growth.
5. How Much Money Can You Make on Whatnot?
It depends on category, inventory, and consistency.
| Category | Avg. Monthly Earnings | Top Sellers |
|---|---|---|
| Vintage Apparel | $1,000–$8,000 | Up to $25K/month |
| Sneakers | $2,000–$15,000 | $30K+ |
| Trading Cards | $500–$5,000 | $10K+ |
| Collectibles | $400–$3,000 | $7K+ |
Profit Boosting Tips:
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List new products weekly.
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Engage with followers regularly.
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Use Whatnot promotions and giveaways.
6. Whatnot vs. Etsy — Application and Setup
Keywords: etsy.com seller login, etsylogin
| Feature | Whatnot | Etsy |
|---|---|---|
| Application Needed | Yes | No |
| Selling Format | Live & static listings | SEO-based storefront |
| Fees | ~11% per sale | ~10% per sale |
| Inventory Type | Physical resale | Handmade, vintage, digital |
| Login System | Single verified account | Multiple shop logins allowed |
Etsy is open to anyone — sign in through etsy.com/sell or your existing Etsylogin to create listings instantly.
Whatnot, however, uses a selective model, ensuring only verified sellers operate on the platform.
7. What Happens After Approval
Once approved:
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You’ll receive an email invitation to activate your seller dashboard.
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You’ll complete onboarding and connect your bank or Stripe account.
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You can schedule your first live show or start listing static items.
Required Onboarding Steps:
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Agree to Whatnot’s Terms of Service.
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Complete tax form (W-9 for U.S. sellers).
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Upload inventory to your store.
8. Whatnot Seller Fees and Payouts
| Fee Type | Percentage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | 8% | Deducted from sale price |
| Payment Processing | 2.9% + $0.30 | Stripe transaction fee |
| Total | ~11% | Combined seller fee |
Payouts arrive 2–3 business days after shipping, or faster for sellers with Instant Pay eligibility.
9. Case Study — From Etsy to Whatnot
Seller: Grace, New Jersey
Niche: Handmade jewelry + resale clothing
Grace started on Etsy but struggled with visibility. After applying to Whatnot, she began selling live and added crosslist automation through Closo.
Results:
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Approval in 8 days.
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50% faster sales turnover.
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Combined revenue $7,800/month.
“Whatnot helped me reach a completely new audience, and Closo keeps my Etsy and Whatnot inventory synced.”
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 long does the Whatnot seller application process take?
Typically 5–14 business days, depending on category and application quality.
2. What happens if my Whatnot application is denied?
You can reapply in 30 days after improving your inventory or video submission.
3. Can I sell on Whatnot without going live?
Yes — through “Buy It Now” or Marketplace listings.
4. How much does Whatnot take from sellers?
Roughly 11% total (commission + processing).
5. Can you make money on Whatnot?
Yes. Many sellers earn thousands per month through consistent listings and live shows.
Schema Setup
FAQ Page Schema: Include FAQ entries above.
Breadcrumb Schema: Home → Blog → Whatnot Seller Application Process (2025 Guide).
HowTo Schema:
1️⃣ Visit whatnot.com/sell.
2️⃣ Fill in seller info and choose category.
3️⃣ Upload ID and inventory video.
4️⃣ Wait for review (5–14 days).
5️⃣ Activate your seller dashboard after approval.
Final Takeaway
The Whatnot seller application process filters for authenticity and quality — helping keep the marketplace trusted and vibrant. Getting approved may take a week or two, but once you’re in, you gain access to a fast-growing platform for both live and passive selling.
By connecting your Whatnot and Etsy stores through Closo, you can centralize listings, automate delisting, and scale across multiple platforms without extra manual work.
