Whatnot is a shopping experience like no other, where anyone can sell what they love. Your audience awaitsReach millions of enthusiastic buyers on Whatnot. Our buyers are as excited to shop your products as you are to sell them.
Yes, Whatnot is a legit live video shopping app, and it's safe to use. While not at the level of other popular marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, Whatnot has been steadily growing since its inception in 2019. Today, the app gets nearly 10 million monthly visitors and has a 4.2 star rating on Trustpilot.
In Europe (including the UK), Whatnot charges an industry-low commission of 6.67% + VAT (4.00% + VAT for Coins & Money) on the purchase price of sold items.
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Does Whatnot report to HMRC?
Yes, if you're regularly selling on Whatnot to make a profit, HMRC considers you self-employed. You must register and submit annual Self Assessment tax returns.
“Is WhatNot better than eBay?” I get asked this all the time — so here's my take: ✅ Yes, WhatNot can be better than eBay… but it depends on YOU. If you want to grab random stuff off your shelf, run it live, and let it fly — WhatNot is your playground. If you're sourcing cheap and fast, it's an absolute game changer.
If you see anything on the platform that is suspected counterfeit, please report it in-app. Buyers are protected by a 100% money-back authenticity guarantee on Whatnot. Selling counterfeit goods can lead to penalties including being charged back, suspended, or banned from Whatnot.
Whatnot generally prohibits the sale of hazardous, flammable, and other unsafe substances and materials, including: radioactive materials. ozone-depleting substances. fuel of any kind (including gasoline, propane, kerosene, butane, or lamp oil)
WhatNot is also popular for volume selling, or selling a lot of product in a short amount of time, for a lower price point than higher auction individual items that you find on other sites. Sellers also have the option to use the Sell It Now (SIN) option in their storefront or even gift items as giveaways.
By default, buyers pay for shipping. During live shows, you can choose to cover all or part of the shipping costs. Note: Free or discounted shipping can only be set up in the Whatnot mobile app.
You will unlock Early Payout and access your earnings sooner after you meet the following requirements: Average Seller Rating >= 4.8. AND has hosted >= 10 livestreams. AND lifetime sales >= $/£/€100k (before fees) OR lifetime orders >= 1000 (excluding giveaways & tips)
Buyers pay for shipping by default at the time of sale, unless you offer free or discounted shipping, send a giveaway, or make shipping adjustments after purchase.
For US sellers and in most categories, Whatnot's commission fee is 8% of the item's selling price. In the Coins & Money and Electronics categories, however, Whatnot offers a reduced commission fee of 4% and 5%, respectively.
Once your earnings are available in your Whatnot account balance, you can start a payout. A payout moves your funds from Whatnot to your chosen payout method (e.g. bank account, Paypal). Most payouts arrive in your linked account within 1–2 business days. Track your earnings and payouts in Seller Hub.
Whatnot users have varied interests, initially centered around Funko Pops but now expanding to trading cards, comics, and vintage fashion. Many shoppers are collectors seeking unique and rare items, appreciating the opportunity to engage directly with sellers through live streams.
Whatnot partners with Royal Mail for most domestic shipments UK to UK. International shipments from the UK are supported by DPD, while international shipments into the UK are supported by various carriers such as USPS in US.
Both platforms include a bidding or auction style format if you want, but on Whatnot that auction is going to happen live in a matter of seconds whereas on eBay that auction can happen off-camera and over a longer time period. On both marketplaces you can sell items for a set price using the “buy it now” option.
Amazon is often considered eBay's biggest competitor due to its massive customer base and comprehensive selling tools. What are people using instead of eBay? Sellers are turning to platforms like Amazon, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and OfferUp as eBay alternatives.
What is the most profitable item to sell on Whatnot?
Sports Cards. Sports Cards are a home run on Whatnot, paralleling the Trading Card Games category with an impressive 13,500 live streams currently on or scheduled. This category captures the spirit of competition and the legacy of sports heroes, from vintage baseball cards to modern basketball autographs.
Does Whatnot charge a fee? Yes. Whatnot takes an 8% fee from every item sold, unless you are selling Coins & Money or Electronics, in which case the fee is reduced to 4% or 5%.
