How Do People Make Money on Whatnot? (Beginner's Guide to Selling Smart in 2025)

Have you ever wondered if your collection could be more than just a hobby? It's not a daydream but a way you can try. Finding the right platform to turn your passion into a paycheck is crucial.

This article is your guide to making money on Whatnot, the live shopping platform that's changing the way people buy and sell online. It will explore what Whatnot is used for, break down how sellers are making money and provide tips to get started and boost income.

What Is Whatnot and What Is It Used For?

Whatnot is a US-based live shopping platform where sellers can connect with buyers in real-time through video. It is just like a fun and interactive blend of a classic auction house and a live social media stream.

Founded in 2019, it initially focused on collectibles like Funko Pops and Pokémon cards. Later it has exploded to include over 250 categories, ranging from vintage clothing and comics to electronics and jewelry.

So, what is Whatnot used for? Primarily, it serves two functions:

• Live Auctions: Sellers host live shows where they showcase items one by one, and buyers can bid on them in fast-paced auctions. This format creates a sense of urgency and excitement, making shopping an entertaining experience. The live chat feature also allows for direct interaction. Sellers can answer questions and build a community around their brand.
  
  
  
  
• Marketplace Listings: Beyond the live shows, Whatnot also features a traditional marketplace where sellers can create fixed-price listings. This allows buyers to browse and purchase items at any time, even when a seller isn't live, providing a steady stream of potential sales.
  The platform is like a social marketplace. It connects people and makes the online shopping experience more personal and engaging.
  
  
  
  

How Do People Make Money on Whatnot?

As mentioned above, the primary way people make money on Whatnot is by selling products. The average seller on the platform earns around $25,000 a year, showcasing its potential as a significant income source.

Here is a real example. Part-time reseller Becky Park documented a 10-day selling experiment on her YouTube channel. In just 10 days, she generated $5501.25 in sales, and she got $4527.24 in revenue. She finally made a profit of $2727.24. This demonstrates that Whatnot can be a powerful income stream.

Sellers can source inventory from various places, and then sell it to a large and enthusiastic audience. Success on Whatnot isn't just about having great products. It's about building a brand and a community.

6 Proven Ways to Make Money on Whatnot

So, if you are ready to earn money, here are six proven methods to make money on the platform.

1. Live Shopping Auctions

This is the most popular way to sell on Whatnot. The live, fast-paced nature of auctions can lead to higher selling prices as bidders compete against each other. To succeed, you need to be an engaging host who can create excitement and keep the energy high.

2. Marketplace "Buy It Now" Listings

Community is a huge part of Whatnot. Partnering with other sellers for joint shows or cross-promotions can expose your brand to a new audience. This teamwork can help you grow your follower base and sales much faster than going it alone.

3. Sourcing and Flipping In-Demand Items

Many sellers have found great success in "flipping" items. The first step is to research popular product trends. The second step is to source them cheaply from places like flea markets, garage sales, or clearance aisles. Finally, selling them for a profit on Whatnot. Staying informed about what's hot in your chosen categories is key to this strategy.

4. Building a Niche Following

Instead of selling a little bit of everything, focus on a specific category you're passionate about. Whether it's vintage comics, streetwear, or sports cards, becoming an expert in a niche can help you build a dedicated community of buyers.

5. Running Giveaways to Drive Engagement

While you don't directly make money from giveaways, they are a powerful marketing tool. Sellers can run giveaways during their live streams to attract new followers and appreciate their buyers. These events can increase viewership for your shows, leading to more potential bidders. The seller is responsible for the shipping costs of giveaway items.

6. Collaborating with Other Sellers

Community is a huge part of Whatnot. Partnering with other sellers for joint shows or cross-promotions can expose your brand to a new audience. This teamwork can help you grow your follower base and sales much faster than going it alone.

How Much Does Whatnot Take from Sales?

Whatnot's fees are competitive compared to other online marketplaces.
For sellers in the US, Canada, and Australia, the fees are broken down as follows:

• Commission Fee: Whatnot takes an 8% commission on the final sale price of an item.
• Payment Processing Fee: There is a standard payment processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction. This fee is calculated on the total amount the buyer pays, which includes the item price, shipping, and any taxes.

It's important to note that some categories have reduced commission rates. For instance, "Coins & Money" has a 4% commission, and "Electronics" has a 5% rate.

How to Set Up and Optimize Your Whatnot Account

Getting started on Whatnot is a straightforward process.

1. Create an Account: Download the Whatnot app or sign up on their website.
   
   
   
   
2. Apply to Sell: You'll need to submit a short application to get selling access. Having social media accounts linked and showing some experience in selling can help with a speedy approval.
   
   
   
   
3. Complete Your Profile: Add a clear profile picture and a compelling bio. If you're building a brand, use a professional logo.
   
   
   
   
4. Set Up Payments: You must connect a bank account via Stripe to receive your payouts. Payments are typically available for cash out 48-72 hours after an item is delivered.
   
   
   
   
5. Prepare Your Inventory: Take high-quality photos of your items and write clear, descriptive titles. You can pre-load your items into your Whatnot store before a show to help buyers preview and even pre-bid.

Advanced Selling Tips to Boost Income

Once you've mastered the basics, use these advanced tips to take your Whatnot business to the next level.

• Promote Your Shows: Don't just rely on Whatnot's algorithm. Promote your upcoming shows on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to drive external traffic to your streams. When necessary, trying antidetect browser(eg. AdsPower) to manage multiple social media accounts
  
  
  
  

• Invest in Your Setup: A good camera, clear microphone, and good lighting can significantly improve your stream quality and make your products look more appealing.
• Engage in the Community: Participate in other sellers' shows and be an active member of the Whatnot community. This helps you network, learn from others, and build your reputation.
• Securely Scale Your Operations: As your business grows, you might want to create multiple niche-specific stores. However, Whatnot's "one seller account" policy makes managing multiple accounts from the same IP address risky. This is why many top sellers turn to AdsPower.
  • Support Various Proxy Types: AdsPower supports different kinds of proxies, including SSH, HTTPS, HTTP, and Socks5. You can configure different types of IPs for each account to reduce the risk of IP address.
    
    
    
    
  • Create Unique Digital Identities: AdsPower allows you to configure a unique browser fingerprint for each new account you register. This prevents platforms from linking them together during the sign-up process.
    
    
    
    
  • Maintain Consistent & Safe Logins: Every time you open a profile in AdsPower, its unique digital fingerprint remains unchanged. It ensures the account remains safe and stable over time.
    
    

FAQ:

1. Is whatnot legit?
   Yes, Whatnot is a legitimate and safe platform for both buyers and sellers. It's a registered company backed by significant venture capital investments. However, like any marketplace, it hosts individual sellers, so buyers should always check a seller's reviews and ratings.
   
   
2. Can I have more than one Whatnot account?
   According to Whatnot's official guidelines, you can have multiple buyer accounts (up to 8) and easily switch between them. However, you can generally only have selling permission on one account. If you really want to have multiple Whatnot accounts, you can try AdsPower.