Shipping can be one of the most confusing parts of selling and buying online, but Whatnot has gone to great lengths to streamline the process. Whether you are a seasoned seller or a first-time buyer on the app, understanding how shipping works is key to a smooth experience. Whatnot has built a unique marketplace, often blending the excitement of live auctions with e-commerce, and shipping plays a pivotal role in that dynamic. In this article, we break down the ins and outs of how shipping works on Whatnot, whether you’re a buyer or a seller, and provide the top things you need to know.
What is Whatnot?
Before diving deep into shipping details, it’s important to understand what Whatnot is. Whatnot is a live-streaming e-commerce platform focused on collectibles, vintage items, clothing, sports cards, and more. Sellers host live streaming auctions where buyers can bid and purchase items in real time. After the stream, sellers package and ship the items, and that’s where Whatnot’s streamlined shipping system kicks in.
How Does Shipping Work for Buyers?
As a buyer on Whatnot, the process is straightforward and mostly automated:
- Auto-Calculate Shipping: Shipping costs are automatically calculated at checkout based on your location, the seller’s shipping settings, and the weight/size of the item.
- Combined Shipping Discounts: If you win or purchase multiple items during a single livestream or from the same seller within a short time frame, Whatnot combines the shipping cost. Usually, the first item incurs the base shipping rate, and subsequent items are charged at a reduced rate.
- Tracking and Notifications: Once a seller ships your item, Whatnot provides a tracking number. You’ll get notifications via the app and email so you can follow your package’s journey.
Shipping for Sellers: How It All Works
For sellers, Whatnot offers tools that simplify the logistics of shipping, especially after a busy stream with dozens or hundreds of orders.
1. Generating Shipping Labels is Easy
After your live stream ends and orders are finalized, Whatnot automatically generates prepaid shipping labels for each order. Sellers don’t need to calculate rates themselves. The platform uses buyer addresses and item information to determine label prices.
2. Use of Shipping Supplies
As a seller, it’s up to you to supply your own shipping materials—boxes, envelopes, tape, padding, etc. Sellers typically use the following:
- Bubble mailers for smaller or single-item orders
- Boxes for bundles or fragile items
- Padding and filler to ensure items are secure in transit
Note: Some sellers enjoy branding their packages with stickers or personalized thank-you notes to enhance buyer experience.
3. Scan, Pack, Ship
Whatnot’s built-in order management system allows you to scan labels digitally as you prepare each order. This ensures you match the right product with the correct buyer and keeps your shipping process organized.
4. Shipping Deadlines
Whatnot encourages sellers to ship items within two business days of a sale. Fast shipping is crucial for building a good reputation on the app. If you don’t ship on time regularly, it could affect your ability to sell.
Shipping Rates: How They’re Calculated
Whatnot’s system calculates shipping based on:
- Item weight and size: Heavier or bulkier items cost more to ship.
- Distance: Longer distances between seller and buyer can increase shipping costs.
- Shipping method: Whatnot usually uses USPS or UPS for U.S. shipments. Buyers might have the option to choose faster shipping at an additional cost.
As items are auctioned live, buyers get charged shipping dynamically. Luckily, the system is transparent and clean—you’ll see charges before confirming your purchase.
Top Shipping Tips for Sellers
Want to stay ahead of the curve as a seller? These key tips can help you nail shipping every time:
- Prep shipping supplies ahead of your stream. Have plenty of boxes, mailers, and materials ready to go.
- Weigh and plan items beforehand. Even if Whatnot calculates labels, you’ll save time by organizing inventory by size and weight.
- Print labels in bulk after your stream. This helps you pack orders more efficiently.
- Double-check buyer information. Accurate labeling eliminates headaches with returns or lost packages.
International Shipping
Currently, Whatnot supports international buying and shipping in some categories. Here’s how it works:
- International buyers can shop if sellers enable shipping to their location. Not all sellers opt into international delivery due to higher costs and customs complexities.
- Shipping rates are automatically calculated. As with domestic shipping, the Whatnot platform takes care of calculating international postage.
- Duties and customs fees may apply. These are typically covered by the buyer and vary depending on the destination country.
Lost or Damaged Packages
It doesn’t happen often, but when items go missing or get damaged… Whatnot has policies in place to protect both buyers and sellers.
- Insurance: Most shipments are automatically insured up to a certain value.
- Support: Whatnot’s support team helps resolve cases by facilitating refunds, replacements, or insurance claims if needed.
- Seller Best Practices: To reduce the risk of damage, sellers are encouraged to use plenty of packing material and clearly label items.
Returns and Refunds
Whatnot typically operates with an “all sales final” policy, but there are exceptions in cases of misrepresentation or damage during shipping. If a buyer believes they received the wrong item or something arrived broken due to poor handling, they can open a case through Whatnot’s in-app system.
Shipping Integration Tools
Whatnot continues to develop new tools for streamlined shipping. Some of the recent integrations include:
- Scanner Integration: Easily link digital scanners to your seller dashboard.
- Bulk Label Printing: Download multiple shipping labels in one PDF, saving you time during high-volume streams.
- Inventory Linking (beta): Match your inventory to SKUs or barcode systems for faster item picking and packing.
New to Shipping? Whatnot Seller University Helps
If you’re new to the world of digital selling and managing logistics feels overwhelming, Whatnot offers a Seller University packed with tutorials and guidance. You’ll find helpful tips on packing, shipping rates, software integration, and more.
Joining a community of sellers can also be immensely helpful. Many seasoned Whatnot streamers offer advice in forums and live streams about efficient shipping practices.
Final Thoughts
Shipping on Whatnot has been carefully designed to help both buyers and sellers. Buyers get tracking, protection, and the advantage of combined shipping. Sellers benefit from automatic labeling, integrated tools, and clear guidelines. Whether you’re shipping a rare Funko Pop or vintage Pokémon cards, understanding the workflow makes the entire platform more enjoyable and profitable.
By mastering shipping logistics, you’ll build trust, avoid delays, and create a seamless experience that keeps customers coming back.