How to Scale a Whatnot Store to 6 Figures
- Whatnot is free to download and use, with fees only applied after a sale, totaling about 11% (8% commission + 2.9% + $0.30 payment fee) per sale.

Last updated: April 2026
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Quick Answer
- Whatnot is free to download and use, with fees only applied after a sale, totaling about 11% (8% commission + 2.9% + $0.30 payment fee) per sale.
- Sellers must apply and get approved through the Whatnot Seller Application, providing personal information and links to existing stores like Etsy or eBay.
- Schedule shows about a week in advance with catchy titles and eye-catching thumbnails.
- List items accurately, especially weight, to avoid shipping issues and ensure buyers pay correct costs. Round up if an item is between weights to prevent carrier returns.
Scaling your Whatnot store to six figures involves a strategic approach, starting with a thorough understanding of the platform and its requirements. You must apply and receive approval to become a seller, a process that includes sharing your personal details and links to any existing online stores you operate, such as on Etsy or eBay Whatnot Seller Application Process. Once approved, setting up your account correctly, scheduling engaging live shows, and creating detailed product listings are crucial steps. While the Whatnot app is free to download and use, remember that sales come with fees; roughly 11% of each sale is deducted, comprising an 8% seller commission and a 2.9% plus $0.30 payment processing fee. Accurate item weighing for shipping is also essential to avoid unexpected costs and unhappy buyers.
What is Whatnot and How Does it Work?
Whatnot is a unique live-shopping application that brings together community, entertainment, and e-commerce into one dynamic platform. It provides sellers with a way to connect with buyers through live video auctions and fixed-price listings. This approach changes how sellers interact with their customers, creating a more engaging and immediate shopping experience.
The Live Selling Experience
Whatnot is designed to be a shopping experience like no other, allowing anyone to sell products they are passionate about Selling on Whatnot · Whatnot: Shop, Sell, Connect. The platform is built around live video, where sellers can showcase their items, interact with viewers in real-time, and run auctions. This live format creates excitement and urgency, driving sales as viewers bid on items or make instant purchases. Buyers on Whatnot are often very enthusiastic about shopping, which helps sellers reach a broad audience. The platform aims to connect sellers with millions of these eager buyers. This creates a vibrant marketplace where products can move quickly, especially during live shows.
Community and Engagement
Beyond just selling, Whatnot fosters a strong sense of community. Sellers can build loyal followings by engaging with their audience, answering questions, and providing an entertaining experience. This community aspect is a key differentiator from traditional e-commerce platforms. Viewers tune in not just to buy, but also to be entertained and to feel part of a shared interest group. This interaction helps build trust and repeat business, which is vital for scaling a store. The ability to chat live with sellers and other viewers makes the shopping experience more social and interactive. This also allows sellers to get immediate feedback from their audience, helping them tailor their offerings and presentation.
Free to Use, Pay When You Sell
One of the appealing aspects of Whatnot is its accessibility. The app is completely free to download and use How Do I Sell on Whatnot? (2025 Complete Seller Guide). Sellers do not pay upfront fees to list items, host live streams, or join various communities within the app. This means you can get started without any initial financial investment in terms of platform access. The costs only come into play after a successful sale. This model is beneficial for sellers who are testing new product categories or trending items, as it reduces the financial risk compared to platforms that charge listing or renewal fees, such as Etsy. This "pay-as-you-go" fee structure makes it easier for new sellers to enter the market and for existing sellers to experiment with their inventory without incurring ongoing costs for unsold items.
Automating Workflow and Maximizing Earnings
While the core selling happens live, tools and strategies can help maximize earnings and automate parts of the workflow. For example, some resources suggest using tools like Closo to help manage inventory and streamline processes, though the specifics of such tools are outside the direct Whatnot platform. The goal is to make the selling process as efficient as possible so sellers can focus more on the live interaction and less on administrative tasks. Preparing inventory in advance, having clear descriptions ready, and understanding shipping logistics all contribute to a smoother operation. The more organized a seller is, the more time they can dedicate to engaging with their audience during a live show, which directly impacts sales and customer satisfaction. This efficiency becomes even more critical when aiming for a six-figure income, as it allows for handling a larger volume of sales without getting overwhelmed.
How Do You Get Started Selling on Whatnot?
To begin selling on Whatnot, you must first go through an application process and receive approval as a seller. This initial step ensures that sellers meet the platform's standards and helps maintain a quality marketplace for buyers.
The Seller Application Process
The journey to becoming a Whatnot seller starts with the Whatnot Seller Application. You need to visit seller.whatnot.com and click "Apply to Sell" How Do I Sell on Whatnot? (2025 Complete Seller Guide). During this application, you will choose your specific niche. This could be anything from collectibles, clothing, and sneakers to vintage items or other specialized categories. Identifying your niche helps Whatnot understand what you plan to sell and ensures you are a good fit for their diverse marketplace. The application also requires you to provide personal and contact information. This is standard for any e-commerce platform to verify your identity and ensure smooth communication. A crucial part of the application is providing links to your current stores, if you have any, on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Depop. You can also include links to your social media accounts. This information helps Whatnot assess your selling history, customer service, and overall online presence, giving them a better picture of your experience and reliability as a seller. Approval is necessary before you can start listing products or hosting live shows.
Setting Up Your Approved Account
Once your application is approved, the next step is to set up your Whatnot account properly. This involves several key actions to prepare your profile for selling. First, you should add a profile picture. This picture should be at least 160x160 pixels, and it will automatically crop to a circle Go Live Guide — Seller Academy. If you use a logo, make sure any text on it is clear and easy to read even at a small size. A professional and clear profile picture helps build trust with potential buyers. You also need to confirm your username; if you need to adjust it or your account email, you can contact sellersupport@whatnot.com. Adding a return address is essential for managing any returns or issues with shipments.
Configuring Payment Settings with Stripe Connect
A critical part of account setup is configuring your cash-out method so you can receive payments. Whatnot uses Stripe Connect to handle payouts to your bank account. You can set this up either through your web browser or on the mobile app. On the web, you navigate to your profile icon, select 'Financials,' then 'Payouts,' and click 'Payment Settings' to 'Set Up Stripe Connect.' You will then enter the requested information to link your account. On the mobile app, you can go to your Seller Hub, tap 'Payouts,' and then 'Setup Stripe Connect' Go Live Guide — Seller Academy. For iOS users, you tap your profile image, then the lines menu, scroll to 'Selling,' tap 'Payouts,' and then 'Set Stripe Connect.' Following the instructions through Stripe Connect will link your bank account, allowing you to cash out funds when you wish to transfer them. This secure payment setup is vital for ensuring you can access your earnings from sales.
Optimizing Your Profile for Buyers
Beyond the basic setup, optimizing your profile can attract more buyers. Consider using a banner or cover image for your account. The recommended size for this image is 750x424 pixels Go Live Guide — Seller Academy. An eye-catching banner can make your profile more appealing and professional, drawing viewers in when they browse sellers. Making sure all your profile details are complete and accurate helps build credibility. A well-presented profile reassures buyers that they are dealing with a legitimate and organized seller, which is important for repeat business and scaling your store. Regular updates to your profile, such as showcasing new types of inventory or special events, can also keep it fresh and engaging for your audience.
What Fees Does Whatnot Charge?
Whatnot operates on a fee structure where you only pay when you make a sale, making it an accessible platform for many sellers. These fees are automatically deducted from each purchase before your earnings are available for payout. Understanding these fees is crucial for accurately calculating your profit margins and scaling your business.
Breakdown of Whatnot Fees
When you sell an item on Whatnot, two main types of fees apply: a commission fee and a payment processing fee. Together, these fees amount to roughly 11% of each sale How Do I Sell on Whatnot? (2025 Complete Seller Guide). The platform calculates these fees automatically each time a buyer checks out. This applies even if multiple purchases are later bundled into a single order or shipment; the fees are still calculated separately for each individual transaction. It's important to remember that Whatnot does not charge any fees for creating, storing, or managing your listings. This means you can list as many items as you want without upfront costs, which is a significant advantage for sellers experimenting with inventory or new categories.
The Commission Fee
The commission fee is Whatnot’s share of the sale. It is calculated as a percentage of your item’s final sale price, but it excludes shipping costs and taxes Understanding Whatnot Seller Fees. The current commission rate is 8% of the final sale price. For example, if you list an item in an auction that starts at $1 and sells for $20, the 8% commission will be based on the final $20 sale price. If you use a Buy It Now (BIN) listing and list an item for $50 but accept an offer of $45, the commission will be based on the accepted sale price of $45. This means that the commission fee adjusts based on the actual amount the buyer pays for the item itself, not including any additional costs like shipping.
The Payment Processing Fee
In addition to the commission fee, a payment processing fee is also applied to each sale. This fee covers the costs associated with processing electronic payments. The payment processing fee is 2.9% of the total sale amount plus an additional $0.30 per transaction How Do I Sell on Whatnot? (2025 Complete Seller Guide). This fee is also automatically deducted. This means that if you sell a $10 item, the processing fee would be $0.29 (2.9% of $10) plus $0.30, totaling $0.59. If you sell a $100 item, the processing fee would be $2.90 (2.9% of $100) plus $0.30, totaling $3.20. These fees are standard across many online marketplaces and cover the costs of secure transactions.
Impact on Profit Margins
Understanding these fees is critical for pricing your items correctly and ensuring profitability. As one seller recounted, "I had sold a stack of comics for $5 each. After the commission, the processing fee, and the shipping costs I accidentally subsidized because I didn't own a scale, my net profit per book was about $2.80. I wasn't a business mogul; I was working for less than minimum wage," according to a Closo.co blog post, "The Real Cost of 'going Live': A Brutally Honest Breakdown of Whatnot Fees in 2025" The Real Cost of "going Live": A Brutally Honest Breakdown of Whatnot Fees in 2025. This highlights the importance of factoring in all costs, including the 8% commission and 2.9% + $0.30 processing fee, as well as accurate shipping expenses, when setting your prices. Failing to account for these deductions can significantly reduce your net profit, making it harder to scale your store. Always calculate your potential profit per item after all fees and estimated shipping costs to ensure your pricing strategy supports your financial goals. This careful calculation is especially important when dealing with high volumes of lower-priced items, where small fee percentages can have a larger impact on individual item profitability.
Checking Fees and Earnings
Whatnot provides sellers with tools to check their fees and earnings for any order. This transparency allows you to monitor your sales and understand exactly how much you are earning after deductions. Regularly reviewing these figures can help you identify trends, adjust your pricing strategies, and make informed decisions about your inventory. This financial oversight is a key component of managing a successful and scalable Whatnot store. By staying on top of your earnings and the associated fees, you can ensure that your business remains profitable and on track to achieve six figures.
How to Schedule and Promote Your First Show?
Scheduling and promoting your first Whatnot show effectively is paramount to attracting viewers and generating initial sales. A well-planned show can create momentum and help build your audience from the start.
Scheduling Your Show
The first step to a successful show is scheduling it properly. You should tap the "plus" icon in the app and select "Schedule a Show" Go Live Guide — Seller Academy. A key recommendation is to schedule your show about a week in advance. This lead time is crucial for several reasons. It gives you ample opportunity to share details about your upcoming show across your social media channels, reaching a wider potential audience. It also provides viewers with enough time to discover your show, bookmark it, and plan to tune in. Scheduling too close to the show time can limit your promotional window and result in fewer viewers. When scheduling, you'll need to pick a specific date and time for your live broadcast. Choosing a time when your target audience is most likely to be online and available can significantly boost viewership. Consider different time zones if you have a geographically diverse audience.
Crafting an Enticing Title
A catchy title is one of the most effective ways to tell viewers what you're selling and entice them to tune in Go Live Guide — Seller Academy. Your title should be clear, concise, and descriptive, giving potential buyers an immediate understanding of the products or theme of your show. For example, instead of a generic "Live Sale," a title like "Vintage Sneaker Steals: Rare Finds & Grails!" immediately conveys value and excitement to a specific audience. Use keywords that people interested in your products might search for. This helps your show appear in relevant searches and recommendations within the Whatnot app. Think about what makes your show unique or special. Are you offering a specific type of item, running a themed auction, or having special giveaways? Highlighting these aspects in your title can draw more attention.
Designing an Eye-Catching Thumbnail
An eye-catching thumbnail is another powerful tool for attracting viewers to your show Go Live Guide — Seller Academy. This image serves as your show's visual advertisement within the Whatnot app. For your account's banner/cover image, a size of 750x424 pixels is recommended. While this is for your profile banner, the principle applies to show thumbnails: clear, high-quality visuals are key. Your thumbnail should feature some of the best or most representative items you plan to sell. Use bright, clear photos with good lighting. The image should be visually appealing and stand out from other listings. Avoid cluttered or blurry images. Text on the thumbnail should be minimal and easy to read. A strong thumbnail can make the difference between a viewer scrolling past your show or clicking to learn more and bookmark it. It acts as a visual hook, signaling the quality and type of products you offer.
Selecting the Right Category
Choosing the correct category for your show is essential for discoverability. This helps people who are specifically interested in your products find your show when they are searching or browsing on Whatnot Go Live Guide — Seller Academy. If you are selling collectible sports cards, listing your show under "Sports Cards" will ensure that card enthusiasts see it, rather than someone looking for vintage clothing. Incorrect categorization means your show might be missed by your target audience, leading to lower viewership and sales. Whatnot's system uses categories to match buyers with sellers, so an accurate selection ensures your show gets in front of the right eyes. Take the time to review the available categories and select the one that best describes your inventory. If your inventory spans multiple categories, consider focusing on one per show or creating distinct shows for different product types.
Promoting on Social Media
Once your show is scheduled, promoting it on social media is a vital step. Share your show details, including the title, thumbnail, date, and time, across all your relevant social media platforms. Use engaging captions and calls to action, encouraging your followers to bookmark your show and tune in. You can create short video clips showcasing some of the items you'll be selling to generate excitement. Encourage your followers to share your posts, further expanding your reach. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can be powerful tools for driving traffic to your Whatnot shows. Building anticipation through social media helps ensure a strong turnout for your live stream, which is fundamental for scaling your sales. Consistent promotion across different channels can significantly amplify your show's visibility and attract a larger audience of enthusiastic buyers.
How Do You Create Effective Listings?
Creating effective listings on Whatnot is about more than just putting an item up for sale; it involves strategic choices that enhance discoverability, build buyer confidence, and streamline your live selling process. Thoughtful listings allow you to focus on audience interaction during your show, rather than scrambling to add details.
Uploading High-Quality Photos and Descriptions
For each item you list, it is crucial to upload high-quality photos that show off your item's best angles Go Live Guide — Seller Academy. Clear, well-lit images help buyers see the item accurately and build trust. Take multiple photos from different perspectives, highlighting both the overall condition and any specific details or flaws. A straightforward title that clearly tells viewers what product you're selling is also essential. Avoid overly clever or vague titles that might confuse potential buyers. Following the title, add a detailed description to give more information. This description should cover key features, dimensions, condition, and any relevant history or provenance of the item. The more information you provide, the fewer questions buyers will have during the live show, allowing for smoother sales. High-quality visuals and comprehensive descriptions are foundational for attracting bids and purchases, especially for "Quality Listings" that remain active after a show.
Accurate Product Categorization
Categorizing your product accurately is not just a suggestion; it directly helps people interested in your products discover your show and your specific listings Go Live Guide — Seller Academy. Just as with show scheduling, selecting the right category ensures your items appear in relevant searches and recommendations. If you're selling a vintage comic book, placing it in the "Comics" category ensures it reaches comic collectors. Mis-categorizing an item means it might get lost among unrelated products, significantly reducing its visibility and potential for sale. Whatnot's internal algorithms use these categories to connect buyers with the items they are most likely to purchase. Taking the extra moment to choose the precise category can have a big impact on how many eyes see your listing.
Choosing the Right Sales Type
Whatnot offers different sales types for your listings: Auction, Buy Now (BIN), or Giveaway. Your choice depends on your selling strategy for each item.
- Auction: This format allows the price to increase as viewers bid. You set a starting bid, and the item runs for a set duration during your live show New seller guide to listing products. Auctions create excitement and competition, often driving prices higher than a fixed price might. When creating an auction item, you'll need to enter the starting bid, the quantity available, and select an accurate shipping profile.
- Buy Now (BIN): These items are available throughout the show and can remain active even after the show ends if they are "Quality Listings." BIN listings have a fixed price, allowing buyers to purchase immediately without bidding. This is ideal for items with a clear market value or for those you want to sell quickly. BIN listings also offer additional options, such as "Accept Offers," which lets buyers submit bids below the listed price, and "Flash Sales," which allows you to temporarily discount BIN items during a show (available only for Quality Listings).
- Giveaway: While not directly generating revenue, giveaways are powerful tools for attracting viewers, increasing engagement, and rewarding loyal customers. They can significantly boost viewership for your show.
Most sellers find success by using a mix of Auction and BIN listings in their shows. This combination provides buyers with more ways to shop, catering to both those who enjoy the thrill of bidding and those who prefer direct purchases.
Pre-Loading Items for Efficiency
Pre-loading items into your shop before your live show is a highly recommended practice. This makes it easier for you to focus on being more interactive and present with your audience during the actual broadcast Go Live Guide — Seller Academy. When items are already listed with all their details, photos, and shipping profiles, you don't have to waste valuable live show time inputting information. Instead, you can dedicate your energy to showcasing the products, answering questions, engaging in chat, and building rapport with your viewers. This seamless approach makes your show more professional and enjoyable for the audience, which can lead to higher engagement and more sales. You can view your listings by tapping the "Store" icon, and listings can be edited both before or during your livestream, offering flexibility.
What Are the Different Listing Formats and When Should You Use Them?
Whatnot offers two primary listing formats—Temporary and Quality—each with distinct characteristics and ideal use cases. Understanding when to use each format, along with the various sales types, is key to managing your inventory efficiently and maximizing sales.
Temporary Listings: For Speed and Volume
Temporary Listings are designed for speed and efficiency during a live show. They are only visible during the specific live show in which they are created and disappear once that show ends New seller guide to listing products. These listings are fast to create because they require minimal details, allowing sellers to quickly add items on the fly during a broadcast. This format is particularly useful if you are selling a high volume of items, especially if many of them are similarly weighted. For example, if you plan to auction off 100 items that all weigh between 1 and 2 kilograms, you can create a single Temporary Listing titled "1–2 kilos" and set the quantity to 100. This streamlines the listing process significantly, letting you focus on the live interaction rather than individual item data entry. Temporary Listings are often used for lower-value items, bulk lots, or when you have a large inventory that changes frequently.
Quality Listings: For Long-Term Visibility and Detail
In contrast, Quality Listings are built for longevity and detailed presentation. These listings stay active even after your live show ends, providing long-term visibility for your items New seller guide to listing products. They require detailed descriptions and high-quality photos, making them ideal if you want your items to be discoverable outside of your live show schedule. Quality Listings are perfect for unique, higher-value items that you want to showcase thoroughly. They also allow you to carry items from one show to the next without having to relist them each time. If you are selling a handful of unique items that you want to show off one-by-one, using Quality Listings with clear photos and descriptions is the recommended approach. These can be set as either Auction or Buy-It-Now (BIN) sales types. The investment in detailed descriptions and multiple photos pays off by attracting buyers who browse the marketplace outside of live events.
Combining Auction and Buy-It-Now (BIN) Sales Types
Regardless of whether you choose Temporary or Quality Listings, each can be set as an Auction or a Buy-It-Now (BIN) item. Most sellers find success by using a mix of these two sales types in their shows New seller guide to listing products. This combination offers buyers more diverse ways to shop, catering to different preferences.
- Auction: As mentioned, auctions run for a set duration and the price increases as viewers bid. This creates excitement and can drive competitive pricing.
- Buy-It-Now (BIN): These items are available at a fixed price throughout the show and beyond if they are Quality Listings. BIN items are great for buyers who know what they want and prefer to purchase immediately. BIN listings also come with additional options that can enhance their appeal. You can choose to "Accept Offers," which allows buyers to submit offers below your listed BIN price. This can be a flexible way to close sales, especially for items that might be moving slowly. Another powerful feature for Quality Listings is "Flash Sales," which lets you temporarily discount BIN items during a live show. This can create urgency and encourage impulse purchases during your broadcast. For example, a "Custom sneaker/card combo" listed on Whatnot could be a BIN item, allowing a buyer to purchase it directly Custom sneaker/card combo. By strategically combining these listing formats and sales types, you can create a dynamic and engaging shopping experience that caters to a wider range of buyer behaviors, ultimately helping you scale your Whatnot store.
Strategic Use of Listing Formats
The choice between Temporary and Quality Listings, and the use of Auction vs. BIN, should be a strategic decision based on your inventory, selling goals, and the nature of your live shows. If you primarily deal with unique, higher-value items that require detailed descriptions and you want them available for purchase even when you're not live, Quality Listings are your best bet. This ensures maximum visibility and allows buyers to discover your items at any time. If your business model involves high-volume sales of similar, perhaps lower-value, items during energetic live auctions, then Temporary Listings grouped by weight or type can significantly boost your efficiency. This reduces the administrative burden and lets you focus on the fast-paced nature of live selling. A well-rounded Whatnot store often employs both strategies, using Quality Listings for evergreen, flagship products and Temporary Listings for rapid-fire, bulk sales during live events. This dual approach ensures you capture sales from different types of buyers and maximize your overall revenue potential.
Why is Accurate Shipping So Important?
Accurate shipping is a foundational element of running a successful Whatnot store, directly impacting both your profitability and customer satisfaction. Misjudging item weights can lead to costly errors, frustrating buyers, and undermining your efforts to scale.
The Direct Link to Shipping Costs
Your item’s weight directly determines its shipping cost New seller guide to listing products. This makes it crucial to enter the correct weight when you list an item. Shipping costs are a significant factor in the total price a buyer pays, and they also affect your net profit. If you accurately report the weight, buyers pay the correct shipping fee, and you avoid unexpected charges. However, inaccuracies can create problems. One seller shared their experience, stating, "After the commission, the processing fee, and the shipping costs I accidentally subsidized because I didn't own a scale, my net profit per book was about $2.80." This highlights how underestimating shipping costs due to incorrect weight can severely cut into your earnings, making it difficult to achieve a six-figure income. Every dollar lost to subsidized shipping is a dollar that doesn't contribute to your profit margin.
Risks of Underestimating Weight
Underestimating an item's weight carries significant risks. The most immediate consequence is that the carrier may return the package to you New seller guide to listing products. This happens if the actual weight of the package exceeds the weight declared on the shipping label, and the postage paid is insufficient. A returned package means delays for the buyer, additional hassle for you, and potentially extra costs if you have to re-ship the item. This can lead to negative buyer experiences, which can harm your reputation and lead to poor reviews. In a competitive marketplace like Whatnot, maintaining a stellar seller rating is vital for attracting new customers and retaining existing ones. Repeated issues with returned packages can quickly erode buyer trust and make it harder to scale your business.
Problems with Overestimating Weight
While underestimating is problematic, overestimating an item's weight also creates issues. If you overestimate, buyers may overpay for shipping New seller guide to listing products. This can lead to buyer dissatisfaction and complaints. No one wants to feel like they've paid too much for shipping. Even if the overcharge is small, it can leave a negative impression and make buyers hesitant to purchase from you again. Overpaying for shipping can also make your items seem less competitive compared to other sellers who have more accurate shipping costs. In the long run, this can deter potential customers and impact your sales volume. Transparency and fairness in shipping costs are key to building a loyal customer base.
Using a Scale and Rounding Up
To ensure accuracy, it is absolutely essential to use a scale to weigh your items. This simple tool eliminates guesswork and provides precise measurements. Whatnot’s guide recommends using a scale for all your items New seller guide to listing products. When in doubt, or if an item's weight falls between two shipping profile tiers, it's better to round up slightly rather than under-report. For example, if your item is in between weights, choose the higher weight to avoid under-reporting and the risk of having the carrier send the item back to you. This small buffer can prevent costly shipping errors and ensure that you never subsidize shipping costs out of your own pocket. Using a scale and rounding up slightly helps protect your profit margins and ensures a smoother shipping process.
Shipping Profiles for Efficiency
When creating listings, you will choose a Shipping Profile that reflects the item’s weight from a dropdown menu. These profiles are pre-configured weight ranges with associated shipping costs. Having accurate item weights allows you to select the correct profile quickly and confidently. For sellers dealing with a high volume of items, especially those with similar weights, you can group them. For example, if you are auctioning off 100 items that all weigh between 1 and 2 kilograms, you can create a single Temporary Listing titled “1–2 kilos” and set the quantity to 100. This simplifies the listing process and ensures consistent shipping charges across a batch of similar items. This strategy is crucial for efficiency when scaling, as it reduces the time spent on individual item details and allows for faster processing of multiple sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Whatnot app free to use?
Yes, the Whatnot app is 100% free to download and use. You can list items, host live streams, and join communities without paying any upfront fees How Do I Sell on Whatnot? (2025 Complete Seller Guide). Fees are only applied after a sale is made.
How much does Whatnot charge per sale?
Whatnot charges approximately 11% of each sale. This includes an 8% seller commission based on the item's final sale price (excluding shipping and taxes) and a 2.9% + $0.30 payment processing fee Understanding Whatnot Seller Fees. These fees are automatically deducted from your earnings.
What is the difference between Temporary and Quality Listings?
Temporary Listings are only visible during the live show in which they are created and disappear afterward, offering a fast way to list items with minimal details. Quality Listings, conversely, stay active even after the show ends, require detailed descriptions and photos, and are ideal for long-term visibility or carrying items between shows New seller guide to listing products.
How far in advance should I schedule my Whatnot show?
It is recommended to schedule your Whatnot show about a week in advance. This gives you sufficient time to promote your show on social media and allows viewers enough time to bookmark it and plan to tune in Go Live Guide — Seller Academy.
What information do I need to provide to become a Whatnot seller?
To become a Whatnot seller, you must apply through the Whatnot Seller Application. This involves choosing your niche, providing personal and contact information, and linking to your current stores (e.g., Etsy, eBay, Depop) or social media accounts Whatnot Seller Application Process. After approval, you'll set up your profile and payment method via Stripe Connect.
— The LiveShopFront Team
Related Reading
- Whatnot Shipping Integration and Labels
- Whatnot Seller's Guide: Fees, Listings, and Account Setup
- How to Start Selling on Whatnot [2026 Guide]
- Whatnot Application Process: How to Get Approved
- Whatnot Payout Schedule and Payment Methods
Sources
- https://selleracademy.whatnot.com/guide
- https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/37446074410381-New-seller-guide-to-listing-products
- https://closo.co/blogs/platform-specific-guides/how-do-i-sell-on-whatnot-2025-complete-seller-guide
- https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/4847069165965-Whatnot-seller-fees
- https://closo.co/blogs/fees/the-real-cost-of-going-live-a-brutally-honest-breakdown-of-whatnot-fees-in-2025
- https://www.whatnot.com/seller?srsltid=AfmBOoq0wo_wy0C_G1L8jySlw1Qcq5N7pv8Lk4-SRxYObBfhfUnb33V0
- https://www.whatnot.com/listing/TGlzdGluZ05vZGU6NzQ2ODQxNjk4?srsltid=AfmBOop8a4r9RN9fNGD4m7yIjGyHISGFy2R782PpSRWGQL1Eavd5fV9