Live selling has become a new frontier for resellers and collectors alike. One platform leading the way is Whatnot—a live-stream shopping app that turns selling into an engaging, interactive experience. Whether you’re looking to dip your toes into reselling as a hobby or transform it into a full-time business, Whatnot offers a dynamic environment that merges entertainment with commerce. In this guide, we’ll explore what Whatnot is, how live selling works on the platform, and why sourcing great inventory is critical for your success.
The Rise of Live Selling
Traditional e-commerce relies on static product pages and conventional online listings. Live selling, on the other hand, brings a human touch to the online marketplace. On Whatnot, sellers host live auctions and shows where they can present their products in real time. Viewers can ask questions, place bids, and interact directly with sellers, creating a dynamic shopping environment reminiscent of QVC—but with the energy and spontaneity of social media.
Live selling is not only about moving products quickly; it’s about creating a community. The platform empowers sellers to showcase items, build trust with buyers, and even use storytelling to drive engagement. This interactive approach has proven effective across various product categories, including collectibles, trading cards, fashion, and even niche items like live plants.
What is Whatnot?
Founded in 2019 by Grant LaFontaine and Logan Head in Los Angeles, Whatnot is a live-stream shopping marketplace where users can buy and sell items through live auctions and fixed-price listings. Originally popular among collectors of trading cards and comic books, the platform has rapidly expanded into over 140 categories. Today, Whatnot is not just a marketplace—it’s a community where sellers, buyers, and influencers connect over their shared passions.
Some key features of Whatnot include:
- Auctions:
Whatnot’s live auction feature transforms the conventional shopping experience into an exhilarating, real-time event. Sellers host live streams where each item is presented and then auctioned off in seconds, creating a fast-paced environment that mimics the energy of in-person auctions. As the clock ticks down, bids can increase rapidly, driven by the excitement and competitive spirit of buyers eager to secure a great deal. This format not only accelerates the selling process but also adds an element of suspense and engagement, encouraging viewers to participate actively and return for future auctions.
- Marketplace Listings:
Beyond live auctions, Whatnot offers sellers the flexibility to list items on a virtual storefront, catering to buyers who prefer a more traditional, browse-and-buy shopping experience. These marketplace listings allow sellers to showcase their products with detailed descriptions and images at any time, enabling potential customers to shop at their own pace. This dual approach—combining the immediacy of live auctions with the convenience of a static storefront—ensures that every type of buyer is accommodated, expanding the seller’s reach and offering a steady stream of sales opportunities throughout the day.
- Integrated Tools:
One of the standout features of Whatnot is its suite of integrated tools that streamline the selling process. The platform takes care of critical backend functions such as payment processing and shipping logistics, which allows sellers to focus primarily on what they do best—showcasing and selling their products. This integrated system reduces the administrative burden on sellers, minimizes the risk of errors, and speeds up order fulfillment. As a result, sellers can deliver a smoother, more professional experience for their buyers, ultimately building trust and increasing overall customer satisfaction.
- Community Focus:
At the heart of Whatnot is a vibrant community that thrives on interaction and mutual support. The platform’s interactive chat features and referral systems not only enable real-time communication between buyers and sellers but also foster a sense of belonging and engagement. By encouraging lively discussions, sharing of personal experiences, and collaborative interactions during live streams, Whatnot creates an environment where relationships are built and maintained. This community focus not only enhances the overall shopping experience but also drives repeat business, as buyers are more likely to return to a platform where they feel connected and valued.
This blend of social interaction with e-commerce has not only increased sales volume on the platform but has also made live selling a fun, engaging way to shop.
How Live Selling Works on Whatnot
For beginners, the process may seem daunting, but once you break it down, live selling on Whatnot is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how you can get started:
1) Getting Approved as a Seller
Unlike many online marketplaces where you can list items immediately, Whatnot requires sellers to submit an application. This process is designed to ensure quality and maintain trust within the community. To apply, you’ll need:
- A government-issued ID and verified payment method
- Links to your social media or other selling profiles
- Photos of some inventory to show you have items ready to sell
Once approved, you gain access to both live-stream features and your own storefront on the platform.
2) Preparing for Your Livestream
Before going live, it’s crucial to set up your space and inventory. Some best practices include:
- Inventory Organization: Arrange your items so you can quickly grab them during your stream. Consider categorizing products by type or price.
- Technical Setup: Use a stable tripod for your phone, ensure you have good lighting (a ring light works wonders), and plug in your device to avoid interruptions.
- Show Planning: Plan a rough schedule of your livestream. Think about how you will introduce items, engage with viewers, and handle auctions. A catchy title and thumbnail can help attract viewers.
3) Hosting Your Live Auction
When you’re ready, launch your livestream on Whatnot. As a seller, you’ll display items one by one and invite viewers to bid. The platform allows you to set starting bids and choose auction durations (typically between 15 to 20 seconds per item). If bids come in during the final seconds, the timer extends to allow further competition—this creates an exciting, fast-paced atmosphere.
Interactivity is key during a livestream. Answer questions, share details about each product, and even offer behind-the-scenes insights. This not only humanizes your brand but also builds trust and rapport with your audience.
4) Post-Show Process
After your livestream ends, it’s essential to quickly process orders and ship products. Whatnot’s integrated system lets you generate shipping labels and confirm drop-offs directly from your seller dashboard. Quick shipping and responsive customer service further enhance your reputation and encourage repeat business.
Strategies for Sourcing Great Inventory
Sourcing is both an art and a science. Here are some effective strategies to ensure you’re always stocked with quality items:
1) Retail Arbitrage
Retail arbitrage involves purchasing items from retail outlets (both online and brick-and-mortar) at discounted prices and then reselling them for a profit. Look for clearance items, seasonal sales, and discount events at big box stores like Walmart, Target, or even local discount outlets. This method is ideal for beginners because it requires a relatively low initial investment and can be done on your own schedule.
2) Thrifting and Garage Sales
Many resellers swear by thrift stores, estate sales, and garage sales as treasure troves for unique and undervalued items. While this approach can be time-consuming, it often yields high-quality inventory that others might overlook. Develop a keen eye for items with resale potential—this might include designer clothing, vintage accessories, or rare collectibles. Remember, the key is to inspect items carefully and negotiate the best price possible.
3) Online Sourcing Platforms
There are numerous online platforms where you can source inventory such as Reseller Source. Websites like eBay, Poshmark, and even dedicated liquidation sites offer opportunities to purchase items in bulk at lower prices. Online arbitrage tools can help you compare prices, check historical sales data, and identify trends so that you know exactly which items are in high demand.
For example, platforms like Whatnot itself provide insights into trending categories. Data analytics tools integrated within these platforms can reveal which items are selling quickly and at what price. Using these insights, you can adjust your sourcing strategy to focus on products with high turnover rates.
4) Wholesale and Liquidation
For those ready to invest more heavily in their reselling business, wholesale and liquidation are great options. Buying in bulk from wholesale distributors or liquidation companies means you can secure items at significantly lower prices per unit. However, this method usually requires a larger upfront investment and storage space. It also comes with risks, such as the possibility of receiving damaged or unsellable items, so always consider ordering a sample first.
5) Building Relationships with Suppliers
As you gain experience, establishing strong relationships with reliable suppliers can become a game-changer. Suppliers who trust you might offer exclusive deals, early access to new inventory, or even items at a discount. Whether you connect with local wholesalers or international manufacturers, nurturing these relationships can lead to a more stable and profitable inventory pipeline.
6) Diversification
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Sourcing inventory for Whatnot from multiple channels not only reduces risk but also allows you to tap into different market segments. This way, if one channel experiences a slowdown or quality issues, you have backup sources to keep your business running smoothly.
Conclusion
Whatnot has revolutionized the way we think about online selling by turning it into an interactive, community-driven experience. For beginners, the platform offers an accessible entry point into live selling and reselling—with the potential to turn a side hustle into a thriving business. However, no matter how engaging your livestreams are, the key to sustained success lies in one fundamental principle: sourcing great inventory.
By developing effective strategies for sourcing—from retail arbitrage and thrifting to leveraging online marketplaces and building relationships with suppliers—you set the stage for consistent, high-quality inventory that attracts buyers and drives repeat sales. Quality products not only enhance your brand reputation but also allow you to maintain healthy profit margins in a competitive market.
Starting small, focusing on your niche, and continuously refining your approach based on market data will help you navigate the live selling landscape on Whatnot. With the right inventory and a commitment to excellent customer service, you can transform live auctions into a profitable venture that’s as fun as it is lucrative.
Whether you’re a collector looking to offload rare items or a budding entrepreneur ready to dive into reselling full time, Whatnot provides the tools, community, and opportunities to make it happen. Embrace the energy of live selling, prioritize quality sourcing, and watch your business grow in this exciting digital era.
Happy selling!