Want to turn your passion into profit? Whether you’re flipping sneakers, selling rare collectibles, or showcasing vintage fashion, Whatnot is the ultimate live-selling platform that connects you with eager buyers in real-time. Learn how to set up your store with this step-by-step guide!

Whatnot is a live-selling marketplace where sellers auction off products in real-time, interacting directly with buyers. The fast-paced nature of live sales creates urgency and excitement, leading to quicker sales and higher engagement than traditional e-commerce platforms.

Where is Whatnot Available?

As of December 2024, Whatnot operates in:

• United States (including Puerto Rico & the U.S. Virgin Islands; excluding Guam)
• Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom (excluding Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man)

Whatnot restricts access in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and parts of Ukraine. While they support international shipping, sellers should confirm availability during checkout.

Verify with PingMe Phone Numbers

Whatnot requires a phone number for sign-up, verification, and business communication—but you don’t have to use your personal one. PingMe provides virtual numbers that let you:

✔ Keep your personal number private—no spam, no unwanted calls.
✔ Verify your Whatnot account instantly—receive SMS codes with no hassle.
✔ Separate business from personal calls—ideal for sellers managing multiple marketplaces.

How to Use PingMe for Whatnot Verification

1. Download PingMe from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and go to the “Numbers” tab.
3. Select “Get a New Phone Number” and choose from the UK, Canada, or US.
4. Pick a number from the available list.
5. Choose a plan:
   • $2.49/month – Pay-as-you-go per call and text.
   • $3.69/month – Unlimited local calls.
   • $4.49/month – Unlimited local calls & texts.
6. Subscribe to activate your number.
7. Use this number for Shop App sign-up and receive your verification code in PingMe.

👉 Get your virtual number with PingMe today!

How to Start Selling on Whatnot

Step 1: Sign Up & Apply as a Seller

• Download Whatnot from the App Store or Google Play.
• Create an account and submit your seller application.
• Provide necessary details—identity verification, payment info, and your experience selling online.
• Approval can take up to two weeks (but you can contact [email protected] for updates).

Step 2: Set Up Your Seller Profile & Inventory

• Add a profile picture & bio that reflects your brand.
• Organize your inventory with clear descriptions & competitive pricing.
• Make sure your listings stand out—quality images and well-written descriptions go a long way.

Step 3: Go Live & Start Selling

• Schedule your first live auction and promote it on social media.
• Engage with viewers—answer questions, showcase items, and build excitement.
• Keep the energy high—the more engaging you are, the better your sales.

Step 4: Ship & Manage Orders

• Once you make sales, process orders efficiently—delayed shipping can hurt your ratings.
• Use Whatnot’s shipping tools to print labels and manage logistics smoothly.
• Keep customers updated on their orders—it builds trust and repeat business.

Whatnot’s Fees & Selling Costs

When selling on Whatnot, understanding the platform’s fees is crucial to pricing your items effectively and maximizing profits.

Sales Commission

• Standard Items: 8% commission on the sold price of most items.
• Coins & Money Category: A reduced 4% commission applies to items in this category.

Payment Processing Fee

• 2.9% of the total transaction amount + a flat $0.30 per transaction.
• This fee is calculated based on the subtotal, tax (U.S. & Canada), and shipping price paid by the buyer.

Example Calculation

Let’s say you sell an item for $50, and the buyer pays $5 for shipping and $4.50 in tax, making the total transaction amount $59.50.

• Sales Commission (8% of $50): $4.00
• Payment Processing Fee (2.9% of $59.50 + $0.30): $2.03
• Total Fees: $6.03
• Net Earnings: $50 – $4.00 – $2.03 = $43.97

How Does Whatnot Compare to Other Platforms?

Some sellers have noted that Whatnot’s fees can be higher than platforms like eBay, especially for low-priced items. This is primarily due to the flat $0.30 per transaction fee, which can have a greater impact on lower-cost sales.

Promotional Offers & Discounts

Whatnot occasionally offers reduced commission fees or zero fees during promotional events. For example, during Black Friday, Whatnot waived all seller fees, allowing sellers to keep 100% of their profits. Keep an eye out for these limited-time opportunities to maximize earnings.

By understanding these fees, you can set smart pricing strategies that ensure you remain competitive while making a profit on Whatnot.

Final Thoughts

Getting started on Whatnot is an exciting opportunity, but keeping your privacy and security intact is just as important. By using PingMe’s virtual phone numbers, you can set up your seller account without compromising your personal information.

👉 Sign up for PingMe today and start selling on Whatnot with confidence!