# How to Sell on Whatnot

Canonical URL: https://www.sellraze.com/blog/how-to-sell-on-whatnot
Markdown URL: https://www.sellraze.com/blog/how-to-sell-on-whatnot.md
Published: 2026-04-02T23:00:06.000+00:00
Updated: 2026-04-02T23:00:07.000+00:00
Authors: Jasmin Mipaña
Reading time: 9 min

> Learn how to sell on Whatnot step by step. Covers setup, listing tips, fees, shipping, and how to get your first sale in 2026.

![How to sell on Whatnot-Whatnot landing page](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/2c/e92c0268-0a3c-45b5-8c3a-b81ee6ef33fd/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-03-31-221428.png)

You’ve probably heard of Whatnot in your resale journey as one of the [apps like Poshmark.](https://www.sellraze.com/blog/7-apps-like-poshmark-for-reselling-in-2026?ref=sellraze.ghost.io) If you’re looking for where to sell clothes online, learning how to sell on Whatnot is one of things you should try.

Sellers from Instagram and TikTok live selling will find selling on Whatnot a similar experience. Though established later compared to other resale giants like eBay and popular, trendy platforms like [Depop](https://www.sellraze.com/blog/7-apps-like-depop-for-reselling?ref=sellraze.ghost.io), Whatnot’s live selling model pushes it to rank as the [No. 2 free iPhone shopping app in the United States](https://apps.apple.com/us/iphone/charts/6024?ref=sellraze.ghost.io) as of today, just behind Temu.

Ready to explore Whatnot’s live selling capabilities in 2026? Do you want to try a new selling model or just want to expand your reach? This guide walks you through how to sell on Whatnot, from account setup to making your first live show and first sale—we’ve got you covered.

## Step 1: Create your Whatnot account

Like other reselling apps, you can create an account both on the Whatnot website and the app.

### On the web:

![How to sell on Whatnot: Whatnot sign-up page](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/2c/e92c0268-0a3c-45b5-8c3a-b81ee6ef33fd/content/images/2026/04/data-src-image-b6479403-4377-421d-af4e-32182dc959ad.png)

_Image from whatnot.com_

1. Go to [whatnot.com](http://whatnot.com/?ref=sellraze.ghost.io)
2. A popup will appear, prompting you to either continue with Google or with Facebook or via email.
3. Choose the sign-up method most applicable to you.
4. Follow the instructions for signing up.

### In the App:

1. Download the app from Apple Store for iOS and Play Store for Android.
2. As with the web version, you’ll be asked to sign up via Google, Facebook, Apple, or email.
3. Follow the instructions on-screen.

### Sign-up via Email

Signing up via Google, Facebook and Apple is faster compared to signing up via email. However, if these options are not available to you, or you want to keep your Whatnot account separate from your other accounts, signing up via email is the best way to access Whatnot.

Here’s how:

1. On the app or web, tap **Continue with email.**
2. You’ll be prompted to type your full name, email and password. There is also a drop-down menu for the country.
3. Click the **Terms of Service** to read it and also the Privacy Policy link.
4. Tick the **I agree with the Terms of Service and confirm I have read the Privacy Polic**y after reading and fully understanding both.
5. Tick**I certify that I am at least 18 years old**
6. Click **Sign Up.**
7. Next, enter your country code and phone number.
8. Tap **Send Code.**
9. Enter the code.
10. From the dropdown menu, enter the country of your residence. Tap **Continue**
11. Enter your preferred username.
12. Tick**I’m interested in selling on Whatnot**(you can do this later, too)
13. You will be asked for your gender: **Female, Male or Non-binary.**
14. If you skipped no.12, you’ll be asked for categories you’d like to shop for. Pick a few.

The screen refreshes, and you’ll see your newly created Whatnot account in a few seconds.

### Apply to Sell

Unlike platforms such as Poshmark, eBay and Depop where you can immediately proceed to making a listing, Whatnot requires sellers to [**apply to sell**](https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/8442834600333-Apply-to-sell-on-Whatnot?ref=sellraze.ghost.io)**.**It’s a pretty straightforward process, though, and helps prevent you from proceeding with your account only to find out later that you’re not eligible to sell on Whatnot.

Eligibility to sell on Whatnot depends on the following:

- Country/location
- Age
- Specialized goods (also known as [**gated categories**](https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/19527461974541-How-to-sell-in-Gated-Categories-on-Whatnot?ref=sellraze.ghost.io))

Regarding countries, sellers living in the United States, Canada and some EU countries including parts of the UK are eligible to apply to sell. A special application is required for teen sellers aged **13-17; 13 is the minimum age to apply on Whatnot**. For gated categories like luxury bags and accessories, [**surprise sets**](https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/34545407302797-Surprise-Set-Feature-for-Sellers?ref=sellraze.ghost.io)**,**supplements and fresh/specialty foods, additional policies need to be met before being granted as a seller.

Your application to sell depends on what you want to sell on Whatnot. Gated categories may take 2 to 3 weeks for approval, while general categories may take a few minutes to a few hours. You will access **Apply to Sell**by tapping **+Sel**l at the bottom of the screen, then tapping **Get Started**.

**Tip:** The Whatnot seller application process can be done through both web and in the app.

## Step 2: Set Up Your Whatnot Profile

Alternatively, you can tap the **Become a Seller** button on [Whatnot.com](http://whatnot.com/?ref=sellraze.ghost.io) to create an account. Again, you’ll be prompted to sign in via Google, Facebook etc., but after giving the necessary information, you’ll be taken directly to pages that will complete your profile setup. Here’s how it goes on the web:

1. You’ll be taken to an “honor code” page (**Let’s Get Started**). Tap Continue. After checking the tick box.
2. Next, choose the categories in which you’ll be selling.
3. Select business type (**Individual or Registered Business**)
4. Choose where you are promoting your business (website, social media, physical store, etc.).
5. Select the social media platform where you promote your items.
6. Choose your average monthly revenue.
7. Select the number of workers in your business.
8. Choose the time you can dedicate to live selling in a week.
9. A message confirming you’ve been added to the seller waitlist will appear.

This “quiz” helps you how to become a seller on Whatnot by tailoring to your preferences.

## Step 3: List Your First Item on Whatnot

![How to sell on Whatnot-live selling on Whatnot](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/2c/e92c0268-0a3c-45b5-8c3a-b81ee6ef33fd/content/images/2026/04/young-asian-seller-girl-showing-woman-clothes-making-video-live-streaming-online-home-online-market-with-social-media-concept.jpg)

_[Image by studioredcup on Freepik](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/young-asian-seller-girl-showing-woman-clothes-making-video-live-streaming-online-home-online-market-with-social-media-concept_27334621.htm?ref=sellraze.ghost.io#fromView=search&page=1&position=9&uuid=0db219ef-94bd-4525-a2c3-2f429baf9580&query=live+selling)_

Since Whatnot is primarily a live shopping marketplace, you need to prepare most of your listings for the live show. There are several ways to buy during shows:

- Auctions (standard and sudden-death auctions)
- Buy It Now (BIN)
- Flash Sale
- Giveaways
- Breaks

If you prefer to sell outside of shows, the following methods are available for you and your buyers:

- BIN
- Pre-Bid for Auctions
- Direct Auctions (no show needed)

### How to schedule a show

1. Choose the date and time of your show
2. Select a category
3. Add a thumbnail for your show. This should reflect the items you are selling for your live show.

### How to add listings

1. Decide whether you want a **Temporary** or a **Quality**listing. Temporary listings, as the name implies, are only available during the show where they are listed. Quality listings are visible during and after a show.
2. After choosing, set the listing for **Auction (**available only during a show or a certain time) or **Buy-It-Now (BIN).**The price of auction listings goes higher as viewers try to outbid one another within a certain length of time while BIN listings are fixed-price.

Tip: Include both Auction and BIN listings for your shows so buyers can choose the best way to buy for them. Also, use **Quality listings**for **unique items**, and **Temporary listings** for similar items in bulk.

Before setting up a show, go to the **Seller Hub** to choose shipping options. These include domestic shipping options, who pays for the shipping, and setting up custom shipping profiles.

### Setting up your First Show

With your inventory ready and listed to your shop, you can start selling live on Whatnot. Camera-shy individuals can choose to showcase the product instead of showing their faces.

Tips:

- Share your upcoming show to attract buyers.
- Make sure to use a good camera plus ample lighting.
- Not keen on making a live show? List on **Whatnot Marketplace** instead for a more traditional online selling experience.

### Auction during a Show

You will set the following when starting an auction during a show:

1. The starting bid/price (e.g., a Lululemon pants for $30 starting bid)
2. The auction time (5 minutes)
3. Counter bid time—extends the time from the last 10 seconds of the show

The buyer with the highest bid gets the item. If no one bids, you can re-run it or pick up another item.

## Step 4: Price It Right in Whatnot

You need to be savvy in pricing items in Whatnot; pricing should always factor in the commission and payment processing fees. Moreover, you should always check sold listings compared to active listings. Active listing prices are often misleading since buyers can still make a lower offer. It's up to the seller to accept or reject it, so it’s not a reliable gauge for pricing similar items.

### Checking the Sell-Through Rate

The sell-through rate is the number of sold listings over the number of active listings for a specific item over a period of time. For example, if there are 50 active listings for a Lululemon DayDrift High-Rise Straight-Leg trousers and there are 47 sold listings in the span of 9 months, this item has a 94% sell-through rate (meaning it sells quite fast).

Why factor in the time and why 90 days instead of 30? It’s to stabilize trends and account for days where there are no sales. It’s great for identifying which inventory items are moving fast and which are taking up space longer than the others.

### Finding the Average Sales Price of Similar Listings

Once you’ve determined the sell-through rate of an item, it can help you choose which inventory to stock on. Next, find the average price of similar listings—10 to 15 last sold items is a good number, and the price is lower, higher or similar to the average.

For example, the Lululemon trousers’ average sales price is $50. Then

$45- quick sale price

$50- average price

$55- highest price

## Step 5: Shipping

![How to sell on Whatnot: Shipping orders](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/2c/e92c0268-0a3c-45b5-8c3a-b81ee6ef33fd/content/images/2026/04/hispanic-young-woman-working-her-startup-business-putting-shipping-label-package-with-beauty-products.jpg)

_[Image by tonodiaz on Freepik](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/hispanic-young-woman-working-her-startup-business-putting-shipping-label-package-with-beauty-products_27999277.htm?ref=sellraze.ghost.io#fromView=search&page=1&position=0&uuid=11d32573-8b92-41ac-9fcb-e4c7b4218dc3&query=packing+an+order)_

Whatnot places value on fast shipping. Sellers are required to ship within two business days, weekends and holidays, excluded. Sellers generate the labels and print them right after the show, and attach them to packaged orders. For couriers, USPS is the only authorized carrier for US sellers.

Shipping fees are shouldered by buyers by default, but may also be [**discounted or free**](https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/15788140338957?ref=sellraze.ghost.io)(with the seller shouldering the shipping fee for free shipping).

**Tips:**

- Use a computer or tablet to access Whatnot’s seller and shipping tools before shipping.
- Set up shipping profiles to make shipping certain item types easier.
- Keep a scale to weigh packages.
- Have your own packaging supplies ready. You can include custom thank-you cards, colorful paper fillers, and freebies.

## Step 6: Get Paid on Whatnot

![How to sell on Whatnot: Getting paid](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/2c/e92c0268-0a3c-45b5-8c3a-b81ee6ef33fd/content/images/2026/04/woman-working-with-finances-table-smartphone-money-notepad.jpg)

_[Image by frimufilms on Freepik](https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/woman-working-with-finances-table-smartphone-money-notepad_14203203.htm?ref=sellraze.ghost.io#fromView=search&page=1&position=28&uuid=695ba7e4-3d93-43df-8015-ace2a67ee92b&query=paid)_

Upon getting approval as a Whatnot seller, you’ll be directed to add a payout method. You can add or edit a payout method both on the web and in the app any time. You can access **Payouts**via **Seller Hub>Financials>Payouts,** then **Add a Payout Method**. In the app, tap **Seller Hub** at the bottom, then go to **Payouts**.

A **Stripe account** is needed for first-time Whatnot sellers. After verifying your personal information and choosing the bank account from which you will receive your payout, you’re all set.

Once you’ve got a sale, it will appear in your Whatnot balance. Payout requests typically take**1-2 business days** for funds to reach your bank account. Payouts are accessible via the Seller Hub both on web and in the app.

## Beginner Tips for Selling Faster on Whatnot

Here are some Whatnot selling tips to help you grow faster.

- **It may seem overrated, but consistency is key.** Even if only a few people watch your shows, just keep doing it and keep on sharing upcoming shows. Keep a regular show schedule (a [discussion on Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatnotapp/comments/1lrd2oh/best_tips_to_blow_up_on_whatnot_1_auctions_fast/?ref=sellraze.ghost.io) recommends three times a week).
- **Not sure how live selling works in Whatnot?** You can practice with [Rehearsal Mode](https://help.whatnot.com/hc/en-us/articles/23432199794445-Practice-going-live-with-Rehearsal-Mode?ref=sellraze.ghost.io) until you get the hang of it. Practice product placements, how you’ll appear on the camera, how to exit and interact with live followers and buyers.
- **Familiarize yourself with Seller Hub.** Everything to know about selling on Whatnot is in there.
- **Organize items before and after selling.** Whatnot sellers Bradley Kain and Jasmin Searle from the YouTube Channel [2AussieThrifters](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fYz3gyKfps&t=144s&ref=sellraze.ghost.io) use a pigeonhole system to track who ordered which items during the show.
- **Start pricing low.** Buyers will bid on items so a lower price will attract them. Make sure you’re not pricing lower than the price you bought the item!
- **Engage with buyers.** Exchange banter, call their names, cater to their requests for highlighting a certain product. Be real and relatable.

These strategies can help you get your first sale on Whatnot sooner than you think.

## Whatnot’s Platform Fees

A commission fee of **8% of the total sale price** goes to Whatnot, while its payment processing fee is**2.9% of the total order value** plus an **additional $0.30.** These fees are applicable for **sellers in the US, Canada and Australia**. Sellers in the **EU and UK**are charged with commission fees amounting to **6.67%+VAT on final price.**The processing fee is 2.42%**on total order value, plus another €/£0.25.**

Here’s an example computation for a $50 bridal veil for sellers in the US, Canada and Australia:

| Sale Price | 8% Commission | 2.9% Processing | Fixed Fee | Total Fees | Seller Keeps |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| $50 | $4.00 | $1.45 | $0.30 | $5.75 | $44.25 |

**Effective Rate:** ~11–12% depending on sale amount.

Here’s the same $50 bridal veil, but for EU and UK sellers:

| Sale Price | 6.67% Commission | 2.42% Processing | Fixed Fee | Total Fees (Before VAT) | Seller Keeps (Before VAT) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| $50 | $3.33 | $1.22 | $0.25 | $4.80 | $45.20 |

VAT not included above (varies by country)

**Effective Rate (before VAT):** ~9–10%.

Sell Faster Across Multiple Platforms

Now that you’ve got the gist of how to sell on Whatnot, crosslisting on other platforms is still a must. SellRaze lets you crosslist on multiple platforms so you can spend less time listing and more time selling.

[Learn more](sellraze.com)