7 Powerful Tips to Mastering Sports Card Whatnot Sales

What Can You do to Successfully Sell on Whatnot?

Getting Started with Whatnot: The Basics

Whatnot has become a go-to platform for sellers and buyers of collectibles. Launched in 2019, it quickly evolved from a niche market for Funko Pops to a bustling hub for sports cards, comics, fashion, and more. The platform’s unique combination of live auctions and a traditional marketplace attracts a diverse audience, making it an exciting venue for sellers.

Signing up for Whatnot is straightforward. Users can create an account on the app or desktop site, with the option to become a verified user by uploading identification. This verification ensures a safer buying and selling environment, although it is mandatory for sellers.

Once verified, sellers must apply to join the platform, providing links to other selling marketplaces and undergoing an onboarding session. This session covers the platform’s features, rules, and tips for successful selling.

1: Followers Matter: Building Your Presence

In the world of Whatnot, having a large follower base can significantly boost your sales. Sellers with extensive social media followings tend to grow faster on the platform. However, even those without a massive online presence can succeed by being active in the community. Engaging in live shows, interacting in chats, and promoting your sales on social media can help attract followers and build a loyal customer base.

Insider information: Do not be afraid to send out reminders via your socials prior to starting your Whatnot stream.  Give a start time and types of cards to be auctioned for the day.

2: The Appeal of Live Auctions

Whatnot’s live auction feature sets it apart from other marketplaces. Sellers can present items one by one, allowing buyers to bid in real time. This dynamic format not only creates excitement but also allows sellers to engage directly with their audience.

To maximize the potential of live auctions, it’s crucial to create eye-catching thumbnails and promote your sales in advance. Scheduling shows ahead of time allows potential buyers to bookmark them, increasing the likelihood of a larger turnout. During the show, having a clear, well-lit area and multiple devices for smooth operation can enhance the viewer experience.

Insider information: A clean desk goes a long way.  If you cannot afford a Hollywood level sales setup, don’t worry!  Keep your work area clean with at least one static camera where buyers can see the cards, and you’ll do fine.

3: Channel Hopping: Keeping Buyers Engaged

Whatnot shoppers enjoy the flexibility to move from one live auction to another, a behavior known as channel hopping. This means that maintaining a lively, engaging auction is vital to retaining viewers. Shorter, fast-paced auctions can keep the excitement high, encouraging more bids and minimizing the risk of losing viewers to other streams.

Insider information: Whatnow allows the seller to run free giveaways for buyers.  Bundle 10 random base cards together or have junk era wax packs ready to giveaway.

4: Affordable Wins: The Right Inventory for Your Audience

When starting out on Whatnot, the type of inventory you offer can greatly impact your success. Sellers with fewer followers may find that inexpensive items sell more consistently than premium products. This doesn’t mean avoiding high-end items altogether but rather focusing on building a reputation and follower base with more accessible products before gradually introducing more valuable listings.

Insider information: No shame in running $1 auctions.  Keep your cost low to average out a win at the end of the day.  Save high ticket items for the end of stream, and make sure to set your bid minimums when needed. 

5: Leveraging Traditional Marketplace Features

Beyond live auctions, Whatnot offers a traditional marketplace for static listings, which can complement your live sales. This feature allows sellers to list items in a format similar to other e-commerce platforms, providing another avenue to reach buyers who may prefer browsing at their own pace.

Utilizing the traditional marketplace in conjunction with live auctions can help diversify your selling strategy and reach a broader audience. Sellers can list items they plan to auction, giving buyers a preview of upcoming sales and encouraging them to tune in.

Insider information:  Need time to build more inventory for a complete show?  Keep the people interested by showcasing the growing inventory in your marketplace. 

6: Maximizing Profits: Fees and Payments

Whatnot’s fee structure is competitive, with a platform sales fee of 8% and a processing fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction. Sellers can expect their funds to be available within 48-72 hours after the buyer receives the item, providing a quick turnaround for payouts.

Insider information:  Not out of line with current eBay fee structure. Whatnot allows you to turn and burn on inventory, make sure to know your costs for each stream.

7: Shipping Made Simple

Whatnot simplifies the shipping process by calculating costs based on weight and distance, with buyers covering the shipping fees. Sellers only need to estimate the weight of their items, and the platform handles the rest. This streamlined approach removes much of the logistical burden, allowing sellers to focus on their auctions.

Insider information: Selling slabbed?  Make sure to tell Whatnot the difference in weight.  Mailers, tape, and armor can all be purchased in bulk when the time comes for major streams.

Bonus: Cross-Listing with Vendoo

For sellers looking to maximize their exposure, cross-listing tools like Vendoo can be invaluable. Vendoo integrates with Whatnot, enabling sellers to list items on multiple platforms simultaneously. This not only broadens the potential buyer base but also streamlines inventory management by automatically updating listings across platforms when items are sold.

Insider information: Post to Whatnot, Etsy, eBay, Mercari, Poshmark marketplaces all at once.  Get as many eyes on your cards as possible!

Wrapping up

Whatnot offers a unique blend of live auctions and traditional marketplace features, creating an engaging and dynamic environment for both buyers and sellers. By understanding the platform’s nuances, from building a follower base to optimizing inventory and leveraging cross-listing tools, sellers can maximize their success and profitability on Whatnot. As the platform continues to grow, staying active in the community and adapting to buyer behaviors will be key to thriving in this exciting marketplace.

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