Whatnot has become a popular platform for buying and selling collectibles through live auctions. Many people wonder if it’s a legitimate marketplace they can trust. Whatnot is a legit company that offers real products from verified sellers, but like any online marketplace, it’s not without risks.
While Whatnot tries to keep things safe, buyers and sellers should still be careful.
In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying & selling on whatnot:
- Whatnot Overview
- Legitimacy Indicators
- Safety and Security
- User Experience
- Pros and Cons
- Frequently Asked Questions
Whatnot Overview
Whatnot is a popular live video shopping app that combines collectibles with interactive auctions. It’s become a hit with buyers and sellers looking for unique items and exciting deals.
What Is Whatnot?
Whatnot is like eBay meets Twitch. It’s a platform where sellers can host live video auctions for collectibles and other items. Buyers watch streams and bid in real-time.
The app focuses on collectibles like trading cards, toys, and coins. But you’ll find all sorts of stuff there. It’s super interactive – you can chat with sellers and other buyers during auctions.
Whatnot handles payments and shipping, making it easy to use. They also have buyer protection policies to keep everyone safe.
History of Whatnot
Whatnot was founded in 2019 by Logan Head and Grant LaFontaine. These guys were big Pokemon card collectors and wanted to create a better way to buy and sell collectibles online.
The app launched in 2020 and quickly gained traction. By 2021, Whatnot had raised over $220 million from investors. They’ve used that money to grow fast and add new features.
Whatnot started with just Pokemon cards but has expanded to tons of categories. They’ve also brought on celebrity sellers and partnered with big brands. The app now gets millions of visitors each month.
Legitimacy Indicators
Whatnot has several signs that point to its legitimacy as a marketplace. Let’s check out the key factors that show Whatnot can be trusted.
Business Licensing and Accreditation
Whatnot is a legit company with proper business licensing. They’re registered in California and follow all the rules for operating an online marketplace. While they’re not accredited by the Better Business Bureau yet, that’s pretty normal for newer tech companies.
Whatnot has secured big investments from well-known venture capital firms, which is a good sign.
These investors wouldn’t put money into a shady company. Whatnot also has partnerships with major brands and celebrities, showing they’re taken seriously in the business world.
User Reviews and Feedback
Buyers and sellers on Whatnot generally have good things to say.
REMEMBER: Negative experiences tend to get the most attention online even if it’s the minority.
The app has a solid 4.8-star on the apple app store and 4.7 on the Google play store, with over a million downloads on each…………. which isn’t too shabby.
Many users praise the live auction format and the fun community vibe.
Some common complaints are about shipping delays or issues with refunds, but that’s pretty standard for any marketplace.
It’s worth noting that Whatnot staff often respond to negative reviews and try to fix problems. This shows they care about user satisfaction.
Media Coverage and Reputation
Whatnot has gotten a lot of positive press coverage. Tech blogs and business news sites have written about the company’s growth and live-shopping model. They’ve been featured in places like TechCrunch and Forbes, which adds to their credibility.
The founders have given interviews explaining their vision for the platform. This open communication builds trust. While there have been some articles about challenges in the live-shopping market, Whatnot is usually seen as a strong player in the field.
Community Involvement
One of Whatnot’s strengths is its focus on building a community. They host special events and collaborations with popular sellers and brands. This creates a fun, engaging atmosphere that keeps users coming back. Whatnot also has active social media accounts where they interact with users and share updates. They’ve created educational resources to help sellers succeed on the platform. This investment in their community shows they’re in it for the long haul, not just a quick cash grab.
The WhatNot discord is available here: http://discord.gg/whatnot
Safety and Security
Whatnot takes several steps to keep users safe and protect their information. The platform has built-in safeguards for both buyers and sellers.
Payment Protection
Whatnot uses a secure payment system to handle all transactions. Buyers should only pay through the official Whatnot checkout – never send money directly to sellers. This protects against scams.
If an item doesn’t arrive or isn’t as described, buyers can open a case with Whatnot. The platform will review and may issue a refund if needed.
Sellers get protection too. Funds are held securely until the buyer receives and approves the item. This prevents issues with chargebacks or fraud.
Personal Data Security
Whatnot encrypts sensitive data like payment info and addresses. They don’t share personal details between buyers and sellers.
Users should still be careful about what they share in chats or listings. Don’t give out phone numbers or other private info.
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security for accounts. It’s a good idea to turn this on in your settings.
Whatnot verifies sellers carefully before letting them list items. This helps keep scammers off the platform.
User Experience
Whatnot’s user experience has both strengths and weaknesses. The platform aims to make buying and selling easy, but some areas need improvement.
Platform Usability
Whatnot’s app is pretty simple to use. You can join live auctions, bid on items, and chat with sellers. The search function helps you find stuff you like. But there are a few bumps in the road.
Some new users get confused by the onboarding process. It’s not always clear how to start buying or selling. The app’s design could use some tweaks to make it easier for beginners.
One cool feature is the floor and ceiling prices for mystery bags. This lets you know the value range of what you might get. But be careful – the actual items you win might not be as nice as they looked during bidding.
Customer Support Services
Whatnot’s customer service gets mixed reviews. Some buyers say it’s hard to get help when there’s a problem. This can be frustrating if you get an item that’s not as described or have issues with a purchase.
On the flip side, some sellers feel the platform doesn’t always have their back. There are stories of buyers leaving bad reviews without much chance for the seller to make things right.
Response times can be slow, which is a pain when you need quick answers. It seems like Whatnot could benefit from beefing up their support team to handle issues faster.
Pros and Cons
Whatnot’s got some cool perks for resellers. Live auctions can be super fun and help you connect with buyers. It’s great for collectibles and unique items that might not sell as well on other platforms.
On the flip side, there are a few things to watch out for. The app can be glitchy sometimes, which is frustrating when you’re trying to make a sale. Also, the fees can add up, so you’ll need to price your items carefully.
Here’s a quick rundown:
Pros:
• Live video auctions create excitement and helps sales
• Good for collectibles and rare items
• Verified sellers for buyer trust
Cons:
• App can be buggy at times
• Fees might eat into profits
• Limited categories compared to other platforms
For resellers looking to expand their reach, Whatnot could be worth a try. Just keep in mind it might not be the best fit for everyday clothing items.
TIP: If you’re selling on multiple platforms, a crosslisting app like SellerAider could save you time and help manage your inventory across different marketplaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whatnot has become a popular marketplace for collectibles and other items. Many users have questions about its legitimacy, safety, and features for both buyers and sellers.
Are items sold on Whatnot authentic?
Most items on Whatnot are authentic. The platform takes steps to verify sellers and prevent counterfeit goods. But buyers should still be careful and check item details. If something seems off, it’s best to ask the seller questions before buying.
How safe is it to purchase from Whatnot?
Buying on Whatnot is generally safe. They have buyer protection policies and a refund system. Payments are secure too. Still, it’s smart to read seller reviews and item descriptions carefully before making a purchase.
What are some common reviews and complaints about Whatnot?
Many users like Whatnot’s live auctions and unique items. But some complain about shipping delays or item quality issues. Customer service can be hit or miss. Some folks love the excitement, while others find the