A Beginner’s Guide to Live Selling on Whatnot

From handbags and sneakers to collectible trading cards and electronics—what can’t you find on Whatnot? The live-stream shopping app has exploded in popularity since 2021, especially among resellers who know how to entertain, move fast, and build a loyal community. In fact, buyers on Whatnot spend about 80 minutes per day watching live shows and make 10x more transactions than on other marketplaces.

If you’re sitting on apparel liquidation, customer returns, or overstock inventory, Whatnot might be the perfect way to turn it into cash quickly and effectively. In this post, we’ll break down how the platform works, how to get started live selling on Whatnot, and why it’s a great tool for moving liquidation apparel.

What is Whatnot?

Whatnot is a live-stream auction app where resellers can host real-time shows to auction off products. Think of it as eBay’s auction model, TikTok’s video experience, and the community vibe of Poshmark—all rolled into one.

Shoppers can tune into your stream, chat with you, and place bids in real time, or browse your store for Buy Now listings across 50+ categories.

How Whatnot Works

Whatnot combines the best of several marketplaces into one high-energy, highly visual platform. Before you go live, it’s helpful to understand how selling works and what makes this app unique.

Selling Formats

• Live Shows: Stream in real-time, chat with viewers, and auction off items one-by-one. These shows create urgency and excitement that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
• Buy Now Listings: Want to list items like a traditional marketplace? You can upload fixed-price items to your Whatnot storefront for shoppers to browse anytime.

The Live Show Experience

Live shows run on a timed auction format. Viewers can ask questions, interact in the chat, and place bids right up until the final seconds (bidding lasts ~30 seconds). Overall, it’s fun and promotes a quick turnover!

Behind-the-scenes Logistics

Once an item sells, Whatnot makes it easy: shipping labels are pre-loaded, and you get paid 48–72 hours after the buyer receives the item.

Making Your Show Work

• Be engaging: Greet viewers, answer questions, and describe/show your items clearly. Enthusiasm is contagious!
• Stay consistent: Streaming regularly builds trust and makes it easier for repeat viewers to catch your shows.
• Create urgency: Use in-platform tools like countdown timers, flash sales, and “Sudden Death” auction settings to build an exciting atmosphere. Let buyers know when something is limited or one-of-a-kind.
• Collaborate: Tag or co-host with other sellers to cross-promote.

Getting Started as a Reseller

1. Apply & Setup

Once you’ve downloaded the app (iOS/Android), submit an application with details about your business.

Pro Tip: Take some time to build a profile and share your other social links so shoppers know where else they can find you and your products!

2. Prepping Inventory

Choose what you will sell and carefully consider what products you have on hand or on the way. Liquidation apparel such as clothing, accessories, and shoes does particularly well here. Be sure to inspect, clean, and photograph items well and price smartly: do your research while leaving wiggle room for bids.

3. Plan Your Live Show

Use the app to schedule live shows. Simply tap the “+” icon, fill in your show’s title, description, and choose a date and time – voilà! You will want to prep items, labels, and staging ahead of your show so you aren’t struggling with clutter while live. Use the app’s rehearsal mode to test your setup and flow before going live.

4. Promote on Social Media

Be sure to spread the word about your upcoming live show via Instagram/Reels, TikTok, Facebook, or whatever channels you have available. If you utilize email to alert your customers of new inventory or have an ongoing newsletter, consider leveraging those contacts as well.

Each viewer is a potential buyer, and more people = more bids. Whatnot’s algorithm favors streams with more viewers and engagement, which can potentially push your show to more people once you go live. Pulling in as many folks as possible ahead of the show is key.

5. Join Whatnot seller communities online for tips

Consider joining seller forums and groups dedicated to live selling on Whatnot. Any tips, tricks, and insider knowledge you can pick up ahead of your first show will go a long way rather than troubleshooting problems as they arise.

Communities like this Facebook group with nearly 14,000 members are built exclusively for Whatnot sellers to help each other out and share show links.

Advantages for Apparel Resellers Live Selling on Whatnot

Fashion is a naturally visual category, and in a live setting, you can take that to the next level. Whatnot offers a few other advantages for apparel resellers specifically.

• Item representation. Seeing an accurate representation of products is crucial to buyers. Instead of having to take countless photos just to spend even more time answering lingering questions on an item’s quality or condition, you can show an item in real time.
• Clears out ‘odds and ends.’ For items that you haven’t gotten around to listing, one-off clunky pieces, or shallow SKUs – Whatnot is the place to let them shine. Those random “leftovers” may even appeal to shoppers who live for the thrill of the find.
• Builds a fan base. A live experience allows you to build rapport with shoppers, ultimately increasing customer loyalty. The more engaging your show is, and with great products to match, the more shoppers will want to come back for more.

Challenges to Watch

• Fees. Whatnot takes an 8% commission on sales, and sellers should also consider shipping costs and potential taxes when pricing items.
• Competition. Busy time slots can be crowded.
• Learning curve. Practice makes perfect. Honing your live-selling skills will help you stand out.

Don’t be discouraged if your first few shows aren’t packed—it takes time to refine your show, build an audience, and find your niche.

Next Steps: Hit the Ground Running

If you’ve got apparel inventory waiting to be sold, Whatnot is one of the fastest ways to turn it into profit—live and in real time. Whether it’s a recent pallet of returns, overstock items, or one-offs collecting dust, there’s a buyer out there ready to bid.

Want resale-ready inventory that’s perfect for live selling on Whatnot? B-Stock offers the biggest, most consistent selection of merchandise across dozens of categories, lot sizes, and conditions. With flexible buying options and direct access to quality inventory, you can test the Whatnot waters with confidence.