Started selling on Whatnot? You might be wondering, “How exactly does shipping work once a buyer makes a purchase?” Whether you’re auctioning off collectibles live or selling through a product listing, shipping is crucial if you want to keep your profits and avoid costly headaches. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how shipping works on Whatnot, what fees to look out for, how to ship multiple orders the smart way, and how to keep your margins safe. Let’s get started!
Why Shipping on Whatnot Matters
Once an item sells on Whatnot, buyers are responsible for paying for shipping at checkout. This means that it’s your responsibility as a seller to pack the item correctly, generate a shipping label through Whatnot, enter the correct weight and dimensions, and drop it off within two business days.
How Shipping Fees Work on Whatnot
Shipping fees are calculated based on the package’s weight, size, and shipping method. Whatnot uses USPS Commercial Rates and charges the buyer accordingly. The seller (you) receives only the sale amount of the item, not the shipping fee or the tax.
Shipping Type | Best For | Buyer Fee (Estimate) |
First-Class Letter | Trading cards ≤ 3 oz or <$20 | $0.69–$1.25 |
Ground Advantage (< 1 lb) | Small items | $4–$6 |
Flat-Rate/Priority Male (1-5 lb) | Bulkier Items | $9.21 |
Oversized (> 5 lb) | Large orders | Based on weight & distance |
- Note: If the weight or size is entered incorrectly when printing your label, you will be responsible for any extra postage fees.
- WARNING: Do NOT try to mail a card in a bubble mailer using a First-Class Letter. USPS will reject it. Use a plain paper envelope; a toploader is optional.
Smart Bundling: Saving Money for Buyers
Whatnot automatically utilizes Smart Bundling to consolidate multiple purchases from the same buyer into a single shipment. This can significantly reduce the buyer’s total shipping cost. But how does it work?
- Buyers pay full shipping on their first item.
- Additional items typically add just a small fee (as low as $0.25–$0.50).
- Bundling occurs before you generate the label, so ensure all items are accounted for before printing.
Pro Tip: Don’t ship items separately if you can bundle them; otherwise, you’ll waste money and increase the risk of errors.
Setting Up Shipping Preferences
Before you go live, it’s a good idea to check your shipping settings in Seller Hub:
- Go to Seller Hub > Settings > Shipping
- Set your default label size, return address, and enable features such as:
- Flat-Rate Shipping (for heavier or bulkier items)
- First-Class Letter Shipping (great for low-value card orders)
- Enable Smart Bundling so buyers get combined shipping automatically
How to Ship an Order
1. Review the Order
Start by checking your orders in Seller Hub > Orders, filtering for unshipped items. When reviewing, make sure to:
- Check for cancellations or changes from the buyer.
- Confirm that all bundled items are listed and grouped correctly if the buyer purchased multiple products.
- Double-check the package weight and dimensions to avoid issues with shipping costs or delivery.
2. Generate the Shipping Label
From Seller Hub:
- Click “Generate Label.”
- Update the package weight and dimensions using the actual packed item—don’t guess!
- Print the label from your desktop or phone.
Pro Tip: You get five free label adjustments per week, so use them wisely.
3. Pack the Item Properly
Proper packaging prevents damage and ensures your customer receives their order in perfect condition:
- Use bubble wrap, poly mailers, or sturdy boxes.
- Avoid placing labels or barcodes over reused box markings.
- Tape the shipping label securely and include a packing slip if needed.
- Add a personal touch, such as a thank-you note or sticker, to enhance the customer experience.
4. Ship Within 2 Business Days
Shipping on time is critical:
- This is Whatnot’s golden rule. Late shipments can lead to cancellations, and repeated offenses may affect your account credibility.
- Drop your package off at the post office or schedule a USPS pickup.
- Ensure the order is marked as shipped in Seller Hub if it doesn’t update automatically.
Common Whatnot Shipping Mistakes to Avoid
1. Choosing the Wrong Package Type
Don’t toss a T-shirt into a flat-rate box when it could ship cheaper via First-Class. Learn the weight tiers and use them to your advantage; you’ll save money and keep shipping costs reasonable for buyers.
2. Shipping Late
This is the golden rule: always ship within the 2-business-day window. Miss it, and Whatnot can cancel the order, hurting both your account standing and your seller credibility.
3. Incorrect Weight or Dimensions
Guessing is a gamble you’ll lose. Underreporting package size or weight can lead to USPS charging Whatnot the difference, and that cost comes straight out of your pocket. Always weigh and measure your packed item before generating a label.
What to Do if a Whatnot Order Is Lost or Damaged
Lost or damaged item? Whatnot has an internal claims process, and all shipping labels include tracking and basic insurance (depending on the method). If a buyer reports an issue:
- Whatnot typically handles claims directly with USPS.
- You may be asked to provide proof of shipment or photos of the packaging.
Can I Offer Free Shipping on Whatnot?
Yes! You can offer free or discounted shipping to entice buyers, especially during livestreams:
- Go to Seller Hub > Shows > Edit Show.
- Choose to cover all shipping costs or offer a flat discount.
The discount is deducted from your earnings, not the buyer’s total, so plan accordingly.
Get More Whatnot Shipping Tips from Resale Pro
Shipping on Whatnot isn’t difficult once you know the ropes; it just takes a little attention to detail. By mastering Smart Bundling, weighing your packages accurately, and choosing the right shipping method, you can avoid costly mistakes and keep buyers coming back.
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