Funko Pops have become a cultural sensation, captivating collectors worldwide with their wide range of characters from pop culture. Whether you’re a long-time collector looking to sell your duplicates or you want to turn your passion for Funko Pops into a profitable side business, Whatnot offers a unique platform for buying and selling these collectibles. With live auctions and a growing community of passionate collectors, Whatnot is a great place to start. In this guide, we are going to walk you through the steps on how to start selling Funko Pops on Whatnot, covering everything from setting up your seller account to running successful live auctions.
Understanding Whatnot
Whatnot is a live-streaming marketplace that focuses on collectibles, including Funko Pops, trading cards, toys, and vintage items. Unlike traditional e-commerce platforms, Whatnot allows sellers to host live auctions, where buyers can interact with sellers in real-time. The live auction format creates an exciting and interactive shopping experience and encourages higher engagement and transparency compared to static listings.
The platform has rapidly gained popularity, especially for Funko Pops, because it allows sellers to showcase their products to a targeted, passionate audience. Whether you’re selling a limited edition Funko Pop or a common figure, the live auction format can help create a competitive bidding atmosphere, potentially driving up the price.
For those wondering about the earning potential, it’s worth noting that many successful Whatnot sellers report making substantial income. According to Whatnot, the average seller makes around $25,000 a year, though top sellers can make significantly more. This makes Whatnot an attractive platform for collectors who want to turn their hobby into a business.
Becoming a Seller on Whatnot
Before you can start selling on Whatnot, you’ll need to become an approved seller. The approval process is relatively simple but involves a few steps:
- Sign Up: The first step is to create an account on Whatnot. You can sign up via the app or on the website. Make sure to fill out the necessary details, such as your name, email address, and location. Whatnot will also ask for your social media links or proof of experience with selling collectibles.
- Apply to Sell: Once your account is created, you’ll need to apply to become a seller. This involves filling out an application form where you’ll provide details about your experience with Funko Pops or collectibles. The platform wants to ensure that you are prepared to engage with the community and manage sales effectively.
- Seller Orientation: If your application is accepted, you will be required to attend a brief orientation session. During this session, you’ll learn the platform’s rules, guidelines, and best practices. The orientation is important because it helps you understand the live auction process and what buyers expect from sellers. It also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions and ensure you’re ready to go live.
Preparing Your Funko Pop Inventory
Before you begin listing your Funko Pops, it’s crucial to make sure they’re in prime condition. The better your inventory, the higher the chance of selling at a good price. Here are some tips to help you prepare your Funko Pops:
- Assess the Condition: Check each Funko Pop for any damage, including scratches, paint defects, or box creases. The value of Funko Pops can be significantly impacted by their condition, so buyers will expect your items to be in good shape. If there are minor flaws, make sure to disclose them in the description to maintain transparency.
- Clean and Preserve: Make sure your Funko Pops are dust-free and clean. A simple wipe-down with a microfiber cloth can help keep your figures looking brand new. If you’re selling figures in boxes, make sure the boxes are free of marks, fingerprints, and dust.
- Organize Your Inventory: It’s essential to have an organized inventory system. Track the condition, edition, and rarity of each Funko Pop. This information will help you price and describe your products accurately, making it easier for buyers to understand their purchase.
Listing Your Funko Pops
Once your inventory is ready, you can start listing your Funko Pops. Whatnot offers two primary ways to sell your collectibles – live auctions and fixed-price listings. However, most sellers prefer live auctions because they create a more dynamic and interactive experience.
Create Compelling Listings:
For each Funko Pop you want to sell, make sure your listing is detailed and professional. Here are some key elements to include:
- High-Quality Photos: Invest time in taking clear, high-resolution photos. Make sure to capture your Funko Pops from multiple angles, including close-ups of any special features or damage. The better your photos, the more likely buyers will engage with your listing.
- Detailed Descriptions: Provide detailed descriptions for each item. Include information like the character’s name, the series it belongs to, whether it’s a limited edition, and the condition of the box. The more transparent and informative you are, the more trust you’ll build with potential buyers.
- Pricing Your Funko Pops: Pricing is one of the most crucial aspects of selling collectibles. Do some research to determine the going rate for the Funko Pop you’re selling. You can use platforms like eBay to check the market value of similar items. Make sure to price your figures competitively to attract buyers.
Hosting Live Auctions
Live auctions are the heart of the Whatnot platform, where you can make the most money. Hosting a successful auction involves more than just listing items – it requires effective planning, marketing, and live engagement. Here’s what to do:
- Schedule Your Auction: Pick a time that maximizes the chances of getting a large audience. Whatnot allows you to schedule auctions in advance, so you can plan around peak times when most users are online.
- Promote Your Event: Use social media and your personal network to promote live auctions. Announce upcoming events and encourage followers to set reminders for your live stream. The more people you can draw in, the more likely you’ll see competitive bids.
- Engage with Your Audience: When the auction begins, engage with your audience. Answer questions about the Funko Pops you’re selling, provide extra details, and have fun with the process. The more interactive and entertaining your auction, the more likely people will stick around and place bids.
- Bid Management: Keep track of bids during the live auction. Make sure you’re monitoring incoming bids and responding to any questions or comments. You can also use the Whatnot app’s tools to run a smooth auction and make the experience seamless for buyers.
Shipping and Handling
Once the auction is over and the winning bids are secured, you’ll need to ship your Funko Pops promptly. Here are some shipping tips:
- Use Secure Packaging: Pack your Funko Pops in sturdy boxes with plenty of padding to protect them during shipping. If the items are boxed, make sure the boxes themselves are well protected to prevent any damage during transit.
- Prepaid Shipping Labels: Whatnot provides prepaid shipping labels, which makes the shipping process more straightforward. Print your labels and package your items efficiently.
- Timely Dispatch: To maintain a positive reputation on Whatnot, ship your items promptly. Whatnot allows sellers to print shipping labels directly from the app, making the process quicker and easier.
Building Your Reputation
In a marketplace like Whatnot, your reputation as a seller is vital. Buyers are more likely to return to sellers they trust, so it’s essential to maintain a positive relationship with your customers. Here’s how to build a good reputation:
- Deliver Quality: Always provide top-quality items and excellent customer service. This means packaging your Funko Pops securely, offering accurate descriptions, and delivering what you promised.
- Engage Positively: Maintain a professional, friendly demeanor during your live auctions. A positive interaction with buyers can lead to repeat sales and recommendations.
- Request Feedback: Encourage satisfied buyers to leave positive feedback after each auction. This will help you build your credibility on the platform.
Growing Your Business on Whatnot
It’s important to keep learning and improving to continue growing your business on Whatnot. Here are a few tips for long-term success:
- Monitor Trends: Stay up to date with the latest trends in the Funko Pop world. Popular characters and limited editions tend to sell for higher prices.
- Leverage Social Media: Promote your auctions across multiple social media platforms to reach a broader audience.
- Be Adaptable: Adapt to what works best for you. If live auctions don’t work well for certain products, consider fixed-price listings or bundle deals.
Get Started Selling Funko Pops on Whatnot
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