How to Sell Sports Cards on Whatnot

Selling sports cards on Whatnot, a popular live-streaming marketplace for collectibles, can be both profitable and enjoyable. This platform allows sellers to connect directly with buyers in real-time, offering a dynamic and interactive experience. However, to maximize your success, it’s important to understand the best practices for selling sports cards on Whatnot. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from setting up your account to optimizing your live streams and marketing strategies.

Setting Up Your Whatnot Account

Before you start selling, you need to set up a Whatnot account. This process is straightforward but essential for accessing the platform’s features.

1. Download the App: Start by downloading the Whatnot app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app is user-friendly, and you can also access the platform via a web browser.

2. Create an Account: After downloading the app, create an account by providing your email address, creating a username, and setting a password. Choose a username that reflects your brand or the type of sports cards you’re selling.

3. Verify Your Identity: Whatnot requires sellers to verify their identity. This step is crucial to ensure a secure marketplace. You’ll need to provide a government-issued ID and possibly other documentation depending on your region.

4. Set Up Payment Information: To receive payments from your sales, link your bank account or PayPal to your Whatnot account. Make sure your payment information is accurate to avoid delays in receiving funds.

Getting Approved to Sell

Not everyone can start selling immediately on Whatnot. The platform has an approval process to ensure quality and trust among buyers and sellers.

1. Application Process: To apply as a seller, navigate to the “Sell” tab in the app and fill out the application form. This form asks for information about the products you plan to sell, your experience, and why you want to sell on Whatnot.

2. Experience and Portfolio: If you have previous experience selling sports cards, whether online or at shows, highlight this in your application. Include links to your eBay store, social media accounts, or any other platforms where you’ve sold cards.

3. Wait for Approval: The approval process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. During this time, Whatnot’s team will review your application and potentially reach out for additional information.

4. Getting Started as a New Seller: If approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to start selling. If your application is denied, don’t be discouraged. Consider improving your portfolio or gaining more experience before reapplying.

Preparing for Your First Live Stream

Once approved, you can start preparing for your first live stream. This step is crucial as it sets the tone for your selling experience on Whatnot.

1. Inventory Management: Before going live, organize your inventory. Ensure that your sports cards are sorted, priced, and ready to be displayed. Whatnot allows you to create a catalog before your stream, making it easier to manage sales during the event.

2. Camera Setup: A good camera setup is key to showcasing your cards effectively. Use a high-quality webcam or smartphone with a stable tripod. Ensure good lighting to highlight the details of the cards.

3. Promoting Your Stream: Promote your upcoming stream on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Engaging your audience before the stream can lead to higher attendance and more sales.

4. Set a Time and Date: Schedule your live stream at a time when your target audience is most likely to be online. Weekends or evenings are often good choices, but consider your audience’s habits.

Conducting a Successful Live Stream

A successful live stream requires more than just showing your cards. Interaction, presentation, and energy all play vital roles.

1. Engage with Your Audience: Interact with viewers as they join your stream. Greet them by name, answer their questions, and be enthusiastic about the cards you’re selling. The more engaged your audience feels, the more likely they are to make a purchase.

2. Showcase Your Cards: When displaying each card, provide detailed information about it, including the player, year, condition, and any other relevant details. Use close-up shots to show the card’s condition.

3. Manage the Auction: Whatnot uses a live auction format. Set starting bids that reflect the value of the cards, but also encourage bidding. Keep the energy high to encourage competitive bidding.

4. Handling Sales: After each auction, confirm the sale, and thank the buyer. Whatnot’s system will automatically handle the transaction, but it’s important to maintain professionalism and ensure a smooth process.

Post-Stream Activities

Your work isn’t over once the live stream ends. Post-stream activities are crucial to maintaining customer satisfaction and ensuring future sales.

1. Shipping: Prompt shipping is essential. Package each card securely to prevent damage during transit. Use protective sleeves, top loaders, and bubble mailers. Whatnot provides sellers with discounted shipping labels, making this process easier.

2. Customer Communication: Follow up with your buyers to thank them for their purchase. Consider including a handwritten note or a small bonus card as a gesture of appreciation.

3. Review and Feedback: Monitor your reviews and feedback. Positive reviews can boost your credibility on Whatnot, while negative reviews should be addressed professionally. Learn from the feedback to improve future streams.

4. Inventory Management: Update your inventory after the stream, noting which cards were sold. Prepare any remaining cards for the next live stream or consider listing them on other platforms if they didn’t sell.

Marketing and Growing Your Whatnot Presence

To succeed on Whatnot, you’ll need to build and grow your presence on the platform and beyond.

1. Social Media Strategy: Regularly post about your upcoming streams on social media. Share highlights from previous streams, showcase rare cards, and engage with your followers to build a loyal customer base.

2. Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with influencers or other sellers in the sports card community can increase your visibility. Collaborations can introduce your stream to new audiences who are already interested in sports cards.

3. Host Themed Streams: Consider hosting themed streams, such as focusing on a particular sport, team, or era. Themed streams can attract specific buyers who are interested in niche areas of sports cards.

4. Utilize Whatnot’s Features: Take advantage of Whatnot’s features, such as giveaways, to attract more viewers. Giveaways can create excitement and draw in potential buyers who might not have otherwise joined your stream.

Conclusion

Selling sports cards on Whatnot can be a rewarding experience if you approach it with the right strategy. From setting up your account to engaging with your audience during live streams, each step is crucial to your success. By following the tips in this guide, you can build a thriving business on Whatnot and become a trusted seller in the sports card community.

Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting out, the key to success on Whatnot is consistency, engagement, and a deep understanding of your audience. Happy selling!