Whatnot is a mobile app designed to connect buyers and sellers interested in collectibles, toys, and other unique items. Its purpose is to create a marketplace where users can buy and sell items directly, while also fostering a community of collectors and enthusiasts.
Benefits of Using the Whatnot App
The Whatnot app offers a user-friendly interface, a diverse marketplace with different categories, and secure payment options.
Popular Whatnot categories include:
- Sports cards
- Trading card games (think of Pokemon)
- Comic books and manga
- Vintage items (clothes, collectibles, jewelry, etc.)
- Video games
(Image source: Android Authority)
Users can easily navigate through various categories and find unique items.
Additionally, Whatnot features a marketplace where users can purchase items instead of waiting for live auctions.
You might also be interested in: What is Whatnot? A Whatnot App Guide For Buyers & Sellers
Whatnot App User Reviews
We delve into the Whatnot user experience by examining an assortment of reviews. With an average 3-star rating from 198 customer insights in Trustpilot, this section would reflect the platform's mixed reception. Both satisfied and dissatisfied consumers' opinions will be highlighted to provide a balanced perspective.
Buyer’s Perspective
- Finding good deals on preloved items, including clothes and toys
- The ability to interact with sellers during the auction process
- It is a fun, social event where you can win prizes and interact with other buyers
Seller’s Perspective
- Listing items and running livestreams is a quick and simple process
- The shipping process is simple and straightforward
- A great way to move stale inventory quickly
- The ability to make more money in less time compared to traditional reselling platforms
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Concerns About Scams on Whatnot
Scams are a constant concern across online marketplaces in the digital age, and Whatnot is no exception. Reports of scams do surface, as they would within any virtual reselling space. Allegedly, some bad actors have tried to exploit the platform, utilizing deceitful practices to swindle buyers.
(Image source: Gonintendo)
One of the biggest known scams to date is against former NFL player Blake Martinez, also known as Blake's Breaks. He generated $11.5 million in under a year by selling Pokemon cards.
It has been brought to the attention of the YouTube and Reddit community that Blake has been engaging in unethical practices during his live shows. These practices include replacing good card packs with bad ones, not fulfilling orders as promised, and manipulating bets on his “guess the energy card” segment to make it impossible for anyone to win.
In response to the incident, Whatnot conducted a thorough investigation. Blake's account was permanently banned, and affected buyers were refunded.
(Image source: X)
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Whatnot took several preventative measures to protect its community and maintain the trust of its users. Here are some steps that the platform has implemented:
- User Reporting Features: Strengthened user reporting features, allowing buyers to easily report suspicious activity or items they believe to be counterfeit or misrepresented.
- Seller Guidelines: Updated seller guidelines to offer clear rules against selling resealed or tampered products, with penalties for those who violate these terms.
- Monitoring Live Streams: Increased monitoring of live streams, with live moderators, to promptly deal with any issues that arise during auctions.
(Image source: Reddit)
As part of its commitment to creating a safe and fair environment for all users, Whatnot has implemented stricter policies regarding gambling-like activities on the platform.
By doing so, they aim to ensure that everyone can enjoy their time on Whatnot without any concerns or risks.
Whatnot's Policy on Buyer Protection and Refunds
Whatnot strongly emphasizes buyer protection and offers a comprehensive policy for refunds. In my opinion, Whatnot’s refund request time frame is fairly generous compared to Poshmark and Mercari, here are the details:
Plant Category: a buyer has up to two (2) days from the order delivery date or thirty (30) days from the purchase date to file for a refund request.
Specific Categories (listed below): a buyer has up to seven (7) days from the order delivery date or thirty (30) days from the purchase date to file for a refund request.
- Sports and trading card games
- Coins & money
- Sneakers & streetwear
- Luxury goods
Other Categories: a buyer has up to fourteen (14) days from the order delivery date or thirty (30) days from the purchase date to file for a refund request.
Also, Whatnot does protect your purchases in cases of loss, damage, or theft during transit, working with you to secure a refund.
As for cancellations, buyers can request cancellation from sellers via the app within a 24-hour window after purchase or until the shipping label has been printed, whichever is later.
It's worth noting that the seller has the final say in approving or denying your cancellation request, not Whatnot.
So, overall, is Whatnot legit? The answer is YES. Are you thinking of joining Whatnot? Let me know in the comments below!
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