The world of collecting has undergone a magnificent transformation with the emergence of Whatnot, a dynamic live-stream shopping network that has redefined the way collectors engage with their passion. At the helm of this revolution is Armand Wilson, the Vice President of Categories & Expansion at Whatnot, who credits the platform’s soaring success to the resurgence of baseball cards, often referred to as “cardboard gold.”
Wilson sheds light on Whatnot’s impressive statistics, revealing that a baseball card is sold every second on the site. The platform, initially launched in 2019 with a focus on Funko Pops, swiftly expanded its horizons to encompass various categories, including the lucrative realm of sports cards. Sellers on Whatnot have generated a staggering $2 billion in live sales within the first nine months of 2024, a testament to the platform’s exponential growth.
The vibrant community of sellers on Whatnot has witnessed some individuals transition from conventional employment to dedicating themselves entirely to the platform. Wilson explains that over 500 sellers have surpassed the $1 million mark in earnings, highlighting the financial viability that Whatnot offers. This paradigm shift in the collectibles market has empowered sellers to thrive in a space where creativity and passion intersect.
An instrumental milestone for Whatnot was its participation in “The National,” a pivotal collectibles show that served as a catalyst for the platform’s evolution. By replicating the convention floor within its app, Whatnot facilitated real-time interactions between buyers and sellers, transforming transactions into immersive experiences. Such innovative approaches have solidified Whatnot’s foothold in the market, setting it apart from traditional e-commerce platforms.
Central to Whatnot’s success is its unwavering commitment to enhancing the user experience. By charging an 8% commission on sales, the platform ensures that both buyers and sellers benefit from streamlined transactions and increased sales volume. Wilson affirms that sellers on Whatnot achieve double the sales compared to other marketplaces, underscoring the platform’s strategic emphasis on user satisfaction.
The exponential growth of Whatnot is underscored by its remarkable expansion from a modest team of fewer than 10 employees to a workforce of nearly 700. Baseball cards have played a pivotal role in propelling this growth, serving as a cornerstone for engaging collectors and enthusiasts across the globe. The success stories of sellers like Geoff Wilson and Dakota Peters illustrate the boundless opportunities that Whatnot affords to passionate individuals in the collectibles industry.
Trust is paramount in the realm of collectibles, and Whatnot prioritizes building a robust foundation of trust between buyers and sellers. While the platform does not directly authenticate products, sellers cultivate credibility by upholding high standards and promptly addressing customer concerns. This dedication to transparency and integrity has fostered a community built on mutual trust and respect.
Headquartered in Culver City, California, and boasting a widespread presence across North America and Europe, Whatnot has transcended borders to become a global powerhouse in the collectibles market. The platform’s live streams, totaling a staggering 175,000 hours weekly, offer buyers unparalleled access to a diverse range of products and sellers, eclipsing traditional shopping experiences.
One of Whatnot’s standout features, card-breaking, has captured the imagination of collectors worldwide. This collaborative practice of unpacking card boxes in a group setting fosters community engagement and camaraderie among enthusiasts. The electrifying pace of auctions, some lasting mere minutes, keeps users on the edge of their seats, igniting a sense of shared excitement and anticipation.
Beyond being a marketplace, Whatnot has evolved into a social hub where buyers and sellers interact in real-time, forging meaningful connections and personalizing the collecting experience. The platform’s ability to cater to a wide demographic, from young collectors in their 20s to seasoned enthusiasts in their 70s, underscores its inclusive and diverse appeal. Whatnot has transcended generational boundaries, captivating audiences of all ages with its immersive and interactive approach to collecting.
As Whatnot continues to push boundaries and redefine the landscape of collectible sales, it is evident that the platform has revolutionized the way people engage with their hobbies. By merging the excitement of live streaming with the enduring allure of baseball cards, Whatnot has established itself as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving world of collectibles, setting a new standard for immersive and engaging shopping experiences.
