The State of Whatnot in 2026 + 3 Tips to Sell Smarter
Welcome to the very first issue of The Whatnot Seller Weekly — a free newsletter built for sellers who want to sell smarter, not just harder.
Every week, we'll break down the latest market data, share actionable tips from top sellers, and spotlight someone in the community who's crushing it. Let's dive in.
📊 The State of Whatnot — February 2026
Whatnot continues to dominate live selling in the US, and the data from early 2026 tells an interesting story. Here's what we're seeing across thousands of shows:
Market Snapshot — February 2026
What the data says
Vintage clothing is the breakout category of 2026. While trading cards still dominate total volume, vintage and thrift are growing faster than anything else on the platform — up 42% in GMV since last year. If you're not sourcing vintage, now might be the time.
Revenue per show is climbing, which means buyers are spending more per session. This isn't just more shows — it's sellers getting better at engagement, pricing, and running longer, more profitable streams.
Sneakers are cooling slightly (down 8% in volume), but average sale price is up — meaning fewer sales but higher value. Premium pairs and grails are outperforming mid-tier inventory.
🎯 3 Actionable Tips This Week
Tip #1: Front-load your best items in the first 15 minutes
Data shows that viewer count peaks in the first 10-15 minutes of a show and drops 30-40% after that. Lead with your highest-value or most eye-catching items to capitalize on maximum attention. Save "bundle deals" and clearance for the tail end when committed buyers are still watching.
Tip #2: Use the "$1 start" strategically on items worth $20-50
$1 starts create urgency and excitement, but they work best on items in the $20-50 fair market value range. Below $20, the bidding war often doesn't materialize. Above $50, you risk selling too low. The sweet spot is items where 2-3 bidders can drive the price close to or above market in 30-60 seconds of bidding.
Tip #3: Mention free shipping thresholds at least 3 times per show
Sellers who verbally remind viewers about combined shipping savings see 15-30% higher average order values. Buyers often forget they can combine items. A simple "Remember, everything ships together — the more you win, the more you save on shipping!" drives multi-item purchases every time.
⭐ Seller Spotlight
Featured Seller of the Week
How @VintageVaultLive Grew From $500 to $5,000/Week in 6 Months
Starting with a closet full of thrifted finds, this seller built a loyal following by specializing in 90s and Y2K vintage clothing. Their secret? Consistency (3 shows/week, same time slots) and killer storytelling — sharing the origin of each piece keeps viewers engaged and bidding.
💡 Their advice: "Don't try to be everything. Pick a niche, become the expert, and your audience will find you."
Want to be featured? Email us or tag @BundleLive on social media with your story.
⚡ Tool of the Week
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