The world of collectibles has been redefined by Whatnot, the largest live-stream shopping network in North America and Europe. At the heart of Whatnot’s success lies the resurgence of baseball cards, with a card being sold on the platform every second. Armand Wilson, Vice President of Categories & Expansion at Whatnot, emphasized the significant role that baseball cards play in the platform’s thriving marketplace, sharing that the sports category is one of the biggest on Whatnot.

Since its inception in 2019, Whatnot has evolved from focusing on Funko Pops to encompassing various categories, including sports cards. Wilson explained that Whatnot’s primary goal was to address buyer pain points in the online collectibles market, especially surrounding concerns of fraud. The platform’s expansion into sports cards has been a seamless transition, with the average buyer collecting an impressive 12 items per week.

A pivotal moment for Whatnot was its participation in “The National,” a renowned midsummer collectibles show. By recreating the convention floor on its app, Whatnot brought together thousands of sellers to showcase their live inventory, creating a dynamic buying experience for users. This innovative approach has solidified Whatnot’s position in the market, as Wilson highlighted the power of the app in connecting buyers and sellers in real-time.

Despite charging an 8% commission on sales, Whatnot has seen sellers achieve significantly higher sales volumes compared to other platforms. Wilson noted that sellers on Whatnot sell twice as much as they do elsewhere, underscoring the platform’s commitment to enhancing the user experience for both buyers and sellers. With a sharp focus on providing a superior experience, Whatnot aims to prioritize user satisfaction over competition.

The exponential growth of Whatnot is evident in its journey from having fewer than 10 employees to now boasting a workforce of nearly 700. Baseball cards have played a vital role in propelling this growth, with Wilson explaining that the combination of cards and online shopping presents the ideal product for success. Successful sellers like Geoff Wilson and Dakota Peters have leveraged Whatnot to generate millions in sales, showcasing the platform’s potential for entrepreneurial success.

Trust is paramount for Whatnot, as sellers are encouraged to build and maintain reputations by upholding high standards and promptly addressing customer concerns. While the platform does not directly authenticate products, the emphasis on trust-building fosters a reliable marketplace for buyers and sellers alike.

Headquartered in Culver City, California, with a global presence spanning North America and Europe, Whatnot has become a powerhouse in the collectibles market. Boasting 175,000 hours of live streams weekly and witnessing sellers achieve nine times more sales than on other platforms, Whatnot has redefined the way collectors engage with the marketplace. The platform’s emphasis on community-driven features like card-breaking auctions has fostered a sense of excitement and engagement among users, with auctions lasting as little as a minute.

Whatnot has transcended being just a marketplace to become a social and interactive hub for collectors of all ages. Sellers interact with buyers in real-time, creating a personalized experience that caters to individual interests. This personal touch has cultivated a loyal and diverse audience, ranging from young collectors in their 20s to seasoned enthusiasts in their 70s.

As Whatnot continues to expand its global reach, it is evident that the platform has revolutionized the collectibles market. By blending the thrill of live-streaming with the enduring charm of baseball cards, Whatnot has established itself as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving world of collectibles.

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