The buzz surrounding baseball cards has never been stronger, with Whatnot at the forefront of the live-stream shopping network revolution. Armand Wilson, Whatnot’s Vice President of Categories & Expansion, reveals that a card is snapped up every second on their site, solidifying baseball cards as a cornerstone of their success.
Whatnot initially delved into the collectibles market in 2019, focusing on Funko Pops before expanding to include sports cards. Wilson credits the platform’s rise to the revival of sports card collecting and the desire to combat online collectibles fraud that plagued the market. With sellers raking in a collective $2 billion in live sales in just nine months, and over 500 sellers surpassing the $1 million mark, Whatnot has become a lucrative avenue for many.
A pivotal moment for the company was its involvement in “The National,” a significant collectibles show. Whatnot recreated the convention experience on their app, allowing sellers to live showcase their inventory to eager buyers. This interactive approach set Whatnot apart, emphasizing their commitment to buyer-seller connectivity.
Sellers on Whatnot shine in comparison to other marketplaces, with double the sales volume reported due to the platform’s high focus on user experience. Wilson stresses that Whatnot prioritizes user satisfaction above all else, evident in their exponential growth from less than 10 employees to nearly 700 today.
The success stories of sellers like Geoff Wilson and Dakota Peters highlight Whatnot’s potential to transform hobbies into full-fledged businesses. Peters’ journey from an Instagram enthusiast to a Whatnot entrepreneur commanding 30 employees showcases the platform’s capacity for growth and empowerment.
Beyond just a marketplace, Whatnot has become a social hub for collectors worldwide. The unique card-breaking feature, where packs are opened in real-time, has become a fan favorite, fostering a sense of community and excitement. Buyers spend an average of 80 minutes per day engrossed in live streams, underscoring the platform’s immersive appeal.
Trust is paramount on Whatnot, with sellers building credibility through transparent interactions and prompt issue resolution. As the platform continues to expand globally, pioneering new ways to engage collectors of all ages, it’s evident that Whatnot’s fusion of live streaming and collectibles has set a new standard in the industry.
