6 Proven Ways to Make Money with Whatnot

Whatnot is best known for its live auctions, but many people don't realize there are several ways to make money using the platform.

Whether you're a seller, a content creator, or simply a regular user, Whatnot can become a genuine source of income.

In this guide, you'll discover the best ways to make money with Whatnot, even if you're starting from scratch.

 

1 – Earn Money with the Whatnot Referral Program

The Whatnot referral program is one of the easiest ways to earn rewards on the platform.

Here's how it works:

• Share your personal referral link.
• Someone creates a Whatnot account using your link.
• They complete their first eligible purchase.
• You receive shopping credit or another referral reward.

You can share your referral link:

• With friends.
• With family.
• On Facebook.
• On Instagram.
• On TikTok.
• On your blog or website.

This method requires no financial investment and is perfect for beginners.

2 – Join the Whatnot Affiliate Program

The affiliate program allows you to earn money by recommending Whatnot to your audience.

Unlike the standard referral program, affiliate marketing is mainly intended for:

• Bloggers.
• YouTubers.
• Influencers.
• Content creators.

You earn commissions when users sign up or complete qualifying actions through your affiliate links.

The larger your audience, the greater your earning potential.

3 – Sell Products on Whatnot

Selling on Whatnot is the platform's core activity.

You can sell:

• Pokémon cards.
• Video games.
• Action figures.
• Clothing.
• Sneakers.
• Collectibles.
• Brand-new products.

Everything revolves around live streams. Buyers place bids in real time while you showcase your products on camera.

The most successful sellers often build a loyal community that regularly returns for future live sales.

4 – Buy Lots on Whatnot and Resell Them Elsewhere

Many users make a profit by purchasing undervalued lots during live auctions.

They then resell them on platforms such as:

• Vinted.
• Leboncoin.
• eBay.
• Facebook Marketplace.

This strategy requires a good understanding of your niche.

For example, certain trading cards or collectibles can be purchased at a bargain during a live auction and resold a few days later for a higher price.

Your profit mainly depends on your ability to spot great deals.

5 – Source Products Locally and Sell Them on Whatnot

You don't have to buy your inventory on Whatnot.

Many successful sellers source products from:

• Garage sales.
• Flea markets.
• Charity shops.
• Public auctions.
• Antique markets.

They then resell these items during their Whatnot live shows.

This strategy works especially well for:

• Vintage items.
• Trading cards.
• Vintage toys.
• Retro video games.
• Designer clothing.

6 – Create Content About Whatnot

Every year, thousands of new users look for advice about using Whatnot.

You can create:

• A blog.
• A YouTube channel.
• A TikTok account.
• A Facebook page.
• An email newsletter.

Some of the most popular topics include:

• Whatnot reviews.
• How-to guides.
• Money-saving tips.
• Promo codes.
• Recommended sellers.
• Personal experiences.

You can then monetize your audience through:

• The Whatnot affiliate program.
• Advertising revenue.
• Sponsored partnerships.

What's the Best Way to Make Money with Whatnot?

Method	Investment	Difficulty
Referral program	Very low	Easy
Affiliate marketing	Low	Easy to moderate
Selling on Whatnot	Medium	Moderate
Buying & reselling	Medium	Moderate
Thrifting & reselling	Medium	Moderate
Content creation	Low	Moderate

For beginners, the referral and affiliate programs are the easiest ways to get started.

If you're aiming for higher earnings, selling and reselling generally offer the greatest long-term potential.

Conclusion

Whatnot isn't just a marketplace for buying collectibles.

It also offers several ways to generate income.

You can refer new users, join the affiliate program, sell products through live auctions, resell profitable finds, or build a business by creating content about the platform.

In many cases, the best strategy is to combine several of these methods to diversify your income and gradually grow your Whatnot business.