Whatnot, the leading live-stream shopping network in North America and Europe, has become a game-changer in the realm of collectibles, particularly baseball cards. The platform, spearheaded by Armand Wilson, has witnessed an incredible surge in popularity, with a baseball card being sold every second, highlighting the fervor surrounding sports card collecting.
According to Wilson, baseball cards form a substantial portion of Whatnot’s offerings, playing a pivotal role in the platform’s rapid growth. The year 2024 saw Whatnot sellers generating a staggering $2 billion in live sales within just nine months, with over 500 sellers surpassing the $1 million mark. Some sellers have even transitioned to full-time careers on the platform, emphasizing its impact on the community.
Originating in 2019 with a primary focus on Funko Pops, Whatnot soon diversified into various categories, including sports cards, to address the buyer’s challenges in the collectibles market. Wilson noted that the average buyer on Whatnot collects an impressive 12 items per week, underscoring the platform’s broad appeal across collectors.
A standout moment for Whatnot was its engagement with “The National,” a monumental collectibles show. By recreating the convention scene on its app and uniting thousands of sellers to showcase their inventory live, Whatnot elevated the buyer-seller connection to new heights. This innovative approach not only showcased the platform’s capabilities but also solidified its standing in the industry.
Despite an 8% commission on sales, sellers on Whatnot boast significantly higher sales volumes compared to other marketplaces, with reports indicating double the sales success. This can be attributed to Whatnot’s unwavering commitment to enhancing user experiences for both buyers and sellers, creating a seamless and engaging environment.
The platform’s remarkable growth trajectory is evident in its exponential increase in employees, from fewer than 10 to nearly 700 individuals today. Baseball cards have played a crucial role in propelling this growth, with sports cards combining the nostalgia of collecting with the convenience of online shopping, presenting a winning formula for Whatnot.
Success stories from sellers further emphasize Whatnot’s potential impact. Entrepreneurs like Geoff Wilson and Dakota Peters have leveraged the platform to achieve significant sales milestones, transitioning their passion into thriving businesses. Whatnot’s emphasis on fostering trust between buyers and sellers, though not directly authenticating products, underscores the importance of integrity and customer satisfaction within the community.
With its headquarters in Culver City, California, and a global presence spanning North America and Europe, Whatnot boasts an impressive 175,000 hours of live streams weekly, far surpassing traditional shopping networks. The platform’s commitment to delivering an engaging experience is evident in the average 80 minutes viewers spend daily watching live streams, showcasing the enduring appeal of interactive shopping experiences.
One of Whatnot’s hallmark features, card-breaking, has emerged as a crowd favorite, uniting collectors in a shared and thrilling experience. The rapid pace of auctions, coupled with real-time interaction between sellers and buyers, adds a personal touch that resonates with a diverse audience, from young enthusiasts to seasoned collectors.
As Whatnot continues to evolve and expand its offerings, it remains at the forefront of reshaping the collectibles market. By blending the excitement of live-streaming with the timeless allure of baseball cards, Whatnot has not only transformed the way people purchase and sell collectibles but has also created a vibrant and engaging community that transcends generational boundaries.
