
The intersection of nostalgia, technology, and live-streaming has birthed a phenomenon in the world of baseball card collecting. Whatnot, a burgeoning live-stream shopping network, has emerged as a powerhouse in the industry, riding the wave of the card-collecting resurgence. Armand Wilson, Vice President of Categories & Expansion at Whatnot, reveals that the platform has witnessed a card being sold every second, showcasing the massive popularity of baseball cards on the site.
The journey of Whatnot began in 2019 with a focus on Funko Pops, eventually expanding into various categories, including the highly sought-after sports cards market. Wilson sheds light on the platform’s humble beginnings, rooted in a mission to address the challenges faced by collectibles enthusiasts when making online purchases. The pivot towards sports cards has been smooth, with the average buyer adding 12 items to their collection per week.
A pivotal moment for Whatnot was its involvement in “The National,” a renowned midsummer collectibles show. Through the innovative recreation of the convention floor on its app, Whatnot facilitated live interactions between buyers and sellers, revolutionizing the traditional buying experience and solidifying its position in the market. Wilson emphasizes the power of showcasing the platform through such events, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for collectors.
Despite charging an 8% commission on sales, sellers on Whatnot have reported significantly higher sales volumes compared to other platforms. Wilson attributes this success to the platform’s unwavering focus on enhancing user experience, resulting in sellers doubling their sales compared to other marketplaces. By prioritizing user satisfaction and eschewing competition-centric thinking, Whatnot has rapidly expanded its team from fewer than 10 employees to nearly 700 within a short span.
The success stories of Whatnot’s sellers exemplify the platform’s game-changing potential. Entrepreneurs like Geoff Wilson and Dakota Peters have redefined their businesses through Whatnot, achieving multimillion-dollar sales and transforming their hobbies into full-fledged careers. These success stories underscore the platform’s ability to empower sellers and provide a lucrative avenue for passionate collectors to connect with buyers worldwide.
Whatnot’s emphasis on trust and transparency between buyers and sellers sets it apart in the market. While the platform doesn’t directly authenticate products, sellers cultivate trust through high standards and prompt customer service, fostering a trustworthy environment for collectors to engage with confidence. With its headquarters in Culver City and a global reach extending across North America and Europe, Whatnot has become a dominant force, hosting an impressive 175,000 hours of live streams per week.
The growing popularity of card-breaking on Whatnot has added a thrilling dimension to the platform, fueling community engagement and excitement among collectors. The fast-paced auctions, with some lasting mere minutes, keep users captivated and encourage repeat visits. This interactive element, combined with personalized interactions between sellers and buyers during live streams, has created a vibrant and inclusive community within the Whatnot platform.
As Whatnot continues its expansion and innovation, it’s evident that the platform has redefined the collectibles market landscape. By infusing the electrifying allure of live-streaming with the timeless appeal of baseball cards, Whatnot has carved out a unique space in the industry, attracting a diverse audience of collectors. Whether you’re a young enthusiast or a seasoned veteran, Whatnot offers a dynamic and engaging platform to buy, sell, and connect with fellow collectors around the globe, heralding a new era in baseball card collecting.