You’ve probably heard of Whatnot or eBay if you’re looking for a place to purchase or sell Funko Pops, Pokemon cards, sports memorabilia, or antique toys. These are two of the most well-known internet marketplaces for enthusiasts and collectors, yet they function very differently. Both platforms offer a plethora of products for buyers and sellers alike. But when choosing between the two in 2023, which platform reigns supreme? In this article, we are comparing Whatnot vs eBay regarding their features, fees, shipments, customer services, and selling options to help you decide which one is better for you.
Overview of Whatnot
Whatnot is an online marketplace founded in 2019 focusing on collectibles, toys, and other unique items. Since it provides a more pleasant and engaging shopping experience, the platform has quickly become a favorite among collectors and hobbyists.
The platform allows users to buy and sell items through live auctions and sales events hosted by individual sellers. Buyers can bid on items in real-time or purchase them outright during these events. Buyers can also acquire products at a set price outside the auction or sales event using the platform’s “Buy Now” tool.
Sellers on Whatnot can list items for sale, set their prices, and interact with potential buyers through chat and video during live events. They charge a commission fee on each sale made on the platform, and sellers receive their earnings through a linked bank account.
It also provides safety for its customers with its “Whatnot Guarantee” which states that customers will receive their things in the same condition as specified by the vendor or receive a full refund.
If we look deeply into Whatnot vs eBay, it offers a social aspect through its community features. Users can follow sellers and other buyers, create wishlists, and participate in forums and chat groups dedicated to specific collectibles or hobbies.
Pros and Cons of Whatnot
One of the most significant advantages of Whatnot is its live video streaming feature, which creates a unique shopping experience. Additionally, the platform’s user-friendly nature is reflected in its simple design.
Whatnot has a strong community of buyers and sellers who share a passion for collecting and pop culture. The platform also offers a fair and transparent fee structure for sellers, with a 5% commission on sales.
One downside of Whatnot is that it’s primarily focused on collectibles and pop culture items, which limits the range of products available on the platform. Furthermore, Whatnot is incompatible with desktop or laptop computers, so it is only available as a mobile app.
Overview of eBay
eBay has brought millions of shoppers and sellers together since 1995. The marketplace is well-known for its extensive inventory, including brand-new and pre-owned goods, gadgets, clothing, and collectibles.
Listings for products for sale on eBay allow vendors to specify pricing and shipping choices. Customers can look for products using various filters, including price, shipping choices, and nearby locations. A buyer who is interested in a particular item has the option of either immediately purchasing it at the indicated price or placing a bid in an auction for the item.
The auctioned item is given to the highest bidder. In addition, sellers can set a minimum offer price (the “reserve price”) at which they will not accept bids. If the reserve price isn’t met, the seller can either relist the item or try to negotiate with the highest bidder.
With the “Money Back Guarantee” purchasers are guaranteed to receive the item they ordered or their money back if they don’t. This guarantee covers most items purchased on the platform as long as the thing is not significantly different from what was described in the listing.
eBay sellers must pay a listing fee and a percentage of the final sale price based on the category of their goods. They also offer various tools and resources for sellers, including analytics and marketing tools to help them optimize their listings and increase sales.
Pros and Cons of eBay:
eBay’s massive user base is a central selling point because it provides customers access to various goods. eBay also provides several resources for its sellers, including analytics, marketing, and promotion tools. Both buyers and sellers praise the safety of the transactions.
eBay’s pricing structure might be challenging to understand, especially for first-time vendors. Customers can calculate eBay fees for purchases on each item depending on its category. The platform also charges a listing fee for specific categories of items.
Whatnot vs eBay: Comparison
Online marketplaces like Whatnot and eBay have been increasingly popular in recent years. There are some shared features between the two but also crucial distinctions. Let’s Examine them one by one.
| Aspect | eBay | Whatnot |
| User Base | Over 185 million active buyers globally | Over 500,000 active buyers in the US |
| Product Range | Offers a wide range of products in all categories, including new and used items | It primarily focused on collectibles like Funko Pop figures, sports cards, and comic books. |
| Pricing | Allows sellers to set their own prices and shipping fees | Charges a flat 5% fee on all sales |
| Auctions | Offers both auction-style and fixed-price listings | Only offers fixed-price listings |
| Shipping | The seller determines shipping fees and options | Offers flat-rate shipping on all items |
| Trustworthiness | It has a long-standing reputation as a trustworthy platform | A relatively new platform, but it has positive customer reviews |
| Mobile App | Offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices | Provides a mobile app for iOS devices only |
Fees Comparison
Whatnot’s pricing model differs significantly from that of eBay. Whatnot charges sellers a flat 8% fee on every sale, regardless of the item’s price or category. Buyers do not pay any fees on Whatnot except for shipping costs.
eBay charges variable seller fees depending on the item’s price, category, format, listing duration, optional features, etc. The final fee can range from 2% to 12.55%, plus an insertion fee of $0.35 per listing. eBay buyers must also cover the delivery cost and a transaction fee of up to 5%. It varies by payment type (PayPal, credit card, etc.).
Ease of Use
Regarding ease of use, both Whatnot and eBay offer intuitive interfaces that make it easy for users to browse products, place orders, and track shipments. Unlike eBay, Whatnot’s user interface is more straightforward and intuitive, allowing shoppers to locate specific items more efficiently.
Moreover, Whatnot’s app is optimized for mobile devices, making shopping easy for users. However, the eBay app might be confusing and difficult to use due to its excessive design.
Whatnot vs eBay: Features
In terms of features, both offer a range of tools and features to find products and make buying decisions. However, Whatnot’s social commerce approach sets it apart from eBay, offering a more interactive shopping experience.
Users can engage with sellers and other buyers on Whatnot through comments, likes, and shares, creating a community-like atmosphere. Whatnot’s algorithm also recommends products based on user preferences, making it easier to find products.
However, eBay offers a broader range of products than Whatnot, thanks to its extensive network of sellers. Using the site’s powerful search tools, you can narrow your search results by location, price, and other criteria.
Customer Support
Regarding customer support, both Whatnot and eBay offer reliable and prompt support. However, its support team is more accessible than eBay’s live chat customer support allowing users to connect quickly with a support representative.
Moreover, Whatnot offers a more personalized support experience, with support representatives assigned to specific users to handle their queries and concerns. However, eBay’s customer service is sometimes unresponsive, leaving users waiting for days.
Overall Shopping Experience
Regarding the overall shopping experience, both offer a great experience, with a wide range of products at competitive prices. However, Whatnot’s social commerce approach and user-friendly interface make shopping more engaging and enjoyable shopping experience.
On Whatnot, users can discover new products, engage with sellers and other buyers, and get personalized recommendations based on their preferences. The checkout process on Whatnot is simple and quick, allowing customers to place their orders swiftly.
However, eBay provides a more convenient shopping experience, emphasizing goods sales and purchases. Some consumers, especially those new to online purchasing, may find eBay too complicated, despite its comprehensive search filters and extensive network of sellers.
Conclusion
Whenever you are looking at Whatnot vs eBay, consider individual preferences and requirements. Based on the comparison outlined in the article, whatnot may be the better choice for those who prioritize a more social and interactive shopping experience. In comparison, eBay may be the better choice for those prioritizing a wider range of products and advanced search filters.
Whatnot is a newer and more streamlined platform, offering a unique live auction experience and focusing on niche collectibles and toys. On the other hand, eBay has a huge inventory of goods in every category, plus many resources for sellers.
Both platforms have advantages and drawbacks regarding fees, user interface, pricing, shipping, seller experience and protection, and product range and availability. Users are free to choose the platform that best supports their specific objectives.
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