Whatnot fees worked example: a $30 sale
Sell an item for $30 with $5 shipping charged to the buyer. Whatnot takes 8% commission on the item price ($2.40) plus 2.9% + $0.30 processing on the $35 buyer total ($1.32). After a $12 item cost and $4 shipping, you keep $15.29 — a 43.7% margin.
The breakdown
- Buyer total: $30 + $5 = $35.00
- Whatnot commission: $30 × 8% = $2.40
- Payment processing: $35 × 2.9% + $0.30 = $1.32
- Total fees: $2.40 + $1.32 = $3.72
- Item cost: $12.00
- Your shipping cost: $4.00
- You keep: $35 − $3.72 − $12 − $4 = $15.29
Why the margin lands here
Whatnot's all-in take is roughly 11–12% on a typical sale — leaner than eBay's 13.6% final value fee, which is why live sellers tolerate the camera time. On very cheap items the $0.30 processing minimum bites harder, so low-dollar breaks need volume. Try your own numbers in the Whatnot fee calculator or pit it against eBay in the Whatnot vs eBay comparison.
Frequently asked questions
What are Whatnot's fees on a $30 sale?
About $3.72: $2.40 commission (8% of the $30 item price) plus $1.32 processing (2.9% + $0.30 on the $35 buyer total).
What is Whatnot's commission rate?
8% of the item price for most categories; 4% for coins & money, 5% for electronics. Payment processing (2.9% + $0.30) is charged on top.
Is Whatnot cheaper than eBay?
On fees alone, usually yes — ~11–12% all-in vs eBay's 13.6% + $0.40. On this $30 example Whatnot keeps you $1.45 ahead per sale.