Buying from a US-based Seller on Whatnot? Here's what you need to know about how shipping works, what you might pay, and when your order will typically arrive.
On this page:
- How U.S. shipping works
- Typical USPS shipping costs
- How Smart Bundling™ works
- Seller shipping discounts
- Typical delivery times
How U.S. shipping works
When you buy from a US-based Seller, your order usually ships through USPS, whether it's being delivered within the US or internationally.
You don't need to choose a shipping service. Whatnot automatically selects the best eligible option based on:
- Product type or category
- Total shipment weight and size
- The seller's shipping settings and discounts
- Distance between the seller and your delivery address
You'll usually pay for shipping unless the seller offers free or reduced shipping.
You'll always see your shipping cost before checkout and again in your order receipt after your purchase.
Typical USPS shipping costs
Ground Advantage is the default USPS service for most domestic packages on Whatnot. Other eligible USPS services may be used based on the shipment and the seller's shipping settings.
Costs for Ground Advantage on Whatnot
- Under 1 lb: Price is based on weight, not distance.
- 1 to 5 lbs: Shipping is $7.75, regardless of the shipment's exact weight or distance.
- Over 5 lbs: Price is based on the shipment's weight and the distance it travels.
| Package weight | Ground Advantage shipping cost |
| Up to 4 oz | $4.47 ($4.25 + fees) |
| Over 4 oz, up to 8 oz | $4.85 ($4.65 + fees) |
| Over 8 oz, up to 12 oz | $5.25 ($5.00 + fees) |
| Over 12 oz, under 16 oz (1 lb) | $6.75 ($6.25 + fees) |
| 1 to 5 lbs | $7.75 ($6.85 + fees) |
| Over 5 lbs | Rates vary based on shipment weight and distance |
Other USPS shipping options include
| Shipping option | What you’ll usually pay |
| First-Class Mail Letter (FCML) for eligible cards or stickers | $0.78–$1.36 depending on weight, plus fees |
| Priority Mail | Rates are based on shipment weight and distance |
| Flat Rate for eligible packages from 1 to 70 lbs | $12.99 per shipment |
Other pricing notes
- Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, US territories, and military addresses use standard USPS commercial pricing for Ground Advantage and Priority Mail instead of Whatnot’s rates.
- Packages larger than one cubic foot are priced using dimensional weight, which considers how much space the package takes up. This may cost more than a smaller package with the same weight.
- International shipments typically use USPS First-Class Package International or USPS Priority Mail International.
How Smart Bundling™ works
When you buy multiple items from the same Seller, Smart Bundling™ automatically determines the most cost-effective way to package and ship your order. When eligible purchases ship together, this may help lower your shipping costs.
Depending on your items and the seller's shipping settings, your order may:
- Ship together in one package.
- Be split into multiple packages, each with its own tracking number.
Orders can only be bundled if they're from the same seller. Purchases made through different sales channels, such as shows and marketplace, can't be bundled together.
Shipping is calculated and charged as you purchase each item. If you add an eligible item to an existing shipment, its shipping cost is recalculated based on the combined shipment instead of being charged separately. This may lower the shipping cost for that item.
Example: Ground Advantage bundle
Imagine you buy multiple items from the same seller during a show, and Smart Bundling™ combines them into one Ground Advantage shipment.
- You buy a sweatshirt. The shipment weighs 2 lbs, so you pay $7.75 in shipping.
- You add a 1 lb T-shirt. The shipment now weighs 3 lbs, and shipping stays $7.75, so you pay no additional shipping cost.
- You add a 12 oz hat. The shipment now weighs 3 lbs 12 oz, but shipping still stays $7.75, so you pay no additional shipping cost.
Because the bundled shipment stays between 1 and 5 lbs, shipping remains $7.75. If the bundled shipment exceeds 5 lbs, the shipping cost is based on the shipment’s total weight and the distance it travels.
Seller shipping discounts
Some sellers offer free or reduced shipping during shows. These discounts are automatically applied at checkout.
You may see labels like:
- Free shipping: The seller covers all shipping costs.
- Reduced shipping: You pay up to a maximum amount during the show, no matter how many items you buy, and the seller covers the remaining cost.
Typical delivery times
Sellers are asked to ship within two business days of purchase.
Most domestic orders arrive within 5–14 business days, although some Priority Mail and Flat Rate shipments may arrive sooner. International orders may take up to 28 days.
Delivery times are estimates and aren't guaranteed. Weather, holidays, customs, or carrier delays may affect delivery.
You can track your order from the order details page. When tracking is available for the shipping service used, you'll also see an estimated delivery date. How to track your order.
Related Resources
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Articles in this section
- Track your order
- Add or update your shipping address
- Shipping policy for buyers
- Use Free Pickup as a buyer
- Change your order's shipping address
- Get help with a delayed or missing order
- Weekly Bundling Feature
- USPS First-Class Mail Letter (FCML) shipping for buyers
- Troubleshoot shipping costs as a buyer
- International shipping customs and imports