The in-app scanner gives you a simple, reliable way to confirm your own package drop-offs right before you hand them to the carrier.
Scanning your package at drop-off sends the buyer a visible shipment confirmation, helps keep your shipping metrics accurate, and gives you proof of drop-off—even if carrier scans are delayed or missed.
Just before hand-off, scan a package yourself to:
- Send the buyer an email with a photo of their package.
- Update the shipment status from Ready to Ship to Shipping.
- Count toward your average ship time right away.
The scanner works with any carrier and shipping service.
On this page:
- Why scanning matters
- How to use the in-app scanner
- Requirements for in-app scanning
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why scanning matters
The in-app scanner helps you:
- Keeps buyers in the loop. Each scan sends a real-time update and photo so buyers know their package is on the way. This helps reduce confusion and builds confidence in you as a seller.
- Protect your shipping metrics. Orders scanned and dropped off within 2 business days of the sale qualify as on-time. Your scan counts as the official shipment confirmation and contributes to your average ship time, even if the carrier’s first scan is delayed.
- Avoid cancellations and charges. Clear proof of drop-off lowers the chance of buyer disputes, order cancellation attempts, and refund-related fees.
How to use the in-app scanner
Just before drop-off, scan your packages from Seller Hub in the Whatnot app on iOS or Android.
- Open the Whatnot app.
- Tap Seller Hub at the bottom of the screen.
- Open the menu (☰) in the top right corner.
- Go to Sales › Fulfillment › filter by Ready to Ship.
- Tap Confirm Drop-Off.
- Point your camera at each package one after the other to scan.
Your scans should follow the requirements for in-app scanning.
If you have multiple packages, you can scan one after another without exiting the scanner.
After you scan:
- Shipment status changes to Shipping.
- The buyer gets an email with the photo.
- It counts toward your average ship time.
Tip: Each scan takes an average of two seconds.
Requirements for in-app scanning
When scanning your packages:
- Attach the label first. Only scan a package once the label is attached and you're ready to drop it off.
- Don't scan from a screen. Don't scan labels from your computer or phone.
- Scan as close to drop-off time as possible. Ideally scan at the carrier site or pickup spot, within a few hours of hand-off.
- Scan only the package. The image is shared with the buyer, so avoid showing other packages, people, or personal items (including yourself).
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Do I need to use the in-app scanner?
We recommend scanning packages yourself at drop-off because carrier scans can be delayed or missed.
Using the scanner gives you:
- Proof of drop-off
- Faster shipment confirmation for buyers
- More accurate shipping metrics
If you don’t scan, shipment updates and shipping metrics depend on the carrier’s first in-transit scan.
What if I forgot to scan my packages?
No action is needed. Your shipment updates to Shipping once the carrier provides its first in-transit scan.
Why hasn’t my shipment status updated after the carrier scanned my package?
Carrier scan updates can take time to reach Whatnot. Until we receive the first in-transit scan, your shipment may still show as Ready to Ship or Overdue.
To avoid delays, use the in-app scanner to confirm drop-off right away.
Why can’t I mark packages as shipped anymore?
The Mark Package as Shipped button only updated the shipment status visible to sellers. It didn’t notify the buyer, count toward your shipping metrics, or provide proof of drop-off.
We've replaced it with a more reliable shipment confirmation like the in-app scanner.
Can I scan even if my label doesn’t have a barcode (like FCML/PWE)?
Yes. The in-app scanner works with USPS First-Class Mail Letter (FCML) shipments.
Because carrier tracking for FCML is limited or often unavailable, scanning at drop-off is especially helpful for confirming shipment and keeping your shipping metrics accurate.
If there’s no barcode, the scanner matches the buyer's username to shipments that are Ready to Ship. If you have multiple shipments for that buyer, you’ll be asked to select the correct one.
Learn more about scanning FCML shipments.
What if I’m having trouble getting the package to scan?
If a package doesn’t scan automatically, keep the scanner open. After five seconds, a shutter button appears so you can manually capture a photo and match it to the correct shipment.
Make sure the package is clearly visible and follows the in-app scanning requirements before submitting.
Does the in-app scanner work for Bring Your Own Label (BYOL) shipments?
Yes. Before scanning a BYOL shipment, add the tracking number to the shipment in Seller Hub.
Once added, you can scan the package normally at drop-off.
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