If shipping costs aren’t adding up, this guide explains what’s expected, how to double-check charges, and when to request more support.
On this page:
How shipping costs work on Whatnot
Shipping on Whatnot is charged per item at the time you buy it (there’s no shopping cart). Each purchase calculates shipping automatically based on what you’re buying and where it’s shipping.
Shipping costs are based on:
- The item you’re buying
- Its weight and size
- How far the package needs to travel
- The seller’s shipping settings
- The shipping carrier and service used
You’ll usually pay for shipping unless the seller offers free or discounted shipping.
How shipping costs change when you buy multiple items
When you buy multiple items from the same seller, Whatnot usually bundles them into one shipment.
Even when items are bundled, shipping is still charged and shown per item. Each item shows the amount it added to the total shipping cost based on the package’s combined weight, size, and distance.
This means:
You may see a shipping cost associated with each item in the bundle
Some items may show "Free Shipping" or "$0 shipping" if they don’t increase the package cost
Together, the charge per item makes up the total shipping cost for the bundled package
This is called incremental shipping, meaning the total shipping cost of a bundle increases gradually as items are added, instead of being charged all at once or as a flat-fee.
How to check your shipping charges
You’ll see the shipping cost for each item before you buy. After purchase, you can review the item’s receipt to see the shipping cost charged.
Receipts are shown per item. If you bought multiple items from the same seller, you may see multiple receipts, even if the items were bundled together.
If shipping costs seem off, reviewing receipts is the best place to start.
How shipping varies by location
Shipping options and pricing can vary depending on your region and available carriers.
Learn more about shipping in your country:
If your shipping costs aren’t adding up
Your items didn’t bundle as expected
If you bought multiple items from the same seller and your shipping costs were higher than expected, here’s what to know.
Whatnot’s Smart Bundling™ may automatically group purchases from the same seller to help reduce shipping costs overall. Most of the time, that means items ship together in one package. In some cases, items may ship separately.
If your items didn’t bundle as expected, this can happen when:
- Seller bundle limits or overrides: If a product needs special shipping and handling, sellers can set bundle limits that prevent it from being combined with other items. Sellers can also bundle or unbundle items manually after you make a purchase. Any shipping charges caused by changes after you place an order are covered by the seller.
- Intentional Smart Bundling™ splits: Large or heavy orders may be split into multiple packages if that results in a lower total shipping cost.
- Different sales channels: Purchases from a live show and the marketplace can’t be bundled together.
If your items ship in more than one package, each shipment will have its own shipping cost, calculated per item at the time of purchase.
Learn more: How shipping costs change when you buy multiple items.
Tip: You can check which items shipped together or separately by viewing your orders under Activity › Purchases.
You’re seeing multiple charges for shipping
Since shipping is charged per item at the time you buy it, seeing multiple shipping charges is expected when buying more than one item from the same seller, even when those items bundle and ship together.
For bundled orders, each item shows the amount it added to the total shipping cost (if any).
To understand how bundling affects shipping totals, check out How shipping costs change when you buy multiple items.
There may be an issue if:
The same item shows the same shipping charge more than once, or
You’re charged for shipping again without buying another item
If this happens, take a screenshot showing the duplicate charges and contact Support. We’ll help review and resolve it.
You were charged for postage due
If you receive a postage due notice, it means the carrier determined the package weighed more or was larger than what was listed when the shipping label was created. This usually happens because of a seller issue with setup, not something you did.
If you’ve paid postage due, you won’t be responsible for the extra cost. Instead, Whatnot will reimburse you for those charges.
Note: Don’t refuse the package. Refusing delivery can delay reimbursement for postage due.
What to do:
- Take a photo of the postage due notice or receipt.
- Contact Support about the order and attach your proof.
- Once confirmed, our team will reimburse you for the additional charge.
The shipping cost seems too high for the item
We'll help review the shipping charge if you believe you paid more than expected because a seller listed an item with incorrect weight or size.
Contact Support for help with your order and include any relevant details. Our team will take a closer look and guide you on next steps.
You were charged custom, duties, or import fees
If your order is shipped internationally, customs, duties, or import fees are charged by your country’s customs agency, not by Whatnot or the seller.
These fees are standard import costs and are the buyer’s responsibility. If you refuse to pay them, the order won’t qualify for a refund.
Learn more: International shipping and import fees.