USPS Flat Rate is a Priority Mail shipping option for eligible orders placed during live shows. It charges one flat price per shipment weighing more than one pound and up to 70 pounds, regardless of shipping distance.
Ground Advantage is the default shipping service on Whatnot, so you'll need to turn on Flat Rate if you want to use it. Turn on Flat Rate in your shipping settings in the Whatnot app for all future shows or for an individual show before you go live.
On this page:
- When Flat Rate applies
- Flat Rate pricing
- Turn on Flat Rate shipping for your shows
- Pack Flat Rate shipments
- Flat Rate delivery time and tracking
When Flat Rate applies
Flat Rate shipping applies when all of the following are true:
- You've turned on Flat Rate Boxes in your shipping settings.
- The order was placed during a live show.
- The shipment weighs more than 1 lb and up to 70 lbs.
Flat Rate doesn't apply to:
- Shipments weighing 1 lb or less.
- Orders placed outside of live shows.
Flat Rate pricing
From July 31 through November 1, 2026, eligible Flat Rate shipments cost $12.99 each.
Whatnot is temporarily covering part of the cost of this rate, making it lower than standard USPS commercial rates. We'll provide at least one month's notice before any pricing changes.
How Flat Rate charges work
The Flat Rate price applies per shipment, not per buyer or per show.
If a buyer's orders are split into multiple Flat Rate shipments during a show, each shipment is charged separately.
A buyer may receive multiple Flat Rate shipments if:
- Their items don't fit in a single Flat Rate package.
- A custom shipping profile limits how many items can be bundled together.
Tip: Flat Rate works best when Smart Bundling™ combines eligible orders into a single shipment. If you want more items bundled together, avoid using custom shipping profiles with maximum bundle limits.
Turn on Flat Rate shipping for your shows
Turn on Flat Rate for future shows
Turn on Flat Rate for all your future live shows from Seller Hub in the Whatnot app.
- From the app, tap Seller Hub.
- Tap the menu icon (☰).
- Go to Shipping.
- Tap Domestic Shipments.
- Turn on Flat Rate Boxes.
- Optional: Select Apply to scheduled shows.
- Tap Save.
Turn on Flat Rate for one show
Flat Rate will apply to eligible orders from that show. If it’s a recurring show, the setting will also apply to future instances.
- From the app, tap Seller Hub.
- Tap the menu icon (☰).
- Select Show and open your upcoming show.
- Tap ... More, then Edit Show.
- Scroll to Shipping Settings.
- Tap Domestic Shipments.
- Turn on Flat Rate Boxes.
- Tap Save.
Tip: You can also update a show’s shipping settings from the Shows page on the web.
Switch a shipment to Flat Rate after a show
If you didn't turn on Flat Rate before your show, you can still switch an eligible shipment to Flat Rate before generating the shipping label.
Note: Changing to Flat Rate counts as a shipping adjustment. If the new label costs more than the amount collected at checkout, you may need to pay the difference. If it costs less, the difference isn't refunded.
- From whatnot.com, open your Shipments page in Seller Hub.
- Filter by Needs Label.
- Find the shipment and select the pencil icon.
- Turn on Flat Rate.
- Select the Flat Rate box or envelope you'll use.
- Select Save.
Pack Flat Rate shipments
You must use official USPS Flat Rate packaging that matches the package selected for your shipping label.
When shipping Flat Rate, you can use:
- Small, Medium, or Large Flat Rate Boxes (FRB)
- Regular, Legal, or Padded Flat Rate Envelopes
Don’t use:
- Your own boxes or envelopes
- USPS packaging that isn’t labeled for Flat Rate
- Non-Flat Rate Priority Mail packaging
- Ground Advantage, First-Class, or Media Mail packaging
Using packaging that doesn’t match the label may result in shipping delays, a returned package, or USPS charges to your Whatnot account.
USPS provides free Flat Rate boxes and envelopes. Pick them up from a USPS location or order them online at usps.com.
Flat Rate delivery time and tracking
USPS typically delivers Flat Rate shipments within 2–3 business days. Delivery times aren’t guaranteed and may vary based on the destination, weather, holidays, or carrier delays.
Flat Rate shipments include carrier tracking. You can track shipments from the Shipments page in Seller Hub. Buyers can follow their orders from their order details page. Learn more.
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