Handle shipping delays as a seller

If you’ve dropped off a package and tracking hasn’t updated, that’s often just a delay in the carrier’s scans. Most shipments arrive in a matter of time. 

This guide walks you through how to check tracking, what to expect, and when to take action.

On this page: 

• Check the tracking status for your shipment
• If tracking hasn’t updated after drop-off
• If the package appears stuck in transit
• If a buyer contacts you about a shipping delay
• Understand how delays may affect your account

Check the status for your shipment 

First, check your shipment status to confirm any delay. You can check your order's status and tracking info (if available) on Whatnot. 

Track your shipment in the app:

1. Go to Seller Hub
2. Scroll down and tap Orders
3. Select the order
4. Choose Track shipment 

Track your shipment on whatnot.com: 

1. Click your account icon
2. From the Selling tab, open Seller Hub
3. Go to the Shipments page
4. Filter or search for the order
5. Check the shipment status or click the tracking number (if available) 

If tracking hasn’t updated after drop-off

• Carriers can take up to 3 business days to first scan packages after drop-off
• If it’s been fewer than 3 days, tracking may still update soon
• If it’s been more than 3 business days with no scans, contact Whatnot Support so we can help investigate

If the package appears stuck in transit

It’s common for packages to appear stalled even when they’re still moving.

• Domestic shipments: May take up to 2 weeks
• International shipments: May take up to 1 month
• Missed or delayed scans: Sometimes carriers skip scans or delay updates
• Some shipping methods don't include tracking: Methods like First-Class Mail Letter (FCML) or using your own label (BYOL) might offer limited tracking or none at all

If the delay seems unusual, reach out to Support and we’ll help look into it.

If a buyer contacts you about a shipping delay 

• Let them know most delays are temporary and tracking updates automatically
• They can track the shipment directly in Whatnot
• If they’re concerned, they can tap Get help with this purchase from their order details to contact our team
• If needed, the order may qualify for a refund under Buyer Protection 

How delays may affect your account 

Will carrier delays affect my average shipping time?

• In most cases, a carrier delay won’t impact this metric. Average ship time is based on when the order is placed and when it’s first scanned by the carrier (weekends and holidays excluded).
• Once your package is first scanned, any delays in transit don’t affect this metric.
• If the package hasn’t been scanned yet, that’s OK too. This metric is a rolling snapshot of your last 30 days, so a one-off delay won’t hurt your overall rating as long as you keep shipping on time.

Will shipping delays affect my earnings?

• Earnings usually begin processing once the package is scanned as delivered by the carrier. If the delivery scan is delayed, payout may take a bit longer to kick in as you wait for delivery confirmation.
• If you’re on Early Payout, you’re all set! Earnings begin processing as soon as you generate the label, even if shipping takes longer than usual.

You can track your payout status anytime from the Orders page in Seller Hub.