Confirm drop-off with the in-app scanner

The in-app scanner gives you a simple, reliable option 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 you control 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: 

1. Keeps buyers in the loop. Each scan sends a real-time update and photo so buyers know their package is on the way, reducing confusion about where their order is and building confidence in you as a seller. 
2. Protects your shipping metrics. Your scan counts as the official shipment confirmation and contributes to your average ship time, even if the carrier’s first scan is delayed. Orders scanned and dropped off within two business days of the sale qualify as on-time.
3. Helps you avoid cancellations and charges. Providing clear proof of drop-off lowers the chance of buyer disputes, cancellation attempts, and refund-related fees.

How to use the in-app scanner

Just before drop-off, scan your packages from the Seller Hub on the Whatnot app (iOS or Android). 

Open the scanner directly in the app or from whatnot.com using a QR code.

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. 

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?

No. If you don’t use the scanner, we’ll rely on carrier scans to confirm drop-off, notify the buyer, and update your shipping metrics.

Using the in-app scanner is optional, but we recommend it because carrier scans can be delayed or missed. Scanning packages yourself gives you:

• Instant proof of drop-off
• Faster and clearer buyer communication
• More accurate shipping metrics 

You can confirm shipment in either of the following ways:

• Carrier scans (default): The carrier scans your packages individually. In the US, this includes USPS SCAN Forms, which allow the carrier to confirm multiple packages with one scan. 
• In-app scanner (recommended): Scan packages yourself for immediate confirmation of drop-off. 

What if I forgot to scan my packages? 

There's no action needed. Your package will still be marked as Shipping once the carrier provides its first in-transit scan.

Why hasn’t my shipment status updated after the carrier scanned my package?

It can take time for Whatnot to receive the carrier’s drop-off scan. Until we receive it, your shipment may continue to show as Ready to Ship. If more than two business days have passed since the sale, it may show as Overdue. 

The shipment status updates as soon as we receive the carrier’s first in-transit scan. Your shipping metrics will use the carrier’s actual scan time, not the time we received the carrier’s data.

To avoid these delays, use the in-app scanner to confirm drop-off so Whatnot and your buyer are updated immediately.

Why can’t I mark packages as shipped anymore?

The Mark Package as Shipped only changed the shipment status sellers saw. It didn’t notify the buyer, count toward your shipping metrics, or serve as proof of drop-off.

To give you more control and give buyers accurate updates, it’s been replaced with proof-based scanning 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 for all carriers and shipping services used on Whatnot, including USPS First Class Mail (FCML/PWE). 

When there’s no barcode on the label, the scanner works by capturing the buyer’s username and matching it to shipments you have Ready to Ship. If you have multiple shipments for that buyer, you’ll be asked to select which shipment you’re scanning.

What if I’m having trouble getting the package to scan?

If your package won’t scan automatically, keep the scanner open. After five seconds without a successful scan, a camera shutter button will appear. Tap the shutter to manually capture a photo and match it to the correct shipment.

Before capturing a scan manually, make sure you have the right package, the image is clear, the photo meets the in-app scanning requirements, and you are comfortable with it being shared with the buyer.