Fresh & Specialty Foods on Whatnot - Best Practices

In addition to complying with Whatnot’s Food & Drink Policy, we encourage sellers to follow certain best practices to assist with providing a smooth, and positive experience in Fresh & Specialty Food for both buyers and sellers. 

Best Practices for Sellers: 

• Listing and Show Disclosures 
  • To ensure buyers understand exactly what they are bidding on and buying, we recommend clearly disclosing as much information as possible about your items in both your listings and show, including: 
    • Ingredients
    • Allergen warnings
    • Sell-by or use-by date
    • Storage and handling instructions upon arrival 
    • Product weight and quantity 
  • Sellers should use their show to reinforce these details. This is a great opportunity to engage viewers and answer questions in real time. 
  • Sellers should disclose how the product will be shipped (i.e. frozen with dry ice, chilled with gel packs, shipped live). 
• Packaging and Shipping: You know best how to package your items to ensure they remain at safe temperatures in transit and are received by the buyer fresh and unspoiled as expected, but below are a few recommended best practices:   
  • Insulation: Use proper insulation (i.e. styrofoam coolers) to keep items chilled or frozen as needed.
  • Coolant: Use dry ice or gel ice as needed, to ensure items are kept below safe temperature thresholds during transit. Include enough extra coolant to cover at least an extra 24 hours in case of delays. As set out in the Food & Drink Policy, ensure you comply with all shipping carrier requirements, including any limits on dry ice usage and quantities in shipments.
  • Protection and Sealing: Pack items securely to prevent movement and damage, use cushioning materials as needed, and seal products properly to prevent leakage or contamination.
  • Packaging labeling: Sellers should clearly mark packages as perishable and temperature-sensitive.
  • Host your show and ship early in the week (Monday - Wednesday) to avoid delays over the weekend and reduce spoilage risk. 
  • Include post-arrival instructions in your listing and packaging (i.e. “product may partially thaw in transit”, “Use or freeze within 3 days of delivery”, “Defrost overnight in refrigerator”). 

Best Practices for Buyers:

• Ensure you have reviewed all seller-provided information (whether in the Listing or Show) and asked any questions you have before purchasing the product so you are prepared to best receive, store, and enjoy the Fresh & Specialty Food product. 
• Monitor your tracking and pick up your package promptly when delivered to avoid spoilage due to extended exposure to heat. 
• If there is an issue with your order once it’s been delivered, take a photo of the item in its package upon receipt, then contact Whatnot support and the seller within one day of delivery. You can also review Whatnot’s Buyer Protection Policy for more information.  
• Do not ship to P.O. Boxes or APO/FPO addresses.