Protect your shipments

If you’re a U.S.-based seller, you can add shipping protection and signature confirmation in Seller Hub to help protect your packages from loss, damage, or theft. 

For certain qualifying U.S. shipments, signature confirmation may be applied automatically.

Shipping protection is provided through our partners, Shippo and XCover.

How it works 

Whatnot partners with Shippo and XCover to offer shipping protection you can add for your orders. This protection covers your item value and shipping costs if a package is lost, stolen, or damaged in transit.

If a protected shipment goes missing or arrives damaged, you can file a claim online. XCover aims to complete 95% of claims within 3 days of filing.

You can add extra protection for shipments with valuable items to ensure coverage in case of loss or damage during shipping. Note that USPS and UPS automatically include up to $100 in coverage for lost packages.

XCover may have additional limits, including:

• Maximum coverage amounts

• Items not covered

• Signature requirements for certain items

For full details, review XCover’s terms, conditions, and exclusions. Protection is provided by Cover Genius and powered by XCover.

If an item isn’t covered by XCover, you can purchase your own insurance and provide proof of coverage (e.g. receipt) to our Support Team. 

We understand that there are times where the market value of an order may exceed the purchase price. In such cases, Whatnot will cover the difference according to our High Value Loss Reimbursement Policy.  

Service costs

The cost of shipping protection is based on the item’s value and shipping costs.

How to add shipping protection (insurance)

1. From whatnot.com, open Shipments in Seller Hub. 

2. Select the shipment.

3. Choose Add insurance for this shipment.

4. Complete the required Shipment contents field.

5. Save your changes.

How to add signature confirmation

Signature confirmation provides proof of drop-off and helps make sure the package reaches the buyer.

Some buyers can opt out of signature confirmation at the account level. If they’ve opted out, you won’t be able to add it. We’ll let you know if this is the case during label generation.

Signature confirmation is currently available for U.S. domestic shipments only.

When it’s applied automatically

For certain U.S. shipments valued at $500 or more, signature confirmation may be required automatically.

If required:

• The signature fee is added to your ledger automatically and can’t be removed.

• You’ll see the requirement and cost before you generate the label.

When you can add it

For other shipments, you can choose to require a signature:

1. Go to Seller Hub.

2. Open Shipments.

3. Select the shipment.

4. Turn on Require signature on delivery.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are sellers responsible for the cost of shipping protection?

Yes. Sellers are charged for shipping protection and signature confirmation.

Should I insure items below $100?

USPS and UPS automatically include up to $100 in coverage for lost packages. Review USPS insurance policy and UPS insurance policy for more information.

When should I use signature confirmation?

Signature confirmation provides proof of delivery and helps ensure the package reaches the intended recipient.

It may be required automatically for certain qualifying U.S. shipments. You can also add it manually in Seller Hub before generating your shipping label.

Certain items, such as electronics and jewelry, may require signature confirmation to qualify for insurance coverage (more details here).  

How do I insure items that are over the $10,000 maximum order value subtotal? 

Whatnot covers any value above the $10,000 maximum under our High Value Loss Reimbursement Policy.

You can also:

• Split the order into multiple shipments under $10,000 each

• Purchase third-party insurance and provide proof to our Support Team

What items are covered under XCover Total Shipping Protection?

Refer to XCover’s terms for exclusions and coverage details.  

How is the protection premium calculated?

• 1% of item value + shipping cost (domestic)

• 1.5% of item value + shipping cost (international)

A buyer reports a missing item. What should I do?

Buyers should submit a support request in the app to report the missing item. 

Sellers can file a claim with XCover for protected shipments.

Do sellers need to take additional steps for high-value international shipments?

Yes. U.S.-based sellers shipping items with a purchase price of $2,500 or more to most international destinations must submit an Electronic Export Information (EEI) form.  

For more information, see the International Trade Administration’s guide on how to submit your EEI. 

What happens if I don’t add shipping protection?

Whatnot reviews missing or damaged orders without shipping protection on a case-by-case basis. Repeated abuse, especially for high-value items without protection, may result in sellers being held responsible for the full purchase amount.

Who is XCover?