Create a custom shipping profile Create a custom shipping profile
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Create a custom shipping profile

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When you list an item on Whatnot, you’ll choose a shipping profile. This profile controls how the item ships, what it costs to ship, and whether it can bundle with other items.

By default, Whatnot suggests shipping profiles based on your item’s weight and category. Our Smart Bundling™ feature then automatically groups items together in the most cost-effective way, based on total weight and size.

If your item needs special handling—or the default profiles don’t fit your needs—you can create a custom shipping profile. A custom profile gives you more control: you can set the right weight, define bundling rules, and add details that make sure shipping works for your specific item.

On this page: 

Watch a video 

When to use a custom shipping profile

Create a custom profile if you:

  • List similar items frequently and want to save time
  • Need accurate weights to avoid shipping overcharges or surprise fees
  • Need to limit how many items bundle together in one package
  • Ship fragile, bulky, or pre-packaged items 

How to create a custom shipping profile

Once you create a custom profile, you can use it anytime you list an item for a show or in your shop. 

Create a custom profile on the app
  1. Open the Whatnot app
  2. Tap Seller Hub at the bottom of the screen
  3. In the top right, open the menu (☰)
  4. Scroll down and select Shipping
  5. Go to Shipping Profiles
  6. Tap the ➕ icon
  7. Fill out the profile details
  8. Tap Save
Create a custom profile on web
  1. Sign in to whatnot.com
  2. Click on your account icon in the top right
  3. From the Selling tab, go to Seller Hub
  4. On the left menu, click the ▼ icon next to Shipments
  5. Open Shipping Profiles
  6. Click Create Shipping Profile
  7. Fill out the profile details
  8. Click Publish

To edit or delete a custom profile, just follow the same steps above and open the profile you want to update.

How to fill out your shipping profile  

Here’s what each field means when you’re creating or editing a shipping profile: 

Field What it means Example
Name (required) Pick a name you’ll easily recognize. Label by item type, weight, or size. Skateboard deck, Heavy gowns, 4 inch Funko
Weight (required) Enter the total weight of one item including packaging.  20oz
Scale (required) Choose your unit of measurement for weight.  Ounce 
Bundling Options: Set max # of items in one package (optional)*

Limit how many of this item can fit in one shipment. Great for fragile or bulky items.

Then, enter custom Box Dimensions or select a Flat-Rate box type (only available for US sellers).

 Set to 1 for a fragile vase so it’s never bundled 
Bundling Options: Set a fixed weight for additional items (optional)* If the first item weighs more than the rest (includes packaging), enter the lower weight for additional items to keep the total shipment weight accurate.  First item = 20oz (includes packaging),  each additional = 15oz (just the item) 
Update active listings (only shows when editing) Check this box if you want your changes to apply to current listings using this profile. Doesn’t affect sold listings. ✅ = updates listings in your shop

*Note: Bundling options (like set max bundle size) aren’t supported in Germany, the UK, or the Netherlands.

When to use max bundle size 

Use a max bundle size when shipping:

  • Fragile items (like glass or ceramics)
  • Heavy or bulky items that don’t fit together
  • Pre-packed or boxed items you don’t want combined

Leave it off for small or lightweight items. Setting a max bundle limit can split these items into more shipments than needed. Smart Bundling™ usually handles those items best.

How bundling works with custom profiles 

Bundling with custom profiles depends on one setting: whether a max bundle size is set. 

  • Max bundle size set → only bundles with same profile
    • Items will only bundle with others that use the exact same shipping profile, until the max limit is reached.
    • Example: Bundle limit is 3. Buyer orders 2 → ✅ 2 items in one shipment
    • Example: Bundle limit is 3. Buyer orders 4 → ✅ 3 items bundled, ❌ 1 item ships separately
  • No max bundle size → Smart Bundling™ applies
    • Items bundle automatically based on total weight and size, even across different profiles.
    • However, they won’t bundle with items that use a profile with a max bundle size.

Tips for custom shipping profiles

  • Double-check the weight of your item (with packaging). Incorrect weights can lead to overcharges.

  • Create custom profiles for items you sell often or that need special handling.

  • Stick with one saved profile per item type. Mixing profiles can break bundling. 

  • If bundling doesn’t work, check that the items use the exact same profile.

  • Watch this video to learn more about custom shipping profiles.

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