USPS shipping updates on Whatnot as of July 31

Last month, we shared that USPS shipping changes were coming. We’ve made a few important updates to better support sellers as the new USPS pricing took effect.

With these changes, most USPS shipments should cost less on Whatnot. Ground Advantage rates for packages between 1 and 5 lbs are expected to drop by nearly 20%. Because most Whatnot shipments already use Ground Advantage, most buyers and sellers will save money overall.

Because we know many sellers rely on Flat Rate shipping, we’re keeping it while we build better long-term shipping options. To help keep costs down, we’re covering most of the price increase. Through November 1, we’re offering temporary Flat Rate pricing of $12.99 per package instead of the standard commercial rate of more than $30 for a Large Flat Rate Box.

Overview of July 31 updates:

• USPS Ground Advantage is now the default USPS shipping service on Whatnot
• Flat Rate will remain available on Whatnot at a temporary rate of $12.99 (normally $30+ for Large Flat Rate Box). Whatnot will cover part of the Flat Rate shipping cost so prices stay closer to previous rates through November 1, 2026. 
  • The Ground Advantage 1-5lb rate will be 40% cheaper than Flat Rate with bigger dimensions. This will be the best option for buyers in many cases.
  • Flat Rate Box will remain as an option for sellers after November 1, 2026. We will share details on the updated rate and additional shipping options at least one month before. 
• USPS Priority Mail remains available, but will cost significantly more than Ground Advantage
• First-Class Mail Letter (FCML) has increased by $0.04 in line with USPS update
• Media Mail has moved in line with USPS pricing

As things change, keep in mind that USPS Priority Mail packaging can only be used with Priority Mail labels. Using Priority Mail or Flat Rate packaging with Ground Advantage labels may result in returned packages and USPS fees of approximately $20 per package, which will be charged to your account. 

This article covers:

• What’s changed
  • USPS Ground Advantage is the default shipping option
  • USPS Flat Rate shipping will remain available
• What you may need to do
• FAQs

What’s changed

USPS Ground Advantage is the default shipping option

As of July 31st, USPS Ground Advantage has replaced Priority Mail as the default USPS shipping service on Whatnot. 

If you prefer to use Priority Mail instead, you can switch back anytime in your shipping settings. However, please be aware that this will be more expensive for buyers.

Packages weighing 1–5 lbs use a new negotiated $7.75 Ground Advantage rate. 

Packages under 1 lb now use simplified pricing model based on shipment weight only, instead of shipment weight and shipping distance.

Packages over 5 lbs use zone-based Ground Advantage commercial pricing, which varies based on the shipment's weight and destination.

USPS Flat Rate shipping will remain available

Because we know many sellers rely on Flat Rate shipping, we’re keeping it while we build better long-term shipping options. To help keep costs down, we’re covering most of the USPS price increase. Through November 1, we’re offering temporary Flat Rate pricing of $12.99 per package instead of the standard commercial rate of more than $30 for a Large Flat Rate Box.

The best rate for most buyers and shipments will be the 1-5lb Ground Advantage rate of $7.75, which will be 40% lower than Flat Rate Box. If you want to continue using Flat Rate at the new discounted rate, you can choose to do so in your settings. 

Flat Rate Box will remain as an option for sellers after November 1, 2026, though at a higher rate. We will share details on the updated rate and additional shipping options for sellers at least one month prior.

What you may need to do

Most sellers don’t need to make any changes.

If you previously used Priority Mail as your default shipping option:

• USPS Ground Advantage has automatically become your default shipping service 
• You can choose to switch back to Priority Mail in your shipping settings

If you regularly use Flat Rate packaging or ship packages over 5 lbs:

• Review your default shipping settings and determine if you want to ship using Ground Advantage rates or continue to use Flat Rate Box
• If switching to Ground Advantage:
  • Make sure your shipping profiles use accurate weights, since weight-based pricing will matter more on Ground Advantage
  • Replace Flat Rate packaging with your own packaging materials
  • Test your new shipping setup 
• Use the in-app scanner to confirm shipment. This will help us settle any disputes related to carrier fees for using incorrect packaging.

How to choose a service level with the new July 31 rates:

* Temporarily subsidized Flat Rate Box price (through Nov 1, 2026)

If you use the Buyer Pays Max feature, you may want to update the amount after the changes are live based on which format you plan to sell. 

*These recommendations are based on the price of a single 1-5lb GA package or a single Flat Rate package. 

FAQs

When did these changes take effect?  

Can I still use Priority Mail?

Yes. Priority Mail will still be available as an optional shipping service.

However, in most cases, it will cost at least $5 more than Ground Advantage while arriving only slightly faster for some shipments.

Can I still use USPS Flat Rate boxes?

Yes. USPS Flat Rate packaging will be supported at a temporarily discounted rate of $12.99. You can select Flat Rate Box in your shipping settings. 

• If you plan to ship with Ground Advantage, use your own packaging materials instead.
• If you plan to ship with Priority Mail, you can use regular USPS Priority Mail packaging that is not marked “Flat Rate,” or your own packaging materials.

USPS Flat Rate packaging cannot be used with Ground Advantage labels. Doing so may result in returned packages, shipping delays for buyers, and carrier fees of approximately $20 per package, which will be charged to your account.

Will Flat Rate still be available after November 1, 2026?

Yes. Flat Rate will remain on Whatnot. We will reach out by early October with details on the updated rate and additional shipping options for sellers. 

Were there any changes to Media Mail or First-Class Mail Letter (FCML)?

These updates didn't directly affect USPS Media Mail or FCML shipping services. However, pricing for these shipping options have been updated separately, in line with USPS pricing.

As of July 31, 2026: 

• FCML has incurred a $0.04 annual increase, but is still the lowest-cost shipping option for eligible lightweight shipments, including trading cards.
• Media Mail prices have slightly decreased.