Use Sorting Labels to organize sold items (Beta)

Sorting Labels automatically print sale details as items sell during your shows. Attach each label to the corresponding item to keep sold items organized and make them easier to find and pack during fulfillment.

Sorting Labels can be especially helpful during fast-moving shows and reduce the need for handwritten notes.

On this page

• Before you start
• Set up Sorting Labels
• Use Sorting Labels during a show
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Before you start

Sorting Labels use Whatnot Tray, a free desktop app that lets your printer automatically print labels as items sell during shows. You’ll download and connect Whatnot Tray when you set up Sorting Labels for the first time.

To get started, you’ll need:

• A computer you can keep running during your show
• Whatnot Tray version 2.2.6 or newer
  • Which version should I download?
• A printer that’s installed and set up on that computer
• Label stock in one of these supported sizes:
  • 2 × 1 in or 50 × 25 mm
  • 1 × 1 in or 25 × 25 mm
  • 4 × 6 in or 100 × 150 mm
  • 2 × 3 in or 50 × 75 mm

Set up Sorting Labels

You only need to set up sorting labels once on whatnot.com. 

Once they're turned on, labels will automatically print for future shows and live sales using your saved preferences.

1. From the Shows page, open your upcoming or active show. 
2. Select More > Show Tools > Sorting Labels.
3. Turn on Sorting Labels.
4. Choose which sale types should generate labels:
   • Auctions
   • Buy It Now (BINs)
   • Giveaways
   • Breaks/Surprise Sets
5. If needed, download, install, and open Whatnot Tray.
6. In the Sorting Labels panel, select Connect to Whatnot Tray.
7. If Whatnot Tray asks for permission, select Allow.
   • Select Remember this decision to avoid being asked again.
8. Select your printer and label size.
9. Configure what prints on your label (item name, show name, etc.).
10. Optionally, add word filters to control which items generate sorting labels.

Once it’s set, you can print a test label to preview how a live sorting label will look.

From any show, you can return to Sorting Labels anytime to change which sales and items get labels or turn off labels for future shows.

Use Sorting Labels during a show

Before each new show:

1. Open Whatnot Tray on your computer.
2. Open the show on whatnot.com on the same computer.
3. Keep both open and running throughout your show. 

Once your show starts, a label automatically prints whenever a sale matches your Sorting Labels settings. Each label includes details such as the listing title and buyer username.

Attach each label to the corresponding item as it sells.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Sorting labels aren’t printing. What should I do? 

If a sorting label doesn’t print:

• Confirm that you’ve turned on Sorting Labels
• Make sure Whatnot Tray is running (version 2.2.6 or newer)
• Make sure the same show is open on whatnot.com on your computer
• Confirm that your printer is online and connected to your computer

Can I host a show from my phone and print Sorting Labels from my computer?

Yes. You can host your show from your phone, using it as your camera or primary device. To print Sorting Labels, you’ll also need to have Whatnot Tray running and your show open on whatnot.com on your computer.

Learn more about using two devices while hosting a show.

Which version of Whatnot Tray should I download?

The version of Whatnot Tray you need depends on your computer. 

If you’re not sure which one to choose, follow these steps: 

How do breaks and surprise sets work with Sorting Labels?

Breaks and Surprise Sets print a little differently than regular sales. When someone buys a spot in a break, a label doesn’t print right away. Instead, it prints when the buyer is assigned their item.

Randomize before you end your show. Labels only print while you’re live. If you assign items after the show ends, those labels won’t print.

I don’t see my label size in the settings.

Label sizes are listed as width × height. The first number is how wide the label is and the second is how tall. 

Choose the closest available size that’s the same size as or smaller than your labels in both dimensions.

For example, if you’re using 2.25 × 1.25 in labels, choose 2 × 1 in. You’ll have a little extra blank space, but the label will still print normally.

Don’t choose a larger size. If the print area is larger than your label, your printer may feed blank labels or split the content across two labels.