Auctions are one way to sell on Whatnot, giving buyers the chance to compete for items in real time by placing bids during your show. You can start an auction from the app or whanot.com.
If you list an item before your show begins, buyers can place pre-bids. These bids are automatically applied once the auction starts.
Running auctions during a show can boost engagement and help you discover the right price for high-interest or one-of-a-kind items.
In this article:
What to expect during your auction
When you start an auction, you’ll set:
Starting bid: The opening price. Make sure it reflects the lowest amount you’re comfortable accepting.
Auction time: The minimum length of the auction. New bids can extend the timer.
Counter bid time: When fewer than 10 seconds remain, each new bid resets the timer to this amount.
Sudden death (optional): Ends the auction at 00:01 to the final bidder without extending time.
Tip: Most auctions on Whatnot move fast, and many last 30 seconds or less.
As the timer counts down, buyers can place incremental bids or enter custom amounts. You’ll see bids, active participants, and the current highest bid update in real time.
The highest bid wins. If no one places a bid, the item won’t sell, and you can choose to run it again or move on.
Once an auction starts, it can’t be canceled or stopped.
How to start an auction
Before you begin, make sure your item is listed and reserved for your show. Set Auction as the purchase format.
Start an auction in the app
- During your show, tap the Shop
icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Go to the Auction tab.
- Select the product you want to auction.
- Tap Start Auction.
- Set your auction details.
- Tap Start.
Start an auction on whatnot.com
- During your show, open the Auction tab in the top-left panel.
- Find the product you want to auction.
- Click Product Actions, then Start Auction.
- Set your auction details.
- Click Start.
Tip: You can practice running simulated auctions and pinning items in Rehearsal Mode.