Product Spotlight: Tools to Help You Better Connect with Buyers, Emerging Categories, and Top Tips to Go Live with Confidence
This month, we're introducing a smarter inbox experience to help you stay focused, emerging categories that are generating buzz with buyers, and key tips for new and seasoned sellers to boost confidence before your next live show.
A Smoother Inbox Experience with Message Requests
When DMs from existing buyers, potential buyers, sellers, and other non-customer messages all land in the same inbox, it can be challenging to respond to your customers quickly, especially during or immediately after a show.
With the new Message Request feature, we’re helping you cut through the clutter. Now, any messages from users you haven't previously interacted with will land in a separate Message Requests view, and you can decide if you want to accept the conversation. That means your primary inbox will stay clear for the conversations that matter most - questions about products, updates on orders, and repeat customers coming back for more.
We’ll be rolling this out over the next month, bringing you less distraction, better communication, and more time back in your day, so keep an eye out for this update in your inbox so you can see where someone who isn’t an existing buyer or friend has messaged you.
Buyers Are Tuning In: Food & Drink and Watches Are Heating Up
New categories are always emerging on Whatnot, and right now Food & Drink and Watches are having a moment.
In the Food & Drink category, viewership has been steadily increasing, with sales climbing by 50% this past month. Candy hauls and freeze-dried snacks are pulling in the greatest gains, along with viral drinks and global treats. Sellers are turning their live shows into snack aisles that feel like events.
Watches are also seeing a surge. Vintage finds, collector pieces, and modern styles are drawing in huge audiences. It’s not just about showing the time; it’s about telling the story behind the timepiece. And bringing buyers into the world of craftsmanship, history, and discovery.
So, if you have inventory in either category, or have been curious about expanding, it’s the perfect moment to jump in. And If you know someone who would thrive in these categories, you can refer a friend to sell by visiting the referral section of Seller Hub or tapping the gift icon on the mobile app. .
Confidence Going Live: Tips to Help Prepare for Your Next Show
Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, going live takes practice and patience. Here's how sellers on Whatnot are building momentum and feeling more confident every time they hit “Go Live.”
Start Smart: Preparation is your best friend. Watch how your favorite sellers host their shows, rehearse in a Private Show or Rehearsal Mode, schedule your show in advance and create a pre-show checklist to keep yourself accountable.
Lean into the Community: Whatnot’s seller community is full of people willing to help. Reach out to someone you admire, hop into seller groups, or ask your Chat for feedback.
Mindset Matters: Confidence builds with practice; find a mantra that keeps you grounded. Even seasoned sellers keep sticky notes in their set up to remind themselves to stay relaxed and authentic.
Engage and Enjoy: Your energy sets the tone. Greet your viewers, introduce yourself, keep the chat involved, and don’t sweat small slip-ups; they’re part of the fun. Show up, experiment, and find your flow.
Join the Conversation: Product Roundup Live Q&A
Join our Product Roundup live Q&A tomorrow, September 3rd, at 11:00 AM PT / 2:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM BST on @whatnotsellers to learn more about these updates and get some of your product questions answered.
Happy Selling!
– Whatnot Product Team
