Whatnot Live Show Etiquette: Creating a Welcoming, Fun, and Professional Experience for Buyers

Whether you’re brand new to Whatnot or a seasoned seller, understanding and practicing good live show etiquette can make or break your success. Live selling isn’t just about the items on screen—it’s about the vibe you create, the way you treat your audience, and the professionalism you bring to each show. Let’s explore the best practices every Whatnot seller should adopt to ensure their show is inviting, effective, and unforgettable.

1. Engage with Buyers in a Friendly and Positive Way

Your energy sets the tone.

Buyers are more likely to stick around (and buy) when they feel welcomed and valued. Always greet viewers by name when possible, thank them for joining, and acknowledge returning supporters. A simple “Hey Jamie! Good to see you again!” goes a long way.

Ask questions like:

• “Where’s everyone tuning in from?”

• “Anyone looking for something specific today?”

• “Who’s ready for some deals?”

A cheerful and upbeat tone helps turn a passive viewer into a loyal customer.

2. Managing Trolls and Negative Comments

Unfortunately, the internet has its fair share of trolls.

You might encounter someone who drops into your chat just to stir up trouble. The key? Do not feed the trolls.

• Stay calm and composed.

• Don’t engage in an argument.

• A simple “We keep it positive here 😊” followed by a swift mute or block is enough.

This is where your moderators become crucial.

3. Use Moderators Wisely

Your mods are your live show security team.

They can:

• Welcome guests

• Drop reminders about shipping or show format

• Answer common questions

• Remove or mute trolls

• Help manage giveaway entries

Choose people you trust and who understand your vibe. It’s also helpful to give them clear guidelines about what kind of comments or behavior should be removed.

Tip: Always shout out your mods and thank them during your show.

4. Keep Up with Chat and Buyer Questions

Staying attentive to the chat is key, but it can get overwhelming fast.

• Use a second device to keep an eye on the chat while running the show.

• Repeat questions out loud and answer them in real time whenever possible.

• If you miss something, apologize and loop back to it when you can.

• Encourage viewers to repeat their question if you didn’t catch it the first time.

Consider saying:

“Hey y’all, the chat is flying tonight! If I missed your question, just type it again—I’m not ignoring you!”

That shows you care.

5. Take Requests for Items

Listening to what your buyers want shows you value their time.

Let your viewers know that you’re open to requests and give them a way to ask:

• “Drop your requests in the chat!”

• “Let me know if you’re looking for [X category] and I’ll see what I’ve got.”

If you can’t get to it immediately, acknowledge it and promise to circle back:

• “I see your request for Nike tees—I’ll pull those in a few minutes!”

6. Your Background Matters: Keep it Clean and Professional

What buyers see behind you matters more than you might think.

• A cluttered, messy space can be distracting and may cause buyers to doubt the quality of your items.

• A clean, tidy setup gives the impression of professionalism and builds trust.

Tips for your background:

• Use neutral backdrops or shelves with neatly displayed items

• Avoid personal clutter, food, or anything unprofessional

• Ensure lighting is bright and flattering

• If you can, brand your background with a sign or logo

Your space is a silent salesperson—make sure it’s working in your favor.

7. Create a Fun and Friendly Environment

At the end of the day, shopping should be fun!

Here are a few ways to keep your show upbeat:

• Play music (within Whatnot’s rules)

• Use games or giveaways

• Celebrate first-time buyers

• Call out milestones: “We hit 50 viewers—thank you all!”

Inject your personality into the show. Whether you’re quirky, calm, or high-energy, be authentic and let your community connect with you, not just your items.

8. Additional Tips for Great Show Etiquette

Let’s go a step further with some added etiquette tips from ChatGPT:

✅ Be Transparent

• If there’s damage to an item, say it.

• If your shipping is delayed, own it.

  
  

  Buyers appreciate honesty—it builds long-term loyalty.

✅ Respect Time

• Don’t make buyers wait too long to start

• Keep the flow consistent

• Avoid long periods of silence unless you’re actively prepping something on screen

✅ Show Gratitude

• Always thank your buyers, even those who don’t make a purchase.

• Let them know their time matters.

✅ Practice Makes Progress

• Watch replays of your own shows and look for ways to improve.

• Ask trusted friends for feedback.

• Don’t be afraid to evolve your show over time.

Final Thoughts

Etiquette on Whatnot isn’t about being perfect—it’s about creating a space where people enjoy spending their time (and money). A good live show feels like hanging out with a friend who just happens to have awesome stuff for sale.

When you lead with kindness, stay professional, and engage with your audience authentically, your community will grow—and so will your sales.

Happy selling! 🎉