Where to Source Stock for WhatNot Marketplace: A Comprehensive Guide

The rise of online marketplaces has provided new opportunities for sellers to reach a wide audience, and one of the most exciting platforms emerging today is WhatNot. WhatNot is a live-streaming marketplace that primarily focuses on collectible items like Funko Pops, action figures, vintage toys, trading cards, and other niche collectibles. With its interactive and engaging format, WhatNot enables sellers to create live auctions and interact with buyers in real time, making it a unique platform for those looking to build a business around these high-demand products.

But what if you're unsure where to source stock for your WhatNot Marketplace store? Whether you're new to the platform or you're looking to expand your offerings, knowing where to find high-quality stock is essential. In this blog, we'll explore several strategies for sourcing products, including wholesalers, secondary markets, direct-to-supplier routes, and more. By following these tips, you’ll be equipped to successfully source stock that will appeal to your target audience and help your WhatNot business thrive.

Success with all marketplaces depends on a you having in demand stock for marketplaces and having a reliable supply.

But let's start with the basics:

1. Understanding Your Niche and Audience on Whatnot

Before you start sourcing products for your WhatNot store, it's crucial to understand your niche and audience. WhatNot Marketplace is known for its collectible products, but they have recently expanded their appeal to many other categories:

• Fashion and Apparel
• Electronics and Gadgets
• Home and Kitchen
• Beauty and Wellness
• Health and Fitness
• Toys and Games
• Books and Media

Knowing your audience will help you narrow down the types of stock you need. For example, if you're focusing on Beauty & Wellness, you’ll want to find suppliers that specialise in such stock. Similarly, if you’re focusing on sports cards, you might need to target different suppliers than you would for vintage toys.

2. Local Charity Shops, Auctions, and Car Boot Sales

One of the most common ways to source collectible stock for platforms like WhatNot is by hunting for hidden gems in local charity shops, estate sales, and garage sales. These places are full of items that can be sold for a profit, especially if you have a keen eye for valuable collectibles.

a. Charity Shops

Thrift stores often carry a wide variety of second-hand goods, including vintage toys, action figures, and other collectibles. Stores like Oxfam, Salvation Army, and local independent charity shops are great places to start your hunt. Many of these stores sell items at a fraction of their retail value, and if you’re lucky, you may find some real treasures.

b.  Auctions

Auctions can be a gold mine for finding collectibles. When a family is liquidating the belongings of a loved one, they often sell valuable or rare items, including vintage toys, comic books, and memorabilia. 

c. Car Boot Sales

Car boot sales are hit or miss, but they can offer amazing opportunities for finding collectibles at bargain prices. Whether it’s an vintage fashion or a box of trading cards, car boot sales are often where people are trying to quickly get rid of items. It’s a great way to find collectibles that are undervalued and can be flipped for a profit.

3. Wholesalers and Distributors

If you want to scale your business on WhatNot Marketplace and offer products in bulk, working with wholesalers and distributors can be an effective strategy. Wholesalers buy items in bulk directly from manufacturers and then resell them at a discounted price to retailers.

a. Finding Reputable Wholesalers

There are numerous online directories and platforms that list wholesalers and distributors, including:

• Resellerstock.com - this is a specialist reseller website with bulk items specifically sourced and curated to help resellers across all marketplaces. Categories range from beauty to baby and pet to household. The product listings even give you the profit potential for marketplaces like Amazon. There are no minimum orders and you can order full pallets as you grow.

• Global Sources: Another reliable platform for finding wholesale suppliers, especially those based in Asia. You can filter your search to find specific types of collectibles.

• Trade Show Exhibitors: Attending trade shows is a great way to meet wholesalers and distributors in person. Events like Toy Fair New York and Comic-Con bring together manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers, offering the chance to network and discover new stock options.

b. Private Label or White Label Options

In addition to traditional wholesale suppliers, you can also explore private-label or white-label products. This is where you can put your branding on existing products. For example, if you want to create your own exclusive line of collectible figures or trading cards, you could find a manufacturer who produces these items and have your logo added. Websites like AliExpress and Printful allow you to order products in bulk, add your branding, and sell them as your own.

4. Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces are a fantastic way to source stock, especially if you’re looking for unique or rare items that aren’t easily found elsewhere. Sites like eBay, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace are prime platforms for finding collectible toys, action figures, trading cards, and memorabilia.

a. eBay

eBay is a gold mine for resellers, and it’s also a great place to source stock for your WhatNot store. You can find auctions for all sorts of collectible items, and sometimes, you may even get lucky with an underpriced item that can be flipped for a profit.

b. Mercari

Mercari is another online marketplace where individuals sell second-hand items, including collectibles. You can browse listings by category or even search for specific items, such as vintage action figures or sports cards.

c. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace offers a wide variety of items, including collectibles and antiques. The platform is easy to use and allows you to filter by location, so you can find local deals and save on shipping costs. If you're looking for rare items, check regularly to see if new listings are posted.

5. Retail Arbitrage and Clearance Sales

Retail arbitrage is a strategy that involves buying discounted items from retail stores and reselling them for a profit. This works especially well when retailers have clearance sales or special promotions, as it allows you to purchase collectibles at a lower cost and resell them at a higher price.

a. Target, Walmart, and Other Big-Box Stores

Stores like Target, Walmart, and Walgreens often have collectible toys and figures on sale, especially during major holiday events. Checking the clearance section regularly can lead to great finds, whether it’s a limited edition figure or a discount on collectible trading cards.

b. Discount Stores

Discount stores like liquidation.store TJ Maxx, B&M, and The Range are other places where you might find discounted products. These stores often carry beauty, art, food & drink and household products. liquidation.store has regular flash sales with prices up to 90% off. If you're quick enough, you can grab some real bargains to make profits on Whatnot

7. Networking with Other Sellers

One of the best ways to source stock for your WhatNot store is by networking with other sellers in the community. As WhatNot has grown in popularity, many sellers are willing to share tips, recommend suppliers, and even collaborate on bulk orders. Joining WhatNot seller groups on social media platforms such as Facebook, Reddit, or Discord can provide you with insider knowledge on where to find stock at competitive prices.

Conclusion

Sourcing stock for WhatNot Marketplace requires a mix of creativity, market knowledge, and strategic sourcing. By tapping into local thrift stores, online marketplaces, wholesalers, and specialty suppliers, you can find a wide range of collectibles to sell. Whether you’re focused on Funko Pops, trading cards, vintage toys, or other collectible items, there are numerous ways to find profitable stock. The key to success is staying informed, understanding your audience’s preferences, and continuously refining your sourcing strategies to offer unique and valuable items.