Whatnot Announces First-Ever Seller Conference as It Enhances Shipping Safeguards
Whatnot introduces new scanning tools to boost seller shipping protections and announces first ever seller conference to be held in Austin, TX in April 2026.
As recent changes at USPS risk delaying package acceptance scans, Whatnot is proactively finding solutions to help sellers still get credit for shipping on time with new in-app scanning and manifest features.
Evan Bonnstetter
Carrier scan delays happen everywhere, especially over the holidays or when there’s bad weather. A package can get dropped off on time, but the carrier doesn’t scan it until a few days later. This shows up in your metrics as a late shipment, even when you did everything right.
Previously, we’ve had to rely on tracking data that doesn’t always capture what actually happened. This has created two problems: order issues are harder to evaluate fairly because the data is incomplete, and your metrics don’t tell the full story.
We’re rolling out improvements to address both. We’ve clarified our Seller Protection Policy to make it easier to understand how we help you handle disputes when shipment issues come up. And starting February 13, Account Health metrics will use better signals, like our in-app scanner and Whatnot Manifest, to reflect when packages get dropped off, not just when carriers scan them.
How It Works
The in-app scanner gives sellers a simple, reliable option to confirm their own package drop-offs right before they hand them to the carrier.
Scanning the package at drop-off sends the buyer a visible shipment confirmation, helps keep shipping metrics accurate, and gives the seller proof of drop-off, even if carrier scans are delayed or missed.
Requirements for in-app scanning
When scanning packages:
- Attach the label first. Only scan a package once the label is attached and you're ready to drop it off.
- Don't scan from a screen. Don't scan labels from your computer or phone.
- Scan as close to drop-off time as possible. Ideally scan at the carrier site or pickup spot, within a few hours of hand-off.
- Scan only the package. The image is shared with the buyer, so avoid showing other packages, people, or personal items (including yourself).
In-app scanning works for any carrier and shipping service and remains totally optional - if a seller doesn't use it, Whatnot will still depend on regular carrier scans to confirm drop-off, notify the buyer, and update shipping metrics.
And for a select number of accounts, Whatnot has also enabled Manifest capabilities, allowing sellers to mark packages as shipped in bulk so they get credit for shipping on-time and buyers can stay informed.
Sellers will be able to learn more about these new features and many other topics at the inaugural Whatnot Seller Summit in Austin, TX on April 25, 2026.
Holly Steffy
The one day in-person event will have presentations on topics from sourcing smarter and building high-converting live shows to increasing buyer retention and scaling your operations.
Sellers will hear from Whatnot leaders like Tom Verrilli, Chief Product Officer, and Andy Tu, VP of Marketing, and learn directly from top sellers sharing the real strategies behind their success, while hands-on workshops will offer a more collaborative setting, going deeper on tactical skills alongside seller community leaders and Whatnot experts.
Tickets are $75 and space is limited - but if you can't make it to the big event, you can also check out Whatnot's new Meetups Hub, where you can connect with sellers in your area, or even apply to host one of your own.
Are you planning to attend Whatnot Seller Summit? Let us know in the comments below!
