THREDUP ON WHATNOT: OCTOBER UPDATE ON LIVE AUCTIONS

Introduction ThredUp on Whatnot: October Update on Live Auctions

This is an update to my September 30 post reviewing ThredUp’s first live show on Whatnot, which aired on September 29. Having watched about eight shows over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed some changes in how items are presented, questions are answered, and buyers are encouraged to check descriptions before bidding.

Some of these adjustments appear responsive to comments in the chats. The feedback probably also informs ThredUp’s thinking beyond the live shows, including its main resale platform. Questions about condition, pricing, shipping, and selection give the company useful information about what customers value and where concerns remain.

At the time of this writing, ThredUp’s Whatnot profile showed 17.3 thousand followers, 433 reviews, and a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. It is clearly building a presence in this live shopping channel.

Where is the Inventory Sourced?

In my review of the first show, I wondered where and how the inventory was sourced. These details weren’t mentioned during that show. In subsequent shows, however, viewers asked in the chats, and ThredUp was quick to answer. Here is one of those responses:

The answer clarified the sourcing question. However, there were occasional complaints in the chat that ThredUp was earning revenue without paying the people who had sent in these particular items. I do not recall seeing those comments addressed, although I could have missed a response.

Sourcing Clarified; Other Inventory Concerns Remain

Having the right inventory is central to resale, so it is worth looking at what is being offered during the Whatnot shows. Among the items I observed, a good number had written descriptions disclosing pilling, discoloration, fading, or stains. Some descriptions identified exterior or interior stains, or both. For bags, disclosed flaws also included scratches and scuffs on hardware.

ThredUp’s published Clean Out seller terms say items should be free from stains. However, ThredUp does make exceptions. Its website sells items classified as “flawed gems,” including pieces with exterior staining, and explains that items from best-selling brands may qualify for resale because of high demand.

It would therefore be inaccurate to say that ThredUp never accepts stained clothing. Still, buyers should be "warned" that the auctions include such items. The shows also feature items described as new with tags or in excellent condition, so the condition can vary considerably from one auction to the next. That makes reading each description important, particularly when the bidding moves quickly.

Referring to a Retail Price When Presenting Item

One aspect of the shows that continues to strike me as odd is the occasional reference to what an item "typically sells for" or "retails for" without clarifying whether the figure refers to a new item or a secondhand item in comparable condition.

For example, the host said this Vera Bradley clutch “typically sells for $73.00." But that figure refers to a new, unstained bag. This item’s description disclosed both exterior and interior stains. An original retail price can provide context, but comparing this stained, secondhand clutch with a new one without making that distinction gives buyers an incomplete picture. It sold for $13.00.

General Comments and Updates

Thoughtful Curation

The shows are thoughtfully grouped by brands, item categories, and sizes. Examples include contemporary brands, activewear, denim, handbags and accessories, and plus-size shows. This gives viewers a better sense of which shows might interest them.

Shipping Costs

The initial show offered a promotional flat bundled shipping charge of $5.99, regardless of how many items a buyer purchased. More recently, I have seen bundled shipping of $7.49 for the entire order.

Because I have not watched every show, I cannot say whether $7.49 is now the standard charge or whether the offer varies. Buyers should check the shipping terms for the particular show.

With many of the items I observed selling for under $20, shipping makes a meaningful difference to the total cost. Bundled shipping can make additional purchases more appealing because buyers can spread that charge across several items. For someone buying only one inexpensive item, the shipping charge is a larger part of the purchase.

Pre-bidding

Early on, only certain items appeared to be available for pre-bidding. More recently, it seems that all items in the shows I watched could receive pre-bids.

The host has also been reminding buyers to read the descriptions before placing either a pre-bid or a bid during the live auction. That reminder is particularly useful when buyers commit to an item before seeing it presented.

More Attention to Flaws and Condition

I have noticed more emphasis on pointing out flaws and advising buyers to read the descriptions before bidding.

This is a useful adjustment, given the range of conditions represented in the auctions. For the sweater below, the host called out the description stated "cleaning required."

The hosts and producer who writes in the chats have also been engaging with viewers about what they would like to see during the show underway and in future shows, while answering broader questions about ThredUp’s business. The setting behind the host attracts considerable interest, and at times the host shares statistics about ThredUp’s operations. These exchanges give viewers a closer look at the business and give ThredUp immediate feedback on what interests its audience.

Overall, I see a comfortable rapport developing between ThredUp and its buyers. There are still comments about flaws not always being pointed out. During one show I watched, a viewer reported that purchased items had a patchouli odor. I could not assess the items myself, but the comment raised another aspect of condition that photographs and written descriptions may not capture.

These comments give ThredUp an opportunity to identify concerns that may extend beyond how an item is presented during a live show.

Show Schedules

At the time of writing, three shows a day were listed for the remainder of this week. Although no shows were yet listed for next week, the schedule included Black Friday, November 27, and a show each day through Cyber Monday, November 30. Having those dates posted this far ahead suggests ThredUp is preparing for the holiday shopping period, perhaps with special selections or offers, although those details have not been announced.

The chats may also help shape the schedule still being developed. Viewers regularly ask for particular brands, sizes, and types of merchandise, giving ThredUp specific ideas for upcoming shows. Based on the exchanges I have watched, it seems likely that the team is reviewing those requests as it considers what to offer next.

Two Way Street

The chats give ThredUp an opportunity to learn more about its customers and potentially adjust both the live shows and other aspects of its operations. They have also given me a chance to learn more about ThredUp.

After seeing a mention of a wholesale option in the chat, I followed up through direct messages, applied, and was accepted for ThredUp Wholesale.

The offering, which was in beta testing when I accessed it, allows secondhand sellers and small businesses to buy prebuilt boxes of themed merchandise or build their own boxes. The banner promotes: "No data entry. Item details import directly into Shopify, or a format you define."

For buyers building their own boxes, the options include selecting brands, sizes, and conditions, with a minimum order of ten items.

The prebuilt boxes include themes such as Statement Prints, described as: "Animal print, polka dots, plaid, and bold stripes on coats, skirts, dresses, and knits. One strong print per piece."When I clicked on Statement Prints, one option offered 40 items for $801.32, including dresses, knitwear, and tops. The conditions listed for that particular box were Excellent and Very good. Other themes included Dark Romantic Boho and The New Denim.

I do not plan to place an order immediately, but it could be an inventory option for other resellers. As with the auctions, the price, condition, and selection would need to make sense for the buyer’s business.

Conclusion

The premiere show drew an engaged audience, with encouraging comments like "This is awesome" and "Love you" coming through the chat. That enthusiasm has continued, with comments including: "Thredup on here is a game changer, my favorite site!"

There has also been pointed feedback. Over the shows I watched, ThredUp has become more explicit about condition, answered sourcing questions, and continued to engage with viewers. Those are useful developments, even as concerns remain about price comparisons, item condition, and ThredUp earning revenue from items for which the original senders were not paid.

What interests me most is how much information moves in both directions during these shows. Buyers can ask questions as items are presented, and ThredUp can hear concerns and requests as they arise. Those conversations probably also offer lessons for its main resale platform.

With increasing competition in secondhand and so many options for both buyers and sellers, ThredUp needs to give people reasons to choose its shows and return. That means having merchandise buyers want, presenting its condition accurately, keeping the total cost appealing, and following through on feedback. For a company still reporting a net loss, Whatnot offers another way to generate sales and reach customers, with an opportunity to build on the enthusiasm through well-run shows and merchandise that keeps buyers coming back.

The next thing I’ll be watching is whether the changes continue, and whether the questions that remain receive the same attention.

Full disclosure: This post reflects my personal opinions and observations and is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered professional, financial, or legal advice. I have not attended all of ThredUp’s live shows on Whatnot. These are fast-paced shows, with items and chats moving quickly, so my observations are based on what was visible and stated in real time, and unintentional oversights are possible. This post does not cover all selling and buying rules for each platform mentioned. Please check the ThredUp and Whatnot sites for complete, official policies. I have sold with ThredUp through both the consignment model and Direct Listing, and all of my transactions have been satisfactory. I have no professional relationship with ThredUp or Whatnot and was not compensated to reference: ThredUp’s latest reported quarter was Q2 2026, when it reported a $5.9 million net loss alongside positive adjusted EBITDA of $4.8 million. ir.thredup.com