Whatnot is a marketplace where purchases are typically fulfilled by individual sellers, and post‑purchase issues are handled through Whatnot’s Buyer Protection process rather than a traditional “no-questions-asked” retail return window. The most important step is to act quickly: a buyer should submit a help request within the applicable deadline so the order remains eligible for review. In general, eligibility is tied to the earlier of 14 days after delivery or 30 days after purchase, meaning the delivery date often controls the practical window for most orders.
To start a claim, the buyer should open the order in the Purchases area and use the “Get help with this purchase” flow. The request should clearly describe the problem and include supporting evidence when relevant (for example, photos of damage, packaging, or the received item). Depending on the issue and the seller’s settings, the conversation may begin with the seller, with escalation to Whatnot Support if the seller does not respond or the issue is not resolved. Outcomes can include a full refund, partial refund, replacement, return requirement, or another resolution consistent with Buyer Protection.
If a return is required, the item should be kept in the same condition as received. Whatnot may provide a prepaid return label and will typically require the package to be shipped back within a short timeframe once instructions are issued. Refunds are generally processed after the return is received and reviewed when a return is part of the resolution. After approval, the payment provider may take several business days to post the credit back to the original payment method.
Deadlines can be shorter for certain categories. For example, some collectible categories may require filing within 7 days of delivery (or 30 days from purchase, whichever comes first), and plants or other perishable categories may require filing within 2 days of delivery (or 30 days from purchase, whichever comes first). Some items and situations may be excluded from refunds, such as certain consumable or opened goods, tips, off‑platform transactions, or cases involving suspected abuse or fraud. Buyers should also avoid returning the wrong item, as that can void eligibility. For cancellations before shipment, a buyer may request cancellation within 24 hours of purchase, but approval is not guaranteed.
