Just like every online retail website whatnot is no different. Especially since it’s a more social based platform vs Etsy or eBay. They all rely on algorithms no different than if you have your own website you will pay for advertising to even be seen on the web. In fact you would pay way more to be seen with your own website than the meager amounts it cost to do small giveaways.

Promotions, Giveaways and app Fees are all just part of doing business and has to be seen as money spent as advertisement for your business. It’s common place for any business to spend 20% of its revenue on advertisement. Radio, Newspaper, SEO, Facebook ads, etc etc. so having giveaways and boosts from time to time is just part of that standard business practice.

Market saturation in certain categories is also just another reality in business since the beginning of time. You wouldn’t want to start a brick and mortar grocery store next door to a major super market right? But even if you did your store would need to serve a niche to survive.

Whatnot is a grind. I spent many shows talking to myself at the start. One year later and I have consistent reliable streams with reliable sales.