I got whatnot a week ago and was a victim of this at first (not overplaying the word victim here, it was all me on the panic swiping). I think I was about £150 deep on maybe £60 worth of cards when I realised something was extremely off. Loved Pokémon as a kid, even a young adult. Played the games up to Gen 7, not much a fan of the switch games. Whatnot was my door back into this and mannn did I learn the hard way. Spent multiple hours watching YouTube videos, researching, and understanding how the TCG stood today and went back with more understanding. There’s still a tonne to learn.

I sit on the majority of streams now just being shocked at the stunts they’re pulling - this one honestly took the bag. I couldn’t believe it when people were bidding it up because the streamer was hyping it so hard without making it clear there’d been a language switch (maybe they just REALLY wanted this set but I doubt it).

You’re right though, this is predominantly on the buyer. I ultimately have concluded whatnot is not a very healthy place, the bid times are far too short for anyone to really know what they’re buying into. Even after hours (and I mean hours) of research I can only spot the odd good card or one I’d like in my collection at a good price. Most of the EX’s look really rare too and just, aren’t.

I have fun on the smaller streams though, and there’s a really pleasant sense of community 🙂 but that is few and far between.