Shit You Actually Need to Start Selling on Whatnot Properly (UK Beginner Setup)
- Mustafa Hameed
- Apr 20
- 3 min read
Starting on Whatnot isn’t complicated.
Most people just make it complicated.
They spend hours researching setups. They compare loads of products. They wait until everything is “perfect.”
Meanwhile, other sellers are going live with basic gear and learning as they go. Whatnot is unique in that you can literally sell your old stuff and no one will bat an eye lid. One person's rubbish is potentially another person's treasured find. Here is your simple Whatnot beginner setup guide on a budget.
This is what you actually need.
1. Your Phone (You’re Already Ready)
Your phone is:
Your camera
Your livestream setup
Your business
If you’ve got a decent smartphone, you’re good.
👉 Don’t upgrade. Use what you have.
2. Lighting (This Affects Your Sales More Than Anything)
If people can’t clearly see your items, they won’t bid.
That’s the reality.
You’ve got two simple options:
💡 Option 1: Start Simple
Why:
Cheap (~£25)
Comes with tripod + phone holder
Quick and easy setup
👉 This is perfect to get you live immediately.
🎥 Option 2: Better Setup (When You’re Serious)
Why:
Softer, more even lighting
Shows product detail better
Makes your stream look more professional
👉 Most sellers upgrade to this once they’ve done a few streams.
Start with the 2 video lights (left + right) so you don't need to upgrade later. You really need to not just show yourself but also the products behind you and generally more light is better.
3. Label Printer (This Is Where Most Beginners Struggle)
This is the one thing people skip… then regret.
Why:
No ink needed
Faster packing
Cleaner labels
👉 If you get orders, this saves you time immediately.
The MUNBYN is probably one of the best budget label printers out there that won't pack up in a few monts like those cheap ones being sold on Tiktok right now. The way I see it is: anything you are going to use consistently and anything that saves time and stress later, is always worth the investment.
4. Packaging (Don’t Waste Money Here)
Don’t try to look like a brand from day one. People don't think that packaging can eat up the profit margins by half sometimes! Especially on those little products. You're already getting screwed over by Royal Mail with their ridiculous delivery costs that never seem to come down.
Start with:
Reused boxes (ask in shops, honestly they will be glad)
Old Amazon packaging (ask friends and family to save money)
Anything clean and secure
If you want something extra:
Optional: Amazon Basics Poly Mailers(Search on Amazon)
👉 But honestly — reuse first, save money.
5. Selfie Stick Tripod
Why:
Keeps your phone steady
Adjustable angles for better product shots
Built-in fill lights help with visibility
👉 It’s a small upgrade, but it makes your stream feel instantly more watchable.
Simple. Necessary.
💰 What It Actually Costs to Start
Let’s keep it real:
Ring light → ~£25-£30.00
OR video lights → ~£30–£60
Label printer → ~£60–£70
Selfie stick tripod → ~£15–£25
Packaging → FREE (reuse what you’ve got)
👉 Total: roughly £100–£150 depending on your setup
The Truth Most Beginners Don’t Hear
Your setup isn’t what’s holding you back.
It’s waiting.
It’s overthinking.
It’s watching instead of doing.
Final Thought
Your first stream won’t be perfect.
But the sellers making money right now didn’t wait for perfect.
They just started.
Hope it helps.
Join our Whatnot UK Seller Group for tips and motivation.
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