BuyItLive vs Whatnot: Selling Formats and Fees for Makers
Compare auction / marketplace live selling with Facebook Live comment-to-buy. For craft makers and event sellers, the choice depends on your audience, selling format, and monthly order volume.
BuyItLive uses flat monthly + flat per-order pricing, not a percent of every sale. Payment processing is separate.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Whatnot | BuyItLive |
|---|---|---|
| Fees (US Standard, most categories) | 8% + payment processing (typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction; the payment provider sets the exact rate). Category exceptions and lower sales-tier rates may apply. | Flat monthly plan + flat per-order fee. Starter is $29/mo with 50 orders included, then $0.50 each. Payment processing is billed separately by your processor. |
| Selling format | Auction / marketplace live | Facebook Live comment-to-buy (instant claim) |
Whatnot’s US Standard commission for most categories was checked against its official seller-fee page on October 6, 2026. Processing is calculated on the total paid by the buyer, including shipping and tax.
BuyItLive Monthly Plans
- Starter: $29/mo · 50 orders included · $0.50 per additional order.
- Growth: $99/mo · 250 orders included · $0.35 per additional order.
- Professional: $149/mo · 500 orders included · $0.25 per additional order.
Payment processing applies on both platforms, as it does on most selling platforms. On BuyItLive, your processor (such as Stripe, PayPal, or Square) bills processing separately and sets its rates; BuyItLive does not set those rates.
Worked Example: 20 Orders × $50 = $1,000 in Sales
Example only: assume these are your only 20 orders for the month, each with $50 in product sales.
- Whatnot (US Standard 8%): $80 platform fee + payment processing.
- BuyItLive Starter: $29 flat for the month. All 20 orders fit within the 50 included, so there are no per-order overage fees. Payment processing is additional.
Processing fees apply on both platforms and are set by the payment provider, not BuyItLive. This example compares platform charges, not profit or take-home earnings.
Choose a Format That Fits Your Business
Consider Whatnot if you want to sell through a marketplace. Consider BuyItLive if you have a Facebook audience and want buyers to claim your handmade products at a fixed price during a live sale.
For makers who also sell at craft fairs, markets, or pop-up events, compare your total monthly order count and processing costs when choosing a plan.
Find the Plan for Your Next Sale
Plans from $29/mo. Flat per-order overages. Processor fees separate.
See live plans →