I’ve shared this before, but I wanted to make this post to see who all has received these messages. So far, I know @swolepoke has also received them (i won’t post his screenshot, but the first and last message is the same).
for context, my ebay “store” has mostly sub $5 cards, totalling under $1500 in inventory. there is no world where i can believe i am some special user they’re particularly interested in, but just someone they searched on ig who matched the ebay store name.
i can only assume, they’re desperately trying to remain relevant, but it could be that they’re doing that venture capitalism thing of spending most of their money on marketing/expansion (like their cringe yt ads)
I don’t even sell cards or use whatnot, I’m just curious what their pitch is. @inertgeometry going to take one for the team and see what their sales pitch is?
I created an instagram over a year ago thinking maybe I’ll post some of my collection. I never did. All I did was post a link in my description to my ebay store. Some of my family members followed me and I think some people who bought from me on eBay followed me too. I decided to check it after seeing this thread and my newest follower is Whatnot.
I’ve actually had several different platforms reach out to me in the last few months. It’s flattering, and I wish them all the best; however, I don’t feel comfortable endorsing or promoting products or services that I don’t personally use or have extensive experience with. Nothing against those who do take sponsorships (I would too with the right partnership that fits my interests and audience).
I (like quite a few others I suspect) have also been cold-messaged by whatnot on Instagram. What’s weird is that my eBay rarely has anything on it, and when I do sell stuff it’s just a handful of slabs, I don’t have a lot of ‘volume’ or turnover in my collection
And I don’t spend that much time building my IG account either, I have about 1600 followers, so not a big account at all. I’m curious what their criteria are short of any Pokemon card related instagram account they find
Anyway I declined as I really don’t like WhatNot. Their platform is a breeding ground for morally questionable sellers who use tactics that basically exploit gambling addiction. It’s crazy to me that there are so many people out there happy paying $20+ for a modern pack or $40+ for some modern junk slab just for a chance to win a decent card. Just save up and go to eBay and buy the card you really want!!
I just saw I have a message request from them with the same spiel they have given to everyone else. Never really used it so I didn’t even know how to view messages/requests; guess I’m officially old now for not knowing how to internet.
