The Live Auction App Where People Can Bid ‘Til They’re Broke

The Journal.

Whatnot is one of the fastest-growing shopping platforms in the U.S., featuring live auctions that allow users to bid on trading cards, rare coins, designer fashions and more. But as WSJ’s Hanna Krueger explains, critics say Whatnot’s high-pressure countdowns and swipe-to-bid design encourage overspending and gambling addiction, claims the company denies. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

 

Further Listening:

- Can GameStop Really Buy eBay?

- Inside Quince’s Quest to Sell Luxury Goods for Less

Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Whatnot is one of the fastest-growing shopping platforms in the U.S., featuring live auctions that allow users to bid on trading cards, rare coins, designer fashions and more. But as WSJ’s Hanna Krueger explains, critics say Whatnot’s high-pressure countdowns and swipe-to-bid design encourage overspending and gambling addiction, claims the company denies. Jessica Mendoza hosts.

 

Further Listening:

- Can GameStop Really Buy eBay?

- Inside Quince’s Quest to Sell Luxury Goods for Less

Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2026-08-14 27 min
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