What features could Whatnot add to its mobile app to streamline the buying process for collectibles?

Introduction

To streamline the buying process for collectibles on Whatnot's mobile app, we need to identify key pain points and develop innovative solutions that enhance the user experience. I'll analyze user segments, explore pain points, generate solutions, and propose metrics to measure success. Let's dive in.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions

• Looking at Whatnot's position in the collectibles market, I'm curious about the app's current user base and engagement levels. Could you share some insights on our active user count and average session duration?

Why it matters: This helps us understand the scale of our user base and how deeply they're engaging with the app. Expected answer: Around 5 million active users with an average session duration of 15 minutes. Impact on approach: Higher engagement would suggest focusing on advanced features, while lower engagement might prioritize onboarding and core functionality improvements.

• Considering the unique nature of collectibles, I'm wondering about the diversity of items on the platform. What are the top 3-5 categories of collectibles being traded, and how do their buying processes differ?

Why it matters: Different collectible categories might require tailored buying processes. Expected answer: Top categories include trading cards, vintage toys, and limited edition sneakers, each with unique authentication and pricing dynamics. Impact on approach: We might need to develop category-specific features to streamline buying processes.

• Given the competitive landscape in online marketplaces, I'm interested in understanding our key differentiators. What unique features or aspects of Whatnot currently set us apart from competitors like eBay or specialized collectible marketplaces?

Why it matters: This helps us identify areas to double down on or gaps to fill in our feature set. Expected answer: Live streaming auctions and expert authentication services are our main differentiators. Impact on approach: We could focus on enhancing these unique features or explore new areas for differentiation.

• Considering the mobile-first nature of Whatnot, I'm curious about cross-platform usage. What percentage of our users also engage with Whatnot on desktop, and how does their behavior differ?

Why it matters: This informs whether we should focus solely on mobile or consider cross-platform features. Expected answer: 30% of users also use the desktop version, primarily for detailed research and high-value purchases. Impact on approach: We might need to consider features that bridge mobile and desktop experiences for a seamless buying process.