Startup cost: $50 - $500

Setup costs for starting a Whatnot Live Selling side hustle range from $50 to $500. On the lower end, the bare minimum would cover basic equipment like a smartphone or computer with a good camera and stable internet connection. Additional costs might include packaging materials for shipping products. On the higher end, someone looking to do it right might invest in professional lighting equipment, a quality microphone for better sound, and possibly some initial inventory to kickstart their sales. While essential costs include the basic equipment, optional expenses could involve investing in ads to reach a wider audience or purchasing more advanced livestreaming tools. Hidden or recurring fees may include platform commissions on sales or subscription fees for premium features. Online feedback suggests that while it can start low-cost, expenses tend to increase as sellers commit and aim for higher-quality production. For a friend looking to take this side hustle seriously, I would recommend budgeting around $200 to $300 to cover essential equipment and some initial marketing efforts.