Seller Spotlight
docollect
From wholesaling Pop Mart to building a global community through direct-to-customer live selling.
Meet the Seller
Based in San Jose, California, docollect was founded by Omar and Ding, and specializes in Pop Mart Labubus, blind boxes, and collectible accessories.
What started as a buying and collecting hobby has evolved into a fully-fledged live selling business with a team of five employees.
Prior to Whatnot
- After years of collecting and buying Pop Mart themselves, Ding and Omar began bulk purchasing and wholesaling to local businesses and collectors across the US.
- They were shipping pallets without insurance or structured support, which made growing the business increasingly challenging.
- They had strong access to inventory, but wanted to find a trusted middleman to support with payments and logistics issues.
- In the early days, they had no issues finding customers and businesses, but growth was ultimately capped by limited customer reach.
“One of the big things for us with Whatnot was the onboarding assistance; we were set up and selling within a week. We grew at a much faster rate compared to if we'd opened a brick and mortar store.”
- Omar, Founder, docollect
When considering Whatnot
- They worried about profitability: most sellers ran $1 start auctions, and without followers, getting good prices seemed unlikely.
- Entering the Pop Mart category felt new and daunting, but they saw it as a chance to learn and build credibility one step at a time.
- Their prior experience selling gave them the confidence to hit the ground running with their first live shows.
- Whatnot's team helped them set up quickly, and they were ready to sell within a few days. A brick-and-mortar store could have taken months.
- They stocked inventory in bulk, set aside a dedicated space for streaming and fulfillment operations, and prepared to hire additional streamers.
“Spend money to make money. You've got to invest in audience; it's completely fine to lose in early shows, think of it as building your buyer base.”
- Omar, docollect
“We're now starting to focus on volume rather than initial sale price: we'll make less per item but sell much more.”
- Omar, docollect
Growing on Whatnot
- The team shifted from wholesale margins to a volume-driven sales model.
- Their order volume jumped from occasional pallet shipments to hundreds of items daily.
- Whatnot now makes up about 80% of their business, with wholesale as a side channel.
- Their audience expanded from local and US-based to worldwide, with international shoppers returning regularly.
- They stress being on the same side as buyers: celebrate wins, cheer great deals, and engage the chat constantly.
Early momentum drove huge growth. Within three months, sales tripled as they increased streaming hours, showing that consistency and time investment drives sales.
“Where else can you sell hundreds of items in less than an hour, as a brand new shop? Live selling is the future. You're immersive, talking to your chat, and turning selling into a social experience. It's not just another platform.”
Omar, Founder, docollect
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