Shopping has always been an evolving experience. From high street stores to the convenience of online shopping, the way we buy clothes, collectables, and everything in between has transformed drastically over the years. But the latest wave of innovation is something else entirely. Apps like Tilt and WhatNot are bringing social interaction, auctions, and live entertainment into the mix, redefining how we shop.
I first stumbled across these apps thanks to adverts that popped up while playing Atlas Earth (a game we’ve covered before on FULLSYNC). Curious, I decided to give Tilt a go. Spoiler alert: It’s been a bit of a game-changer.
What makes Tilt different?
Tilt merges live-streaming with retail. Sellers host live auctions where they show off their wares, answer questions in real time, and create an atmosphere that feels part marketplace, part hangout. As a buyer, you can browse live streams, bid on items you fancy, and even interact with other buyers in the chat. Think of it like Twitch, but instead of gaming, it’s all about fashion and other goods.
Signing up is easy, and if you’re tempted, you can use the code maddoxfs872 when you sign up. That’ll net both of us £10 to spend on purchases of £20 or more—a nice little incentive to dive in.
My experience with Tilt
After signing up, it didn’t take long before I found myself hooked. My first big buy was a Baltimore Ravens NFL jacket from one of the platform’s sellers, woffle82. The interaction wasn’t just about the jacket—it was the banter, the way the seller showcased their items, and the friendly chat with other buyers that made the experience memorable.
I’ve also picked up wholesale items from OnlyDeals123, which I’ve since flipped on my Vinted page, and snagged a couple of pairs of trainers from AtkinSelects, in addition to things from a bunch of other sellers such as sustain_apparel and shadysstock. The variety is immense. Some sellers focus on new pieces, while others offer vintage threads or bulk buys, perfect for bargain hunters and resellers. Many hosts also throw in giveaways, adding an extra layer of excitement to their streams.
One particular seller I enjoy the streams of is shagtastic. He has a fantastic atmosphere in his streams, and what I really commend him for was over Christmas he was selling off beanie hats. However, you weren’t buying them for yourself, you were purchasing them as donations to the homeless. And for each one bought, he threw one in himself. What a guy!
But let’s not kid ourselves—while there are bargains to be had, not everything is dirt cheap. The auctions can get competitive, especially for sought-after items, and you’ve got to know when to bow out to avoid overspending.
How do you know which sellers you can trust?
If my experience has you curious, you may be wondering which sellers you can trust and which ones may be worth avoiding?
Well, Tilt offers a review system where you can review any purchases. You can give the seller a rating of up to five stars, as well as being able to write short reviews about your experience. These are available for all to see. You can also message sellers if you have any issues, and nine times out of ten, they’ll do what they can to help, even if it’s not their issue like Evri losing a parcel.
For extra security, whenever you purchase through Tilt, you pay a buyer protection fee on top of the auction price. Only a small percentage, but this is to offer you some protection with refunds etc. should anything go wrong.
How WhatNot stacks up
While Tilt focuses heavily on fashion, WhatNot has carved a niche around collectables, particularly trading cards. Sellers like bojolosthisdrip and others host streams showcasing rare Pokémon and other trading cards.
WhatNot operates similarly to Tilt, but it feels more polished and secure. In fact, some Tilt sellers like stormsportsteals have been tempted over to WhatNot, which might be a sign of where the momentum is heading.
While I’m not privy to the commission structures, it’s clear that both apps are vying for dominance in this new wave of social shopping. This may be why the app does have some sellers operating across both, as they test the waters for which is better.
The future of online shopping
This trend is about more than just bargains or niche markets. Apps like Tilt and WhatNot tap into the entertainment side of shopping. The live streams, seller personalities, and interactive chats bring an energy that’s missing from traditional e-commerce. It’s less about mindlessly clicking “Add to Cart” and more about enjoying the process, connecting with people, and finding something special along the way.
It’s like tuning into a streamer on Twitch—but instead of watching someone play games, you’re browsing clothes or collectables. And while there are hiccups (Tilt has faced its share of technical issues), the potential is undeniable.
With the rise of these apps, it’s safe to say that shopping will never be the same again. Whether you’re after vintage clothes, trading cards, or wholesale bargains, there’s something for everyone. And if nothing else, it’s a great excuse to join a stream, have a laugh, and maybe snag a deal along the way.
For more lifestyle pieces like this, click right here. And remember, if you use the code maddoxfs872 when you sign up you can get a nice little bonus for yourself, as well as me earning a little something to fund my new shopping addiction.
