Dedicated Live-Selling Platforms and Commission Structures

Dedicated Live-Selling Platforms

Dedicated live-selling platforms are designed specifically for live commerce, enabling creators, influencers, and businesses to host live shopping events. These platforms typically offer features such as shoppable videos, real-time chat, integrated payment options, and analytics to track sales and engagement.

Some popular dedicated live-selling platforms include:

• Shopify Live: Integrates with Shopify stores, allowing sellers to stream live and sell directly from their online shop.
• CommentSold: Focuses on live selling for small businesses and creators, supporting multi-casting to social media and direct sales.
• Popshop Live: Offers a mobile app for live selling with no listing fees and a 6% transaction fee per sale.
• TalkShopLive: Provides live shopping for small to medium businesses, with a 10% platform fee per sale (plus 0.25% for non-Shopify integrations).
• Whatnot: A marketplace for live selling, with an 8% commission on gross merchandise value (GMV).
• Channelize and ShopShops: Platforms tailored for independent sellers and influencers, often taking a commission on sales made during live streams.

Commission Structures

Commission structures on live-selling platforms vary widely and can significantly impact your earnings. Here are some common models:

• Flat Commission Rate: A fixed percentage of each sale is taken by the platform. For example:

  • Popshop Live: 6% per sale.
  • TalkShopLive: 10% per sale.
  • Whatnot: 8% of GMV.
  • CommentSold: 3% of GMV (plus a monthly fee).
  • Gumroad: 10% flat fee on each sale.

• Tiered or Variable Commission: Some platforms adjust the commission based on sales volume, product category, or seller status. For example:

  • eBay: 2–12% depending on the category.
  • Depop: 10% standard, 5% for Depop+ subscribers.

• Performance-Based or Bonus Commissions: Some platforms or brands may offer additional incentives or bonuses for exceeding sales targets or KPIs.

• No Commission, Subscription Model: Some platforms charge a monthly or annual fee instead of taking a commission on sales. For example:

  • Sellfy: $22/month (Starter plan), no commission.
  • Klasio: No commission, but offers paid subscription plans.

• Hybrid Models: Some platforms combine a monthly fee with a commission on sales. For example:

  • CommentSold: $149/month + 3% of GMV.

Key Considerations

• Platform Fees vs. Sales Volume: Higher commission rates may be offset by larger audiences or better sales tools.
• Flexibility and Support: Some platforms offer more flexibility and support, which may justify a higher commission.
• Integration: Platforms that integrate with existing online stores (like Shopify) can streamline the selling process.
• Audience Reach: Platforms with smaller user bases may require more marketing effort to attract viewers.

Choosing the right platform depends on your sales goals, product type, and the level of support and features you need. Always review the commission structure and terms before committing to a platform.