What is the Wish App and How Does it Work?

With the Wish app, it really is one discounted bargain after another. But how can a platform like this have such low prices and still remain profitable?

In this article, we’re going to tell you exactly what the Wish App is, how to use it, and everything else you might need to know.

Wish App Beginnings

Wish is an up-and-coming eCommerce website and app with nearly 80 million active users every month. Based in San Francisco, California, it It was founded in 2010.

At first, Wish only allowed users to create wish lists of products they would want to purchase later. Then the user would go directly to the merchant’s website and buy the item they wanted.

However, it didn’t take long for Wish to change their strategy. They started to create direct partnerships with merchants, allowing their users to shop with the Wish app.

Wish Business Model

Just like many other successful online shopping platforms, Wish has adopted the model of a mediator between buyers and merchants.

They don’t take any actual responsibility on what the product is, how long it takes to deliver it, or what condition you find it in. If you don’t like your Wish order, you have to take it up with the merchant directly.

The Wish founders have deliberately created an app to remind you how it feels when browsing a mall, rather aimlessly. You might not be sure what you want, but odds are you’ll find something you like.

What Can You Buy on Wish?

You can create a Wish account by installing the Wish app on your iOS or Android device, or by going to the Wish web portal.

After that, you’ll immediately find yourself in front of a long list of different items. Before you browse by categories or use the filter to sort out the products, you might find yourself looking at hair extensions, a smartwatch, and a dress at the same time.

But overall, the most popular categories on Wish are makeup and beauty products, clothing, gadgets, and things for the home. It isn’t easy to exit the Wish app and not to make any purchase, even if it’s just a couple of dollars.

Wish App and Shipping

Some people take issue with Wish because the shipping takes longer than it does with other, more prominent eCommerce companies.

Sure, that might be a deterrent for some, but to understand Wish, you have to realize that slow shipping is a part of their brand. Since they’re only the mediator between manufacturers and users, they don’t guarantee fast shipping either.

Typically, an item you buy on Wish will arrive anywhere between two and four weeks. But often it can be quicker than that.

All of these items aren’t stored in warehouses in the US, but scattered all around the world. Commonly, Wish items would come from China, Indonesia, and other Asian countries.

How Does Wish Keep Such Low Prices?

Unsurprisingly, this is one of a question on the mind of many Wish users. And for those who are hesitant about using the app due to fear or it not being legit. How is everything so cheap, and how is it sustainable?

The lower shipping cost is just one part of the answer. Even though you might occasionally find an excellent product for a really low price on Wish, most of the items aren’t of great quality. It’s a “you get what you paid for” type of situation.

Therefore, it’s best to understand that before buying a bunch of stuff and feel disappointed that it’s not how you imagined. Also, you have to take into account the low cost of labor in the countries of origin.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there are a lot of counterfeit merchandise on Wish. If you see a high-end brand selling dresses for $5, you must realize that those are fake.

Reading Reviews on Wish

One of the best tips on how to make the most out of shopping on Wish is always to read the product reviews. When you see a cheap product you like, don’t rush off to the cart right away. Make sure to scroll down and read all of the item specifications first, and then at least some of the reviews.

Wish will publish how many reviews an item has and round it up by a thousand. It’s probably best to check out if some of the reviewers have posted pictures of the product and their comments.

Many users only leave a star rating for the merchant in questions, but that won’t give you as much valuable information as you need.

Making the Wish App Work for You

Wish is always looking for ways to make a profit, just like most companies. But that doesn’t mean that you have to spend too much buying silly items that you’re likely never to use. By the time that silly gadget arrives, you might have lost interest in it.

However, if you figure out Wish and curate it in a way to always find something cheap and useful when you need it, it’s a win.

Have you ever used the Wish app before? Let us know in the comments section below.