New Age of Shopping
Wish is an outlet mall that was being called the next Walmart, but looks to be more like a passing fad that will eventually fizz out.
Presentation is all about simplicity, and Wish does so, but much of the intricate workings are more apparent than what is actually sold.
How Does Wish Work?
After simple registration, users are given one "free" item to choose from a list, suggesting this was a reward given to everyone who registers.
Once purchased, users would only have to pay the shipping fee for the item.
However, after searching through the list, users would only discover the free bracelet that they had just bought is still labeled as free in the browsing menu.
Another thing that seems a bit off is how each picture of an item is not just to show off the product, but to sell the heck out of it.
That nice $11 sweater may be worn by a super model, while that motorcycle helmet may have a poorly pasted photo of Master Chief beside it.
What's The Purpose Of Wish?
Wish has created the best store for compulsive buyers. Those cheap hoodies and trendy keyboards may look amazing, but reviews are not that helpful.
For instance, after clicking on what appeared to be a stylish camping hatchet, the user reviews were more than just persuasive:
Other reviews also question the quality of the products, especially when it came to the clothing. Not to mention that shipping is slow. After buying a nifty scarf for $1 in May, its estimated arrival date is towards the end of June.
Of course, much of the reason why these are recurring problems is because Wish is an app that has sellers that are located in countries like China. These products may appear to be brand-named items, only to be inferior copies.
On top of that, Wish also makes it clear that they are not responsible for any of the purchase concerns, which means they are simply the mediator between buyer and seller. However, their terms of service with sellers also reads that they do get a piece of the action.
If linked to social media, it is clear that the algorithm and marketing strategies of Wish is to get what sells fast, hence why fidget spinners will likely be the "hottest" item on many users' lists.
Buyer beware is the main issue, because as cheap and as accessible as things can be, quality cannot be replaced.
Even the most prepared consumer may find it difficult to trust any review on the app, all while some text that reads "almost sold out" mocks them. A small business seller may have found the most suitable market for their product, but not without hurting trust between consumers.
Thoughts On Wish
If this calculated store app was not obvious from the above statements, buying is even made into a game.
Once a day, users can play a spin the wheel the game that gives them a certain amount of items that they can purchase with the deal they are given. So if it lands on 100, congratulations. Now go buy 100 things with that deal.
Wish is like a Black Friday deal that goes on every single day. It may be a good for a few buys here or there, but behind all the friendly options and interface is a trap for unnecessary purchases that will be forgotten about it by the time they arrive.
