Wish app: that's why you should be careful

You often see advertising for the online shopping app Wish on social networks. This advertises with very low prices. But in this practical tip we clarify how serious the shopping app is and what you should consider when using it.

Online shopping with the Wish app: that's the reason

In the Wish app you will find supposed bargains at very reasonable prices. Technology, fashion and more for just a few euros. The app is available for Android and iOS for free download.

• Wish is just a platform on which online shops from all over the world sell their products. Most of the providers come from China. Wish itself does not offer any goods, but only acts as an intermediary.
• The quality of the cheap products sometimes leaves something to be desired, as does the shipping time of approx. 30 days.
• Payment is made via Sofortüberweisung and Klarna, among other things. Even if these are reputable payment service providers, we do not recommend purchasing them via the Wish app. Because there is no real guarantee of delivery and quality.

You should keep that in mind

Online shopping is convenient, but it also carries dangers. This applies especially to providers from abroad.

• If you order several items, you can quickly face high shipping costs. Since Wish is only an intermediary, each shop on the platform calculates its shipping costs separately.
• Wish only calculates the cost of the item and shipping. You have to take care of taxes, customs and other costs yourself. A supposedly cheap item can quickly become expensive. Customs can charge up to 20 percent of the purchase price as an import fee. It can also happen that you have to collect the goods from customs.
• If you have ordered something, patience and optimism are required: with Klarna you only have to pay after 14 days, but the goods arrive from China after 30 days, you still have to make advance payments. Otherwise, complain about the purchase.
• For most online shops based in Germany or Europe, complaints, returns or exchanges are no problem. If you are not satisfied with a delivery, do not contact the actual seller. All problems are addressed to Wish customer service using a form.

Doubtful permissions on the Wish app

Mobile online shopping via an app can be fun. However, you should take a closer look at the app. The Wise app has permissions that it actually doesn't need for online shopping.

• The app has access to your contacts and can read them out.
• With the installation, you also allow the application to read, change or even delete the contents of USB memory.
• The app can not only retrieve data from the Internet. It has access to all networks and network connections.
• Finally, allow the Wish app to take pictures and videos.

Conclusion and alternatives

If you don't care about the quality of the cheap products and you want to accept a loss of a few euros for fashion and gadgets, you can use the Wish app. But be aware that there is no guarantee of delivery, quality and the further use of your data. However, there are some interesting alternatives to Wish.

• Aliexpress: Similar to Wish, Aliexpress is a Chinese platform where retailers offer their goods. You can shop via the website or the app. It is important to be able to distinguish between reputable and unreliable providers on Aliexpress.
• Crowdfox: If you are looking for bargains in the technical area, browse the Crowdfox website. Sign up, it will be cheaper again.
• Rakuten: The offer at Rakuten.de is broader. The principle is the same as on Aliexpress, except that Rakuten is a Japanese platform. There is no longer an app, only the website is used for shopping.