I Spent 770,000 Rubles on Wildberries, but Now I'm Done

I Spent 770,000 Rubles on Wildberries, but Now I'm Done

I've been a self-proclaimed shopaholic for the past 3-4 years, and Wildberries has been my go-to platform. It was like a ritual for me: a cup of coffee, a blanket, and browsing the catalog in the evenings. I thought I had everything I needed: from winter coats to toothpaste with lavender scent. It was convenient, fast, and even cozy. But lately, my attitude towards this platform has changed dramatically. It's not about a single failed purchase; it's about a systematic feeling that something's gone wrong.

Wildberries is a large marketplace, essentially an online platform where you can buy anything from socks to electronics. It's like a virtual shopping mall, minus the crowds and with delivery. They work with thousands of sellers who list their products on the site, and Wildberries acts as a middleman between the seller and the buyer. You're not buying directly from Wildberries; you're buying from a specific store that uses their platform.

Founded in Russia in 2004 as a small online clothing store, Wildberries has grown into an international platform with millions of products, delivery points, a mobile app, and a massive turnover. In theory, Wildberries is a great idea: fast order processing, try-before-you-buy, partial returns, regular promotions, cashback, and personalized discounts. In practice, it doesn't always work smoothly, but the overall idea of the platform is strong: giving access to a vast array of products in one place, without needing to run around different websites and stores.

For many people, especially in rural areas, Wildberries has become a lifeline, especially when they need to quickly find something and offline stores are out of stock. I not only order for myself, but I also frequently use the platform as a way to gift friends living in other countries. I've particularly often ordered for Kazakhstan and Armenia, and a couple of times for Belarus – and it's really convenient.

You don't need to deal with international shipping, customs, or payment issues; you just go to the app, switch regions, choose a product, and place an order. It's all the same, just in a different country. I've found Wildberries to be a super convenient way to get gifts to friends living abroad, especially within the former Soviet Union. I've got a friend in Kyrgyzstan, and another in Minsk, and instead of dealing with international shipping, tracking, and all the bureaucracy, I just order through Wildberries and let them handle it.

It's as simple as choosing the country, address, or nearest pickup point, placing the order, and that's it. Your friend just picks up the gift or gets it delivered right to their doorstep. It's really cool because you can pick something nice, pay for it yourself, and the person gets it in just a couple of days, like you were handing it to them personally. And you don't need to worry about setting up new mail, DHL, or customs.

I think this is one of the underrated features of the platform. A lot of people don't even know you can do this. But in reality, you're saving time, money, and nerves, especially when you want to make someone's day with a gift from another city or country. It's like you're not just placing an order, but also showing you care, especially when giving something thoughtful, with a story behind it.

This might seem like a small thing, but when you live in the post-Soviet space and your social circle is scattered across different countries, it's a game-changer. Plus, you get to control what you're giving, without worrying about it getting lost or taking forever to arrive.

I'm sure it wouldn't work the same way within the EU or the US, but within the former Soviet Union, Wildberries really does work as both a logistics and social platform. You're not just shopping, you're making someone's day with a gift from another country, all from within the app.

I've spent over 770,000 rubles on Wildberries, and that's not an exaggeration – I've been actively using the platform for a long time. I've bought everything from clothes and books to cosmetics, food, and even electronics a couple of times. So, I'm not just giving my opinion based on a single experience; I've got a wealth of knowledge to draw from.

And here's the thing. Wildberries used to be the most convenient and cost-effective option. You'd log in, find what you needed, and there'd be plenty of similar options available. Discounts were real, shipping was free, and it would arrive quickly. You could even try things on and return them if they didn't fit. My first order was back in 2023, but I'd been shopping on Wildberries for years before that – even on my Armenian account.

I have to say, the whole experience felt like being in control, and getting a good value for money. And yes, I have to admit, shopping on this platform was like a game, with bonus rewards. I mean, I just couldn't get enough of it... But the more I used it, the more I started to feel like I was just going through the motions. The selection wasn't as great as it used to be, and it felt like I was just browsing out of habit, rather than because I needed something. And more often than not, I'd end up leaving with nothing, whereas before I could stock up on a bunch of items in just an hour.

And then there's the quality. Honestly, it's just not what it used to be. I've been getting a lot of orders that are just off - the fabric's not great, the stitching is sloppy, the color's not right, and the description doesn't match the product. And it's not like these are some obscure brands, either - I've even gotten weird orders from well-known retailers.

So, what's my beef? It's that now, almost 99% of the items I order from outside of Russia come with paid shipping! And I get it, if it was a flat rate, that'd be one thing, but the price changes every time, and sometimes it's as low as 100 rubles, but other times it's up to 500 or even 700!

Paid shipping on Wildberries was the final straw for me. I remember a time when the ordering process was always predictable: I'd choose an item, see the final price, and not have to worry about any extra costs. The courier would deliver my purchase with ease, like I was a valued customer, not just a way for the platform to make some extra cash. But now, it's all different, and I'm ready to explain why paid shipping is such a turn-off and how it's breaking the balance of trust.

First of all, I'm baffled by the complete lack of logic in the shipping rates. Imagine this: you want to send a lightweight sweater to friends in Kazakhstan, and it weighs just 200 grams, but then you're charged 300 rubles for shipping. A week later, you repeat the order, with the same weight and package details, but this time you're charged 500 rubles! It's like the logistics service has no idea how to set prices, and it feels like chaos. And now, I'm thinking, why even use a marketplace where I can't even estimate the final price?

When I'm checking out, I'm always shocked to see that shipping costs more than the item itself.

I get that other online stores have different free shipping thresholds, but it's always clear what I'm paying for and what I'm not. Here, paid shipping feels like a default option - it's like breathing in a vacuum, unpredictable and mandatory. I've ordered a tiny keychain for 100 rubles, and they asked for 350 to deliver it to a different region. Shipping was three times the cost of the item, and that's not about convenience - it's absurd. I can confidently say that unexpected expenses like these make me hesitate and reconsider my options.

The absurdity of paid shipping becomes even more apparent when you order multiple items from the same seller. We all understand that consolidating packages into one box is more cost-effective, and ideally, that should mean the shipping cost is split among items. But in reality, Wildberries just charges shipping for each item separately. I ordered three tops from the same brand, each weighing roughly the same, but the courier brought three separate packages and Wildberries had already invoiced me for shipping on each one, at 150 rubles each. The total logistcs cost exceeded the cost of the tops themselves.

In trying to make sense of it, I've written to customer support multiple times, but they've just given me vague responses about geography or changes in partner policies. But ultimately, it's not about 'partner explanations' - it's about understanding the shipping cost before I click 'buy'. For now, I'm forced to mentally keep track of the math and estimate how much my order will really cost.

Another issue is comparing with competitors. On other platforms, I've had a clear condition: if I order over 1,000 rubles, shipping is free, regardless of weight or region. But here, even if I order for 5,000 rubles, I still have to pay for shipping on items from neighboring regions. It's hard to stay in the interface when you're constantly being hit with paid shipping flags. It's not the ease of use I'm used to anymore. And honestly, why go back to a platform where 'free shipping' and 'low prices' have long become a myth?

Take, for example, the same dress on different platforms. Or, look at these comparisons of a fan!! It's not a huge difference, right?) But how about this? I have to say, I'm curious about these wild discounts like -23k. Who actually falls for that?

Compared to Ozon, Wildberries is a total letdown. They don't even charge for shipping! And they have every product you could want. It's super convenient for business purchases.

It's clear that Wildberries missed the mark on keeping customers. I thought their endless product selection and fast shipping were enough, but now I realize how much paid shipping takes away from my time and sanity. Every time I add items to my cart, I'm left wondering how much I'll end up paying. That uncertainty kills the excitement and comfort I used to feel.

I find myself thinking more and more about switching to more transparent platforms. I've heard great things about a few cozy services that don't have this crazy paid shipping system and actually value their loyal customers. Of course, Wildberries is still a huge player with tons of users, but I'm done playing the shipping roulette. I want stability and clear prices without surprises.

This isn't about being cynical; it's just common sense. When I pay as much for shipping as I do for the product itself, I feel a strong resistance. I start comparing prices, looking for coupons, and heading to platforms that are more transparent. Wildberries might still be convenient for certain product categories, but my shopping experience with them is coming to an end. Paid shipping in its current, disorganized state has ruined my trust in getting products cheaply and quickly. When you pay for something, you want to trust that you're getting value for your money. For me, that means switching platforms.

I used to think Wildberries was the pinnacle of convenience and user-friendly design, but over the past year, I've come to realize that their product categories have become a mess. It's like looking at a newly renovated bathroom – everything's there, but it looks cluttered and uninviting. When I browse through their categories, I used to feel like I was discovering hidden treasures: I could spend hours exploring and finding unique, worthwhile products. Now, every time I click on a category, I'm met with emptiness and a sense of monotony. It's like Wildberries has lost its magic.

I have to say, the categories on Wildberries have become pretty bland. Instead of having broad sections like 'Beauty and Health', 'Clothing', 'Shoes', 'Home and Garden', and 'Toys', you're met with a never-ending stream of similar products where the only thing that's different is the price. It feels like they're flooding the platform with mass-market stuff that's all about algorithms and pixels, not about what customers actually need.

When I first opened the app, I was really excited by the deals and new products that kept popping up. The main screen was full of live images and enticing offers that made me feel like I was in for a real treat. Nowadays, the homepage looks like a newspaper filled with ads for stuff nobody actually wants to buy – the prices are inflated, and the products are often cheap knock-offs with terrible descriptions and photos.

Scrolling through the 'Clothing' section, I see that 'Sportswear', 'Underwear', and 'Coats' all blend together into a dull gray mess. It's like the design team has given up and handed the project over to bots that just generate catalogs based on whatever they can find. As a result, the presentation and content feel shallow and unhelpful – they don't tell you anything about the quality of the materials or any unique features of the product.

Another thing that's really bugged me is how Wildberries tries to push products at inflated prices. If you compare them to other websites or offline stores, you'll often find the same item for hundreds of rubles less. And to make matters worse, they'll 'offer' 'discounts' that are actually just old prices that they're trying to pass off as new. It's like they're losing trust with their customers, and it's a real shame.

And then there's the advertising content – it's a real joke. They'll keep showing you products that are either outdated or complete trash. For example, I went to the 'Home Appliances' section and saw a square fan with no decent blades, priced higher than similar products from well-known brands. It's like Wildberries has no editorial policy whatsoever – they just throw whatever they can find on the platform, regardless of whether it's actually useful or interesting.

I've got to say, it feels like Wildberries has shifted its focus from curating a quality selection to shoving partner promotions down our throats. Even in the 'Super Deals' and 'Trends' sections, I'm seeing more fake discounts from no-name brands that have been sitting on the shelf for months. It's like they're just trying to clear out inventory. The selection used to be like browsing a record store - now it's like visiting a corner shop that's selling stale cookies for the price of fresh bread.

I used to think shopping was a form of self-expression and a way to indulge in style, but Wildberries is turning into a mere transit point where every section looks the same and the product offerings often make no sense. It's not that they're unique, it's just that the algorithm is throwing together a random assortment of products.

As a result, I'm starting to feel like I'm being taken for a ride. The motivation to spend money on things that don't make sense is dwindling, and I find myself thinking, 'Why bother with this platform at all?'

Another thing that really gets my goat about Wildberries is the way they sexualize women's bodies on product models. I recently went to check out a dress, and instead of seeing a clear design and fabric texture, I'm hit with a photo of a model posing in a provocative way, with the management clearly thinking that the more skin they show, the higher the conversion rate. It's not just a subtle hint of eroticism - it's a persistent push to objectify women's bodies. And these types of photos are everywhere on the site, regardless of the product category. Instead of showing the silhouette of the dress or how it fits, Wildberries is serving up pics that focus on the model's curves, making you feel some vague attraction rather than a genuine interest in buying a practical sweater.

It's especially annoying when you want to make an informed choice about quality and size. You're forced to take a break from examining the dress's length or stitching quality to focus on the provocative poses, which grabs your attention instantly, and then you struggle to understand how the dress will actually look in real life. I get that content marketing is about creating an emotional connection, but here the balance is off. The model becomes a vessel for the product, rather than the other way around, and the item loses its functionality in the process.

I've gotta say, the way Wildberries presents their products can be really off-putting. It's like they're trying to sell you a lifestyle, not just a piece of clothing. As a feminist and a customer who's ordered from them multiple times, I feel like I'm being talked down to. The pictures are always so... suggestive. It's like they're trying to appeal to a male gaze rather than showing me how the clothes would actually look on me.

And don't even get me started on the photos of women. It's like they're trying to objectify us or something. I mean, I get it, sex sells, but it's just so... tacky. It's like they're trying to appeal to some deep-seated desire rather than actually showing me how the clothes would look on me. Newsflash: I'm a customer, not a piece of eye candy.

It's really sad, because I used to love shopping on Wildberries. The selection was huge, the shipping was fast, and it was just so easy to use. But now, I'm just tired of the same old suggestive photos and the feeling that I'm being sold a bill of goods rather than being treated like a customer. I want to see normal photos of women wearing the clothes, not some airbrushed model posing in a bikini.

I'm not asking for much, just some respect. I want to see photos of women who look like me, not some supermodel. I want to see clothes that are actually relevant to my needs, not just some trendy piece that's going to be out of style in a week. And I want to see it all presented in a way that's respectful and considerate, not just some shallow appeal to my baser desires.

Wildberries used to be my go-to place for online shopping. I've spent over $7,000 on their site and I've always been happy with the service. But now, I'm just not sure. I mean, the shipping is still fast, the selection is still huge, but it's just not the same. I'm tired of the suggestive photos and the feeling that I'm being sold a bill of goods rather than being treated like a customer. I want to see a change, and I want to see it soon.

I've been noticing lately that I'm leaving this platform for others more often. The quality of products has been slipping, the selection is dull, and instead of interesting new releases, they're pushing all sorts of junk. The worst part is the paid shipping, especially for orders outside of Russia. It's not a symbolic fee, either - it's 300-700 rubles per item. That's just ridiculous, especially when it's all from the same store. On other marketplaces, shipping is either free or a flat rate.

I've lost patience with the lack of rewards for loyalty. It's just more hassle and less benefit. I want comfort, transparency, and a reasonable attitude, not some kind of lottery with prices and quality. That's why I'm actively switching to more user-friendly and honest platforms.

Thanks for reading my review. I hope it was helpful, and you took something away from it. I'm signing off, as my work is done. ✍