Wishlist
Definition
A wishlist lets customers save products they like without purchasing them right away.
It’s a personalized list of favorite items customers may buy later or share with others.
Good or Bad?
Good?
A well-used wishlist shows customer interest and product appeal.
It also opens doors for future conversions, especially through retargeting and remarketing.
Bad?
If wishlists are ignored or underused, it may point to poor user experience, lack of visibility, or pricing hesitations.
Why does it matter?
- It gives you a window into customer preferences
- Helps you track demand before purchase
- Allows re-engagement through emails or offers
- Boosts conversions with gentle reminders
- Encourages users to return
Common Mistakes
- Treating wishlists as passive tools
- Not allowing easy access across devices
- Failing to track wishlist analytics
- Missing the chance to follow up with incentives
- Not enabling sharing options for gifting or feedback
How to Improve It?
- Add clear “Add to Wishlist” buttons
- Let users name or organize wishlists
- Enable email reminders or push notifications
- Offer price drop alerts or stock updates
- Allow users to share their wishlist with others
Recommended Plugin
WooCommerce Wishlist: Multiple Wishlists per Customer
The plugin allows customers to save products to a wishlist without logging in, keeping them engaged with your store while reducing friction.
Real-World Example
A home décor store added a wishlist feature with price drop alerts, within two months, over 40% of wishlist items were purchased after receiving price notifications.
Customers who used the wishlist visited the site 2.6 times more than average users.
Related Terms
- Add-to-Cart
- Purchase Intent
- Email Remarketing
- Customer Retention
- Conversion Funnel
FAQs
Is a wishlist only useful for customers?
No. It’s also a powerful tool for store owners to understand product demand and plan inventory.
Can wishlists improve holiday sales?
Yes. Users often save gift ideas in advance, making it easier to send tailored promotions later.
Should wishlists be private or shareable?
Offering both options is ideal. Private lists support personal planning. Shareable lists help with gifting or collecting feedback.
