Wayfair is committed to making home shopping effortless, and a big part of that is ensuring customers can easily find high-quality products they can trust. With the launch of Wayfair Verified, we’re taking the guesswork out of online shopping by highlighting products that meet our rigorous quality and value standards. Through in-depth testing and expert evaluation, Wayfair Verified ensures that customers can shop with confidence, knowing they’re choosing items that are built to last.
To get an inside look at the program, we spoke with Michael McCorry, Director of Curation Strategy and Operations at Wayfair. Keep reading to learn how Wayfair Verified works, the team behind it, and why it’s a game-changer for home shopping.
What is Wayfair Verified and how does it help build confidence with our customers?
Wayfair Verified is our program designed to cut through the noise of online shopping and help customers shop with confidence. In a world where many home products come from lesser-known manufacturers and quality can be hard to gauge online, Wayfair Verified is our way of telling customers which items meet our high standards for quality and value.
We do the work for them—testing products, assessing assembly and evaluating features—to ensure they deliver a great experience. We highlight these products so customers can easily find items that best fit their needs. It’s essentially a shortcut to the best choices across a wide range of styles and price points.
Tell me a little bit about your team of Product Specialists who are evaluating these products.
Our team of Product Specialists are category-specific experts who play a crucial role in the Wayfair Verified process.
They start by analyzing customer demand for different product types, such as sofas or accent chairs, and determine how many options we need to provide across styles and price points. Then, they identify the best products within each category, leveraging data on customer reviews, return rates and overall performance. Once a product meets our initial standards, they conduct a quality assessment. These specialists continuously monitor the Verified SKUs to ensure they maintain their performance and replace items as needed to keep the Verified assortment strong.
What is the evaluation process when testing a product for Wayfair Verified?
Our evaluation process has multiple steps. First, we assess the product using internal data—looking at return rates, review ratings and incidents—to determine if it’s a strong candidate. If it meets our criteria, we bring it into our facility for hands-on testing.
A dedicated team receives the item, inspects its packaging and legal compliance, and assembles it, timing the process and rating the ease of setup. Next, our product experts conduct a detailed quality assessment based on a checklist tailored to the specific product category. This could include testing motion on a standing desk or confirming material accuracy. The goal is to ensure the product meets or exceeds customer expectations based on how it was merchandised.
What are some key factors that are looked for when determining if a product should receive the Verified seal?
Each product category has its own set of criteria, but generally, we evaluate material quality, construction, durability, ease of assembly and functionality. For example, if a product claims to have soft-close drawers, we verify that feature. If it’s a recliner, we assess both comfort and mechanical operation.
We also consider customer feedback. Products that are highly rated and frequently purchased by customers are more likely to receive the Verified seal. Ultimately, the product must provide strong value at its price point to ensure that customers receive the quality they expect.
What’s something most customers might not realize about the Wayfair Verified process?
Many customers may not realize the extensive effort that goes into verifying these products. Unlike a typical e-commerce marketplace where products are simply listed by sellers, we physically bring in thousands of items each month and put them through a thorough evaluation. This is a major differentiator for Wayfair.
A Verified product is not just something we think is great—it’s also something our customers have validated through strong reviews and sales. The Verified stamp means both Wayfair and other customers agree that it’s a standout item.
What part of your job do you find most rewarding in bringing Wayfair Verified to life?
Getting closer to the products themselves has been incredibly rewarding. Wayfair sells millions of items, and it’s exciting to take a more focused approach to identifying and highlighting the very best.
Before this role, I worked in returns and damages, which often involved addressing customer issues. Now, I get to be part of a program that proactively ensures better customer experiences from the start. That shift from problem-solving after a purchase to helping customers make better purchasing decisions upfront has been a really fulfilling change.
How does this program collaborate with other teams, like packaging experts and suppliers, to ensure Verified products meet Wayfair’s standards?
Suppliers are a huge part of this process. They must meet our strict requirements, which may involve making improvements to their products or introducing new designs that align with our standards.
We also work with Wayfair’s category management teams to engage and educate suppliers, as well as with creative and merchandising teams to ensure Verified products are showcased effectively. Pricing and algorithm teams also play a role in ensuring Verified items remain competitively positioned. Since we see this as a true differentiator, nearly every team at Wayfair touches the Verified program in some way.
Can you share an example of a product that really stood out during testing—either for exceeding expectations or not making the cut?
We’ve tested thousands of products, and while most that make it to this stage meet our expectations, some stand out for being exceptionally well-made or falling short.
I recently saw a Product Specialist auditing a really cool outdoor conversation set that I actually ended up purchasing for myself. I have two kids and a dog, so I was looking for something maintenance free—plus this set has a metal frame that looks like wood. For five pieces at that price, I couldn't believe how nice it was. My dog has been the biggest beneficiary so far, but we are very excited for the weather to warm up so we can all use it this spring and summer!
If you could give customers one piece of advice about shopping for home products, what would it be?
Of course, I have to say look for the Wayfair Verified stamp! It is one of the easiest ways to find high-quality products quickly. But beyond that, shopping for home products should be fun. This is an emotional category where personal style and budget play a big role. Finding a way to simplify the process, whether through Verified products or other trusted filters, can make shopping more enjoyable. At the end of the day, you want to create a home you love, and we’re here to make that as easy as possible.
Ready to shop with confidence? Visit
www.wayfair.com to explore Wayfair Verified products today.