Accessories

The RealReal Review

About The RealReal

The RealReal Review

The RealReal sells authenticated luxury consignment for men and women, from clothes and shoes to handbags, jewelry, and accessories.

The company wants to revolutionize resale. It believes in empowering consignors and buyers to lengthen the life of luxury goods. Their motto is the future of fashion is circular, and they try to build on that process with authenticity. Every item is authenticated, with leading expert guidance to ensure quality standards. 

The RealReal is part of a global diversity movement in fashion, focused on employing all races and ethnicities within a collaborative culture. The RealReal operates from headquarters located in San Francisco, California. 

So all that being said, is this a business worth buying and selling with? That’s what I intend to find out. In this The RealReal review, I will take an in-depth look at the buying and selling process, best selling pieces, customer ratings, promotions, and more to help you decide if this is the consignment brand for you. 

Why You Should Trust Us

Our mission is to help you make better, more informed purchase decisions. Our team spends hours researching, consulting with medical experts, gathering insight from expert professionals, reviewing customer feedback, and analyzing products to provide you with the information you need.

Pros and Cons

The RealReal Review

Before I get into the details, let’s go through a quick list of the advantages and drawbacks of The RealReal:

Pros

  • Authenticity: The RealReal guarantees the authenticity of all the items it sells. They have a team of experts who thoroughly authenticate and inspect each product before listing it on their platform, reducing the risk of counterfeit items.
  • Quality: The RealReal focuses on selling high-quality luxury items from well-known brands. If you’re looking for designer fashion, accessories, or home goods, you’ll find a wide range of authentic and well-preserved products on their platform.
  • Competitive Pricing: As a consignment store, The RealReal offers competitive prices for luxury items compared to their original retail prices. This makes it an attractive option for shoppers who want to purchase designer products at a more affordable cost.
  • Sustainability: By participating in the resale market, The RealReal contributes to a more sustainable fashion industry. It extends the lifespan of luxury items, reducing waste and the environmental impact associated with fast fashion.
  • Consignment Services: The RealReal offers a convenient consignment service, allowing individuals to sell their pre-owned luxury items. They handle the entire process, including authentication, pricing, listing, and shipping, making it easier for sellers to earn money from their unused items.

Cons

  • Pricing Structure: While The RealReal offers competitive prices, some buyers may still find the prices relatively high compared to alternative shopping options. The prices are influenced by factors such as brand popularity, condition, and demand, which can result in varying price points.
  • Fees and Commissions: When selling items through The RealReal’s consignment service, sellers are subject to fees and commissions. The RealReal takes a percentage of the final sale price, which can impact the overall profit sellers make from their items.
  • Limited Return Policy: The RealReal has a limited return policy. Once a purchase is made, the buyer has a limited time frame to request a return, and the item must be in its original condition. This can be restrictive for buyers who may need more time to evaluate their purchase.
  • Stock Availability: The RealReal operates based on the inventory available from consignors, which means the availability of specific items can be unpredictable. If you’re looking for a particular item or style, it may not always be in stock, and you may need to wait for it to become available.
  • Potential Quality Variations: While The RealReal ensures authenticity, the condition of pre-owned items can vary. Although they have quality control measures in place, there is still a chance that some items may show signs of wear or minor flaws, so it’s important to carefully review item descriptions and photos before purchasing.

How to Sell With The RealReal

The RealReal Review

If you have designer handbags lying around that you barely use, or feel like selling your luxury pieces to put money toward new ones, The RealReal has a straightforward selling process. The company now offers a sell upfront service, where you can sell pieces from select brands and get paid immediately

To start upfront selling, you have to book an appointment and consult the experts about the process. Once you become a seller, you’ll then receive payments upfront through direct deposit or with site credit within 2 weeks

While doing my research for this The RealReal review, I found an easy selling process. You start by choosing your method. There are three ways to do virtual consignment:

  1. Book a free virtual consignment appointment and video chat with a luxury manager
  2. Book a free virtual expert consultation with video chat
  3. Ship your items to the RealReal with free UPS pickup

That’s just about all the work that is involved on your end. From there, the experts assess your goods and you get paid. Not too shabby.

The RealReal Women’s Collection

The RealReal Review

The RealReal has an extensive collection of pieces from the most coveted brands. Louis Vuitton purses, Dolce & Gabbana dresses, Cartier jewelry, gorgeous Hermès scarves…What was I talking about? Right.

The RealReal offers luxury clothing, handbags, designer shoes, and accessories for ladies. I’ll share some of my favorites in this The RealReal review up ahead.

Chanel Classic Jumbo Double Flap Bag

The Classic Jumbo Single Flap Bag is a timeless Chanel piece that’s so alluring with its cherry red shade. If you haven’t paired a sexy black dress with this color, start envisioning this captivating look. Very The Devil Wears Prada

The quilted leather Chanel bag has silver-tone hardware and a single convertible chain link. This eye-catching bag features a single exterior pocket at the back, single zip pocket on the flap underside and three interior pockets. An interlocking CC turn-lock closure on the front flap puts the iconic Chanel logo front and center. 

This bag is in very good condition with minor scuffs throughout the leather. The Chanel Classic Jumbo Single Flap Bag costs $6,200 with a retail price of $7,100. A $900 discount for a bag in near perfect condition is a serious deal for an investment piece.

Balenciaga Two-Tone Twisted Hoop Earrings

Balenciaga is the creme de la creme of Spanish design. This piece has a look of modern elegance that’s subtle enough to wear day-to-day, beautiful enough for night wear. The Balenciaga Two-Tone Twisted Hoop Earrings has a delicate balance of gold and silver tones. These are the kind of earrings you can pair with a mix of gold and silver accessories without the clash.

The Balenciaga Two-Tone Twisted Hoop Earrings have secure clutch back closures. These earrings stand out with a high polish metal finish. They’re in excellent condition with no visible signs of wear.

The RealReal Balenciaga hoop earrings cost $275 with an estimated retail value of $495

Tiffany & Co. Cat-Eye Sunglasses

The Tiffany & Co. Cat-Eye Sunglasses are so charming. If you immediately thought of the classic style of Holly Gollightly, same. Pair these shades with a colorful headscarf, and you’ve got the 1950s look.

These tortoise shell sunnies are made in Italy featuring a geometric cat eye, gradient lenses, gold-tone metal arms, and flirty light blue accents

These Tiffany & Co. sunglasses are in very good condition with minor wear throughout. The Cat-Eye’s cost $115 and have an estimated retail value of $460 with over $340 in savings.

The RealReal Mens Collection

The RealReal Review

While browsing the website for my The RealReal review, I discovered an equally diverse men’s collection: Burberry shirts and jackets, Gucci streetwear and sneakers, Dior pants and suits, watches, high-end luggage, and accessories….Check out some of the most coveted pieces for men below.

Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Multiple Wallet 

The Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Multiple Wallet makes a subtle yet attractive statement with its checked design. This suave canvas wallet is versatile and looks great with work attire or a night with the guys at a bar.

Designed for minimalist guys, the Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Multiple Wallet has 3 credit card slots, 2 compartments for bills, 2 side slots for receipts, and 2 business card slots for when you’re making connections on the job. 

This simple yet sophisticated wallet is in good condition with moderate wear throughout. This wallet costs $395 with an estimated retail value of $630 (I’m sensing an impressive deal trend).

Burberry The City Watch

Burberry The City Watch is a definite showpiece. Any man wearing this watch will be viewed as a gentleman with the right outfit to match—I’m thinking a navy blue suit or sweater with beige dress pants. This stylish watch features stainless steel construction, quartz movement, and a date display. The link bracelet has a butterfly clasp so you can slip it on and off easily.

The Burberry The City Watch has undergone an aging process. There are moderate scratches and indentations throughout the metal. Overall, it stands up to the test of time, pun intended. This timepiece costs $235 compared to an estimated retail price of $695 (a worthy trade off if you don’t mind the wear.

Gucci Black Square Sunglasses

These daring square sunglasses by Gucci are The Real Deal (last pun). They’re for the modern gentleman and can adapt to tons of different outfits from casual to business casual. They sport a comfortable bridge and contain black acetate frames. 

The Gucci Black Square Sunglasses have a devil may care vibe that I’m really into. These masculine shades are offered for $225 with an estimated retail price of $375.

Who Is The RealReal For?

By shopping at The RealReal, consumers can enjoy the thrill of discovering unique and sought-after pieces from well-known fashion houses while contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.

Additionally, the platform caters to collectors, vintage lovers, and brand-conscious shoppers who seek curated selections of vintage and rare items from iconic fashion eras, allowing them to expand their collections with coveted fashion pieces.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell luxury fashion, The RealReal offers a platform that caters to a diverse audience passionate about designer brands and sustainability.

The RealReal Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

The RealReal Review

So, the number one follow-up question in The RealReal review after exploring the collection: is The RealReal authentic? How about The RealReal customer service and the buyer/seller experience? Right off the bat, I was impressed with The RealReal reviews, which has an average of 4.5/5 stars out of 4,637 TrustPilot ratings. 

Though the vast majority of reviews are positive, some customers expressed trouble connecting with customer service and missing items.

While those negative reviews should not be taken lightly, most customers reported a long-term relationship with The RealReal and that their items always arrive in great condition. Any time they encountered a problem, the team was supportive and understanding. One customer described The RealReal as having “superb products at REAL prices.” 

With 4.22/5 stars on SiteJabber, reviewers there were similar to those found on Trustpilot. This next set of info carries significant weight: The RealReal is Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating (as of June 2023), which is very difficult to achieve.

Is The RealReal Worth It?

The RealReal Review

I think The RealReal is great—the company is the leader in its niche for many reasons. Most customers have positive experiences with The RealReal. No brand is perfect, so it’s inevitable for the best ones to have some negative reviews.

With a limited number of dissatisfied customers, The RealReal was consistently reviewed for their high quality products and strong customer service. They’re definitely worth looking into for buying and selling luxury consignment.

The RealReal Promotions & Discounts 

The RealReal Review

At the time of this The RealReal review, I turned up a few promising discounts. When you access the website, a popup invites you to enter your email. By signing up, you receive a $25 site credit. You can also get 20% off with The RealReal promo code: REAL.

The RealReal Website & Retail Stores

The RealReal Review

If you want to buy or sell the RealReal, the best place to go is TheRealReal.com. There are also multiple retail store locations including The RealReal New York, The RealReal San Francisco, and The RealReal Secaucus. 

Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to The RealReal, there are several other online platforms and consignment stores that specialize in luxury fashion resale. Here are a few popular alternatives:

  1. Vestiaire Collective is a global online marketplace for pre-owned luxury fashion and accessories. It offers a wide selection of authenticated items from a range of luxury brands and provides a platform for individuals to sell their pre-loved pieces.
  2. Poshmark is an online marketplace where individuals can buy and sell new and used clothing, including luxury and designer items. While it covers a broader range of fashion, you can find luxury brands listed on the platform at various price points.
  3. Fashionphile focuses specifically on luxury handbags and accessories. It offers a curated selection of authenticated pre-owned designer bags from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès.
  4. Rebag is a platform dedicated to buying and selling pre-owned luxury handbags. They have a wide selection of designer bags from popular brands and offer competitive prices.

FAQ

What is The RealReal’s Shipping Policy?

The RealReal ships orders to the United States through UPS and globally via UPS Worldwide Expedited. The company ships to over 60 countries, however, they cannot deliver to P.O. Boxes or APO/FPO addresses. 

Domestic Shipping

  • Standard: 3-5 business days for $11.95, plus an extra $5 for Hawaii and Alaska
  • Express: 2 business days for $20
  • Next Day: 1 business day for $30
  • High value orders or orders shipped to an address different from the billing address takes an additional two days for processing 
  • A high value order consists of goods of value totalling $1,000 or multiple orders which add up to that amount

International Shipping

  • Packages travelling to Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico 3-6 business days ($30) 
  • Packages travelling to Europe take 4-6 business days ($40) 
  • Packages travelling to the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Australia take 4-7 business days and cost $50
  • Add 2 days for any orders placed after 12 PM Thursday Pacific Time
  • Orders shipped outside of the US may be subject to taxes and duties 

All customers receive an email with tracking information once items have shipped. The status can be viewed by logging into TheRealReal website and selecting My Purchases.

What is The RealReal’s Returns’ Policy?  

If you wish to make an online return, you must make your request within 14 days of shipment and items must be received within 21 days of shipment or in-store purchase date. Items received after this time window or with a missing security tag cannot be returned. 

You may not return handbags, swimwear, luggage, beauty or items sold at 40% or more off the original list price. Final sale items are not eligible for return. Due to the pandemic, you may experience return processing delays. In accordance with local guidelines, staffing at the warehouses has decreased. 

To go through The RealReal return process: 

  1. Go to My Purchases on The RealReal website
  2. Click on the order number containing the item you wish to return
  3. Click return on the times you wish to return in your order summary
  4. Fill out the requested information
  5. You will receive a confirmation label, shipping instructions and a shipping label. You may print it and $11.95 will be deducted when your item is processed
  6. Follow the instructions in the email to complete your return

To receive a refund through credit card takes up to 5 business days, through cash up to 7 bays and the RealReal gift card and site credit are processed on the same day. 

How to Contact The RealReal

If you have questions that weren’t covered in The RealReal review, you can reach out to the team by:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Call 855.435.5893 ext. 1 (Hours Mon-Fri 5AM-6PM PT, Sat-Sun 7AM-4PM PT)

You can also contact the RealReal if you’re interested in the company culture and seeking The RealReal jobs and The RealReal careers.


Explore your options for luxury consignment. Check out these other popular brands:

Fashionphile

The Luxury Closet

Rebag

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Customer Reviews

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Do not use The Real Real at any cost.
Edd
3 years ago Reply
Experience

Avoid more than covid. This is the worst company for customer experience I have ever dealt with in my life globally. I am still trying to get a refund on an order from May 2021. They have failed to respond to my emails, letters (yes I resorted to letters!), messages, chat the list goes on. Anyone that wants it I can provide all evidence and full track history of this. Worst company ever.

Kimberly
3 years ago Reply
Experience

The RealReal bought a Prada purse that showed and said was in very good condition. Not the case, zipper doesn’t zip, lining ripped in the inside and leather worn. Complete rip off I will never buy anything in this site again. Also didn’t know purses were not returnable. Dumb me

The real real will leave you in awe
Ellie G
3 years ago Reply
Experience

I wish I could start with something nice but I am left with none. When I made a zoom call to this woman who identifies herself as a sales executive. Or the middle person who helps steals thing from you. She told me I will get at least 200 for each item I am showing to her. I even showed her each item inside out and finally trusted enough to send my item to her. To rest my case they paid me $12 for my new Dolce and Gabanna coat.
Two words “Rather donate”

elena
3 years ago Reply
Experience

wooowwww they still from sellers and buyers.I know how does it feel

Raquel Chapa
3 years ago Reply
Experience

same – they are so slow- 2 weeks my foot they are so slow at getting anything up and they have a sale at 20% off these were 200 items and I am getting $25 of each of them I told them I could have sold them for the lowball price you are selling them myself and at least had the money right away disgusting

TRR manipulates reviews
MBTF
3 years ago Reply
Experience

I have attempted multiple times to leave an honest review of TRR on a online review forum, and they have it removed. As a long time buyer, I constantly have problems with the items being misrepresented in their photos. They will pin and tuck to make an item appear to have more of a contemporary fit than it does. Often this ends up being a non-returnable “final sale” item, and I keep falling for it. My bad.

Run from this Company!!!!
BHT
3 years ago Reply
Experience

Do not consign to this company!!! Why?
1) There is no rhyme or reason to how they price your luxury goods.
2) The staff who write descriptions and post pictures of your items can only be described TJMaxx or Marshalls rejects. They don’t know the products they’re writing about. And I’m talking about high end luxury brands like Brioni, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana.
3) They lost 2 items of mine. Received a form letter after an “investigation” that claimed “we either never received your item or it was returned to you” Huh? Ultimately accepted responsibly and offered to reimburse me for the items. Has that actually happened? No!!!!
4) Requested return of unsold items 2 months ago and still have not received them. 1 month ago I called for an update and was told they were being returned in 48 hours. Still haven’t received them.
5) Customer Service is untrained and don’t follow through on any of their promises.
Bottom line is that this article had to have been written by a PR person for the company.

Seller
amy ridgeway
3 years ago Reply
Experience

Took an Hermes Birkin in today. Good to good+ condition. All the boxes, packaging. I was absolutely insulted by the $ amount TRR offered me to consign it. BEWARE, sellers. I would not recommend this company to ANYONE.

Great Photos of my Ferragamo Bag but, ........
K. S.
3 years ago Reply
Experience

I had been looking for a SF bag for some time. RealReal had a beautiful bag in “EXCELLENT” condition I had been eyeing. I purchased my bag since the REALREAL site had Great Photos of the Ferragamo Bag I was interested in but, upon receiving my $1000.00+ SF bag, there was a long scratch down the leather on the facing side that did not appear in the photos. When I contacted REALREAL, it took literally days on end for a reply. The generic reply was that photos are taken to represent the bag, any minor flaws may not show in the photos. This was BS since it was a minor flaw! This bag should have been listed a only GOOD to FAIR. It was a non returnable bag. This company is a fraud, misrepresenting their products. I’m taking it to a leather expert to help with the scratch. IMO, REALREAL is a big CON JOB!

The RealReal is a facade.
Lorie M
3 years ago Reply
Experience

One wonders if their employees who answer your pleas are indeed human! They respond with utter idiocy, like a form letter that missed the point. I could list so many problems. Where shall I start. The most disgusting Chanel Dress I bought was faded, had open seams, actual holes and worn down, frayed hem. Unwearable. They “allowed” me to return it and then relisted the piece of dreck. Disgusting. Bought a 350. hat that came smashed. Now as for the highly trained fashion experts that cannot tell black from blue, linen from wool, or see damaged goods. makes it a hit or miss experience. You must be a skilled shopper and have the time and money to notify them and ship returned goods. You MUST WORK FOR THEIR MISTAKES which are plenty. A façade if their ever was one. NOT a luxury experience. A thrift store, nothing more.

terrible dishonest company,never consign with them
Ivgenija
3 years ago Reply
Experience

The customer service is very unprofessional,
Consignment representatives are not properly trained,they give conflicting
information. No respect for anybody including top consignors
I requested few times to be connected to the manager,they promised that he will call me back but he never did.

Excellent Quality with Excellent Customer Service!
JN
3 years ago Reply
Experience

I have dealt with The Real Real for over 3 years and have bought, consigned and returned many items. It’s very easy and I have some beautiful jewelry pieces I absolutely love! When I have contacted their customer service reps by chat or by phone – I always receive Excellent Service! I love The Real Real and will continue to shop with them. I have never had a bad situation with them.

Missy truth
3 years ago Reply
Experience

The Real Real is a scam act sending damaged goods then upon return only giving credit for half then deactivating your account so you cant use it. This is blatant theft and this company should be shut down. Do not buy or sell here they are scammers and thieves

M Smith
3 years ago Reply
Experience

The Real Real is amazing. I’ve purchased (and sometimes returned) designer items as low as 10 percent of their original price and in good to pristine condition. Sometimes the measurements are not quite right. Still worth it if you value high quality.

Solomon
3 years ago Reply
Experience

Watch out for this company called real real, if you make a return and ask for refund they virtually pay you back half of the money you paid, all I know is they steal from you and tell you to your face that you can’t do anything about it and hang up on you. We need to watch out for this store. There policy is to steal from their costumers.
It’s not about the money but about fairness. This money we paid that they’re stealing from is a hard earned money.

K
3 years ago Reply
Experience

They do not listen to you. They do whatever they want, they say we didn’t get your messages. They are stolen my bag . Even I asked to return it. They didn’t . They don’t answer me. Very very bad experience . Really bad experience with real real. Don’t give them anything please

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