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The RealReal

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328 User Reviews
LAST UPDATED: March 4th, 2024

The RealReal online clothing consignment store has taken a unique approach to shopping. Unlike other online consignment stores, the company only offer s high-end consignment. According to its website, it is the leader in authenticated luxury consignment. Started and based in San Francisco, California in March of 2011, this company is growing rapidly into a hot spot for luxury goods and shopping at discount prices. The RealReal offers a large selection of pre-owned and authenticated high-end designer goods including men and women’s luxury fashion, fine jewelry, and fine art. They sell pieces from designers such as Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Rolex, as well as art from artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, along with hundreds of others you can find listed on their website. They offer good benefits for consigners of their products and have countless promotions for shoppers and opportunities to have memberships receiving many more benefits. Even up to 90% retail prices. 

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The Good

  • Wide Variety of Product Selection
  • Numerous Promotions and Sales on Luxury Items
  • Membership and Consigner Privileges

This online consignment company provides its customers with many benefits for both shopping and selling products through their website. The RealReal has a large selection of pre-owned items for luxury resale. They sell men's fashion and women's merchandise as well as art pieces from well-known artists. Their products range from accessories, dresses, jewelry, handbags, shoes, ties, suits, outerwear and many more. Along with the many luxury designer clothes and fashion items sold, fine art is also sold through consigners. Each item sold goes through an authenticity process where it is evaluated by an in-house team of experts in each respective field. They have professionals on staff including gemologists, horologists, and art appraisers to ensure that luxury goods sold are authentic.

First views of The RealReal's website show promotions and sales that are easily accessible for the consumer. These promotions are constantly changing and the website gives you clearly marked start and end times for each sale. It is also clearly shown whether or not an item has already been sold or if it is still available. The website has colorful, interactive graphics that catch shoppers attention and make the buying experience both easier and more enjoyable.

Consigners with The RealReal are offered sixty percent of the sale price from the very first time their items are brought to the online store. They can then increase their profits by selling more merchandise, once they reach 7,500 in annual sales their earnings are increased to seventy percent. This company also offers a "white glove" pick up service in most cities. The service is used when a consigner has more than ten designer items and a Luxury Manager will be sent to pick-up the items at no cost. The RealReal also offers benefits for shoppers who join their First Look Membership. This program is only five dollars a month and entitles members to 24-hour advance access to sales and special invitations to monthly promotions.

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The Bad

  • High Price-tag for Pre-owned Merchandise
  • Complicated Shipping and Handling Procedure
  • Difficult Return Process

Like many stores, The RealReal is far from perfect. Although selling pre-owned luxury items keeps the business unique from other online consignment shops, it also creates many of its complications. The company has a difficult time producing pleasing customer reviews. Some of the main concerns for The RealReal are: While items with small price tags do exist on The RealReal, they are few and far between. Most of the merchandise sold on the website comes from famous fashion designers and artists and has a price tag to match its origination. Even though the products are pre-owned, they often sell like new. Although there are many sales on the clothing items, and customers are given plenty of opportunities to buy luxury, high-end items at discounted prices, the overall price tag of merchandise on The RealReal is costly.

The Shipping and Handling procedure on The RealReal's website is anything but user-friendly. They do not offer free shipping on any limit of merchandise and will not deliver to P.O. boxes, APO/FPO address, and most of the U.S. Territories. There is also a fee charged to deliver in some areas including Hawaii and Alaska. They ship via FedEx from warehouses in the NY tri-state area and travel to street addresses only in the United States and some international locations. Many of the problems or concerns customers have with shipping and handling can be easily discussed with the company's customer service team. They are easily accessible through their website or by phone number.

Along with the difficulty of shipping and handling, the return process at The RealReal is not simple. In order to return an item purchased on the website, a return merchandise authorization number must be requested within fourteen days of the shipment date. The customer must then after receiving their authorization number, return the purchase within twenty-one days of the shipment date. The customer is also responsible for all shipping costs of the return. The RealReal then asks customers to allow them a minimum of ten days to process the return item before a refund is given. Additionally, the company will never accept swimwear or sale items for return. The RealReal reviews have taken a negative hit as a result of these difficult processes.

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The Bottom Line

With a unique approach to shopping by selling pre-owned high-end luxury items, The RealReal has created an online niche that appeals to many consumers interested in designer clothes. The easy to use website has made customers enjoy purchasing materials cheaper than retail prices through numerous sales and promotions. The RealReal has given consigners an easy way to sell their luxury merchandise and earn additional profit by offering sixty to seventy percent of the sale price. They have a wide variety of product selection that is offered for both women's and men's fashion and provide customers with benefits by joining their shopping program.

However, this does not mean this company is without faults. Shipping and handling can be challenging for both the consigner and the purchaser and returns from the website are difficult to follow through. The merchandise is also high priced for pre-owned items. The RealReal has been in business a short four years and has rapidly grown into the leader of authenticated luxury consignment. The company has things to work on and in the future could be a perfect destination for luxury merchandise.

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328 Reviews

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3 grade

4%

2 grade

7%

1 grade

82%

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David Lazar

I have bought many things I love over the past few years at Realreal, but haven't bought much recently because their return policy has been restricted. Who is going to buy a $400 used item of clothing they cannot return? It seems pretty silly.

2 months ago

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Veronica Peraza South San Francisco, CA

This store is SPECTACULAR! You can absolutely anything on their website. Boutiques are wonderful as well, especially the one in Marin county. Customer service is amazing and the quality of products is much better that you would expect from a consignment store. I have been shopping with "The Real Real" for many years and the best pieces in my closet and jewelry box are from them. LOVE that store and highly recommend it!!

8 months ago

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Will Keeler Miami, FL

My wife ordered a Louis Vuitton bag from the Real Real. When the package arrived it contained a pair of shoes. After spend many hours on the phone with customer service, I was told that I was out of luck and that they would not refund me. So I'm out $525. Avoid The RealReal at all costs.

1 month ago

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Mary Drotar Evanston, IL

I've been buying and selling with TRR since they opened in 2011. I've been very fortunate since my buying experience has been positive overall. I can wear beautiful clothes/purses that I would never be able to wear if it was retail. So thank you, TRR. I have a fantastic wardrobe. Returns have worked out very well. If you're not totally sure about an item (how it fits, color, etc.), ensure first that it is not a final sale. As far as selling, it isn't the greatest. TRR needs to figure out how to fix this part of the business. The CSR's are very good, just treat them with respect and they will solve most of your problems.

10 months ago

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Linda Hutcheson Norristown, PA

I have ordered 4 handbags from them in the last 6 months and all have been in great condition. Items are non-refundable, which is a little scary when you are spending several hundred dollars at times, but so far I have been pleased. I have only bought items that are in “good” or “very good” condition so far and the description of the items were consistent with what I received. Once ordered, it has taken about a week on average for the item to be delivered. The boxes in which the items are delivered always look like they were beat up during transit, but as long as the handbag is ok, that doesn’t bother me. Overall, a good site for used luxury bags. I can’t speak for their customer service as I haven’t had the necessity to call them, but if things are non refundable and sent “as is” then I can’t imagine they are going to be super helpful if I were to call.

1 year ago

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Anne Collins Scottsdale, AZ

I have purchased numerous things from The Real Real and never been disappointed. I look at the item I want thoroughly and read all the descriptive information. I have never received anything that was the least bit worn or shoddy in any way. I have purchased several things at a fraction of the original cost that were literally never worn. I have not had the same experience from other online consignment sites. I know that whenever I order something from The Real Real that the item will arrive in a timely manner and be "like new". I have also returned a few things due to sizing issues and never had a problem with that part of the site either. I have also sold many things on this site and had a great experience with their pricing of my items and received my checks for sold items when they are promised. This site is a legitimate place for purchasing items significantly lower than purchasing new and I always feel as though I have really gotten a deal! In addition, each item is wrapped in tissue and most things arrive in a drawstring bag. Good psychology in sending things as though they are new! This is my "go to" site when I am looking for anything before deciding to buy new.

7 years ago

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Michael Z. Kaye

I submitted a cartier bracelet for sale. The bracelet sold 5 minutes after it was posted. I went in to the website and realized that I was dupped. The same bracelet online are been sold for over $1000 more than mine was sold and some in worse condition. I caution anyone selling with TRR.

2 months ago

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Rebecca Lee Vancouver, BC

The RealReal I am so incredibly disappointed with my first shopping experience. I purchased a pair of Stuart Weizmann boots and was so excited to get them. Unfortunately they were listed as size 9 but when they arrived they were actually a size 6. Accidents happen so I agreed to send them back for a refund m. my issue is that I was not offered a return shipping label and had to pay for the return shipping myself. I was told this would be reimbursed. Logan the supervisor I spoke to refused to issue the refund and offered me a store credit instead. As I will never be shopping here again after this experience a credit is no good to me. I provided all the paperwork for the shipping and still I am out money. This doesn’t even include the customs duties to Canada that I paid or the fist shipping fee I paid to get the boots. Nor does it take into consideration I didn’t have boots for my holiday event. Unsatisfactory to say the least. I don’t recommend shopping here because the company does not take responsibility for their mistakes. You’ll never get your money back and that is too big of a risk for me to take.

4 months ago

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Shannon Thompson Fairfax, IA

I ordered a vintage Celine handbag from The RealReal. I received the item within a week of shipment. The item arrived as described, except it had a distinctive mildew/moldy odor and there was some visible mildew along the sides of the leather straps where they meet the canvas and in a number of other crooks and crevices. The other problem I have is the way the bag was packed in the box. They did not put any stuffing in the bag, nothing to support the structure of the bag, It was smooshed into a box too small for it. The box itself did not have any supportive material either. So the bag arrived in a bent and deformed condition, not at all like the website pictures. Overall, I don't have any major gripes but I'm not impressed either. Next time I will be shopping elsewhere.

11 months ago

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May S Cleveland, OH

I have been selling with The Real Real For over a year now and was happy with their service. They give a fair pricing for both buyer and seller. Of course the clothing isn’t that high since it is worn. I know the are really specific about the stuff they accept. They solved a lot of issues for me. I would not sell anywhere else. Wish they had a lower brand division they would accept cause the really make it easy you do t have to deal with anything and they pay on time.

1 year ago

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Gloria Shammas New York, NY

I am writing this review about one person who works for the real real she is in customer service her name is IMANI S. She is a true professional, she was the only person who helped me solve an ongoing problem from March. If it were not for her patience, determination, and know how this never would have been solved. I am only giving her the 5 stars. Thank you again Imani.

1 year ago Edited June 3, 2022

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D.S.F Dallas, TX

This is an update to my original 1 star review (see below). I’m updating because shortly after posting, RealReal contacted me, apologized, and offered a resolution. RealReal followed through on the timely resolution promised. They gave me a full refund for the shoes, covered the return shipping, and credited my account for a future order’s shipping fee. I have since placed another order. Everything went smoothly. Admittedly I was nervous and triple checked sizing, zoomed in on item pics to ensure zero surprise quality issues, and double checked sizing accuracy by googling non-RealReal sites for cross-referencing & validation. Not an ideal customer experience, but a stop-gap for that purchase. Original review: I purchased a pair of 8.5 Alaia heeled ankle boots on sale marked no returns. I didn’t think anything of it bc I already own knee-high Alaia boots in the same size. I was surprised and disappointed when the new boots arrived & were too small. I called customer service 3X. Once I waited 5 minutes before I hung up, the 2nd X I waited 15 minutes before I hung up, 3rd X I waited until someone answered which was close to 35 minutes! I explained the situation. I asked if I paid for return shipping, would RR give me store credit as a courtesy for a long time loyal customer. I was told the manager would approve the store credit if I emailed a pic of my boots & the RR boots to prove they were the same size & the pair I owned fit me. I thought it was a strange request, but agreed anyway. Here’s the exact email I received while on the phone with customer service: “Hello Thanks for contacting The RealReal. Please reply to this email with a photo of the boots Alaïa Leather Studded Accents Boots. Could you please send me a picture for this boots and another Alaia boots to compare the both boots?” I sent the requested pictures and didn’t hear back. 4 days later I emailed asking for a reply & resolution status. This is the email I received: “Good Afternoon Dierdre Slavin Regarding our conversation about the order # R350340561 The support team denied to return the item # AL253512 because it is as described on the website is size 8.5. However you can reconsign these boots.” Basically RealReal not only misled me by telling me I would get store credit if I emailed photos proving my claim, but also wants me to pay shipping to give them the shoes so they can resell them and keep 50% of the profit. I’ve been a big advocate and cheerleader for RealReal referring my network to them for 3.5yrs (I’m in outside sales in the beauty industry). Because of this experience, they lost a loyal, repeat customer and an enthusiastic referral source.

3 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Jon Sellersburg, IN

My wife and I have made around 50 purchases from this site in the last year and there have only been a handful of times that there were issues that I would complain about. I agree the measurements are going to vary, but I also understand that can be due to a variable of factors on some clothing. There have been a few times that I was less than pleased with the packaging of items, but I have not had anything that caused damage to an item. Of all the items purchased we both agree that they are usually 90% accurate on description. I have also received a few items that on appearance was questionable and even took one item to be authenticated and at the store a sales person said it was a fake, but then a more senior person there said it was in fact authentic but from an older season so just because one person at a store says something is fake doesn't mean they know everything. Overall we are incredibly happy and will continue to use this site unless things change.

4 years ago

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Tamyra Jackson Dallas, TX

I have gotten several pre-owned designer items from The Real Real. The quality has always been superior and the cost is reasonable based on the quality and brand. Most of the items come in their original packaging, but those that do not are packed in The Real Real's own fabric bag. I love this site and have never had a problem with counterfeits or items not being as described.

7 years ago

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Elizabeth

I have been purchasing and consigning at TheRealReal for over four years and find both their website a treasure trove of merchandise and customer care above the rest. They are very prompt in response to a request and have found they resolve issues with prompt courteous service.They aim to please and if not pleased will make it right. TheRealReal is my favorite purchasing site bar none.

7 years ago

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Deborah Boyd Louisburg, NC

The RealReal not only allows you to buy "gently used" high end merchandise at affordable prices their customer service is top notch! I needed to return an item that didn't fit but I had lost the information sent with it. I emailed them and within 8 hours I had a reply on how and where to return it. When you have questions or concerns they respond immediately I highly recommend this site.

7 years ago

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Pam M New York, NY

I have experienced the very worst customer service on 2 separate orders within days of each other. The 1st order, despite customer service confirming on 2 separate occasions that they had updated the shipping address, as I had requested, Real Real, unilaterally cancelled the order. Hours later, a previously ordered pair of pants arrived, 4 sizes smaller than the size described.

4 months ago

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Darius Owens North Carolina Burlington, NC

The representative Haddy. Was not knowledgeable at all. Stayed on the chat with me for two hours and didn't resolve my issue. I placed an order and they sent me a notification saying that I canceled the order when I didn't I called back and they stated it's because my billing information did not match. Which was not the case never had this issue in the world. They would not apply a $25 credit that I was due to the account as a promotion and didn't have any good reason. The customer service rep was absolutely terrible and not knowledgeable. I would not suggest dealing with this site right

5 months ago

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EKATERINA FILIPPOVA

Decided to sell some item through realreal. The first I asked about the prices, the lady said you need to send your item to us for evaluation. Ok, item was sent after 3 weeks I saw the prices for my luxury items on excellent condition the price is like in a second hand store not a branding items. I' ve sent massage please send me my item back thank you for your "service ". The customer service said please let us to reevaluate your item maybe price will increase. Opened my account yesterday I saw that one of my item was sold for nothing without my permission! Sent massage to the customer service and asked cancel it and return my fur coat, they said its not possible because of company policy. This is a fraud! And this company is a scam! Will sue them 100%!

6 months ago

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bas Dallas, TX

The Realreal staff members cancelled a fully completed online transaction to enable a staff member to take a sold item from a customer for the purposes of reselling to another customer and/or for their own profit. This has occurred to me twice this week. My order number R336105046 was canceled on 10/2/23, and the item was sold to another customer. Today, 10/5, order number R557818362 was also canceled, and the item was taken from my completed transaction list and sold to another customer. I immediately contacted The Real Real's customer service and spoke with Gabriel, who confirmed that my purchase had been canceled because another customer in their physical store desperately desired the item, so they canceled my order and sold it to her. He acknowledged that this was wrong but provided no solution. Upon speaking to another member of their support team, named Carson, he investigated and found that it wasn't for another customer but a purchase by a member of staff, which he stated was against RealReal's policy. It's evident that these policies are not being enforced. After items are paid for and transactions are concluded, taking items from a customer amounts to theft. The RealReal staff members have no right to take them back or resell them without the permission of the customers who had completed their purchase. This practice is appalling and fraudulent, in addition to undermining the trust and credibility for those purchasing items from RealReal.

6 months ago

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Alina Steel Santa Barbara, CA

Absolutely the worst service one can possibly acquire . The so called contact person Carolyn via text I was very promising and alluring until I sent my items in . One of them is a brand new LV Passy monogram I purchased in Paris this December. Original Box , dust bag even a receipt from Saint Germain LV store. Item was not live on the website for 3 weeks … There is absolutely no one you can speak on the phone , customer service hung up on me and the contact person Carolyne could not help . So you can only text thru a special number to deal with your issue . Do not deal with this company , it’s absolutely awful , I regret ever contacting them. I requested my LV bag to be sent back to me , hopefully I receive it in the same condition I sent it and I don’t have to file a complaint against this company, complete scan . Deal with fashionpile - they are accurate fast and reliable .

7 months ago

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Regina

I have been a consignor with the company for many years & the process in contacting them has been extremely difficult & frustrating! They pick my items up at my house, price them way below what I stated, send them back to me & they get lost! Now I’ve been trying to contact them & no one has been getting back to me.?! The Real Real has made a lot of money with my items & I’m so disgusted in the way they do business. I’ve also had other friends experience similar situations. Not very good!

8 months ago

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Second Hand Shopper Tilton, NH

I think I purchased about 25 things from here on the last year. Most of the clothes/shoes I receive are as listed. But there have been a few issues here and there. Recently, I received a dress that wasn’t the measurements listed on the site. I contacted customer service and was given store credit only, since it was final sale AND i was responsible for the $13 shipping. I received another dress listed as “some discoloration on the front and under the armpit”. It was littered with what appears to be tomato sauce all over the front, and lots of deodorant under the pits. I immediately returned it, and again, was responsible for the shipping cost. Other than that, ai haven’t had too many issues. I think their data entry people have a quota of items them need to post on their site, and as a result, there are descriptive errors and incorrect pictures posted. If they cleared this up, and allowed free returns, I think A LOT more people would be attracted to use them more.

1 year ago

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Judith Alberty Las Vegas, NV

I consigned six items in my first shipment to them. Three sold and I received my commission on a timely basis. Another item sold and was returned. I recently sent them 9 more items and they acknowledged receipt. The items are beautifully photographed and (sort of) accurately described that I can tell. My experience so far is that their descriptions are iffy. I sent them a brand new pair of Prada sunglasses with case. They said there were scratches? A Hermes scarf I sent that was still folded in its box is described as a shawl and priced very high at $895. It's a scarf, not a shawl. I've asked to have this changed. No response. They take way too long to upload items online. The first shipment took a month. The second shipment went from Las Vegas to New Jersey which makes no sense to me. I see no reason listings should take 2,3 or 4 weeks. Yesterday, I called customer service. The first person who answered was talking so fast I couldn't understand what she was saying. I must have said wait, stop, hold on, slow down a dozen times before she hung up on me. I called back, and someone answered, I got out one sentence and got put back on hold. Their auto-message says a wait of less than ten minutes even when you've been on hold for 15. I finally hung up, texted one of their reps and she didn't get back to me either. I will see how this second shipment goes. I have some other items to send to them but will wait and research other selling sites. I don't want to bother photographing, uploading and shipping myself so don't want to use Poshmark.

1 year ago

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Jolanda West Palm Beach, FL

As a consignor I feel we are paid peanuts for our designer items. The time you have to wait for your credit is also very long. I have seen my items getting sold and then returned as buyers have 14 days to return the item! So I'm pretty sure my expensive items have been worn, been in selfies and then returned to RealReal. The return system is seriously flawed and does not protect the seller. As a buyer two things happened to me recently that shocked me: I bought a pair of Chanel trainers size 39 and when they arrived and I tried them on I felt one was loose. When I checked one sneaker was a size 39 and one was a size 40! I sent them back with a handwritten note saying that I was disappointed and that they needed to inform buyers that the sneakers were two different sizes. I kept them in my wishlist ( forgot to remove) and was shocked to see them back for sale a week later- without an updated description! They also never acknowledged my note. About a month later I bought a pair of Valentino heels labelled size 9.5. When they arrived they were a size 6!! How can you make that mistake?? It just shows you how careless their process is if no one even picked up on this!! I emailed them and told them exactly what I thought of their product description! I sent back the item and am waiting for it to be refunded. How this can happen twice in a month is unbelievable. Carelessness.

4 years ago

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CharlotteT Brooklyn, NY

Excellent service. Items are well described, and the site is always willing to provide additional details. Purchased items arrive in nice bags, carefully packed. Customer service is very prompt and helpful. I have purchased fabulous things on this site and think the world of it.

4 years ago

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Snoopydoodle Mineola, NY

I’ve been a customer for the past 2-3 years now and have purchased at least 30 items. Up until about a year ago I was very pleased. A very good rating meant expect great, the packaging was very good and the deals were good. In the past year I have noticed a significant decline in a number of things. Like some of the other users, the quality is now a crap shoot. Very good can mean great but it can also mean fair To poor. Moreover, the packaging has been horrible on the last 5 or 6 items I received. Leather bags squished and folded into boxes without air paper and dust bags. Clearly some guy in the warehouse threw in these expensive bags in boxes without any thought. It creased the leather on a $500 bag as a result. While I was permitted to return it, I had to pay the shipping both ways, they acted like they were doing me a favor in accepting returns, and made me send proof of the creases to the representative. Considering I’ve spent so much money with the company, you would think they would show more courtesy to a good customer. Today, I received a bag listed as very good, which had damage that could never justify the rating. They only agreed to give me a store credit and would not return it even after I photographed the damage 10 minutes after arrival and offered to send the proof. I’ve purchased 15-18 bags already from them . That alone should grant me the courtesy of a real return. Additionally, the pricing is all over the place. Sometimes you’ll find an item with 3 different prices. It’s random. Sometimes that’s in your favor but mostly it’s grossly inflated. The photos are not that accurate and never show enough of the item. All in all, there are some nice buys to be had but I’m becoming disenchanted with the company and particularly their return policy. I don’t want to spend 25$ to look at an item site unseen and then be given a hard time returning when it’s not described or photographed properly. I completely gave up on clothes because they are almost never in the condition they claim. The photos are deceiving. The last few things had tears never listed in the description. Lastly, I did buy a pair of Chanel shoes and the heels arrived seemingly in one piece but literally cracked in half trying them on. I liked them so I opted to have the heels replaced for another $20. Clearly they were a lot older than it appeared in the photos. Fashion file and Rebag.com are much much better for expensive bag purchases.

4 years ago

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J Sarantou

Bought designer clothes from here and very happy with purchase. The purchase of shoes however, not a good experience. Shoes even though were supposedly designer, the leather was very cheap and squeaked. After putting leather softener on them, the color bled and left the shoes discolored and unusable, I ended up throwing them away. However, customer service was excellent, very polite and helpful regarding overcharge on shipping. Will not shop with them again, hit and miss.

5 years ago

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Susan Rogers

I made several purchases from The Real Real this year and I love it. The sizes and conditions were exactly as described. I am new to luxury brands and The Real Real has introduced me to how great a garment or handbag can be. I recently had a purchase stolen due to a careless mistake by a Fed Ex driver. Much to my surprise and delight, The Real Real refunded my purchase. I was touched that they trusted me and cared about my business. I have never consigned with them or purchased items over $250, but I am very happy so far and will continue buying from them.

7 years ago

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Shelli Pelly San Diego, CA

RR only uses FedEx for delivery, and requires you to sign for packages valued $995 or over. The issue lies with FedEx new non-customer friendly policy of "one delivery attempt only," for signature- required packages. If a customer isn't available during a FedEx random attempt, the package is held at a FedEx location and you are required to drive for package pick up. They will not attempt to re-deliver. They deliver up until 8pm which means you are tied to your home/business until then. Requests for RR to use another carrier with more customer-friendly policies were met with a "sorry, too bad" type response. Their carrier choice ruins the experience on the consumer end, and acts as a deterrent for purchasing pricier merchandise due to the inevitable inconvenience of Federal Express.

7 years ago

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Margaret Corbit Van Etten, NY

I was excited to sell with Real Real. Everything I read pointed to it being the best market for my Dries Von Rhoten dress. Well, they priced it at $200. I sighed but they had the dress. Then I the price went down and down and I am getting $31 dollars for the dress. Not good. I should have kept the dress.

6 months ago

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Ary Khatchikian Lake Worth, FL

Buyer Beware!!! I purchased an expensive bag that they classified as very good condition. The RealReal did not include a critical picture which displayed a dark ring around the hardware which if I had seen I would not have purchased. Despite spending 10's of thousands with them. The only thing they could do was have me resell it under them where they get to make money once again and fool the next customer. Ridiculous!!!

6 months ago

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Pat Aresty San Francisco, CA

I would caution consigning jewelry with the TRR. I have a platinum diamond Tiffany necklace that I consigned that mysteriously was taken off the website. When I question why (numerous times) I was told that an investigation was started and would take at at least 5 days to get an answer.. Six days later, I still did not have a response as to why the items was no longer available to sell. Of course, I pressed the issue and asked where was the necklace. I could not get a response and was then told to wait another 5 days for the investigation to continue. Of course I asked if the necklace was still in possession of TRR. I did not get an answer and was told to wait for the results of the investigation. I then demanded a full refund of the selling price for the necklace and was told I would only be refunded the consignor price if the investigation deemed it was needed. . I found this infuriating since the necklace was obviously stolen. If still available, I would have asked to have the necklace retuned so that I could sell it myself and probably make more than TRR selling price. Another concern is that I've had other jewelry pieces purchased and then returned and purchased again and returned ( for the same item) I then questioned what TRR had in place to prevent buyers from purchasing and item, using it and then returning it. I was told that each item had a special tag attached that prevented this. When I asked for a photo of the tag, I was told that was not possible. Lack of transparency sets up a red flag for me and hopefully everyone. To make matters even worse, all communication is thru a chat system on the website. It is impossible to talk to a real person including any supervisory personnel. A phone number is listed on the website but it just leads you to a recording to use the chat system. RED FLAG on all fronts. I would never consign anything with TRR again. That includes clothing and shoes. They underprice to make a quick sale and if items don't sell quickly, they start discounting. Imagine paying $400-500 for a pair of shoes, worn once or twice and getting a less than $50. The return is even less for clothing. I would rate this company with a zero if the option was available.

9 months ago

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Simon

My experience with the real real . Simon azulay When I discovered about the real real it was a process for me to choose and decide to let go of my stuff , I believe all of us, each human being that work hard in is life to buy himself Luxury items, feel respect for is stuff . I choose in my life to invest in luxury items in order to do not to cooperate with the fast food culture . When you buy something for $30 you will behave to Him the same, When you buy something for $1000 you will make sure to pass it over to someone you love in the right time. This is my choice of beliefs. I was thinking and believing the real real is a real opportunity to pass my stuff over and give them new life. I was just thinking! I called the real real and when I left them a message that they like to sell my stuff someone called me after few minutes. And 2 days after they send someone to my house to pick the things from me . Someone came into my private space and get into my closet doors and was taking with time over 290 items from me . You need to feel intimacy and trust to do it . They were lovely and nice . And even I would say look very professional and helpful. From there my nightmare started with the real real. They put my things on line, half of my stuff that are men sizing and men, clothes or accessories was representing or female mannequin , the way they described half of the things was not correct at all the way they put it on their website was not respectful for things that someone else paid for. I gave them stuff w tags they even didn’t mention it in the website. I was trying to call and text the grill that was in my house, no answer for days, when she got back to me she told me that she can’t help me and i need to email them , no luck at emailing them to , after 8 day they get back to me , and from there for almost 3 months they send me hand to hand . Like I’m a playing ball . On the way I was buying some things from them , they send me a bag that inside the bag there was a vape of weed and hotel card room They send me different sizes than want I ordered I told them about it , but of course nobody did nothing about it . They sold my items in ridiculous prices , they took responsibility for their mistakes and said they will send me money back, they mistakes was very very under price , for example a bag of the row that i paid for $1500 . They sold for $250 , the bag name is the twin bag , they described it us a small, leather pouch. They paid me back $60 So I get for this bag $180 When they were in my house they told me I will get at list $700 for this item. And my list is long . They separated suits and put them in their website as single items , they sold a suit of Tom ford from 2022. That I used once and paid for $7500 for $500 . And again my list is very very long . Each time I’m calling them or trying to Fix things , it’s taking forever to reach them . when they get back to me or it’s to late to fix things because the item was already sold. Or they promise that they will fix it or make it up to you and nothing happens. They disrespect you, the feeling I get from them that they just like to take your stuff from you and get rid of then quickly no matter in which price . There is something funny , there was almost 10 items . that they put on their website in the moment they get into to air someone was buying them in a very very cheap price, for example sunglasses of mykita limited edition That their price is $900 sold in $116 and get 20% discount the moment they want up in the air , so i get for them $34 And I have multiple items that happened to them the same. They took my time energy and money. And Miss lead me in any possible way Just to get rid of my stuff and give them almost for free . I have so much situation with each item almost that it’s too much information to share . Thank you. Simon Thank you

9 months ago

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Little Engine Healthy Living AZ

Real Real Disappointed Had 2 like new Tumi laptop bags that I wasn’t using. Customer service was great at first. I paid about $1000 for both bags and both were less than 3 years old and in mint condition. We discussed a price range of what I could expect to receive from selling both bags. I estimated the low end. I was real disappointed when the first bag sold and I received a check for $25. I was real real disappointed and furious when the second bag earned me a $3 check. Had I known I would have received less than $30 I would have kept the bags or given them to a women’s shelter. I won’t sell here ever again. Terrible upset this was my experience.

1 year ago

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Linds B Vancouver, BC

Wide selection, easy to navigate - but that's where the pleasantries end. Items are overpriced, even more so if you are purchasing in Canada. Expect to pay high shipping fees (50+ CAD) and duties upon arrival ! Don't forget the exchange rate either. I have now received about 75% of my purchases with damage and/or wear not pictured or disclosed in the listing. Return process is convoluted or nonexistent. When I complained about a final sale item having serious damage not disclosed in the listing, I was offered a credit for the website - a credit that won't even cover the shipping cost of ordering something else. Yeah, thanks.. The prices fluctuate wildly, and there doesn't seem to be a clear logic to the pricing and markdowns process. I have even seen items priced OVER the last available retail price for NEW. It's honestly a waste of time and money to shop with the RealReal.

1 year ago

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finny binny Fullerton, CA

I have been shopping on TRR site for a few years and recently sold some items with them. First, I was excited to purchase designer items at a fraction of the price and condition description for the most part matched the item received. As of late though, sizes have been incorrect, condition listing incorrect, fake items (Prada shoes) received and returns invoices that would take a CPA to figure out. It was for less than $50 so I let it go but it nagged at me and left me wondering if there's accounting shenanigans?? It certainly felt amateur and it appeared their service was going downhill. Then I sent in items for consignment and they rejected 40%, with some of the brands rejected for sale on their site?? Finally, returned a bunch of items where my AMEX debit doesn't match the credit by $100 (in their favor of course) and I was billed twice for $12.95 shipping although all items were in one box with 3 RMA's (which they said is OK to do). After reading all these negative reviews, I am now reluctant to buy or sell from/with them. Very disappointing as I thought they had a good thing going, but their accounting is WAY off and I don't feel like losing any more money with them. It all adds up!

1 year ago

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cynthia alford Sacramento, CA

I have purchased several things, some shoes and a handbag. I was pleased with 2 of my purchases and felt I received a good price. The problem came when I received boots that were listed as size 36 but when I received were size 36.5. Too big for me. I was told that it was final sale and I could only resell them. After speaking with several customers service reps they finally allowed a return. The second concern was the same issue but the shoes I received were dirty and so stretched out that they appeared to be a size and a half too big. I immediately tried to reach customer service through the chat feature. They ask you to wait for a customer rep to reach out to you. Which can take up to 10 minutes. Unfortunately, I missed the rep twice. By the third time I finally spoke with someone who told me it was too late for a return. With pushing they agreed to a return for store credit. I immediately returned the shoes but in the end they only issued 1/3 credit of what I paid for the shoes. This is the last time I will purchase anything from the Real Real. Their quality control and return policy is terrible. It is definitely not customer service friendly.

1 year ago

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Ana Luisa Yanes New York, NY

If you a value item that you are looking to sell at a good price cause you never use or dont use anymore -run from this place. The real real unlike other consignment stores doesn’t buy the product for you to resell in their stores, they basically take your product for free and then decide to sell it at whatever price they want and take about 50% of more commission, and the price depends on whatever they feel like -they might do sales and sell your product at 80% discount without you even knowing. I started by selling a purse and a coat. The purse was fairly old collection and used but in good condition so I wasn't expecting much, however my coat was a very classic and timeless coat that I purchased for around $1200 about 4 years ago. I noticed I was never using it -might have worn it 2 or 3 times so I decided to sell it. When I dropped the jacket I was told they would put it for sale for around $850 approx but they needed to authenticate etc first, when it finally was authenticated (they can take up to a month) they listed it for $845, it was in the market for about 1.5 month when they decided to have a sale and sold it at 70% discount and kept 55% commission, meaning I got about $100 for my $1200 jacket that I wore 2 times. I was never told the jacket would go on sale and for that price I would’ve taken it somewhere else, kept it or even give to a friend. No one in the company will explain the details to you or the process, feels very much like a scam.

1 year ago

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Jose Lopez Miami, FL

They are holding my comisión, they want a proof of who I’m , I connect my bank account with the steps that they were asking me to do it and is connected already but not payment went trough, I spoke many time whit CS and nothing , I decide by Check and I can Find the way to do it , also ask the CS to verify is I did the right numbers and nothing , they CS and willing to finish the conversation to send a text to comment about their job . Everything is by text which I have not problem by take hours the answer.

1 year ago

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cyndypb West Palm Beach, FL

Overall, I have done very well consigning items on The Real Real for the past year. However, recently, I have encountered a number of problems, particularly with the fine jewelry department. They have apparently lost a ring that I consigned. Tried to list and return to me a ring that wasn’t mine. My sales rep has supposedly “escalated “ the matter to Senior Client Relations. I have received no response. Also, you are supposed to have price approval over items over $995 in value. I was not given price approval on a number of items each of which was far in excess of the $995 threshold. I pointed this out to my rep who was supposed to fix the problem. Now I find out that one item was sold at a 20% reduction without prior approval. This incompetence borders on thievery and fraud because you cannot get a straight answer from Client Relations. I do not recommend consigning with them until they fix these problems. I honestly question whether they will remain a viable company.

1 year ago

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Tamara Smith Denver, CO

I have to say that my first RealReal experience has been very disappointing. I purchased an Ebel watch that was supposedly in good condition and also evaluated by a horologist and that it met time keeping standards. Upon receiving the watch I immediately knew something was wrong. It was not keeping time. Took into an Ebel certified watchmaker, they changed the battery, and it still did not work. I can't return it because the product was "final sale" and it is VERY difficult find a customer service phone # or email and I am left sending a Facebook message. The watchmaker is now fixing the watch which is going to cost me another $400. I would NOT recommend the RealReal to anyone. It is unreliable and it is hard to imagine that all products are actually evaluated and authenticated thoroughly and by a qualified professional.

2 years ago

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beau deleuil Sydney, NSW

Great selection of clothing and user-friendly website. However, they have changed from FedEx to UPS (presumably for profit reasons) and so their shipping is now much slower and less reliable. They have also reduced the quality of their packing materials (presumably to save weight on shipping - again for profit). We have ordered tens of thousands of goods, a good proportion of which have arrived late or - in some cases - damaged and unusable (through a combination of UPS being a less reliable shipper and lower quality packaging). We are rethinking using TRR as Vestiaire uses DHL and outstanding packaging. We hold our breath on every order from TRR….

2 years ago

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Dee Mattapan, MA

I purchased 11 items from the real real. Out of 11, I had to return 2 because one was a pair of fake Bvlgari glasses that they immediately reposted as I returned them last year in 2020 and today, 4/3/2021 they misprints a pair of Givenchy pumps as as size 5.5 when they really were a size 8. That's annoying as hell, especially when you have your eye on something. Worse is they don't give you a full refund. They keep the money you paid for shipping! Also, take note: when they post pictures of shoes or items, if the item isn't as described, they'll take pictures on these weird angles. For example, the shoes I brought this week, they never showed the actual size on the bottom of the sole as they have done with many of the shoes I have purchased and seen on the site. They took a picture of the bottom soles on a very weird angle. It's making me wonder if they are trying to make coins off of postage knowing darn well no one is keeping an item that isn't what it should be!

3 years ago

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BrooklynWriter Brooklyn, NY

They have some good sales on items that they won't actually accept for consignment [Lisa Perry, Ugg, Eileen Fisher]. The downside is that the prices are much higher than you typically find on sites like Poshmark and are often higher than what the brand is charging for a new version. Also, the fact that they charge such high fees for shipping is crazy. I was going to buy two chairs and shipping would have added an additional 50% to the cost.

3 years ago

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Lea San Francisco, CA

Most of my experience with this company is as a consigner. I did purchase a couple of clothing items a few years ago and the quality was not great, so I don't purchase from them anymore. As a consigner, I used to feel good about The RealReal. If I remember correctly, I used to get 60% on clothing and more for jewelry. Now, I get 50% for items under about 125.00 of the sale price and 55% for over 125.00. Also, they have a tiered system in which the more you consign, the more you get, but they seem to have increased the amount you have to consign in order to get more commission. I've consigned with them about 5-6 times and though changes have been made in their commission structure, none of this was made transparent to me. Though the latter is annoying, what I feel most troubled about is how much merchandise they have now. I have two high-end bags on there now (Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga) and they seemed priced low to me, based on previous comparisons, and they are now at 30% off. Still not selling and I imagine will be much further discounted around Christmas. They are so eager to get inventory, but they have so much. During a recent sale, I think a search found over 14K items. In contrast, I consigned some other stuff (mostly clothing) at a local brick-and-mortar consignment place and I made way more money and it sold within 30 days. After my recent consignment with The Real Real, I got a note from my local rep asking me to consign more stuff. I related the above stated concerns to my rep over a month ago and never heard back from her. It just feels like they got big very fast and have not thought about how to provide good customer service. That said, maybe a good site for super high-end jewelry or watches or bags (like Hermes or Chanel?). I just wish they were more transparent about their commissions and I wish they had better communication with customers.

5 years ago

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Professor Los Angeles, CA

I do like the items I have purchased over the years, and I did consign a Versace pencil skirt once and appreciated the thrill of getting a check. (took a while for someone to buy it though). I have to say a big thumbs down to paying a standard 11.95 on shipping. So many options to shop with free shipping. I understand its a designer site, but shipping is a standard process and the mark up is just not justifiable.

5 years ago

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Vashti Denton, TX

I recently made my first purchase from The RealReal. The shipping was somewhat difficult, as I had to have my purchase redirected to a FedEx location because I would not be home to sign for the package. I had to call The RealReal, and they had to call FEDEX while I waited on hold to redirect the package for me. I purchased a LV shoulder bag listed in "Very Good" condition. The bag was beautiful upon receipt. However, the straps were warped and there were water stains on the bottom vachetta leather that were intentionally hidden. I am very disappointed in this fact. Especially since at $1000($895 list price plus taxes, shipping, and other fees), I could have purchased a newer bag. I will never purchase from this site again. I feel duped. On top of that, my purse was a nonreturnable item. :(

5 years ago

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Maria

I love this website. Great to consign and buy from. I've done business with them for the last year and have never been anything but happy. Not sure about all the negative feedback.

7 years ago

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Clark Celmayster Downingtown, PA

First warning sign: Can't post on their Facebook (The RealReal limited who can comment on this post.) "Authenticated" Jewelry items often fake. Takes forever to be reimbursed for returned items, customer service sucks ! Wife has been battling to get payment back from fake gold item!

6 months ago

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