Check out our latest communities fighting
AI scams on Reddit and Facebook

business logo of The RealReal

The RealReal

3.2

On SmartCustomer, businesses may not offer incentives or pay to remove reviews. Learn more about our Review Guidelines.

How would you rate The RealReal?
grey stargrey stargrey stargrey stargrey star

The RealReal Reviews Summary

The RealReal has a rating of 3.2 stars from 5,331 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Reviewers satisfied with The RealReal most frequently mention great experience, fast delivery and high end. The RealReal ranks 6th among Discount Clothing sites.

service
709
value
676
shipping
638
returns
559
quality
608
This company does not typically respond to reviews

We monitor reviews for authenticity

Illinois
1 review
7 helpful votes
Follow Grace D.
Unfollow Grace D.
Share Review
Report Review

Very hit or miss
April 18, 2019

More like 2.5 stars. I have never consigned with TheRealReal, but I have ordered a bunch of things as a customer and it's been a mixed bag. Their descriptions of the condition of each item are all over the place. Sometimes something will be described as having "light wear throughout" and it will come brand new with the original tags, and other times something will be described as "Excellent, no visible signs of wear" and have obvious stains, rips, etc. Their pricing is super inconsistent as well. Old and heavily worn items will be priced high, and brand new current season items will be very low. I really never know what to expect when I open a package from TRR, but at least their customer service is fairly helpful and will cover the cost of return shipping if something is not as described.

Date of experience: April 17, 2019
New York
1 review
17 helpful votes
Follow marianne m.
Unfollow marianne m.
Share Review
Report Review

I had high hopes for consigning with the Real Real and their representative (Paula G. - who was great and very professional and knowledgeable) came to check my designer clothing from Paris (where I lived until recenty) took 10 items (Yves St. Laurent, Dior, Gucci vintage tote bag, Dolce y Gabanna pant suit, Calypso evening top, etc. etc.) Within days, I was informed by TRR that my items were being processed, a week later, they informed me that they were returning all of my items, except the Calypso top.
I had had everything professionally cleaned so was shocked to learn that the condition was unacceptable,(especially since I had indicated the "vintage" condition of some of them... and believe that vintage does not mean new? Even my Dior sunglasses (never worn) and Yves St. Laurent (never worn) clip-on earrings.

So, back and forth with e-mails because 2 items were missing, and now, a month later, an Yves St. Laurent animal print long cardigan is still missing with no explanation.

I am extremly frustrated, would NEVER consign, nor purchase, with them and still don't have my jacket. They don't even deserve one star and I only wish I had read all the negative reviews here and elsewhere before I contacted them... don't consign with them, you will lose stuff (see above reviews) like me.

Date of experience: April 9, 2019
TRR S. — The RealReal Rep
over a year old

Hello Marianne,

Thank you so much for reaching out I am extremely sorry to hear what has happened with this consignment process, I am happy to look into this for you, I will be sending you a message to get further information.
I look forward to resolving this matter with you,

Wisconsin
1 review
1 helpful vote
Follow Carolyn F.
Unfollow Carolyn F.
Share Review
Report Review

Jamillah guided me through the return process. She was excellent in every aspect of the process-- very patient and definitely did all she could to make my experience one that I will treasure. I am recommending this company to all my friends and we all shop consignment stores. Whenever I need customer service, I will ask for JAMILLAH!

Date of experience: April 8, 2019
California
1 review
13 helpful votes
Follow Gerry C.
Unfollow Gerry C.
Share Review
Report Review

I send TheRealReal a lot of clothes that I don't wear anymore for consignment. One particular consignment was of a pair of loafers. It has been three months since I sent in that consignment and in that time they still haven't put the shoes up on their website. Between these three months I have called multiple times and they're still not posted. Because of this, I decided to request my shoes back so I can sell them on my own. After multiple calls and emails to customer service, my shoes still haven't even been shipped to me. It's much easier to sell the clothes yourself and keep a higher percentage of the sale price then sell with the incompetent people that work at TheRealReal. Also, their so-called experts either under price my items to where they sell out in one day because of such an absurdly low price where I make nothing or they'll overprice the items to where after a year some items I consigned still have not been sold. Save yourself the time and the stress and sell the items yourself.

Date of experience: April 1, 2019
California
1 review
6 helpful votes
Follow Joan P.
Unfollow Joan P.
Share Review
Report Review

Not worth the hassle
March 30, 2019

I was initially pleased that a customer service rep came to my home and picked up 20 items to assess, A handful were accepted. I was not disappointed with the service until I discovered that if you are not home M-F, you cannot get your Real Real unaccepted items without the hassle of going to a UPS location. Real real returned items were shipped via UPS to a location far from my home. In the future, I will go to a local consignment store or simply donate to a worthy cause. Not worth the hassle!

Date of experience: March 29, 2019
TRR S. — The RealReal Rep
over a year old

Hi Joan, thanks for reaching out, we appreciate your feedback!

We apologize for the inconvenience regarding UPS signature requirements; it is in place because our items are all insured when delivering to and from our consignors. However, we are partnering with UPS currently to weigh our options regarding how we can continue to insure our packages without such demanding signature requirements.

If there's anything more we can do for you, please reach out to our Consignor Relations team and they will assist you to the best of our ability!

Thank you for consigning with us!

Oregon
1 review
2 helpful votes
Follow Judy P.
Unfollow Judy P.
Share Review
Report Review

I ordered a Prada jacket which I was so excited about. When it came it was in beautiful shape and the size (small) looked perfect so I stupidly took the tag off. What an error! I put it on and realized the sleeves were so long they covered my hands. No big deal, I thought to myself, I can have those taken up. I zipped it up and it was so snug that it looked funny. Leaving it open was not an option because it made the shoulders look so wide that one would think it was from the 80's. When all is said and done it is totally unworkable. I realized too late that I could not send it back because it is very clearly written on the tag, "This item cannot be returned once tag is removed." Silly me.

Date of experience: March 29, 2019
Louisiana
1 review
5 helpful votes
Follow Femi F.
Unfollow Femi F.
Share Review
Report Review

Reapoff
March 22, 2019

I purchased alot of clothes but the last set of clothes bought in March one the pant horrible I dont think I can put that nasty short on or give it out going to go into garbage. I was disappointed

Date of experience: March 22, 2019
Anush N.
New Jersey
2 reviews
4 helpful votes
Follow Anush N.
Unfollow Anush N.
Share Review
Report Review

I called customer service and communicated my issue to jamillah B. She not only was wonderful and patient but very proactive. She instructed me what to do and resolved my issue!!! She is absolutely fantastic!!

Date of experience: March 19, 2019
Texas
1 review
23 helpful votes
Follow Tiffany M.
Unfollow Tiffany M.
Share Review
Report Review

I started off with this company in 2016, and they were amazing at the beginning. I received 70% of the sold value of my items because I sold over a certain amount. Recently, they have lowered your share to 40% of the sale. They price your items really low without any approval (unless it's over $1K). I recommend using anyone but this company! Tradesy has also been a much better experience since you control 100% of pricing. Sad to see the company's greed take over. I will no longer be using their services.

Date of experience: March 18, 2019
Virginia
1 review
13 helpful votes
Follow Monica E.
Unfollow Monica E.
Share Review
Report Review

Consignors beware
March 16, 2019

I have consigned many items with TRR in the past year or so including jewelry, paintings, high-end china, clothes and shoes. Results have been mixed. I have not been happy with how they have priced some of my items and this problem seems to have gotten worse lately with shoes and other clothes I sent them recently. Not only are they pricing things low but they mark them down the same day they post them! What is that about? I have asked but have not received a response yet. I will not be consigning with them anymore. I have better results selling clothes on Poshmark. Also, after reading some reviews posted here by buyers I will certainly not be purchasing stuff from them.

Date of experience: March 16, 2019
Australia
3 reviews
22 helpful votes
Follow janet Y.
Unfollow janet Y.
Share Review
Report Review

Fraud
March 15, 2019

The realreal has sold me the following items that doesn't match their description and refused to take a return.
1. The row sweater that has 3 holes in it
2. Loro piana jacket that is a men's jacket and disclosed as women
3. The row leather jacket that has a massive patch of discoloration and it's not disclosed in the description.

They've blauntly committed a crime and refused refund.

Don't bother buying from them.

Date of experience: March 14, 2019
GB
2 reviews
19 helpful votes
Follow H F.
Unfollow H F.
Share Review
Report Review

I bought a GBP 4500 2018 Chanel Chevron red sequins bag that was described as with tags and condition was pristine. How misleading! When it arrived the box was 4 times the size of the bag, so it was clearly not the original box and the sequins were missing from the corners and at the back. The sequins were not done very well - I was at the Chanel store in Mayfair and after I saw other sequins bag clearly what I bought was not pristine. I was to shy to ask them to check whether my bag is genuine as I don't want to be humiliated even though I have just spent a fortune for a "proper" flap bag with tweeds and sequins.

I ask Real Real customer service and all I was told was that the bag was like that and I was shown a photo which is very different from the non "photoshopped" versions of photos and all they can offer is a USD100 discount off my next purchase. I know it is a final sale but it is a trick for them to push substandard designer bags (even described as with tags and condition as pristine) at a ridiculously high price. I would advise anyone who look for pristine condition to stick to the Chanel/other brand stores and unless you want a handbag which are no longer available at the stores and you are willing to pay a huge premium for a substandard product. Also be aware that all their photos are photoshopped and professionally done and the end product which you receive will be very different. I am very disappointed. Although Real Real likes to market themselves as giving you access to designers bags at a cheaper price I think there is a long way to go - for a start their description of the bags is misleading and I don't think they are being honest which is always off putting for customers. They also like to market themselves as having authenticity checks - my bag may be authentic although I start to have my doubts it is certainly sub par and definitely not worth the price. Their shipping cost is also higher than Harrods and Selfridges and take way longer so it begs the question- why bother.

Date of experience: March 14, 2019
California
2 reviews
7 helpful votes
Follow Thomas D.
Unfollow Thomas D.
Share Review
Report Review

Amazing
March 14, 2019

I got a engagement ring from them its absolutely beautiful.
I got it polish and clean it looks like new.
I pay 3500$ for it and when I got it appraised they say it would cost 7500 $ if I where to both it new.
Very happy customer

Date of experience: March 13, 2019
Germany
1 review
2 helpful votes
Follow Dana B.
Unfollow Dana B.
Share Review
Report Review

Omg i love u guys. Yall never disappoint... when i called to say how happy i was i spoke with Jamilah she was soooo nice and pleasant and friendly so easy to talk too... Thanks real real!

Date of experience: March 8, 2019
TRR S. — The RealReal Rep
over a year old

Hello Dana,

Thank you for reaching out.

We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.

We look forward to working with you in the future!

Arizona
1 review
17 helpful votes
Follow Sandy L.
Unfollow Sandy L.
Share Review
Report Review

I Have consigned quite a bit but have since pulled ALL my items that have not sold. I sent a large lot of expensive jewelry with 16 14K rings. They lost the most expensive tanzanite and dia ring. Took 5 months to resolve and they have agreed to pay me a 1/3 of what it should have sold for. Fraud at it's finest. They will sell your items way below what they should sell for and keep marking down. They care less about the value as long as they sell and get their commission. Their customer service is below average and the people that come to your house to pick up items are far from knowledgeable. I have bought jewelry from them at good deals but clothes is another story - usually not in good condition and many things with odor. Their top management needs an overhaul. Be very very cautious of giving them expensive jewelry unless you dont care what it sells for. They will almost give it away to get their commission. I worry about yhem closing their doors and leaving with everyone things. Unorganized, unprofessional and not honest. Could be a great company but they need to clean house at the top.

Date of experience: March 5, 2019
Michigan
1 review
2 helpful votes
Follow Jasbeen N.
Unfollow Jasbeen N.
Share Review
Report Review

I have been purchasing from the Real Real for over 2 years now and so far, I have experience excellent service and items I have ordered have been exactly what I ordered. I did receive and item I did not order and I contacted them immediately, they sent me a shipping label to return the item, they sent me the item I had purchased. Customer Service rep contacted me and left voicemail after the item had shipped. Mistakes happen and I understand that. As long as they offer to fix the issue, that's what matters the most.

Date of experience: March 4, 2019
Wisconsin
1 review
19 helpful votes
Follow Rose D.
Unfollow Rose D.
Share Review
Report Review

The Prada bag I purchased was listed in "good condition". It arrived balled up in a tiny box and is literally destroyed! Even the zipper is busted (conveniently that was cropped out of the photo) shame on me for expecting an honest description. Of course the bag is not returnable, okay. After reading reviews, I wouldn't trust this company to issue me a refund anyway. I certainly won't try to consign it with them; ANYONE who paid money for this bag would be as disgusted as I am.

Date of experience: March 3, 2019
Florida
1 review
20 helpful votes
Follow Elizabeth W.
Unfollow Elizabeth W.
Share Review
Report Review

Beware! As a Real Real consignor, I have had issues with:
Items lost, damaged when they were sent in perfect condition & very well packed, commission structure changed after my items were sent, received items taking over a month to be listed for sale, sold items showing in pending status for 2 months & no commission paid out and multiple account representatives that keep rotating without following through on resolving open issues, inconsistencies on pricing & item misrepresentation. They are overwhelmed & understaffed.

Date of experience: March 2, 2019
New Jersey
1 review
17 helpful votes
Follow Dyann Y.
Unfollow Dyann Y.
Share Review
Report Review

I purchased a Gucci Handbag, the description was vague as to exact color name, model # etc., The bag has 2 water stains that were not mentioned, and the piping shows wear; neither were mentioned! It said dustbag was included- a RealReal dustbag NOT a Gucci dustbag arrived. It also has a hole punch in the serial number tab; which indicates it is an OUTLET Bag. I am disappointed that this wasn't DISCLOSED, as it most certainly would have influenced my decision to purchase it. (I wouldn't have). There was no link to ask a question about the bag, nor was the serial number pictured in any of the photos. (now I know why!) Have had much better experiences on other sites, that provided plenty of information and more/better photos, with an area to ask questions. I did understand it was at a discount, and because of that a final sale, with no returns. What I did not understand, was that they would not be completely forthright and honest in their description. It also cost me $11.95 to ship (within the same state! 44 miles!) and it still took 10 days to arrive! Fairly confident that I will NOT be buying from them again... so many better options out there for pre-owned luxury items.

Date of experience: February 25, 2019
Colorado
3 reviews
11 helpful votes
Follow A B.
Unfollow A B.
Share Review
Report Review

I'm a frequent shopper at the The Real Real and have scored a number of good deals there. Recently, I purchased a pair of Christian Louboutin suede boots from them, and was really excited to receive them. My excitement turned to disappointment as soon as I opened the box. My new beautiful boots were fakes-- obvious fakes! The suede was fabric, not real leather, "Made in Italy" was all one word, the gold stamping inside was sloppy and bled-- textbook counterfeit Louboutins. I contacted the Real Real and they handled my return swiftly and all my money was refunded. Imagine my surprise, though, when the very same confirmed counterfeit boots I had just returned were listed again for sale! My advice is to make sure to do your research on whatever item you are buying and thoroughly inspect an item when you receive it to insure you are not buying a fake. Extra star for customer service and ease of returns.

Date of experience: February 22, 2019

From the business

The RealReal is the leader in authenticated luxury consignment. With an expert behind every item, we ensure everything we sell is 100% real. As a sustainable company, we give new life to pieces by brands from Chanel to Cartier, and hundreds more. Exten...


therealreal.com
Founded in 2011
San Francisco, CA
+610
See all photos