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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 5th among Discount Clothing sites.
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I purchased several items with this site, was just ok, you need to be super careful with their descriptions and pictures. Very often, they won't show the ugly and dirty parts of their products rather than just written "signs of wear". But this time, I'm done with them, the product I received was so disgusting and dirty that I cannot use after spending $400, and they refused to refund me because they claimed they indicated the problem, so I can only take their credit and pay shipping back myself, go figure...
I've been consigning with TRR for a number of years now, and things have changed for the worse. They seem more concerned with selling everything in less than a day, and therefore price the items so outrageously low that of course they sell quickly. It does a great disservice both to TRR and to the consignor, as the items would still sell, and make everyone more money, if it was done with a little more judiciousness. The staging/displaying of the items in photos is more slipshod (wrinkled clothing), and the written descriptions have also gotten extremely sloppy and careless. The company is apparently using their funds for flashy advertisements, and ignoring the internal processes. It's a shame.
Do not consign with these thieves, they consigned two items for me & posted at a price i was happy with then sold them for over 50% off without my consent and or knowledge. Its criminal i couldve gotten more had i sold it myself. After filing a complaint I have yet to receive word back its been 10 days. I plan to take further action against them its criminal.
To all the people that don't experienced consign with them, don't do it or if you do, don't send them high valuable items because you will get ripped off.
People that don't consign don't know how bad an experience it is. Of course, it's a great site to buy, cause they marked down so low that only the buyers gain with that, and even after the low marked prices they still give 20%, 30% off discount, guess what buyers it's a great deal for you but put yourself in the consignor shoes and if you send them a 2.000.00 shoes used one time, and you receive only 300.00, will you be happy (that happened to me). So, like I said they are the only ones making money ripping of the consignors. So I'm a first time consignor and I made the mistake of sending them a lot of valuable items and guess what I sent them items that cost a total of more than 10,000 and my commission right now it's 970.00 and they almost sold all my items as most of them were brand new or used one time to two times the most, and top brands like C. Louboutin, Valentino and so on. So, just to finish I'm glad that everybody has good buying experiences (of course, how could you not), but remember there is always to sides, the buyer and seller and people should understand and not underestimate why the sellers aren't happy, and as I could see some of the buyers too!
After reading many negative reviews, I was so struggle if I should send my coats for consigning. Finally I decided to give it a try and I made a good decision. They processed my stuffs for selling in 1 week. After a week or two, 2 of my coats were sold. I was surprised that they sold my coats that fast. I knew if I sell my coats at Ebay, I would not sell them quickly in great prices. Though they charged me 40% commission, I didn't do anything but just sit and wait. And they do the rest.
Updated note: All four of my coats were sold in a month. My first check was received and the second check is followed. I have no horrible experiences with The Real Real like what other consignors did. I believe that the reasons why many consignors have bad experiences are because they DON'T READ the consignment terms before sending their stuffs to The Real Real. Let me point them out...
1. Some people complained therealreal hold their stuffs for a long time and doesn't list them for selling and then mail them back to them. (The truth is therealreal has a list where you can see what brands of stuffs they want, so don't send them stuffs unwanted.)
2. Some people complained they have sold the stuffs, but don't send them a check (The truth is therealreal issues payment for Commissions on the 15th day of every month, if your items are sold on 16th, you are expected to receive the payment in a month.)
3. Some people complained therealreal sets the price too low while their designer stuffs are brand new with tags. (The truth is you might think your designer bag worth $800, but that's your own thought. It's all about marketing demand. Don't expect you buy a handbag $1000, have it sat in your closet for ages brand new, and then can sell it out $800. Fashion stuffs depreciate quite that dramatically)
4. Some people complained therealreal rips them off by sending them 45% of commission payment instead of 60%. (The truth is therealreal sometimes puts the items on promotion in order to attract more buyers. Let say if there is 15% off for buyers and your stuffs are sold in the promotion periods, your commission will be 60% - 15% = 45%. So be prepared and don't expect you will get 60% commission at the end.)
I really do believe that some companies pay people to write favorable reviews about them because there is no way this company can have so many good reviews after what I experienced. I used to consign with them no problem when I started 4 years ago. As they have grown the customer service has suffered and the business practices are down the drain. Case in point- I bought 2 dresses and 3 skirts from them when they recently had their "Big Sale." The items I bought were 60% off. Items that are in this sale can't be returned but that's ok because of course they are going to be as described right? WRONG! The skirts were fine but the dresses were worn down in several different places. Since I couldn't return them for a refund I decided to consign them back with the real real. I never wore them because I didn't like the condition. I literally repackaged them and sent them back as a consignor. After THREE WEEKS of them having the items and FINALLY processing them. I was told they couldn't accept them because of the condition. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? You just sold these to me and I received them and sent them back within 3 days of getting them in the mail. They are not consistent and will give you the run around. Don't waste your time! They have gotten to big for their customers AND consignors!
I have had only excellent experiences buying items. I know that they have authenticated any item I have purchased. The sellers on this site leaving bad reviews apparently have never consigned before. Resale pricing is never close to what the original price was... try a site like Tradesy if you want to price the item your way and not pay a commission.
I am MORE than just pleased with my purchase. I ordered a handbag and it was exactly as described, it was packaged perfectly and shipped with care. The price I paid was unbelievable! It was authentic and perfect. I can't wait to make my next purchase. Thank you The RealReal for such an amazing deal and service! As for all the bad reviews, I don't understand it... my experience was flawless.
I feel compelled to write and be honest about what has been happening with this company in the last year. I have no idea what happened but this company has done a complete 180. First of all, prices have dramatically increased. I have no problem with pricing if the item is fairly priced. I have gotten several defective, fake, and misrepresented items. Whoever is assessing the merchandise are missing obvious flaws. A total waste of time and money when you have to ship it back. I would NEVER buy a handbag since it is final sale and you're stuck. However, when you spend a great deal on shipping and it comes totally different that the pictures and website description I have an issue with that. This company needs a complete overhaul.
Please don't use this online consignment company.
I sent a bunch of clothes, shoes and accessories.
One of the items was a Tag watch. They sat on the watch for almost wo months without listing it due to backlog with their healers. Honestly I don't care. My fees should support this company enough to get my items up and selling ASAP.
I had had enough and wanted my watch and all my clothes sent back to me.
This is what they did that's so disgusting:
They returned my clothes in five separate shipments with most of the shipments only containing two items, and charged me for each shipment!
Over 70.00 they charged me to send me back my items.
Oh and by the way, when I told them to return my items I specifically stated that I would not pay for the rerun shipping since this was their fault.
Thieves!
If I could give these losers a no star i would. They are soooo greedy! First they mark your expensive precious designer items down less than half the original price regardless how pristine your item is THEN they put it on sale with 20% off. They are only pro consumer and SUCK for people looking to consign. I recently sent in my $ 600 onyx T&Co. Necklace & they priced it at $ 325 and give the customer a 20% off that price which brings the final selling price to $ 260 and then charge their 60% commision on top of that and so I recieved a measly $ 156 for this necklace. DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT send your precious items to these crooks!
Don't be worried about the other reviews on this site. I haven't consigned with them yet but I have always had positive experiences with them. They aren't perfect... like sometimes they do miss descriptions on things. Like I ordered a Zac Posen dress that had a tear at the seam (which I can fix easily) but it would have been nice if that was described. But once I sent back something a day late for the refund period and they still honored it. That has been great. Overall I really like this site. I have ordered a ton of items from them!
I've used TheRealReal both as a buyer and, occasionally, as a consigner, and I haven't had any issues. Remember, some of the items are pre-owned, so READ THE CONDITION NOTES before purchasing. Every purchase I've made has arrived exactly as described.
The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because shoe sizes are a little wonky. A European 39 is a North American 8.5, not a 9, so when people complain about shoes not fitting, it's no wonder. (A lot of sites get this wrong, incidentally.) Also, the consignment process is a little slow, which isn't a deal-breaker, but it takes a while to get paid if you're selling things. That said, I imagine the logistics are a nightmare on TRR's end.
The prices are terrific if you're a buyer. Where else can you think of -- even eBay -- where you can purchase a $30,000 Hermes bag in ANY condition at all for less than 6K? Well, TRR has offers like this. Of course, if you're the seller, it's not such a great deal, but when I consign, I think of it this way...
Is it better to have luxury goods that I will never wear or use again hanging in my closet, taking up space and deteriorating, or better to let someone else enjoy them and make a few bucks? Why not? The staff at TRR does all of the work, and sure, they charge for it, but if not for the TRR site, those too-big Prada shoes I had to have and the Chanel suit I've outgrown would just be taking up space in a closet. Instead, a couple of entrepreneurs have made a few bucks, I got paid for purging my closet, someone is looking drop-dead gorgeous in clothes I can't use anymore. Sounds like everybody wins, doesn't it?
I think consigners who whine about the pennies they receive on the dollar for luxury items need to remember that someone else did all the work to market and sell the items, and no one forced them to use TRR! Resale is their business -- they, too, are entitled to make a little money at it.
This place is horrible. I sent over 10 items to them and they priced them so cheap it was ridiculous. I had a brand new Prada shoes, never been worn and in perfect condition, priced them at 50.00. I sent brand new things and they never priced them in excellent condition. They always said there was something wrong with them. I always keep my bag and shoes in their bags.
It's a joke when you call customer service, they never follow through with anything. There some person who has an English accent who is so rude and a lies.
I bought a Prada bag, which they said was in very good condition with light wear. However, the handles are in TERRIBLE condition. Both handles split open such that the bag cannot be used or the shoulders of all clothing will be shreaded. Additionally, there is a hole in the inside pocket, and the zipper is rusty. There was no way to miss these problems, and they should have been disclosed and reflected in the price. The fact that the handles split open also makes me seriously question whether the bag is even real! In order for me to use this bag, I absolutely have to get it repaired, and the repair is costing me $80 (this is only to fix the handles and restitch the hole). I am disgusted. I will never buy anything from them again, and I would never recommend them!
Beware - if you buy something from them they probably won't let you consign it on their site if you decide you no longer want it. Had several items they refused even though they were bought from them (and majority not used or only worn once). I explained I purchased from them and was told it is not a place to resell used items. Isn't that what they do? And also that their designer list is constantly evolving. One pair of Prada shoes was never worn by me but not accepted now for 'excessive wear'. And I was told that I could be lying - they have no way of knowing. Great customer service!
Have been on this site for just over two months, have purchased 31 pairs of designer shoes. ALL PRODUCT EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED AND PRICED RIGHT! Shipping is fast, don't have to wait two weeks or more for the product. AND since they take possession of the product, the product pictured on their site is EXACTLY what you get! I have nothing but praise for the site. And have called customer service twice, spoken to real people, and was very pleased!
I find it incredibly hard to believe all these negative reviews I personally have had positive experience with The Real Real. Today luxury labels make it near impossible to be able afford many items in high-end designers every time I go into Neiman Marcus I come out thinking I am so thankful for The Real Real every since designer's went back to couture prices I am not able to shop as I once did. The Real Real is wonderful for shopper's you do need time to go over each page closely. They have a wonderful return policy & only one time did a small Gucci Backpack not appear to be authentic & their customer service department did a full refund immediately. I have noticed price increase on many items now I guess that is do to their cosigners not being happy with the low pricing. I do consign however, I am much more of a shopper than a consigner so that may be the difference many of the unhappy reviewers were consigners. The CEO of The Real Real cares about each & every customer. I love the The Real Real it is my daily addiction. Everything I have purchased is either brand new or someone only wore it a couple times. The Real Real are very selective with the items they choose to consign which makes me a happy client. I recommend The Real Real to everyone I know.
Please don't deal with the real real. Customer Service seem to be run by 5 year olds that don't have a clue of what "Good Customer Service" is. They have had my diamond necklace for almost a month and I haven't seen it
Listed on the website yet. I have called six times and each time they say it will be listed today. I just hope I can get it back at this point.
Not trustworthy!
Answer: Do not buy from them! Their return/refund policy is skewed to their benefit. In my case, I bought a Louis Vuitton bag and when it was received it was not in the condition advertised or the photos did not highlight the real wear of the bag and they refused to make a refund or credit. It's their lost because I have since bought many bags on Ebay which offers guarantee of refund should item be faulty or misrepresented. Also, on Ebay you can judge by seller feedback whether the seller is reputable and PRICES are so much less than on the REAL REAL. Their name should be changed to the REAL GREED!
Answer: Hi Samantha. The RealReal does sometimes ask for additional information from customers for a one time security check. Most times, this is for new customers who have never shopped with us before, orders with vastly different billing and shipping information, or are international customers with unverified credit cards. We will ask for some sensitive and personal information for the purposes of verifying the identity of the purchaser but we will not ask for a Social Security Number. Was your father attempting to complete his purchase via Affirm? Affirm is a third party company we work with that offers financing on purchases. If your father was attempting to complete a purchase via Affirm, they do require a SSN for a soft credit check for the loan approval and repayment options. As Affirm is a third party, we do not have access to any of that information so it is secure with Affirm. Of course, no one is required to use Affirm for check out, rather it's just another payment option we offer. Please feel free to reach out to us if this does not answer your questions or if you feel that the explanations provided were not applicable to your situation. You can reach out to our Customer Service Department at (855) 435 5893 from 8am to 5pm (PST). If you would like to speak to a supervisor directly, please feel free to ask for Caitlin from our NJ office. She is available from 9am to 6pm (EST) and of course you can reach us via email at: [email protected].
Answer: If you like to be frustrated, disappointed and want to take a few years off your life, then yes consign with the real real.
Answer: I do NOT recommend selling through TRR. Read all seller reviews. This a speed selling co trying to cash in on a quick commission. The prices they assign are RIDICULOULOUS at best. They are not there to get you a good price but a fast buck for themselves. They priced a brand new prada bag with a label on at $625. Minus 20% permanent discount, 60% of that, I receive a whopping $312. After 10 days wait of processing and seeing the prices assigned I pulled my items. I was shocked and even more upset. I rather give the cloths to charity or sell them myself. I think it is insiders who buy the best items at dirt cheap prices they assign themselves. As a buyer just today I receive a wrong item. They were going to research the problem and find the item I purchased, a coat. They sent me a dirty silk top... This is after waiting for 10 days to get the wrong item. This co is just very bad. Customer service is spotty. Some reps are just dreadful. They sound like this is a summer gig and they got no training, you can never speak to a supervisor, none is ever available, Read the reviews and decide if you still want to use this co. If you do, you will be disappointed,
Answer: Hello, We are sorry to hear of your concerns. If you can please send us your order number or email address we will happily research this further.
Answer: Hi Frank, Thank you for reaching out. We apologize you have seen more negative than positive reviews. We would be pleased to advise you on our consignment process and share a little more insight about the RealReal.
Answer: I don't work for The Real Real I am just a satisfied customer, very satisfied! I see all the complaints, and just shake my head. Knowing how people can be, and also knowing the complainers are the ones who write letters, I can only assume they are "out of touch with reality", or POSSIBLY are competitors who are just being difficult to try and hurt the site. Remember, anyone can write anything, that does not mean it is true, nor are ALL the facts being presented! As for me, I am willing to show, and prove who I am, and the great products and service I received.
Answer: This happened to me only one time, and I have sold quite a few items with them. As soon as I received the quote for a pair of earrings. I contacted them immediately and said I felt the price was to low due to various reasons, and they got back to me the next day with an adjusted price. I have never experienced what you are describing above as a bait and switch scenario, and I always check the similar or same items they are selling. I would just call them and ask for the details as to why the other item is higher. Sorry you had a bad experience!
Answer: File a complaint with the US Customs office in your area and your state's attorney general. Also for many types of goods, they will destroy the counterfeit goods and give you a letter stating they have done so. This is ironclad proof for the bank dispute.
Answer: I have returned things with no hassle at all.
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...

