• Rent The Runway

Rent The Runway

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Overview

Rent The Runway has a rating of 1.5 stars from 655 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Rent The Runway most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and next day problems. Rent The Runway ranks 109th among Subscription Shopping sites.

  • Service
    138
  • Value
    137
  • Shipping
    127
  • Returns
    125
  • Quality
    124

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Positive reviews (last 12 months): 0%
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How would you rate Rent The Runway?
Top Positive Review

“I am giving this business five stars because of their...”

Sparky A.
1/2/15

I am giving this business five stars because of their customer service, not because of the dress. I was not able to wear either size evening gown that I ordered due to length issues. That said, their stylist employees are terrific. On every email I sent, I got a response in minutes, and keep in mind that this is two days before New Year's Eve. Both Michael H. And Sarah C. Were kind, sympathetic, helpful and efficient. My refund credit never expires and I can gift it to a friend if I wish. Hats off to this company. Great job on putting customers first!

Top Critical Review

“Couldn't even make it past check out”

Veronica T.
8/31/24

I recently decided to give Rent the Runway another try after a poor experience nearly three years ago. Unfortunately, it seems that not much has improved since then. I find their practices to be quite misleading, particularly when it comes to the availability of items. It's frustrating to be able to "heart" items that aren't actually available for months, creating unrealistic expectations. The customer support experience hasn't been much better. Despite providing detailed information up front to Jessica, I was asked to share answers to questions that I had just shared specific links of what I wanted, which suggests a lack of effective training. This is both inefficient and exasperating. Moreover, Rent the Runway appears to prioritize getting customers in the door rather than being transparent about item availability. The focus seems to be on offering refunds rather than addressing the root issues, which does little to rebuild trust or improve customer satisfaction. A more honest and upfront approach would be greatly appreciated.

Reviews (655)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

backup size (13) replacement dress (21) customer service (314) business model (14)
Thumbnail of user veronicamtolliver
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 31st, 2024

I recently decided to give Rent the Runway another try after a poor experience nearly three years ago. Unfortunately, it seems that not much has improved since then. I find their practices to be quite misleading, particularly when it comes to the availability of items. It's frustrating to be able to "heart" items that aren't actually available for months, creating unrealistic expectations.

The customer support experience hasn't been much better. Despite providing detailed information up front to Jessica, I was asked to share answers to questions that I had just shared specific links of what I wanted, which suggests a lack of effective training. This is both inefficient and exasperating.

Moreover, Rent the Runway appears to prioritize getting customers in the door rather than being transparent about item availability. The focus seems to be on offering refunds rather than addressing the root issues, which does little to rebuild trust or improve customer satisfaction. A more honest and upfront approach would be greatly appreciated.

Tip for consumers:
Stay away

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user joannef447
Pennsylvania
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 10th, 2024
Verified purchase

Clothes arrived with a pungent stale, dirty smell. The clothes appeared dingy although my opinion may have been influenced by the smell. I noticed when completing the review "bad odor" was a choice. They would not refund my membership cost even though I returned the clothes within 24 hours, they terminated the chat and would not pick up with subsequent attempts.

Tip for consumers:
Steer clear of Rent the Runway, poor customer service and stinky clothes.

Products used:
None

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Value
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Thumbnail of user pamelak1367
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 8th, 2024

I ordered a wrap dress to wear for my birthday dinner. Came in damage. Chat with cust. Serv. And was denied credit as it I didn't called within 48 hrs. My order was sent way ahead of my event and I didn't put the dress on with I was ready for dinner and found out the hooks for the wrap dress were missing. This is a total scam company. It's not my 1st time having issues with them. Horrible customer service. I'll never order anything from them again. I'll call my bank and stop payment.

Tip for consumers:
Rent the Runway is a scam

Products used:
My own

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Thumbnail of user cc958
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 9th, 2024

Really disappointed with Rent the Runway. I was overcharged for my membership and CX were not very helpful.
I also ordered lots of items and they come very used (several pieces had holes in them, one piece smelled as though it had not been washed)
Have cancelled my membership and joined a different rental service!

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Thumbnail of user lorenm139
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 14th, 2024

I rented some earrings which I returned. They are alleging I didn't return, but I have no way to prove it. They were $400. Now my credit card was automatically charged. I am so upset because I should have kept them if I was being charged! I won't be using them again!

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Thumbnail of user suzannem1181
Utah
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 31st, 2024

Rented a top for a Grand Wine tasting and just learned the day I'm supposed to receive the top that it's not going to make it on time, Worse, I didn't get notified from RTR - I was notified by the 'shop' app on my phone. No explanation. They asked if they can over night a substitute and after rushing to make a decision on something else, they told me that it was too late in the day to send anything out.
So now I am 100% stuck. Also learned that even though it's arriving 2 days late (on 2/2), I still have to return in on 2/3 (Saturday) and I am out of town. Had planned on returning it on 2/2. NOW I AM GOING TO GET CHARGED LATE FEES OF $50 per day. The damn shirt only cost $60 to rent for a 4 day rental. Spent 1.5 hours of my day trying to make any kind of logical compromise out of this situation. They obviously don't need my business so peace out.

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Thumbnail of user agnesm159
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 2nd, 2024

Their website did not give me the confirmation that my membership application was approved and it kept taking me back to the sign-up page. So I had to create another account using 2 of my cards, it turned out the first application was approved and I got 2 memberships. I was not able to order because all of the stuff that I wanted was not available. I went ahead and canceled the second membership but they still charged me for a monthly bill after cancellation. They ripped me off $300 without getting anything from their service, And all they can tell you is it's a non-refundable policy but it's their website fault to begin with. Will never pass their company's name even to my worst enemy, they are not willing to work with the customers.

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Thumbnail of user jennifers4234
Washington
1 review
8 helpful votes
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May 20th, 2022
Verified purchase

You won't be able to see what items are available until you sign up for a membership. Then, once RTR has your money, you'll see that most items on their site are booked out 7 months+. If you want to get an "advance reservation" for a specific date, that will be an EXTRA charge on top of whatever you're already paying monthly. I found myself in just this position and, when I asked customer service for help, was told they could cancel my membership, which was just a few days old, but no money would be refunded. Essentially, they took $104 from me for a 4-day "subscription" in which I received absolutely no services or benefits. I contacted customer service asking for an account credit — not even a refund — and was flat out denied. Whatever RTR is advertising on their site, you won't be able to rent it. It's just a scam.

Tip for consumers:
Don’t use this site. Avoid at all costs. Their clothing is rented out 7 months+ and you’re paying for a service you’ll never be able to use.

Products used:
I got nothing for their monthly wardrobe rental. Literally nothing.

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Thumbnail of user sw647
New York
1 review
13 helpful votes
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April 5th, 2021

The company has been cutting on back higher end designers for a while now and is removing their unlimited option which distinguished them from all the other competitors, replacing it with a more expensive and limiting monthly option. That said, if half hearted, boiler plate apologies for bad service and drastic service changes are your jam, Rent the Runway might still be for you!

Tip for consumers:
Just...don’t. There are tons of other companies banking on this massive faux pas that RTR has made. Just do your research and find something better.

Products used:
Monthly unlimited until it was canceled and replaced with a more expensive plan.

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Value
Shipping
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Thumbnail of user annef597
North Carolina
1 review
2 helpful votes
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March 31st, 2023
Verified purchase

Terrible experience all around. The clothes were shabby and overused with 2 garments having slight stains and double ironing press lines. These details would not show up in a photograph. The brands I wanted were not available in any of my searches and it took forever just to find something that might work. Those were the shabby garments I refer to above. I returned the items and cancelled my membership, and I completed a survey to say why I was cancelling. RTR says i paused it rather than cancel. I got charged for 2 extra months after the "pause" b/c didn't know their system "paused" me. They would not refund
The charges, and I feel like they are deceptive in the way they handle their business.

Tip for consumers:
their clothes are shabby. all 4 items were terrible. shabbiness would not appear accurately in a photograph. One has to consider how long it takes to find an item online vs going shopping. I takes time to shop online...then to have poor quality items sent, then you have to go to UPS to return it and you still have nothing. It's better to go shopping online from a quality store like Saks or Neiman, Bloomies, etc rather than waste time and being angry in the end.

Products used:
pants, sweaters, blouse

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Thumbnail of user rdd21
New York
1 review
1 helpful vote
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April 26th, 2023

So many bad reviews here. Rent the Runway is overall ok and I'm very happy I have it! My main complaint is their choice of delivery service (erratic lately) but their customer service listens and helps you when things go wrong. I do have to look long and hard for things that work for me but I'm older and won't wear a mini-anything (unless with tights!) But some of my most fave ever wardrobe items are pricey items from RTR that I wish I would never have to return. (I have the monthly subscription). People seem to love writing bad reviews for whatever reason. Mine is real and honest and I do recommend RTR!

Thumbnail of user tanyaz27
Illinois
1 review
2 helpful votes
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August 26th, 2021
Verified purchase

Ordered multiple dresses for a wedding. Delayed for unclear reasons. Now, as bridesmaid I have NO DRESS TO WEAR. Nor does the other bridesmaid. This was my first time trying out Rent the Runway. Terrible decision. Avoid them at all costs.

Thumbnail of user nioushak
California
1 review
6 helpful votes
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March 1st, 2022

They obviously are scammers. They pretend they got your order partially and start charging you extra starting with the first order. When i fell into the same scam trap, I kept thinking why they are not in trouble and I read the law suit with Fashion Pass. Made me realize what a horrible decision it was subscribing to Rent the Runway. Do your own research.

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Thumbnail of user sherrieh81
Texas
1 review
6 helpful votes
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May 7th, 2022
Verified purchase

I got a membership and enjoyed it for 6 plus months but now the Dallas wear-house uses a third party delivery company called return mates. I have not received items in 2 months now. They keep "re-opening" spots for me to make another order but never receive it. I gave them 7 weeks and 4 orders to try to resolve the problem but they can not figure out shipping. Do not recommend.

Tip for consumers:
Don’t expect it on time for a special event or you’ll be left w nothing to wear.

Products used:
Clothing

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Value
Shipping
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Thumbnail of user lise2
Massachusetts
1 review
7 helpful votes
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August 1st, 2021

The majority of the dresses in stock have remained the same for years. Now that they use FedEx and you can't return things at a kiosk in Wework, it regularly takes a week for the parcel to reach what would be a 2.5 hour drive. I get a heart attack every time because FedEx doesn't scan the package for days. I know that's a FedEx issue but RTR hired them and chose that service. After I return the package it's just in the ether for the better part of a week each time. This last shipment smelled like cigarette smoke so I contacted customer service and returned it immediately. That was a week ago. So I'm out any spots because their customer service has gotten awful. I'm so exhausted by their poor service and all the outfits look worn out and have been in circulation for years. If it had the stock, quality and service level as a couple years ago I would deal with the horrible customer service but it's just a headache.

Thumbnail of user nancyh2257
New York
1 review
3 helpful votes
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September 12th, 2022

Dont bother applying for a job with this company. They are terribly mismanaged. They've hired many employees in the past month only to notify them today (9/12/22) that they are being laid off.
STAY AWAY!

Thumbnail of user jenniferc3491
Massachusetts
1 review
7 helpful votes
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April 21st, 2022

This company just gets worse and worse. I had an unlimited subscription and since they did away with that it's been one issue after another. They've hiked the prices several times and I was just notified my subscription would be going up over $20 per month AGAIN. The shipping is hit or miss, sometimes I get my order in a day, other times it's 4-5. If they don't receive my returns within one business day they put my whole account on hold so I can't order or return anything else. Their customer service is honestly the rudest I've ever experienced. I've received a few items that smell like body odor and several are clearly over worn, pilling or stiff feeling. Every single hanger I get for pants is broken I can't return things at West Elm anymore, which was super convenient. I really want to cancel but haven't been able to find a comparable subscription service yet.

Tip for consumers:
Find a different service cause RTR is no longer it

Products used:
I had the Unlimited Plan for years until they got rid of it. Now I have the plan with 5 items and 3 shipments per month

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Value
Shipping
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Thumbnail of user rachaelb59
California
1 review
10 helpful votes
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June 14th, 2019

RTR is awful. I tried them for two months, they never had any of my sizes - and more seemed available under the less expensive membership than Unlimited.

I've been trying to cancel unsuccessfully - it's nearly a scam to ensure you get hit with auto renew. I've called, they always prompt a 10 minute wait time and if you leave your number, they'll call you back hours later when you're likely unavailable. If you don't pick up, good luck ever reaching them. I've sent about 10 emails to two different addresses and have heard nothing back in 5 days.

Avoid this service at all costs.

Thumbnail of user mollym93
Texas
1 review
3 helpful votes
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December 3rd, 2018

I've rented from rent the runway 4 times, and only once have they actually sent me the dress I selected. This is unacceptable! Who pays for a service that only gets it right 25% of the time? Will not be renting again.

Thumbnail of user laurad145
New Jersey
1 review
5 helpful votes
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May 26th, 2017

Same reviews as below. Never received the dresses I ordered and explanation was "this happens with NJ addresses" where items get re-routed back to them before it even gets delivered to the customer. WHAT! It's a "computer glitch" they say. Just plain ridiculous. If they know about it - why not fix it? So they can stop disappointing people and leave them hanging for special events. The worst company ever! And these "stylists" need to have some training in dealing with customers!

I even offered to pick up dresses myself because I was desperate and they said that I can't even do that because the dresses are now in the "return process" which means that they're being checked and dry cleaned! Why would they do that knowing that the dresses were not even delivered. Complete stupidity this company! What a waste of my time!

Thumbnail of user heathercatec
Washington
1 review
4 helpful votes
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March 31st, 2017

I received a damaged dress, and I didn't have time or wanted to pay them additional shipping fees to have another one sent. So, I returned it. Come to find out, I don't get a refund. Rather, they will only give me store credit. As if I'd ever want to use them again! Customer service is terrible. Also, if you see good reviews, it just means that person didn't have issues or get sent poor quality items. Many years ago, there dresses were much better. Lately, everything I've gotten seems worn out or heavy used! Not worth the money.

Thumbnail of user sparkya1
Nevada
1 review
3 helpful votes
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January 2nd, 2015

I am giving this business five stars because of their customer service, not because of the dress. I was not able to wear either size evening gown that I ordered due to length issues. That said, their stylist employees are terrific. On every email I sent, I got a response in minutes, and keep in mind that this is two days before New Year's Eve. Both Michael H. And Sarah C. Were kind, sympathetic, helpful and efficient. My refund credit never expires and I can gift it to a friend if I wish. Hats off to this company. Great job on putting customers first!

Thumbnail of user michelleh190
Illinois
1 review
4 helpful votes
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January 7th, 2017

I've had an unlimited membership for almost a year. When the service works well, it's great--beautiful dresses, easy delivery and return. Unfortunately, it's very slow. If I return something on a Tuesday, it's the following Monday before I can reorder, then it takes another week to get to me. So if I need something for a particular date, I have to plan way ahead. I've been excited about getting a dress only to have them tell me days later that it's not available. Some of the items are poor quality. Customer service is pretty good. I really want them improve. I love the idea of this company, but they HAVE to get better. Seems like an opportunity for a competitor to emerge.

Thumbnail of user reneew51
Texas
1 review
2 helpful votes
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October 13th, 2017

Tried Rent the Runway for an event this weekend and the dress came and had wires protruding out of it into my ribs. I was dead set on never using it again, until I dealt with their customer service. Absolutely fantastic and will definitely try it again! Response to my email within minutes and a full refund.

Thumbnail of user sarahb121
California
2 reviews
50 helpful votes
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January 27th, 2015

I've rented a few times and honestly have never had an issue with anything I received or in my communications with the company itself. I felt compelled to write a good review because I was shocked how many people seemed to have negative experiences and thought I should even things out a little.

Yes they're going to charge you if you're late. That's stated pretty clearly in their policies. Honestly I'm glad they charge huge late fees if you don't return on time. If you hold the dress longer, that means someone else who was counting on it - didn't get the dress in the size they wanted for their event.

I'm about to rent my 7th order this year. They've saved me tons of money, I get to wear a nicer dress than I could normally afford, and it's a painless process if you just follow the rules. Support has always been great about communicating with me.

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Rent the Runway rents designer dresses, clothing and accessories.

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655 reviews
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