• 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 108th 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 tarat40
Alabama
1 review
2 helpful votes
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December 13th, 2017

Horrible experience! I cancelled my order 2 weeks before & they refused to refund me my money which was over $100 but credited my rent the run way account instead! Like I would use their service again after this horrible experience. Im sure they pocket that credit after certain amount of time! Do not use rent the runway!

Thumbnail of user anno62
Florida
1 review
3 helpful votes
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September 23rd, 2019

Received my dress as promised on time however it was so wrinkled and threadbare I could not wear it! Event was next night so I had to go purchase a dress. Emailed with photos and never got response, called and was placed on hold. Will never ever rent or recommend again!

Thumbnail of user sarahc253
Virginia
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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June 3rd, 2017

I dont think I need to say any more. The dress never arrived and RTR offered no assistance in getting me a dress before my event. I've used it before without problems, but I won't be using it again. So unreliable!

Thumbnail of user sarahd158
Arizona
1 review
9 helpful votes
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June 29th, 2017

Make sure you understand that their terms of service allow them to charge up to 200% of retail cost if they don't receive your returned dress. Plus, if they sent you a free dress in a different size, they can charge you 200% for that one too. And their late fees are $50 per day. That means that the two dresses and bracelet my sister rented through them cost her over $3,000 in the end because her return package got lost in the mail. A good lesson to always read the fine print. Beware!

Thumbnail of user meredithp7
North Carolina
1 review
1 helpful vote
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January 3rd, 2017

This is one of the most unreliable companies I have come across. I have never placed an order with RTR that went according to plan. My most recent disappointing experience was that I ordered a dress 3 months in advance for New Years Eve. Upon tracking my order, I found that, due to a shipping delay, it would not be arriving until Jan 3. How convenient! To make the matter worse, I did not even learn this directly from RTR. I had to call them to inquire why the FedEx tracking information did not match the expected delivery date. The customer service reps were apologetic and friendly enough, but there was nothing they could do and I was left to spend New Year's Eve scrambling for a dress in the hours leading up to my event. RTR has a terrible business model and there are clearly not enough mechanisms in place to prevent this from happening. Will not use again.

Thumbnail of user elishevad
Massachusetts
1 review
2 helpful votes
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June 4th, 2018

I subscribed from 5/7 - 6/7. I returned a package on 6/1 (confirmed received then) which was two days late due to them not including a mailer. I should have had use of the service for another week but it would not allow me to add items to my cart stating that I had to return something (although all items were returned.) I emailed SEVEN times, tried their chat function, etc all of which they refused to respond to. I ended up having to file a dispute with my credit card company for the un-used time I paid for. I do NOT recommend. The clothes themselves were okay but to not have any customer service?! As a note these emails were sent over a weeks time. To not respond to a customer email about their website not working and allowing me access to something I paid for within 8 days? What is going on there?

Thumbnail of user michelles3771
Wisconsin
1 review
3 helpful votes
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January 5th, 2023

I activated a subscription with RTR and was unable to wear any of the dresses (This was September, I ate the $125) I thought I had permanently cancelled my subscription, but they charged my card three months later and refused to refund any money. I never received a reminder or notice that my account would be reinstated. I escalated to management and they refused to refund the subscription fee. $250 for a service I was unable to use initially and never intended to continue using. This company is trash

Tip for consumers:
Just use Nuuly or another rental site that is honest and helpful

Products used:
None of the products fit. One of the dresses had a zipper malfunction.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user denisel49
Kentucky
1 review
2 helpful votes
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August 31st, 2016

I have been an Unlimited customer for 5 months and can most definitely state that the customer service (especially shipping) is not even close to the level of the regular RTR service. Somehow my new shipments get shipped all over the US when it only takes 2 days when I return via UPS. You can only have 3 items checked out at once but when it takes 7-10 days for you to receive your chosen items the worth of Unlimited is gone. It seems like they have a lot of customer service reps who just don't care. I've sent 2 emails today that have gone unanswered.

Thumbnail of user kristenm36
New York
1 review
2 helpful votes
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July 15th, 2016

I spent over an hour on the phone because my $30 coupon code for being an invited customer would not work and they clearly had NO idea how to help me. It's 2016. Get a manager and get my discount that I was PROMISED by your company. Oh we can't figure it out so... sorry! WHAT? Please.
And keep in mind the only other negative review I have EVER written online was for a moving company who smashed my $700 TV and literally yelled at me and refused to pay me my $26 insurance check... So it takes a LOT for me to get pissed off. If you want to go to rent the runway you better pray that nothing goes wrong and you actually need any type of customer service.

Thumbnail of user mell62
California
1 review
3 helpful votes
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June 1st, 2019

So many mistakes and delays! The worst part is that they apologize for their mistakes and delays yet they don't rectify it. You orders will be cancelled then you will get defective or dirty items, items missing parts or hair stuck all over a sequin dress). They will tell you to return the item for another one but half the month will go by without having your order and they won't reimburse you, credit you extra days, send you an additional item or anything to make up for your loss. When you do return items, it won't show up on their end as returned even though it is according to the tracking number... another delay. You just paid 159.00 for a month where the service only worked for less than half of that month. Not worth the money or the hassle of returning stuff that was not in decent condition.

Thumbnail of user diannaw163
New Jersey
1 review
2 helpful votes
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September 11th, 2022
Verified purchase

While this is an amazing idea, ordering weeks or even a month ahead doesn't guarantee you an outfit. There was a dress I originally saw that wasn't available and then I found a dress I absolutely fell in love with. A month before the wedding, i reserved and paid for it. I got a text days before the wedding saying that it's unavailable and that I should hurry and pick something else. No thanks. It's just far too complicated to get anything from this company. Unreliable.

Thumbnail of user susanm1430
Maryland
1 review
9 helpful votes
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January 18th, 2020

If I could give RTR a zero rating I would. I rented a tuxedo dress for special event. The dress arrived on time, but it looked like it had been pulled from a rag bag. It was wrinkled, well worn and dirty. There was a problem with the sleeve. I ended up buying a dress for the event. My sister had recommended them but I would NEVER use this service again. I saved neither time or money. They did refund my money and gave me a 20% discount on my next purchase but forget it. Don't bother. Plus they don't post any negative reviews. It's a sham system. There is no transparency.

Thumbnail of user emilyc485
Illinois
1 review
10 helpful votes
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September 4th, 2020

It is extremely unfortunate how their concierge team values their members. They are rude and don't seem as though they care whether they have members or not. Every time I emailed or called, the response was rushed and demeaning. In addition, their merchandise seems to have so much wear & tear, doesn't the team check before sending out to their members? With that, customer service is awful when sharing the disappointment in raggedy clothes. Thankfully, they are not the only service around!

Thumbnail of user rr251
New York
1 review
6 helpful votes
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June 12th, 2019

UPS didn't scan in my package so RTR doesn't know where it is and rather than have it built into their model to account for lost packages, they're charging me hundreds of dollars. After several weeks of $#*!ty customer service (unresponsive, unhelpful, unsympathetic, disorganized, disinterested, no initiative) I'm now disputing the charges with my bank in order to get a refund. No attempt by RTR to remedy the situation or otherwise.
Unbelievable. I'd expect this of the USPS but no one else. Sad, I wanted to love using it but unacceptable and offensive.

Thumbnail of user bridgetl12
Kansas
1 review
1 helpful vote
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October 28th, 2017

First experience with rent the runway. I ordered a dress that was too small. To overnight me the larger size it was going to cost me another $35. That is not what a fit guarantee is to me. The service specialist could not explain any of my options to me. I also hated the dress. I will never use this again. The process was supposed to save me time from shopping and it created days worth of extra work. Worst thing is I am now stuck without a dress for an event tonight.

Thumbnail of user destinys9
North Carolina
1 review
2 helpful votes
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December 4th, 2017

I just had an order not arrive until after it was due to be sent back to them. When it arrived it reeked of smoke. I was unable to reach anyone to speak to about this until today on their website's chat feature and asked to cancel a future order because of this experience. They insisted they could only refund me merchandise credit, which is no good to me because I never want to do business with them again.

Thumbnail of user samanthas96
California
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
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December 29th, 2016

I just paid $139 to have an unlimited membership and my first order they are not able to provide the dress I selected. They asked me to provide a list of 5 different items. I provided this list with two sizes for each dress-making it 10 options. They still could not deliver, and asked that I provide them additional options. My birthday celebration is in 1 week and looks like I will have to go shopping because the membership I have paid for cannot provide me anything!

Thumbnail of user stephanien3
California
91 reviews
225 helpful votes
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October 25th, 2013

I had a dress come late, so it did not arrive in time for the event (UPS delay due to weather). The customer service was very sympathetic and they gave me a refund and a $100 credit for my next dress. Pretty good. The next time the I got two dresses, one looked nice and I used it, the other not so much. I would try it again in the future!

10/25/13: Update, I just saw that they are letting you try on 5 dresses for $50 to see which one is best. When you return the dresses, the $50 goes towards your next purchase. I haven't tried it yet, but pretty sweet!

Thumbnail of user jessig7
Arizona
1 review
4 helpful votes
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August 14th, 2018

The garments smelled like BO and customer service is terrible. At first I thought that this was such an amazing idea and I still think it is but someone else needs to do it. Really, anyone can do a better job than Rent the runway. Buyer beware, it's not worth it, as appealing as it sounds, dealing with customer service and the garments just smelling awful. Not worth your penny.

Thumbnail of user kellyd1347
Texas
1 review
2 helpful votes
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June 1st, 2022

They were charging me nearly $175/month and I was not made aware. Not updates or pings about the charges and I ordered ZERO clothes. After nearly $1000 of charges my credit card brought it to my attention and they have refused to reimburse me.

This company has horrible service. I have never seen anything like it.

Thumbnail of user nancyh413
California
1 review
1 helpful vote
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October 29th, 2018

This is my first month with RTR Unlimited. Mt first order was great-arrived quickly and looked good. I kept one dress to wear for a few more weeks and returned 3 items. I had placed 57 items in my "heart" section for easy re-ordering. Surprise, surprise! Virtually none of my items were available and I the items I ordered did not coordinate into a cohesive look due to lack of availability. Presuming this service is not the answer to my fashion prayers.

Thumbnail of user betht238
Missouri
1 review
5 helpful votes
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March 29th, 2022

After pausing my account for 2 months, I continued to be charge $150 per month. When I contacted customer service for a refund on these charges, they claimed that they did not have record of my account being paused. When I provide emails from Rent the Runway confirming the paused account for the months in questions, they refused to refund the money because it had been longer than 24 hours. What a scam! Do not become a member!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user heathern25
Arkansas
1 review
4 helpful votes
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October 3rd, 2016

This rental arrived with two stains right on the frontal. Chest area of the dress. I emailed Rent The Runway to make them aware that they sent me a damaged item. Because I was at an out of town wedding with no shopping options, I had no choice but to cover the top portion of the dress with a buttoned cardigan. Unfortunately, the top part of this dress is what makes it worth renting. This oversight on the part of Rent The Runway ruined my outfit for this event.

The Support staff told me multiple times "we are so glad you were able to wear the dress". They show no empathy and do not recognize the fact that this oversight on their part ruined my outfit. The best part is that they will not offer any form of a refund. So I get to pay full price for a damaged, stained dress. Will not be relying on this service. Order at your own risk!

Thumbnail of user courtneyt17
Oklahoma
1 review
13 helpful votes
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October 17th, 2015

Has anyone been able to solve their disputes with RTR? I sent back two dresses and purse on September 20, a day before they were to be postmarked. I hear nothing from them and did totally forgot about the return until I received an email from them on October 14 saying that my dresses had been returned. I thought they were just backed up on returns and it was acting as a reminder to write an email review, but two days later I notice on my credit card that they charged me $424 and $477! I emailed and the response I received was that these were received late! The UPS tracking number shows that the dress package was picked up on October 12, but I was already in Oklahoma and have been since September 20! I have written to their Collections dept, but have not heard back yet. Has anyone been able to have their charges reversed?

Thumbnail of user kellym79
Colorado
1 review
6 helpful votes
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October 14th, 2014

The dress I rented as a bridesmaids dress never arrived at my hotel. They told me it was the hotel who refused the dress, but that's very hard to believe knowing that the hotel front desk knew how important this package to me!

I spent my Saturday morning on hold with RTR for 52 minutes before choosing the option for a rep to call me back. I then had to waste the entire day of the wedding looking for a replacement. I didn't hear back from RTR for over six hours from the time they said they'd call me 'right back'. The automated messaging system is a nightmare when you just want to speak with a real person!

Only reason why they got 1 star instead of 0 is because they issued me a quick refund.

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Rent the Runway rents designer dresses, clothing and accessories.

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Jennifer H.
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