• 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 chrisr162
Florida
1 review
2 helpful votes
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May 11th, 2016

8 bridesmaids rented their dresses for a wedding from RTR and we received a total of 17 damaged and unwearable dresses. Not one dress was acceptable. We spent the day before the wedding running around NYC buying dresses and fighting with RTR. Long story short worst customer service, they almost ruined the wedding and apparently we were lucky to get our refunds. This company should not be in business.

Thumbnail of user susans345
Missouri
1 review
4 helpful votes
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May 24th, 2017

Rented a dress. Returned in mail the day after event. Say they never got the dress. Charged me 3000. 00 for a 50 dollar rental. List in mail.
Used to love them and recommend them but they are dishonest crooks. Will not work with me now in dispute with credit card company. Do not use them!

Thumbnail of user chloev7
Italy
1 review
4 helpful votes
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June 4th, 2019

Absolutely horrific service. Didn't get my items on time, had to go into the store to cancel the order, and am still being charged over a hundred dollars in late fees for items I never received. They are also giving me the run-around on who to talk to to get a refund for the "late fees."

Thumbnail of user missys12
Indiana
1 review
1 helpful vote
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April 30th, 2016

Rented from here 3 times disappointed every time. They don't tell u the dress your ordered isn't available until your event then send a substitution fit for a teenager going to prom, very disappointing and they guarantee nothing! Be very cautious as I'd hate for u not to have a dress for a very special occasion

Thumbnail of user jp277
New Jersey
1 review
2 helpful votes
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January 9th, 2018

As others have pointed out in reviews, at 10:30 am the 29th (the day I am supposed to receive my New Years Eve dress) I am told that the size 2 is not available for my order. I had reserved this dress in early October to ensure I'd have it for New Years. No problem, they'll send me the other size. Upon checking my order on the site, both are unavailable.

The "replacements" they so kindly want me to pick out for an event a couple of days away are all either not in my size, and nothing at all I like (as they are the only ones left 2 days before NYE). Thankfully I was able to get a refund. But this is just absurd. This event is on the same day every year. If it's a stock issue, buy more dresses! Stop over-renting! This has happened to me MULTIPLE times now, and I have not used this service more than 5 or 6 times total. Last time you'll get my business.

Also, the dresses are not good quality. Just buy a dress and save yourself the headache.

Thumbnail of user meilees
California
1 review
2 helpful votes
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October 12th, 2018

The same exact thing happened twice- The shipment of a dress was sent overnight for Friday delivery, but while it was on the UPS vehicle all day, the delivery was scheduled for Monday at the end of the day. I order the dresses for weekend weddings! What's the point of receiving them on Monday? I believe RTR is trying so hard to increase the utilization of their inventory by shipping them late that they're risking the loyalty of the existing customers. Otherwise, there's no explanation for this repeated shipping failures. I'm leaving RTR forever. I can't bet on them another time without having any backup plan.

Thumbnail of user ilonab3
Virginia
1 review
3 helpful votes
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May 22nd, 2017

My daughter used this service to rent a dress for her senior prom. 2 days before the dress was to arrive, she received an email that the dress she ordered was not available as it was not returned or was in poor condition. What? They were terribly sorry, but unfortunately, there was nothing they could do. They could send her a new dress, but so few were available, that we were not willing to risk this. Incredibly stressful day trying to find a dress a few days before the event itself. Horrible business!

Thumbnail of user katiew455
Colorado
1 review
8 helpful votes
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April 18th, 2022
Verified purchase

I signed up for the monthly 4 piece rental after browsing and seeing items that were "available" in my size. After signing up and paying, these items were suddenly no longer available. I asked for a refund since I didn't want to rent anything and was told no. I am trying to find things to add to my rental just to use the month I paid for and there are literally ZERO. ZERO! Options for me in tops or jackets. This is ridiculous. I feel scammed.

Products used:
None!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user carlap74
New Jersey
1 review
4 helpful votes
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September 27th, 2018

Shame on me, I should have read all these reviews before I used Rent the Runway!
The day my dress is suppose to arrive I get an email explaining that it is unavailable but the stylist selected another dress at no "additional charge" LOL... would not good customer service be we are refunding you for the inconvenience for letting you know the day before your event you have to rush out and find a new dress for the wedding you have planned the next day!
Bye Rent The Runway! Believe me I will make sure to tell 10 people my experience so they can tell 10 etc, etc... PS I hate that I just had to give 1 star

Thumbnail of user rubyg18
Georgia
1 review
4 helpful votes
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May 15th, 2017

I can't believe this hoax of a website.

Don't rent these GARBAGE GOWNS.
Go to the mall and buy a dress on sale, Honey.

These disgraceful and disgusting people prey on our dreams of wearing designer gowns...
All at a reasonable price...

Then, they charge our credit cards hundreds of dollars... Such a shameful scam.

ROT IN HELL!

Thumbnail of user daniellec186
Vermont
1 review
4 helpful votes
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December 17th, 2018

I mistakenly put my RTR Update return in a USPS mailbox on 12/3. My local post office said that they passed the package to UPS on 12/5 but informed me that the tracking # had changed so I had no idea where the package was. I spent hours trying to track down this package and finally it arrived at the facility today (2 weeks later). RTR charged me $800 originally and now that my return finally arrived they're saying I can only receive a 30% refund which means I'm still loosing $577. Very disappointed in this service. Do not sign up for their monthly membership it's definitely not worth it. I was a loyal customers and I will never use RTR again.

Thumbnail of user casse2
Indiana
1 review
1 helpful vote
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June 23rd, 2019

Let me tell you about my experience with rent the runway. When i went into the store my order was messed up twice and i had to wait half an hour when placing the original order. I was then late to work.

I was told everything would be taken care of and tried to move on assured that customer service would b able to assist me with all further needs. Well I have called seven times, emailed three times. I am getting no response via email your chat had not been up all week. Your customer service call back times are 2-3 hours and when you speak to a rep they tell you they will take care of it and then nothing is done. I am now getting emails telling me to return something that 1. I do not have 2. That i was assured would be canceled.

And here I am. 100$ short, no merchandise and a lot of wasted time.

Tip for consumers:
Dont.

Products used:
None and was still charged afer they messed up twice and were suppose to cancel for store credit.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user janiceg60
Ohio
1 review
4 helpful votes
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November 1st, 2017

UPS lost my return, and charged $700 to my debit card despite having paid with a different card! They say their ToS explains they can charge any card you've ever used, but you can't view or change what cards they have on file. I'm disputing with my bank!

Thumbnail of user lauram668
Arkansas
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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March 1st, 2019

Ordered 3 dresses 5 weeks ago to be delivered on a Wednesday before a huge event on Saturday. I always check the progress of my RTR. On Tuesday the package gets held up in Little Rock and then on Wednesday had not moved. Called UPS who told me to contact RTR. UPS also said the package was lost. LOST? In today's age how is it LOST. They scan everything. Hell they know if their Ups drivers have walked to the front door or the back. So they overnight new dresses -not the ones I wanted. But today-Friday it says the RTR original order is back at RTR. How? I'm seriously thinking of not using RTR anymore. Obviously their deal' with UPS is screwed up.

Thumbnail of user sarahs1775
California
1 review
1 helpful vote
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August 18th, 2020

I rented a dress for a photo shoot and had it shipping to my rental home at the beach. They shipped my dress almost a week early to the rental house that I'm not at. What's the point of picking a rental date? So instead of risking it being stolen or thrown away by the cleaning crew prior to our arrival, I contacted them and asked them to request a stop shipment. They told me that UPS could hold the order, but I would have to go get it. Totally inconvenient! I was then told I would have to pay a fee to cancel and have it shipped back to them. I argued that this is no fault of mine and that was completely unacceptable. Luckily I got that credited back. But BEWARE that they don't refund your money, you will get a credit back. At this point, this will be my last RTR. I'm really disappointed.

Thumbnail of user louisac32
Florida
1 review
2 helpful votes
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April 18th, 2022

I had the top tier subscription, about 6-10 dresses a month, the dress selection for my personal preference did not work. Definitely not work the monthly fee (mine was $225/month) for these brands. Their stock is on a downward spiral because of this. You will find only positive reviews because of their incentives for positive feedback. Customer service is terrible. Wish I had just invested in a few good dresses instead of throwing away money on Ross/Marshalls/TJMax type dresses.

Tip for consumers:
Spend your Money on actual dresses that you will own and can tailor, very hard to get your monies worth from this carefully crafted subscription scheme.

Products used:
one dress, which, with the subscription - cost me $225 lol
I am the sucker who fell for their marketing of high-end dresses - none of which ever seemed to be available

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
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Thumbnail of user krisseya
Missouri
1 review
4 helpful votes
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April 24th, 2021

I never received my dresses before or after my event. I have sent serval emails, waiting on hold for customer service to speak to someone and have never been talked to or contacted back. Yet they have no issue take my $125. I'm hoping I can even get reimbursed. So mad and disappointed.

Tip for consumers:
I do not recommend this site.

Products used:
Never received them

Service
Value
Shipping
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Thumbnail of user emmah62
Georgia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 28th, 2016

When I rented a dress from Rent the Runway, I not only looked amazing, but felt confident. I am now an Unlimited customer and RTR continues to deliver. What a fantastic and innovative service that truly cares about making their customers look and feel amazing.

Thumbnail of user lauriek316
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 19th, 2022

I ordered dresses for my son's wedding which is tomorrow. They should have been here days ago. I have nothing to wear tomorrow. I cannot believe what an awful stressful situation I am in. I will NEVER rent from you again. I spent the money, and ordered way ahead and made sure to have the address. What should be a great time for me wearing a pretty dress is me wearing a ridiculous pair of slacks. I am disgusted and will be sure I never rent again! I kept bugging my son about this. Horrible….

Service
Value
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Thumbnail of user broganb4
California
1 review
2 helpful votes
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November 28th, 2022

Rent the Runway is a great idea and I have used it in the past and enjoyed wearing a few new things to the office. Although the last couple of times has left me more frustrated - you aren't able to see what's currently available until AFTER you purchase a membership. Once you purchase the membership, a lot of the items that you saw before and wanted to order are unavailable in every size. This was very frustrating as now i'm stuck and don't like any of the other dresses available for a specific event I have. I won't be using RTR in the future.

Thumbnail of user catherines29
New Jersey
1 review
2 helpful votes
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February 18th, 2015

I would not recommend this store to anyone who is interested in a junior or senior prom dress. The merchandise in the store is certainly not "runway" quality. The dresses were not unique and definitely not designer quality. I was told that they would have had other selections if they were aware of what my daughter was looking for but I had told them over the phone. From a mother's point of view, it was a waste of $25 and travel time to the city. One can do better in a department store. The rating of a star was for the young woman who helped us. She was lovely and made an effort to assist my daughter.

Thumbnail of user coralv
California
1 review
8 helpful votes
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September 29th, 2015

Renter Beware!
I wish I would have read all of these reviews earlier and saved myself the hassle of getting 2 dresses that didn't fit and an email a month later letting me know they never got the dresses back and that they had already charged my credit card $2356!
Ive called and emailed their "collections" department and of course have not heard back. I am disputing this charge with my credit card company. I spoke with UPS and they said the tracking # that RTR provided me that nothing had ever been scanned and the drop box I took it to gets daily pick ups so its impossible that it didn't get picked up. I am so furious!

Thumbnail of user kaylab115
Arizona
1 review
1 helpful vote
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May 21st, 2019

The worst customer service ever! They are unkind and will not help you! Always read the teeny tiny fine print! Apparently there are hidden fees and charges. I used a coupon on my first subscription for the $80 off 60 day trial and I only got $60 off of one month. I called to fix it and they refused even though I had the coupon and email to show the promotion I was supposed to get. I called ONE DAY after I purchased my subscription to realize I was over charged. I called customer service and they refused to do anything about it and said I could just cancel it. I have to wait until the items I chose full ship to me so that I can send it right back and hope I get my money back. Still waiting! Oh and fine print says that if the items don't make it back in reasonable time or if the items are lost in shipment I am responsible for paying for the full price of the items plus additional fees! One of the sun dresses I picked has a "retail price" of $800! Not worth the stress!

Thumbnail of user katyn22
Nebraska
1 review
2 helpful votes
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April 4th, 2022

This is my first time using RTR and I have nothing but bad things to say about my experience. The selection of sizes on the website is awful, I received items that arrived damaged and clearly did not go through the proper cleaning inspection, the customer service is the WORST customer service I have ever experienced. I have had to follow up multiple times to get a response from someone. I would think after they messed up two of my orders, they would want to make things right? All they could offer me was an extra spot. I am extremely disappointed in RTR and do not recommend this to ANYONE. They really need to improve their customer service department.

Thumbnail of user merrynm10
Georgia
1 review
1 helpful vote
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October 7th, 2023

I ordered 2 styles and one was unavailable. I missed the deadline to select a new style and contacted customer service via chat and they were willing to work with me to make sure my issue was remediated. Nicest customer service team, great quality and selection, 100% would order from RTR again!

Products used:
Dress.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

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Rent the Runway rents designer dresses, clothing and accessories.

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