The RealReal has a rating of 2.4 stars from 5,304 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about The RealReal most frequently mention customer service, good condition, and final sale problems. The RealReal ranks 8th among Discount Clothing sites.
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I have been a big seller and buyer on The Real Real since the beginning of the company in 2015! I have made about $400,000 selling pieces that I was not going to wear again. Also, I am a buyer of mostly "pristine" and "excellent" items on consignment. There are so many people who buy things and not wear/use them at all, and sell them new in the box with tags!
Therealreal is a scam. They take high-value items for consignment and list them at ridiculously low prices, allowing their internal employees to steal them from online clients' carts or even after payments have been made. They cancel transactions and resale the items to their friends, who then post them on eBay for a profit. Please do not consign with this company; you will receive almost nothing for your high-value stuff. The company has no control over their employees, so employees do whatever they want, including defrauding their customers and running a side business for themselves
Almost everything I've received from the Realreal is in significantly worse condition than described. Unless the description says ‘new with tags' my experience has been terrible. I've spent so much ridiculous money in shipping and returns, but I have finally learned. I will not purchase from them ever again. They have lost my trust and my business.
Date of experience: February 21, 2021
Sent several emails, about 7 I think, tried to chat but couldn't get through... as my order from Feb 3 has still not been fully delivered as per today.
I understand shipment delays but really needed an update. I only got one response offering to reimburse shipment costs but without any info when my order would ship.
Date of experience: February 20, 2021
The RealReal has totally changed my relationship with fashion! I love being able to browse with all the filtering features for size, color, etc, at incredibly affordable prices! I have become a far better-dressed person. Thank you REalReal!
Date of experience: October 6, 2020
Recently purchased a handbag from TRR but the condition of the bag did not match the description provided on their site. Yet, they refused to give me a refund or credit. Horrible experience. Stay way from this company!
Date of experience: January 31, 2015
May be able to get some good product at a good price. Unfortunately, basically non existent customer service and listings are wrong so often it's hard to make purchases. Have little faith if I buy something nonreturnable it will be close to what was on listing. I bought a size large sweater in this instance. When it arrived it was XS and clearly labeled. I went to great lengths to alert multiple people that it was XS when I returned in store so it could get fixed. So I see now that it was relisted just as it was before. No adjustments. Have to buy multiple items in hopes you get one right. The company has clearly gotten too big and people working there don't seem to care.
Products used:
One out of several
Date of experience: September 1, 2021
Hi B B, thank you for taking the time to write us a review and we're sorry to hear about your experience with us. We'd like to understand more so we can help resolve this. Please DM us on social media with your email address and order number so we can look into this right away.
It's always been satisfying. I'm a buyer and a seller as well. Both experience with TRR is amazing. I will keep continuing to be a VIP member with the company. Great quality, excellent staff, and nice customer service!
Date of experience: February 1, 2022
Love the range of items available. The descriptions are always thorough with exact size measurements.
I wish we could search by condition of the items. So many opportunities to buy new items with tags too. Items always ship timely and are packaged well!
Date of experience: January 25, 2021
I bought a BAPE sweatshirt from them for my son and he just out grew it so he went to sell it. When the store went through their authentication process they pointed out multiple thing that showed us this was a fake. The letters were uneven, the tag was fake, there were miss spelled words and missing punctuation marks on the tag that told you how to wash it. A $300 sweatshirt that was originally $475, that was supposed to be authenticated by professional should not have missed all these things. I guess I trusted this site, so I assumed everything was legit. Now I'm questioning everything I bought there. I highly recommend getting your items authenticated by a real professional if you bought anything from them. I added pictures of a bunch of things that indicates this was not authentic, a real Authenticator picked these out in less than 10 min. It's so upsetting to know I was scammed, and wonder how many other people are being scammed by them everyday!
Tip for consumers:
You’re buying fake items, that are not really authenticated by professionals!
Products used:
BAPE Sweatshirt
Date of experience: November 8, 2023
I'm a huge fan of Real Real. One thing I really can't understand--and I think this is one area where you can improve. Your clothing descriptions are laughable. I'm a writer and marketing consultant. The descriptions in many cases aren't even close to describing the actual garments. They get the colors and fabrics wrong. They don't describe whether or not the garment is woven or not. I would love to talk further about this! Better descriptions could save you time and money with returns. Janet
Date of experience: May 18, 2020
What a bunch of B. S. I ordered a tiffany & co bone cuff bracelet for my wife for our 5th anniversary. It first of all took 2 weeks to get here made it just in time. I open the box and the blue tiffany bag is so dirty it looks like it was used as a diaper. The letters on the bag are not even. The bracelet is hollow, stainless steel, dented and the engraving on the back is not even close to what is should be. It looks like a 12 year old in India made it. I do not suggest even clicking on the real real website. The also scammed 125 dollars out of me before I got the piece of crap. 25 gift certificate for becoming a new member and 100 for spending more than 500. I paid then got the email saying that the promotion was not valid for jewelry even though the site at the time of purchase said site wide. Scam artists. I ll keep you posted on their returns.
* The RealReal attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond
Date of experience: June 5, 2017
Hello Brendan,
We apologize for the experience you have had with The Real Real. It looks as though you have connected with one of our Customer Service team members regarding this issue. We have high hopes that we are able to come to a resolution.
Best Regards,
Jacob A.
This company had some "luxury" manager come to my home and take away expensive designer items. These were "sold" on their site before I was given access to my page on their website. They were supposedly "sold" for pennies. I signed no contract and have reveived only $400 for the multiple designer items they took from me. Do not let these people come into your home. Never give them your bank account or credit card numbers. The company makes profits by lying and by defrauding their consigners.
Tip for consumers:
Avoid giving them personal financial info.
Never let them into your home.
Products used:
I only consigned my things to these prople.
Date of experience: October 20, 2021
Hi Ruby, we're truly sorry for your experience with us and we'd like to understand more so we can help. Please reach out to our team on social media with your email address and consignor ID so we can look into this ASAP.
I have successfully sold some high end, designer purses with Real Real in the past so they periodically chase me for more consignment items. In September I was offered a special promotional rate of 75% for designer bags consigned by the end of that month. I gave them a LV travel bag I had rarely used, which was in exceptional condition and had all accessories. Since October, when the item listed, I have been trying to get confirmation of the commission rate and have three separate texts confirming.but that rate never showed up on my account info. Today I was told by a rep on their chat page that the rate is 67% in accordance with their commission chart. Doesn't matter that I have confirmation from two separate RR employees in 3 texts of the promotional rate! I asked that the item be returned to me and now, based on other reviews on BBB site, I am holding my breath to see if I will receive it and, if so, what condition it will arrive in! Unethical business practices.
Date of experience: December 27, 2022
I've made a number of purchases through TRR and have been generally been happy with the process. However, there was a mix up in my last order and, despite three emails to the company, it still hasn't been resolved. My last package included a garment I never ordered. Unfortunately, the one I did order was missing. Sometimes these things happen but it's been more than a week now and no one has updated me on the missing garment. Total first world problem but I'd like to get it sorted.
Date of experience: June 1, 2021
My most recent order from the RealReal will be my last. The garment was so completely permeated with cologne that it left its scent throughout every item of clothing I washed with it. Nauseating. Also this and the last item I received were in much poorer condition than described. The last shirt I bought was obviously worn by someone who had gotten too fat to wear it, and every stretch of fabric between buttons on the front was stretched out. Overall it has been about half and half in regards to items coming in good condition and as described and items coming in much poorer condition and/or covered with smells. Not worth the chance, don't do it.
* The RealReal attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond
Date of experience: July 11, 2020
The condition of a top I purchased was not clearly pointed out in the online listing. I called to discuss this with customer service and was happy with the rep's response, so I am pleased with how The RealReal handled the process. Returning an item involves time & expense along with disappointed expectations. Thorough descriptions of the clothing description matter ie: condition issues, care instructions. These are important when purchasing clothing.
Date of experience: July 5, 2021
They take 90% of the profit for your items and leave you with little to no commission. Sell your stuff on Poshmark and you'll make a lot more money. The sales people relentlessly get you to sell your items and don't tell you how much commission they take. Seriously RUN. Don't waste your time with them. There are other ways to sell your items and get more profit in return.
Date of experience: October 11, 2023
The items in my order were fairly priced, as described, and generally in good shape, except that so many items were smashed into one packing box that everything was wrinkled. Not one sheet of tissue paper. One RealReal drawstring bag for the clothes, and one for a pair of sunglasses (which arrived with no case). The packing used to be really nice and items arrived in excellent shape. This just looked sloppy. When I packed the box to return things I felt bad smashing it all in to that one small box, but they request that we reuse original packing...
Date of experience: July 5, 2021
This is my third purchase in which the condition has been not as described, in my opinion. TRR uses a generic "good used condition" definition, stating item "shows signs of wear," but I wish they would be more specific as to what type of wear. My last purchase had pilling throughout the entire garment, and just looked plain "used." If I do purchase again, I will purchase items in excellent used condition to see if they look better.
Date of experience: January 28, 2021
Hit or miss. Good return policy. Robbery if you want to consign with them. Many items I've gotten have come in poor condition but a good handful have come perfect. Must pay attention if something is sold in sale it's not refundable or exchangeable. If you consign be prepared to be contacted like you need a new car warranty
Date of experience: February 21, 2021
Avoid more than covid. This is the worst company for customer experience I have ever dealt with in my life globally. I am still trying to get a refund on an order from May 2021. They have failed to respond to my emails, letters (yes I resorted to letters!), messages, chat the list goes on. Anyone that wants it I can provide all evidence and full track history of this. Worst company ever.
Tip for consumers:
DO NOT USE THEM WHATSOEVER, even if you're life depended on it.
Products used:
Tried to return them all
Date of experience: September 6, 2021
Hi Edd, we're so sorry to hear about your experience with us. Please reach out to our team on social media with your email address, order number, and a bit more info so we can help resolve this ASAP.
Customer service agents not consistent with returns etc... If you find that someone is not understanding you, hang up, and call again. If you are a consignor send your items to New Jersey, they will take items that the San Francisco site will not this is what I mean about inconsistency, or take your items to other resale sites.
Date of experience: April 19, 2021
The Real Real is proof that excellent deals exists. Yesterday, I had on a Theory Sweater and Rag and bone jeans. I paid $12.50 for both items. They are in excellent condition. The delivery is quick, the service is fantastic and how kind it is to deliver every item in a dust bag. I keep going back and finding more exceptional deals and the I am always thrilled with my orders. I doubt I will ever shop elsewhere. Thank goodness I was watching Hulu and The Real Real commercial aired. After delving into the site I was hooked. Thank you for making your company a win win for everyone!
Date of experience: February 12, 2021
I have been wanting a Corum gold coin watch since I was about 20 years old and I finally bought one. I am totally happy with my purchase. It looks brand new and runs perfectly.
Everything about the purchase was perfect, or should I say as smooth as clockwork!
Date of experience: May 23, 2020
Every time I order from the rear real, I seem to get really lucky with brand new items! Overall everything I've ordered off the real real is always in great condition and always arrives quickly. 100% would recommend to anyone and everyone. The store locations are great as well.
Date of experience: September 25, 2020
I'm really torn here as I have both purchased and consigned. On one hand, I have purchased some wonderful designer pieces ranging from rings and scarves, to ties and handbags. They have all been true to description and in great condition. The prices were very reasonable, some of them a steal. That's what I should have realized when I actually consigned a few pieces of my jewelry. In my opinion, they were greatly undervalued when appraised & put up for sale on the site. If the items don't sell after 30 days, they get greatly reduced. For example, I consigned an authentic Judith Ripka tear drop amethyst pendant for which I purchased several years ago & paid over $600. It was appraised & put up for sale at $275. Once you signed the agreement you are stuck. The item was on the site for 31/2 months. It was reduced to $165 and finally sold. My commission was $99. I kid you not. Someone got a bargain. But like I previously mentioned, so did I when I made purchases from the site. Good luck
Date of experience: September 12, 2016
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...
Karen--if the condition of the handbag indeed did not match the description and the photos on our website, then we would of course honor a return and refund. Please contact customer service again and ask for me so we can discuss.
Stan G
Director of Customer Service