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    The RealReal

The RealReal

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Overview

The RealReal has a rating of 2.4 stars from 5,302 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.

  • Service
    670
  • Value
    644
  • Shipping
    608
  • Returns
    535
  • Quality
    583

Proactively asks for customer feedback

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 10.4%
Positive
11
Neutral
2
Negative
93
View ratings trends
602
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How would you rate The RealReal?
Top Positive Review

“Buyer & Seller since 2015”

Barbara G.
10/4/24

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!

Date of experience: 10/4/24
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Top Critical Review

“Therealreal is a scam”

Barbara S.
10/5/24

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

Date of experience: 10/5/24
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Reviews (5,302)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (1430) store credit (56) shopping experience (80) return policy (79) quality items (47) quality products (24)
Thumbnail of user brookec172
Arizona
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 1st, 2021
Verified purchase

Very slow response. Every time I have submitted a question, it has taken three days to a week. Plus, chat has bizarre hours that are not made clear until you've wasted your time. Response time used to be much better.

Date of experience: September 1, 2021

Thumbnail of user tracyr379
Wisconsin
1 review
0 helpful votes
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April 15th, 2021
Verified purchase

I did have an issue with this order. I contacted customer service and their response time was excellent. They also were able to remedy the situation to my satisfaction. I am very happy to be a customer of this company.

Date of experience: April 15, 2021

Thumbnail of user sheilak99
California
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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May 22nd, 2020
Verified purchase

Love RealReal. I have been buying and selling from the site for more than three years, except for problems with a few pieces, I am extremely happy and satisfied. Good service, easy website, choices of the merchandise, and reasonable price. Thank you.

Date of experience: May 22, 2020

Thumbnail of user ulricam1
Spain
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 14th, 2021
Verified purchase

After nearly a month and many queries I have still not received the goods purchased. The company promised to investigate but did not revert. I am not sure if I will ever get my money back. Learn the hard way...

Date of experience: April 14, 2021

Thumbnail of user lynnh164
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 19th, 2018

Sunglasses are a favorite accessory. I love the fact that they recycle items and what a great way to buy some new specs without outrageous prices! I have had nothing but great luck in buying sunglasses from them. I like that you can zoom in and look at the condition of the lenses etc. My only complaint was that the Prada case with my sunglasses did not magnetically close well as it should have, but other than that, my experiences have all been great.

Date of experience: October 17, 2018

Thumbnail of user ellenr114
Ohio
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 16th, 2020
Verified purchase

The Louis Vuitton bag is beautiful; however, it had the lock locked on the bag with no keys. I'm unable to remove the lock. I emailed Real Real and they replied quickly, but basically told me too bad so sad.

Date of experience: January 13, 2020

Thumbnail of user nancyc659
Wisconsin
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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January 12th, 2020
Verified purchase

I always look for sales on my preferred brands, I can always find something I'm looking for. I love that I'm actively recycling, instead of buying new. The details of items listed are accurate regarding condition. I've never been disappointed.

Date of experience: January 12, 2020

Thumbnail of user angelam421
Canada
1 review
1 helpful vote
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September 26th, 2018

I live in Canada, I bought a Stella Mccartney bag, unfortunately, I had to pay the customs tax but what I bought is the same as the pictures and the description... I'm happy with my choice. My purse is in excellent condition but I think used, the price was really good too!... thanks, thanks! Thanks

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: September 25, 2018

Thumbnail of user ther1016
TRR S. – The RealReal Rep

Hello Angela,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us.

We are so happy that you love your new purchase and look forward to working with you in the future!

Thumbnail of user alberta346
New Jersey
1 review
2 helpful votes
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December 22nd, 2022
Verified purchase

I have been a member of thereslrealreal.com for about a year and I constantly receive emails showing the various items allegedly for sale on their site- however, once I click on the item and am directed to the site, the item(s) is "unavailable." This has literally been the case for the past year whenever I receive an email about items. I honestly don't think it's logistically possible to be out of stock that many times fo that many items. It truly makes me question the site's integrity!

Tip for consumers:
Hopefully you have better luck than I did.

Products used:
Non because items advertised are never actually available.

Date of experience: December 22, 2022

Thumbnail of user rebeccamuriarte
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 19th, 2023

Although they have their "what is my commission" on their site they need to be transparent when it comes to the actual amount you'll actually be receiving when the item is sold. I received $14 on new Kate spade purse and $44 on a Rebecca minkoff purse. The first and last time I use the site for consignment. You are better off selling the items on your own.

Tip for consumers:
For it claiming to be high end their shipping presentation is not the greatest.

Date of experience: November 19, 2023

Thumbnail of user dianao316
California
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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February 4th, 2022

I was a consignor. They sell your items without price approval (even when asked to do so before listing). I was sold two counterfeit items and I have yet to be reimbursed for them. It's been nine months and nothing.

Tip for consumers:
The turnover at this company is at an all time high. They call their people "experts." Not true. They train them for a short period of time and then put them in receiving. Hence, how I would up with counterfeit items I cannot even get reimbursed for.

Products used:
Collectibles and accessories.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: January 5, 2022

Thumbnail of user lisab210
California
1 review
20 helpful votes
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February 22nd, 2016

This is the second time they have lost an item of mine. First time I let slide item was old ands not worth pursuing. This time my Giuseppe Zanotti pumps we're brand new. They have passed me off to multiple people in the company all who could care less about solving the issue.

Date of experience: February 22, 2016

Thumbnail of user winonac
Florida
2 reviews
9 helpful votes
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April 14th, 2023
Verified purchase

I purchased a Gucci purse for over $500.00 and it was dry rotted when I received it in 2019. The canvas part of the bag shredded and tore immediately after I received it. The purse was described to be in very good condition. I contacted The Real Real immediately and was informed that it was a final sale. I cannot recommend this company. Buyer beware.

Tip for consumers:
Item not as described and spent over $500.00 for a purse that was dry rot and was told it was a final sale.

Products used:
Purchased a purse that was dry rot

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: April 14, 2023

Thumbnail of user cf495
Oregon
1 review
2 helpful votes
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November 4th, 2020
Verified purchase

I love the real real and I've had so many great experiences, but I'm starting to get frustrated that many times I've ordered items in one size and they arrive two sizes smaller, or two sizes bigger and they're clearly labeled on the garment. It's not as if someone has to estimate the sizes, they just need to read the label!?

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: October 5, 2020

Thumbnail of user christiel22
Australia
1 review
9 helpful votes
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July 13th, 2018

I have been contacted real real for many many times, they charge sales charge when I bought the bag from Australia, and they did not pay to the shipping company, and the custom charging me again. So I asked either give me refund of sales tax or pay Australian custom. They do not reply my email or get back to me. What a company. If they dont care about customer, their business will never grow. Dont buy from here!

* The RealReal attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

Date of experience: July 10, 2018

Thumbnail of user karenp794
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 14th, 2020

This bag thankfully is real! I was worried because pics did not show verifying info to authenticate bag. I ordered anyway since pics that were posted looked very authentic. Bag arrived today and I am so relieved to see that it is real and in practically new condition. Very happy. Next time I will definitely ask for verifying pics if needed.

Date of experience: May 13, 2020

Thumbnail of user ther1016
TRR S. – The RealReal Rep

Hi Karen, thank you for sharing your feedback. We appreciate you shopping with us and are happy to see that you are enjoying the Louis Vuitton bag you ordered. For future reference, we cannot share sensitive information, such as date stamps, date codes, or serial numbers, until the purchase is made and the order has been delivered for security reasons. If there is an issue with the item, please reach out to our Customer Service team immediately for further assistance.

Thumbnail of user darinp34
Connecticut
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 13th, 2021
Verified purchase

This site used to be a whole lot better, but I'm not sure what's been happening lately. The shipping however has always been terrible for what you pay for. $10 to ship and it's not even expedited. Site doesn't have much to offer anymore. And the prices of some of the items are way over priced for the condition. Customer service is not that great. When you consign items they take over 50% of your commission. And pricing for items can very from when you purchased. Meaning if you purchased something for $100, when you consign they may list it for $60. Even though the condition of the items are excellent. And they don't accept very much to consign.

Date of experience: January 14, 2021

Thumbnail of user charlisew2
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 1st, 2022
Verified purchase

I have been buying from the Real Real for a few years now and it has bee great up until recently. I was sent the wrong glasses. I ordered Gucci glasses and received a pair of Judith Lieberman glasses. I tried to deal with the returns via chat and I was met with pure stupidity. It was very disappointing. Constantly asking me for things that I had already given them as far as information. Then they began to harass me by continuing to send text after I told them to stop texting me: I believe they are using some cheap foreign call center that is taking away from the overall image of the company. Overall, just plain disappointing.

Date of experience: February 1, 2022

Thumbnail of user elysej8
New York
0 reviews
0 helpful votes
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January 4th, 2022

There's a fast turnover of consigned merchandise, but something I just consigned sold at a mere pittance of the estimated price! Kind of like bait and switch. Give a decent estimate at which you think the item will be sold, and then they list it for a fraction of the estimate! Very dishonest to the consignor. Also, I was told i was at 60% commission, but after two pieces sold, one for 30% the other for 40% commission! This is downright dirty business. I only gave 2 stars because things sell quickly. Of course! They're being sold for nothing and taking the majority of the profit

Tip for consumers:
The price they estimate the sale to be the same price at which it sells

Products used:
I WAS SELLING ITEMS ON THE REALREAL

Date of experience: December 5, 2021

Thumbnail of user debbiec526
Nevada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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August 28th, 2020
Verified purchase

Overall, merchandise is describe perfectly to what I've received and the various pictures are great as it shows different angles.

Problem Issues that should be improved:
1. Customers should have an option to waive the postage return fee if they choose to have store credit like other similar sites.
2. When you place an item in your bag, 20 minutes is not long enough as I'm shopping and feel stressed and I'm going to lose my item so I purchase it, pay the delivery fee and then if I see something else I want to buy, I have to pay for a second delivery fee! It dissuades me from making the purchase and continue my shopping experience. Give reasonable time frame: 30-45 minutes. Take away the pressure of playing the game of "Beating the Timeclock"!

If this is done, this site would be fantastic!

Date of experience: August 28, 2020

Thumbnail of user annettem13
Illinois
1 review
18 helpful votes
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February 10th, 2015

It took over two months after they received a handbag to actually post it for sale. It did sell the day it was posted, but that is because it was priced at about 1/3 the value. Damn, I almost bought it at that price. TRR has no idea what it is valuing or what it is doing. Either keep the items, trade them with friends or get a tax write off from Good Will. Much less stressful.

Date of experience: February 10, 2015

Thumbnail of user stang12
Stan G. – The RealReal Rep

Hi Annette--obviously it sounds like you've had a bad experience. Details would be great so that we can try to correct the situation. We are by far the world leader in online luxury consignment, with over three years of operation and over half a million consigned items under our belt, but we're always looking for ways to improve. You can contact us at contact@therealreal.com and ask for me by name so that we can look into things for you.

Stan G
Customer Service Director

Thumbnail of user amyp1242
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 31st, 2021
Verified purchase

I am offered a discount code only good for "one day"
Email offer arrived at 7pm at night so is it good until 7pm the following night? Tried to use it 11 hrs after receiving offer and it doesn't work. So have contact help desk but they are very busy. This is time sensitive so let's see what happens.

Date of experience: December 1, 2021

Thumbnail of user ther1016
TRR S. – The RealReal Rep

Hi Amy, we're sorry to hear there was an issue with the coupon code you received. Please reach out to our team on social media with your account details so we can help.

Thumbnail of user sophiel81
Canada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 22nd, 2020
Verified purchase

I am grateful to buy high quality second hand clothing. I suggest you give more detail about the measurements of the items, and a close-up picture of the fabric, so we clearly see the color and texture. And please make the purchase duty free to Canada under a certain amount, eg $800.
Thank you!

Date of experience: October 22, 2020

Thumbnail of user carolynl280
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 16th, 2020
Verified purchase

Been shopping with TRR for years and have always found high quality items with reasonable prices. That I'm able to return most items if the fit is incorrect or I'm unhappy with the purchase for credit is even better. Also, a brick + mortar store exists in my hometown so I can go and browse to my hearts content.

Date of experience: November 16, 2020

Thumbnail of user pattyh180
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 26th, 2019
Verified purchase

My experience with Real Real has been a great one. I love the pricing they give for my consigned items, and the prompt payments. However i would like it better if i could trade some of my items that have been on consignment for too long for a item i see on the website. Seeing that i'm a faithful customer i think that option should be considered. Overall i am pleased. Thanks.

Date of experience: November 26, 2019

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From the business

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...

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user ther1016
TRR S.
Typically does not respond to reviews

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