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
I'll reach out to consignment relations or customer service. I always get an automated email back, and then an email telling me my issue has been escalated and then NOTHING. No one ever follows through with a single request. It's insane. I have open tickets that are 1-2 months old.
Date of experience: September 1, 2021
I have emailed TheRealReal with questions, concerns, problems, and embarrassing mistakes, and they've been able to right nearly all the wrongs. Very impressive. I'm a happy customer, both buying and consigning / selling.
Date of experience: January 29, 2018
Hello Audrey,
Thank you for your feedback.
We are happy to hear that our Customer Service team has provided you with you with great service and assistance!
We look forward to working with you in the future!
Positive experience. Great customer service. Only wish you guys would provide more detailed description/more pictures, or questions/answers about merchandise, especially in case when returns are not accepted. Got stuck with couple of items due wrong fit. Also size is not posted in description - very important in case of optical frames.
Date of experience: November 26, 2019
I ordered three bags all described as "good" or "very good". Upon arrival, there was still some small items in one of the bags. And within weeks, the strap broke on another one. I was so hopeful this site would be my new "go to" for accessories, but I'm very disappointed.
Date of experience: July 1, 2021
I I sent 4 pieces of jewelry to consign. Per their on line account, these items were stuck in "processing" for 4 months. After multiple tries of contacting them, where one can only reach a bot, before they allow you to talk to a representative. The very kind customer care agents, say they will look into it/rectify it/solve it, etc. The last one confirmed that he was was wondering if my items were lost and that he would initiate a buy back if I did not receive items in a week. Here we are 2 weeks later, no return, no communication/no follow through. They are horrible to resolve any issues with. A bot on a text as the only customer care option is unsatisfactory. Do not doo your business here!
Tip for consumers:
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY TO CONSIGN
Products used:
No product used. They have apparently lost my consignment and will not respond
Date of experience: June 15, 2022
To be able to have access to a world of items that you know are not fake, high quality which benefit the seller and the environment by putting each piece back into good use is positive in all aspects.
Date of experience: August 1, 2021
I am so happy to have found The Real Real. It's like buying a certified used car but for clothes, shoes, handbags, etc. I have made countless purchases and have not had a single problem. When I have had to return something the process was effortless. The customer service is top notch! I also think about the recycling efforts, not paying full price, and just the sheer genius of this concept and feel that it is an absolute win-win. This is NOT your low level resale sight although there are bargains galore! Some things are still really expensive ( think Birkin bags) but I bought a St. John knit skirt for $30 and a full size leather Louis Vuitton wallet for $250…both items in pristine condition. My one and only consignment go-to.
Date of experience: January 1, 2022
Good for buyer but not sellers. Prices are highly discounted. Some items still had tags on them, never worn and yet this was not mentioned in the description.the seller ends up getting very little money for their high quality items.
Date of experience: May 1, 2021
As a shopper, no complaints great site. But if you decide to consign with them, understand there will be 0 customer service, your items will be lost and damaged, and they offer 0 accountability. They simply do not return emails, and if you dare to sit on hold for 2 hours to get someone on the phone you'll probably be promised followup that never occurs - via chat I've had rude and dismissive reps at time. They've lost about a thousand dollars of merchandise on my account, and right now I'm going back and forth with them because I requested some listed items returned 2 months ago and haven't been able to get an answer/ get the items shipped back (even though they are already down from the site). Used to be good, now a nightmare. And I'm a "VIP consignor" lol.
Date of experience: January 18, 2022
When I made a complete muddle of my purchase the Administrator heard my distress, personally intervened, helped me out and even retrospectively applied a discount I'd forgotten about. I'm truly grateful.
Date of experience: February 21, 2021
Called and emailed issue concerning accurate measurements on a dress which were larger for a medium than XL. No response from either email or call. Main complaint with RR is inaccurate measurements esp problematic with final sale items
Date of experience: September 1, 2021
Hi Linda, we're sorry our team has not gotten back to you. We'd be more than happy to answer any questions you have. DM us on social media with your order details so we can help.
Everything I've received has mostly been exactly as explained, I've only had to return one damaged item and one shirt that was too large. I wish "The Real Real" would post better and more pictures of their items, especially jewelry. I've read a lot about the company and even hold shares myself but I do worry about their authentication department, it needs more experienced staff.
Date of experience: September 1, 2021
Hi Zachary, thank you for sharing your feedback with us, we truly appreciate it. We're also more than happy to answer any questions you have -- DM us on social at any time.
Very professionally run high end resale shop. I've been praying for a service like this for years. I can honestly say that this is the safest way to dissolve my assets without getting too involved. First class service.
Date of experience: August 1, 2021
I bought a sweater that was described as 'excellent' condition.
What I found upon inspection:
At least 2 stains, a small hole at the front center, extensive pilling so it looked like worn out trash.
This sweater was kind of expensive and a total rip off.
Clearly their quality control, inspection process is a joke.
I was told it was returnable, but still waiting for a return label.
No, I do not recommend buying from them. There are no reviews posted for sellers like other sites so really don't know who you can trust.
There seems to be absolutely no repercussions for dishonest sellers so why bother when you might get a piece of garbage.
What a complete waste of time and money this was.
Tip for consumers:
Use a different site that posts reviews to see who lacks credibility and might be dishonest.
Read fine print about returns.
Products used:
clothing
Date of experience: July 20, 2022
I sent several items of LV to them. They 'accepted' all including a gold satchel. The same belt and buckle were NOT returned. They only returned the black belt strap saying it is 'torn'. It was worn less than the one they kept but did not give me credit for. Someone swiped it. Oddly enough, the ONLY thing sold so far is that gold satchel that goes on the belt and buckle that were NOT returned and have disappeared. To make matters worse, I have emailed them FOUR times, last one finally taking time to put the consignment number etc. They are ignoring my request and supposedly are investigating. Over a month now. That someone took my belt within the company is really saddening and pathetic and gives me little credibility for this company. Furthermore, they say 70% commission but in reality you START at 55%. I might change review depending on what happens with my other items. Very discouraged by this missing belt and response. :(
Date of experience: June 3, 2021
This site combines so many things I love: designer brands, incredible prices, amazing service and an artful display, all in an easy to use format that has me coming back for more again and again. I recommend TheRealReal constantly to friends who ask about my wardrobe, always joking that "No, I do not work there or own stock. I just love it!" Love that this entity exists. Thank you for making used merchandise so incredibly glamorous. Your high standards are very much appreciated.
Date of experience: August 17, 2020
Love The RealReal! My most recent purchase was a tan lamb leather mini dress that can be worn countless ways in different seasons. This is one of my favorite clothing sites, not only is there an abundance of beautiful items to purchase, but you are supporting the high end fashion industry as the second owner of quality goods that will last for years to come. Be aware of your body measurements as different brands have very different sizing. I'm usually a size 4/SM, but have ordered anywhere from an XS-MED. I've only had to return one item(too small) and it was a very easy process. I recommend to friends often.
Date of experience: August 26, 2020
Anthony was phenomenal. I was considering not using therealreal anymore due to poor responsiveness to my emails, but after calling in, Anthony took immediate action and followed up promptly. Now my opinion of the website has totally changed. Just goes to show one person really can make a difference.
Date of experience: April 11, 2018
Hi Petra,
Thank you for reaching out and providing us with feedback on your recent experience. We are very happy to hear of the wonderful experience you had with Anthony.
We look forward to assisting you in the future!
There is so much to say about this site. It is relatively new. They got too big too soon. To make any money on the site, you must send items over a certain price range. Remember, if you sell less than $10,000 a year, you only receive 50%. Once you consign, your item immediately goes on sale either before or at 30 days, then again at 45 days, and on. So, keep track of your items. Ana V. is right, TheRealReal makes a killing on returns, so when you buy, be careful. There's so much more that I could get into. My suggestion? Open an Ebay site. Sell there.
Date of experience: December 17, 2018
I've recently done a small slew of business with The RealReal, and I'm highly satisfied overall. The website is easy and intuitive to navigate, their stuff is exactly as advertised--never an unpleasant surprise, the checkout/payment process is smooth, delivery is prompt, and I'm confident I've received no fake bags or other items. The RealReal would have received a perfect five-star rating from me but for the way they bagged up my last few batches of clothing: almost offensively sloppily, maximizing wrinkles and conveying a lack of care. I realize I'm going to have to dry clean my vintage/consignment purchases, but The RealReal seems to forget we that we eat with our eyes first. Neatly folded clothes have far greater appeal when the bag or box is opened. Treat the clothes with respect!
Date of experience: April 17, 2021
Both by buying and consigning at the Real Real there is absolutely no way to go wrong. Everything I've purchased even though the condition was only listed at good, has been so much more that just good! Also by purchasing so many things they are an excellent way to make your purchase money back and perhaps buy something else. I do believe from the beautiful designer bags to the furniture and Cartier stationary that you will never find another "resale "shop doing it so well.
Date of experience: September 14, 2020
I've ordered 4 items thus far, four pair of designer shoes. All came as described, sizes, and descriptions were super accurate. I got exactly what I paid for. I've taken off one star for $#*!ty customer service. If you think you can email them with a question, forget it. So as long as you dont have problem with what you buy or want to return anything, you'll be fine. The Real Real if you're reading this, you have bad ratings mainly because of how bad your customer service is over email and phone, fix this, hire some sweet person to deal with unhappy customers and your ratings will go up, your stuff is good thus far. Thanks.
Date of experience: December 11, 2016
The most inept customer service department ever and yet they still insist on bombarding me with emails to rate my experience, and yet apparently have no intent on doing anything about it. Now I believe the reports about their validation process being a farce because they can't send the correct product or refund the money after a return. You've got one job gang. FAIL.
Date of experience: March 17, 2021
Avoid this company as both a Buyer and a Seller. They have no live customer service to speak of and communicating via email takes weeks to resolve an issue, if it's resolved at all. Even the phone number they provide for their charge on your credit card statement has been disconnected. They don't know how to measure garments correctly and you will be charged $12.95 + tax (each way) to ship and return an item when the mistake was theirs. As a Seller, they don't follow their contract (which is almost impossible to understand and read - since it's in the smallest font available) and it's up to you to go after them to resolve the issue. Unless you buy in one of their stores and know exactly what you are getting, shop and sell somewhere else. They don't care about their customers at all.
Tip for consumers:
You've been forewarned,
Date of experience: July 3, 2022
If I could give this rating 0 stars, I absolutely would. I bought an LV bag in late November. The straps literally disintegrated because they were so old or it was not stored properly. The leather snapped in half. Two of the strap buckle connectors ripped at the seams a few weeks after I received the bag, and I had only used it a few times. Due to their 14-day return policy, they could not provide a solution, even after texting (yes, they don't have an actual customer service line) 5 different people. Plus, they asked me to re-explain my problem each time, even though it was on the same text thread. Their only solution was for me to consign the (unusable) purse. RIDICULOUS! I've never been more appalled and disappointed by a customer service team (or lack thereof). I would NEVER order from or recommend this company again.
Date of experience: February 10, 2023
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...
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