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    The RealReal

The RealReal

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Overview

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.

  • Service
    671
  • Value
    645
  • Shipping
    609
  • Returns
    536
  • Quality
    584

Proactively asks for customer feedback

This company does not typically respond to reviews

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 10.2%
Positive
11
Neutral
2
Negative
95
View ratings trends
606
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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 (5,304)

Rating

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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 hilale
Canada
2 reviews
10 helpful votes
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February 8th, 2023

Ordered a Gucci shoulder bag Medium size. On arrival discovered it was Small. The most they would do is give me a $50 credit. Even though the description clearly listed it as Medium, and I showed them other IDENTICAL items listed as Medium with larger dimensions. Also they use UPS for international delivery, and they take double the fees and keep the difference. $440 import/duty fees that The Real Real would not reimburse, so if I return the item I'm instantly out $440 LOL. Never using this site again. Garbage attention to detail, and same goes for Customer Service. International buyers beware, they won't help you.

Tip for consumers:
Don’t use this site

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: February 8, 2023

Thumbnail of user annak78
New Jersey
1 review
1 helpful vote
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January 21st, 2016

In 30 years, I've never written a review online, but thought it was important because I've had a very pleasant experienced with TheRealReal. As a consignor, they have impeccable customer service. I had an unusual situation occur that left me unhappy, so they did everything in their power to do me right and payout more money than initially agreed upon. As a buyer I've purchased some incredible shoes at about 70% off and in almost perfect condition. All in all, I've been really pleased with the experience, and I know at any moment if I'm not happy, TheRealReal will work with me to fix the problem.

Date of experience: January 20, 2016

Thumbnail of user rebekaha34
North Carolina
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 1st, 2021
Verified purchase

I'm a black belt online shopper and this site is amazing. I only wish there was a way to further customize my feed. And I would love push notifications for when a new item from one of my favorite brands hits the site.

Date of experience: March 1, 2021

Thumbnail of user williamm5685
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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October 1st, 2023
Verified purchase

I'm constantly confused about why Real Real does not take a picture of the size tags in shirts. I would have avoided so many mistakes in purchase if they were shown. One of the shirts I purchased was too small because it was cut slim.

Date of experience: October 1, 2023

Thumbnail of user shaunw136
North Carolina
1 review
9 helpful votes
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January 18th, 2023

Don't sell your designer goods to this sham website it's immediately marked down and expect to get 25% value or less on consigned goods. Items are immediately discounted for quick sale after so many likes up to 50%. This company is only turning quick profits with no care for your designer goods. The photos are whack and quick shot, it's effortless on their part to receive 50% of your items value after significantly discounting and initially pricing to sell quick. Hear my warning it will disappoint.

Tip for consumers:
Just go to another site or sale yourself you’ll gain 30% if not more in value it’s truly a rip off to turn capital quickly off your purchased goods. They have no interest in their consignment clients it’s truly a joke. I lost a lot of money and regret working with them.

Products used:
Over 130 products if it’s old it’s not good enough. This is for the best of the best and false advertised.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: January 18, 2023

Thumbnail of user lesliem213
Alabama
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 15th, 2019

The Real Real is an excellent site with high quality designer clothing available for very reasonable prices. The customer service is top notch. After making a purchase, I received continual updates from the site regarding the status of my item. My package was delivered promptly, was exactly as described and was beautifully boxed. Most impressed with this site!

Date of experience: May 14, 2019

Thumbnail of user ther1016
TRR S. – The RealReal Rep

Hello Leslie,

Thank you for sharing your feedback.

We glad to hear that your experience was more than positive!

We hope to see more orders in the future.

Thumbnail of user derrickm160
North Carolina
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
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January 2nd, 2022
Verified purchase

I ordered a pair of very expensive jeans,sizing was stated at 33 upon receiving the item it's tags stated 32 I should a 10 year nephew the tag and he said 32 So never take their sizing as exact,try emailing them and try to get them to validate size on a product,that's impossible at the Real Real And when you return it they do issue the full refund and keep about $20 So they will not change the sizing when sent back and keep shipping it as a 33.Their mission statement should be "what you see is not what you get ".Probably paying for TV advertising with the money they keep on returns.

Tip for consumers:
Don’t What you see is not what you get

Products used:
Jeans

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: December 3, 2021

Thumbnail of user ther1016
TRR S. – The RealReal Rep

Hi Derrick, we appreciate you sharing your feedback and we're so sorry to hear these were your experiences with us. We promise we’ll make it right if an item you purchase from us doesn’t match the description on our site. Please DM us on social media with your order number and we'll sort this out for you.

Thumbnail of user marthah361
Arizona
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 9th, 2020
Verified purchase

When they advertise something as genuine, it is. I appreciate how proud they are of that and how much they want to have that as part of their reputation. I would like to have a few things on which we could make an offer different than the price. But not site-wide. That might be worth a premium charge.

Date of experience: January 9, 2020

Thumbnail of user jacquelinem76
Canada
1 review
1 helpful vote
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February 24th, 2018
Verified purchase

Recently purchased a pair of Chanel rain boots they arrived looking identical to what I had viewed and purchased on line. Delivery was very prompt and the wrapping and inserted card were a pleasant touch.

Date of experience: February 23, 2018

Thumbnail of user jaimeb125
India
4 reviews
1 helpful vote
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March 8th, 2021

They provide really stunning, cool, and classy outfits. They have a large collection of designer brands and trendy clothes. If you want to fill your wardrobe with trendy clothing, this is the place to go.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: March 8, 2021

Thumbnail of user anniken
Norway
1 review
2 helpful votes
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February 15th, 2022
Verified purchase

The product I ordered two months ago was not in accordance with the pictures shown on the website and an essential part of the luxury purchase was not included. I have been trying to get hold of customer service 5 times, but the only reply I get is that it will take 48 hours to get back to me. But they never respond in person. I have lost my patient with this company and I will never order from The Real Real again!

Tip for consumers:
Be aware of the non-existent customer service!

Products used:
Jacket

Service

Date of experience: February 15, 2022

Thumbnail of user jjl61
California
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 2nd, 2021
Verified purchase

Aside from the sometimes slow refresh rate - which may be due to the many items on the search result - RR should consider showing the actual number of items found on the search. Additionally, it would be very helpful if RR offered consumers option to set how many items per page view. Please offer the consumer some control for a more convenient shopping experience.

Date of experience: December 2, 2021

Thumbnail of user ther1016
TRR S. – The RealReal Rep

Hi JJ, thank you so much for sharing this feedback with us. We'll make sure to pass your note along to our team for further consideration. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if there is anything else our team is able to help with.

Thumbnail of user rtj
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 28th, 2023
Verified purchase

I've sold multiple items on their platform and was happy with their service. Granted, their fees are pretty stiff, I was happy to pay it for somebody else taking care of the listing/selling process. Unfortunately, I purchased an item from them that I knew was fake once I received it. I own about 100 pieces (and have owned probably 200) from the same designer. While they did refund me for the price of the item, I had to pay the return shipping. So, basically, I (un) authenticated their item for them AND paid for it. What makes me more upset is that I talked to somebody who bought the same item, returned it, and was refunded for their shipping. TRR's $15 gaffe is costing them a lot more in business from me and everyone I've told about this incident. Needless to say, I don't use them to buy or sell anymore.

Tip for consumers:
I’ve purchased other items from them that were legit but - be careful - to date I’ve seen two fakes that they say were “authenticated”. And they may not pay return shipping even when you prove them wrong.

Products used:
Shirts, shorts, jewelry and shoes

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: January 28, 2023

Thumbnail of user donnieh44
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 19th, 2020
Verified purchase

My client service rep (Niki) is wonderful. Friendly, helpful and very responsive. The only issue I have is with the people who work in the warehouse. Numerous times I have had items sent back to me that were in perfect condition. They need to learn that certain items are supposed to look distressed and that coats with detachable collars will have button holes in the collar and this not something to flag as ripped.

Date of experience: May 19, 2020

Thumbnail of user amandag1581
Australia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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January 11th, 2023

The site claims that all items "must be clean and wearable. We inspect each item carefully to guarantee quality, authenticity and condition."
My bag arrived and the inside was filthy and still contained a dirty business card, a Costco card (with the original owners name on it), hair, and handwritten notes inside the pockets.
It also has scratches over the back of the bag which was not stated in the description.
Unfortunately because the bag arrived in this state, I will not be shopping at The Real Real again.

Tip for consumers:
Be very careful with the description on what you're buying.

Products used:
handbag

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality

Date of experience: January 11, 2023

Thumbnail of user aimeer5
Colorado
5 reviews
21 helpful votes
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June 21st, 2020

I cannot believe how terrible this company is! They have not returned a pair of shoes I consigned with them. I asked for them to be returned months ago. I understand that these are strange times but they are still asking for consignments and selling items they just seem unable to return my shoes and no one will give me the courtesy of a timely response. It is literally seems to be almost unlawful to not return what is MINE!

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

Date of experience: May 22, 2020

Thumbnail of user esteew
New Jersey
1 review
10 helpful votes
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December 5th, 2020
Verified purchase

3 pairs of gold kids earrings were lost and when I reached out with the issue to the woman who helped me consign all my stuff she was completely unresponsive. I called and someone asked me to email a pic of the lost items which I promptly did. Since then I've called numerous times with promises that someone will return my call and no one has called me to date. Im disappointed and frustrated.

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

Date of experience: November 5, 2020

Thumbnail of user mikes2257
North Dakota
1 review
3 helpful votes
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March 31st, 2020

This online website is very good at selling fake merchandise at a high price. Lately, they do not care about the shipping. The sizes are most likely wrong. Few items are legit. Overall, prices are too high for fakes.

Date of experience: February 28, 2020

Thumbnail of user alexg75
New Jersey
1 review
15 helpful votes
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July 28th, 2015

I have been sending some clothes into the real real to be consigned. Sometimes, they would make silly errors in listings or list things too low. However, they rejected a large chunk of my items (some of which were in PERFECT condition) and just threw them in a box and returned them to me. All my clothes are wrinkled and now i have to send them back to pressed so I can list them on ebay. Seriously considering never sending them another item again

Date of experience: July 28, 2015

Thumbnail of user jaccik
California
1 review
21 helpful votes
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July 14th, 2017

Consigned three expensive diamond rings. After 6 weeks with no contact, I called them. Was told they were "lost" at the NJ warehouse. I was told that they had a record of my items being received but they don't know what happened to them. Dah, someone who works there took them! As it was not my fault they were "lost" after being received by the RR and the items did not get consigned, I expected full price reimbursement. I received a pittance and I had all original receipts. Did not want to spend the $ to purse so accepted the payment which was thousands less than my items. They keep calling me to consign with them. What a joke! Dishonest, rude and unprofessional. I would not trust them.

Date of experience: July 11, 2017

Thumbnail of user shalomg
California
1 review
9 helpful votes
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April 9th, 2016

I bought 4 items. 4 with measurements problems and one really damaged with hole on the collar and Therealreal was and still selling this item "very good"! I can believe it!

The last item I bought had a wrong size! Not 10 but 6 (after measurements at home) and is not returnable because final sale! Absolutely no professional people with no idea what means Fashion!

Date of experience: April 9, 2016

Thumbnail of user pault1453
New York
1 review
1 helpful vote
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April 19th, 2022

This business was all over me calling me, texting me very aggressively to get my brand new with tag designer items. When I saw that they were pricing these items way too low and giving the customers a discount from the beginning. I requested all my items be returned. They claimed they shipped them but was unable to deliver which was a lie. They also have lost my items and have not mailed me back one item since two months now. They refuse to pick up the phone with the one number they give you. No customer service at all and the lady who was all over me has simply vanished and removed herself from the situation. They told me they have a claim in. They have given me several claim numbers but nobody follows up with them. Bad business I am so angry for trusting them with my items.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: April 19, 2022

Thumbnail of user ashleym486
Nevada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 26th, 2019
Verified purchase

The Real Real was recommended to me by a friend and has quickly become my new favorite shopping site! It's easy to navigate, items come quickly and everything I have received is in the exact condition that was promised. Could not be happier with my experience.

Date of experience: November 26, 2019

Thumbnail of user karent1619
Utah
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 31st, 2021
Verified purchase

Texting with a customer service rep for an hour and resolving nothing. The next day I actually spoke with someone who told me I would hear back from someone in 24 hours, I never heard back. I tried a third time and was directed to the texting procedure again. She kept saying the matter was being researched and to stay on the phone, this went on for another hour. I've never wasted so much time as I did with the real real customer service. I have turned this matter over to my CC company.

Date of experience: December 1, 2021

Thumbnail of user ther1016
TRR S. – The RealReal Rep

Hi Karen, we're truly sorry to hear this was your experience with our team. We'd be more than happy to help you -- DM us on social media with your account details and a bit more info so we can better assist you.

Thumbnail of user shannonp561
Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote
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February 24th, 2023
Verified purchase

Bought a Chanel bag for several thousands of dollars and it was described as only having mild residue on the inside. I received the bag and it has deep creases on both sides, fraying threads, and two large marks on the bottom, where leather is missing and beyond a scuff. The bottom of the bag is also discolored and the pouch was missing. You can only contact these people by chat so nobody will ever answer the phone and they kept saying that they standby. There was only residue. However, I called them within hours of receiving the item. They said they will do a one time store credit. This site is beyond disgusting they will not accurately list items, and I would refrain from buying anything that does not have a return policy on it because they will not honor it on their end.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns

Date of experience: February 24, 2023

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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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