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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 marinab113
Poland
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 19th, 2021
Verified purchase

The ups international delivery is simply horrible, customer-unfriendly, lengthy, ineffective, expensive etc etc etc. each time it turns into a big problem. Would be great to have a choice of delivery options

One of the items had some trash in the pocket.

Date of experience: April 19, 2021

Thumbnail of user catherineh582
California
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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August 31st, 2021
Verified purchase

I recently requested a return. Someone replied to my email and asked for more detail. I did what I was told to response but it's been 3 days and I haven't heard back from that person. Wondering what I should do next

Date of experience: August 1, 2021

Thumbnail of user sanema
Georgia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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June 17th, 2020
Verified purchase

The bag is fake, professionally done and it's definitely a replica. I only could tell because I have a few chloe bags and I know how the leather feels and smells. I knew that despite everything looking great, it did not smell or feel luxury. I put the bag next to the exact model and bag, then I could clearly see the difference. Plz plz plz be careful out there, some of these replicas are so professionally done that it could take a lot of effort to tell the difference.

Date of experience: May 18, 2020

Thumbnail of user matthewb1022
New York
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 5th, 2021
Verified purchase

I understand times are strange with Covid-19 restrictions, but to not have a drop off window for returns seems silly. I had to wait an hour to be texted to come wait in line for another 20 minutes so drop off a return—as was the case with at least half the line. It seems someone could have walked out side, scanned the item or just taken the package, and it would have made the wait time shorter for everyone, mostly for customers actually interested in shopping

Date of experience: March 1, 2021

Thumbnail of user vb115
New York
1 review
1 helpful vote
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September 26th, 2022
Verified purchase

After purchasing and consigning for three years successfully with the RealReal, I have lately been hugely disappointed in their lack of transparency and customer support. I purchased four items that had a returnable status. When returning two of the four items, suddenly the company said I could not get a return and the items could only be re-consigned. So, this means you get a fraction of a refund. It was a bait and switch that could not get resolved after hours trying to communicate to customer service, which is now really limited to phone texting. The customer service reps in my case were absolutely determined to not resolve the problem. The company also re-sent me a dress I had returned and would not send me a label to resend it back. Overall an exhausting experience. I can no longer recommend The RealReal that I was very supportive of for three years. Be careful. Transparency and customer support were not present in my last purchase.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns

Date of experience: September 26, 2022

Thumbnail of user kristag99
California
1 review
2 helpful votes
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August 29th, 2022

I was looking for a pair of Hermes sandals and saw a pair I liked however they didn't have any other options so I decided to look on real real for possibly finding some more choices. I have been both seller and buyer at real real and have been very happy working with real real. But in this case I saw the same sandal I saw at Hermes ($799.00) on real real for $1,300. So I decided to call real real (the department that prices merchandise) and they said that if it's a popular item then yes they will price it at a higher price. It really doesn't make sense to me to pay $500.00 more for a pair of used shoes when I can buy them brand new at Hermes

I hope this helps all the buyers out there and remember do your homework and research it.

Date of experience: August 29, 2022

Thumbnail of user sitanya
Canada
1 review
2 helpful votes
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June 10th, 2023

You will receive your item but not in good condition and to compensate for the fortune you will have spent they will offer you a credit of $30
And that on the pretext that it was written that there were slight imperfections. They will be wholeheartedly with you and they will be understanding. But that'll be all they can do for you

Date of experience: June 10, 2023

Thumbnail of user echos6
California
1 review
18 helpful votes
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August 31st, 2016

The item listed " Excellent, no visible signs of wear", however, the actual item has a lot of scratches, the worse thing is realreal made it so hard to return for refund. Emailed photos and called, no response. Very disappointed.

Date of experience: August 31, 2016

Thumbnail of user stang12
Stan G. – The RealReal Rep

Hi Echo,

I'm so sorry for the delay, we're currently experiencing a bit of a back log, however I believe you have spoken with our Customer Service team who has issued you an RMA for the return of this item.

If that's not the case, please reach out to one of our managers who can address your case head on. Please give us a call at 855.435.5893 x1 and ask for a direct transfer. Our phones are open Monday through Friday from 9am EST to 8pm EST.

Thumbnail of user linp25
California
1 review
1 helpful vote
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October 31st, 2021
Verified purchase

I have ordered from them many times and then my orders became very inconsistent, and not as pictured, so I dealt with a lot of returns. I received a sweater full of stains. I always order ALC and know my size and multiple items didn't fit as if they'd been altered? I won't give up on the site but I have a "bad taste" currently. I have to say I was purchasing weekly and have not in several weeks since.

Date of experience: October 1, 2021

Thumbnail of user ther1016
TRR S. – The RealReal Rep

Hi Lin, thank you for taking the time to provide us with feedback. We're sorry your experience with us has been less than positive. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do for you.

Thumbnail of user jol170
Canada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 24th, 2021
Verified purchase

The order I placed the total amount is over $2000. It is for sure that $2000 is in US dollars, net of discount, not including taxes, shipping, marketing site credits, or purchases of gift cards during the promotional period. Please check the attached files. Due to an error in your inventory system, the refund $67.35 caused this result that the total net amount is below $2000 now. In the end, Rostan helped me and I received $500 credit

Date of experience: February 24, 2021

Thumbnail of user rmm9
Canada
1 review
0 helpful votes
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November 12th, 2021
Verified purchase

I've purchased many Ralph Lauren sweaters in the past and I don't know how a size M could fit like a XS suddenly. One sweater came with a hole by the neck. Even if the label says M, if it fits like a XS, then it should say so. I spent nearly or over $100 just for customs so feeling quite bummed after returning all of my items.

Date of experience: October 13, 2021

Thumbnail of user ther1016
TRR S. – The RealReal Rep

Hi RM, we're sorry your order arrived to you this way. DM us on social media with your order details so we can help.

Thumbnail of user evas214
New Jersey
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 23rd, 2021
Verified purchase

Unhappy with purchase-Received a bag I was unhappy with —rather than let me send it back for a credit to buy another bag I was given a $40 credit and forced to keep the $550 bag. I had purchased 13 bags in six weeks prior to this so I was very surprised that no one could take care of me. I also sent in a consignment and plan to send an additional high-end consignment ( Louis and Ysl). I likely will not do that either now

Date of experience: February 21, 2021

Thumbnail of user rhamyaf
Australia
1 review
9 helpful votes
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March 23rd, 2016

Dodgy dodgy! Do not recommend buying from here. They've authenticated the 'One Touch' ability via PayPal, and at the time of my purchase there was no warning. This means I was stuck buying something without choosing my method of payment or knowing what the conversion was.

Emailed them immediately of the problem (because I had to pay via my bank account as a result which froze the account due to an overdraft) and they ignored all my emails, chose to send the bag anyway. I then had to pay customs duties to get it and pay over $100 just to ship it back.

They eventually apologised for their mistake and refunded my money, and agreed to refund the customs duties I paid plus the shipping back to them. Conveniently stopped responding when it was time to give me the funds.

Will be spreading the word via the internet :) The Real Real sucks!

Date of experience: March 23, 2016

Thumbnail of user kacyc7
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 21st, 2021
Verified purchase

In the past three years, every single person who has complimented me on something I am wearing is complimenting a clothing item I have purchased from the Real Real. Not only is the quality of the clothes and the service terrific, I love that purchasing these items is better for the environment! This is a win, win!

Date of experience: February 21, 2021

Thumbnail of user matthewm1493
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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September 3rd, 2021
Verified purchase

I purchased a pair of sunglasses, Want to see if he did not match the description I attempted to return them but they where returned to me I was also responsible for all return costs. All I all it cost as much as buying a new pair of glasses will not be purchasing from this website again.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality

Date of experience: August 4, 2021

Thumbnail of user ther1016
TRR S. – The RealReal Rep

Hi Matthew, thank you for providing feedback on your shopping experience with us. We're sorry the sunglasses you received were not what you were expecting. Please send our team an email at customerservice@therealreal.com for assistance with your return.

Thumbnail of user fashionistal
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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February 1st, 2022
Verified purchase

I love shopping and selling at The Real Real, the only thing I really don't like is that the shipping fees are high, and if a customer is spending over a certain amount, shipping should be free. Additionally, they do not provide enough shipping options like express, overnight, etc. Other than that, the brand selections are amazing!

Date of experience: February 1, 2022

Thumbnail of user gabriellef35
Fiji
1 review
0 helpful votes
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March 15th, 2021
Verified purchase

Fluid and easy. I love how intuitive the site has become. The RR team seems to stay on top of tech changes that make online purchasing fast and easy. Please keep the pricing on goods at the competitive levels we loved appreciated when the RR first came on the scene.

Date of experience: March 15, 2021

Thumbnail of user catherineg308
North Carolina
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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January 25th, 2021
Verified purchase

The Real Real is always so easy to make a purchase from. I get to see items I never would where I live, I get the appraiser's evaluation of my item, and everything is beautifully packaged. If only more companies would have such high standards. I have no issue what so ever buying from this wonderful site!

Date of experience: January 25, 2021

Thumbnail of user siyuw
Minnesota
1 review
1 helpful vote
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August 22nd, 2022
Verified purchase

I bought fake Burberry from them. And I bought an eric javis bag shows a very good condition on the website but got a very strong cigarette smell which cannot be got rid of... I contacted customer service, but they said they cannot return it because it is final sale. I will not buy from them again!

Tip for consumers:
If the item shown on the website does not have enough pictures, do not buy it.

Date of experience: August 22, 2022

Thumbnail of user marwad
New York
2 reviews
7 helpful votes
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September 26th, 2018

I was very apprehensive about buying second hand luxury items but I took a chance and purchased two items; one pair of hunter boots and a Louis Vuitton card holder. Both were authentic, phew! The boots were not quite in the "excellent" condition listed and I sent pictures to the customer service rep when I called. They were willing to accept the return with no return shipping fee charged to me but I asked if they would be willing to simply adjust the price to match like condition boots they had listed/sold. They did. Next, I changed my mind about the card holder... it just wasn't quite right for what I wanted and I requested a return authorization. No problems at all. I sent the card holder back and a refund was issued a few days later (after re-authenticating... totally reasonable). So that's my experience and why I say so far so good. I would recommend giving them a shot.

Date of experience: September 25, 2018

Thumbnail of user ther1016
TRR S. – The RealReal Rep

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your feedback!

We appreciate your business and look forward to you shopping with us again soon!

Thumbnail of user lynned117
Singapore
1 review
0 helpful votes
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July 31st, 2021
Verified purchase

For the shipping document (not referring to this particular Purchase order), please only enter the total amount after deducting the % discount and store credit. Otherwise, our Customs charge us import tax for the gross amount rather than the actual amount that we paid to you.

Please help and we will feel more interested to buy from you

Date of experience: July 1, 2021

Thumbnail of user charlynns
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
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December 13th, 2022
Verified purchase

I purchased a Perfect Moment ski jacket in the TRR store. It was $135 over what a new jacket costs on the Perfect Moment website. I called to get ask about a price adjustment and the authentication process, they offered me $75 as compensation. Poor customer service and a scam!

Service
Value
Returns

Date of experience: December 13, 2022

Thumbnail of user tiffanim17
California
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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January 16th, 2021
Verified purchase

I enjoy shopping therealreal. It's a great place to get vintage luxury which I love. I avoid handbags mostly (even though I have bought handbags before and it was fine). I just don't enjoy the "no return" policy for handbags. I buy a lot of accessories and shoes from them.

Date of experience: January 16, 2021

Thumbnail of user cedricj29
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
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May 6th, 2021
Verified purchase

Bought a purse paid for it and waited patiently for it to arrive (3-5) business days 8! Days later no purse called customer service to get my money back! They gave me a ( it's on the way and will be there definitely in the morning) story! So I waited get home the next day no package it's 5 pm and also day 9! I'm furious it was a anniversary present for my wife and I stand here looking stupid! So I call customer service again ( to get my refund) only to get we will have to do a investigation which will take up at least 24 hours more before I will know anything about my order! After repeatedly asking for a refund, forget the package I would rather do business somewhere else! Was told that they will get back to me later! I'm canceling my account and will NEVER EVER buy NOR refer them to anyone! BUYER BE WARE!

Tip for consumers:
Don’t shop here if you looking to get it buy a specific day ! Unless you order several weeks ahead !!

Products used:
Hand bag

Value
Shipping
Returns

Date of experience: April 6, 2021

Thumbnail of user caseyg137
California
1 review
2 helpful votes
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May 31st, 2021
Verified purchase

I have been waiting on a pair of boots that were supposed to be returned for 3 months. I have sent 7 emails and have been told they are either on their way back to me or someone is investigating and will get back to me in 7 days. It is infuriating. Also, every time I sell and am told I will get $100 credit I have to follow up with multiple emails and practically beg that it is added to my account. Customer service used to be much better. I have noticed a huge decline.

Date of experience: May 1, 2021

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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...

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

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