Can someone give me a recent, true feedback and opinion about buying on TheRealReal, because im planning to splurge on my first designer bag and i dont want to be scammed

asked by Anita C. on 4/24/15

22 Answers
Thumbnail of user yolandag5

Do not buy from them! Their return/refund policy is skewed to their benefit. In my case, I bought a Louis Vuitton bag and when it was received it was not in the condition advertised or the photos did not highlight the real wear of the bag and they refused to make a refund or credit. It's their lost because I have since bought many bags on Ebay which offers guarantee of refund should item be faulty or misrepresented. Also, on Ebay you can judge by seller feedback whether the seller is reputable and PRICES are so much less than on the REAL REAL. Their name should be changed to the REAL GREED!

Helpful  (7)
Thumbnail of user marip

Fake, fake, fake. Every time I get a notice that someone found my negative review helpful, I come back to this site and get reminded of how badly I was rooked by this company. One of these days I'm going to post pictures of the miserable excuse for an Etro bag that they sold me. I see better fakes at my local Salvation Army. And I recently shopped a great sale at Neiman's and got an authentic Etro bracelet for a fraction of retail. Seeing the quality of the bracelet vs. the bag that I got from RealReal again only emphasized their shoddy tactics. Stay away.

Helpful  (7)
Thumbnail of user sandyj20

Seller & Buyer beware! I would not recommend to friends or family!

Helpful  (6)
Thumbnail of user amye10

I've had problems with buying and consigning with The RealReal. I purchased a Prada handbag from them which they stated on their listing as "Very Good" condition, it was destroyed. They wouldn't allow me to return it, not even for site credit. I tried to consign the same Prada handbag with them, they wouldn't accept it... they said it had "Excessive Wear". I never used the bag, so basically they will sell you crap, won't take it back and won't let you try to recoup any of your money from cosigning it either. I sent in over ten items to consign for the $100 gift card, they make sure they only take a few of them to get out of that gift card deal. Read the other reviews here on SiteJabber, many dissatisfied customers.

Helpful  (6)
Thumbnail of user missu1

I would not under any circumstances purchase anything from them that cannot be returned. I would also have pricey designer items that cannot be returned authenticated before purchasing. If you're unable to do this beforehand then do it after, but make sure you're getting the genuine item. I've purchased many items from them and returned more but never handbags. I prefer to shop in person for new designer handbags. I no longer shop with the real real because of my horrific consigning experience. I'm happy and saving lots of money because of this decision. You must decide for yourself. It's your choice and your money.

Helpful  (5)
Thumbnail of user sarak19

As shown from all the feedback, you should stay away from this website. I bought various items that turned out to be fake, it was a waste of my time and money. Do not purchase a second hand item without a receipt, that's my advice. Try searching for other websites and apps.

Helpful  (5)
Thumbnail of user terim58

I have made several purchase and 90% have had issues. Don't buy a designer bag from Real, Real most likely it will be a knock off. I have received fake designer shoes which were final sale but after addressing it they sent me an RA ( return authorization) and you pay to ship it back. Lots of fake stuff on their site. Clothing have size discrepancy, on line said size 6, when received clothing was size 4?, I received 4 out of 6 with this problem.

Helpful  (4)
Thumbnail of user sandrag27

No, I don't do business with them at all.

Helpful  (4)
Thumbnail of user klarav1

Would not recommend, read reviews about fakes.

Helpful  (4)
Thumbnail of user maryannr8

Anita, I continue to be amazed how many people are determined to run down TheRealReal. I "found" them in September and am ever so glad I did as, do to a fire, my entire wardrobe was destroyed. I bought and lost designer cloths, Oscar de la Rent is and was my favorite but I have bought any designer from TRR who has an item I am either looking for or they have. The ONLY problem I have with them concerns the description of items. They just cannot be trusted I have found over the 7 months I've shopped there plus the probably $60,000 I spent with TRR. My learning curve was a bit slow, as I am a trusting person, but now I first carefully look at the piece on the model, how does it fit it compared to the
Description - large or small or just right. I've bought cloths marked an X-L with measurements of bust 32", waist 30", hip 38". When I got it is fit me!
I am 5' 8" and weigh 116 lbs with measurements of 36" bust, 28" waist,
35" hip. So you see? They just are not correct. True that on is the exctreme. But point is look only at the garment measurements, if they are CLOSE you yours, then I buy. In addition and this is important, the photos
You see on the site have been enhanced. REALLY ENHANCED! In other words they look beter than the article might be, I said MIGHT actually be. Like a white blouse may look really nice and white; it was not! So just bear these two problems in mind when shopping with them. I have bought some absolutely beautiful pieces. Some look new. Some are wonderful but slightly worn. Some are only for thrift shop, I think. I you are thinking about buying a purse please take extra caution. The descriptions are written so almost anything you see wrong with the one you receive has been covered in the 'cover all description'. Like it might say 'Light marks to

Exterior and interior and light scratches to hardware'. To me, that about covers anything you do not like and did not expect from their description.
Generally bags described as "Excellent" or "Pristine" are the safest to
Buy since if a bag looks less than you thought from what they said, then I think you have a 'foot to stand on' when you talk with with Customer
Service to return it. I recently bought a purse that looked brand new AND was described as "Excellent". Well when it arrived it was anything but. It was a Lanvin with a ribbon. The ribbon was less than "Excellent" plus there was a stain on the bag, not shown in the photos, Now this I do not consider "excellent". I called to tell them of the dependencies and they allowed me to return the item.
Also when wanting to return a bag I definitely would call TRR. Communicating through email is just not as satisfactory and by phone you can easier and more thoroughly describe your case. But then this is just my feeling. I have had very good and satisfying results by emailing them but these were issues where I was NOT trying to return and nonreturnable item. Oh yes, the same holds true for their sales items also. Those items are not returnable. Regarding the terrible reviews of Customer Service, I really do not understand the comments and the number of comments berating Customer Service at TRR. My experience has been absolutely stellar. The girls and guys I have had occasion to email or talk with have been most helpful and understanding. But then my philosophy has always been to be nice to people. Especially be nice when you want someone to do something for you. The old saying "you get more bees with honey...". The poor Customer Service people hear so much complaining and all of the various tones, attitudes, vocabulary and sometimes, I would imagine greatly exaggerated situations. These are mainly unhappy unhappy to just plane mad people, usually women, it is no wonder they may, at times, be a little short with someone, especially if that person is not being nice to
Them. I can only think the people with the bad C. S. experiences did nothing
To make it a professional and businesslike conversation but rather they were like their letters - mean, angry, rude, insulting and a list of other unpleasant characteristics. I feel sorry for them for what they must put-up with all day long.
You say you are considering a buying a purse - after several experiences
When the purse really did not look like the photo and I felt it needed to be
Returned, I definitely would call and not email C. S. If you call, the line rings and rings till finally a recorded voice asks you to leave your
Information and they will get back to you, please do as they ask. They d
Get back to you. It is worth waiting for the rings to turn into the recording. Or so I have found. I also would like to say I am not associated with TRR, nor do I personally know anyone who works there or who owns the
Company. I am only a customer, yes, a very good customer but just a customer. So these comments, be it the good ro the bad, are just my personal experience. Furthermore I do not live in or near San Francisco. I live in Texas. So, just buyer beware. If you look and consider carefully, you can buy some outstanding garments. If you receive something not matching the all to brief description you may return it and check the box "Does not match description" or the box "Does not fit". Either way, with the exception of bags and sale items, if they match the description, they are not returnable. Oh yes, there are other not returnable items but look on the website for them, I've only bought cloths, bags, shoes and jewelry. Good luck and good really bargain shopping.

Helpful  (3)
Thumbnail of user margaretm324

If you cant authenticate your purchase yourself beware there are currently at least one lawsuit against this company for issues with jewelry and numerous articles written about the issues with them selling fake goods many of the A+ knockoffs are hard to distinguish and are getting listed too I have received some myself
My guess They are overwhelmed with the fast growth and I believe rushing to get things out to sell wo proper authenticating of each item
I have gotten items listed as in excellent condition that were worn out if you cant determine the conditions how can you authenticate the item
I would stay away from items on final sale as you dont know what your going to get and your stuck with it
Customer service and consignment is hit or miss with some outright rude
Buyer beware for sure

Helpful  (2)
Thumbnail of user bedheade

I agree with MaryAnn R... this site is terrific if you are a buyer. I've never had a problem. Where else can you get a $30,000 Hermes bag in ANY CONDITION for under 6K? TRR's prices are good. Great, actually. As far as consigning, what difference does it make if you aren't going wear/use the item again? It's just taking up real estate in your closet, so you might as well let someone else enjoy it. I've consigned a few items. Haven't made a ton of money, but I've made enough to go out and buy a new handbag, and someone else is enjoying some nice designer goods that would otherwise have hung around my closet and deteriorated. I wasn't expecting to earn retail prices on those things! No matter how you look at it, it's a win/win as far as I'm concerned!

Helpful  (2)
Thumbnail of user naraiw

Yeah I will nit buy from them as I have a $50 credit, I just can't support a company after being wronged or I feel cheated on the consignment process. Good luck!

Helpful  (2)
Thumbnail of user casc10

I just opened the box containing Cartier watch I purchased and it arrived in 2 pieces! I am contacting my Ambassador as this is the 2nd item I received in damaged condition.
Also inconsistent pricing ie
An identical brand style of a watch graded 2 pricing the same price as one graded a 3(less is better in grading).

Earned only 12.00 on a pair of Ferragamo shoes!
Had a piece of jewelry accepted as genuine gold and priced for sale. I changed my mind and got it back.
Resent it and it was deemed not real gold. I know for a fact it is solid 18kt gold but worse is the inconsistency in valuation and assessment!
Seems the RealReal is not what it says it is to be!

Bottom line: quality of merchandise sketchy; valuations inconsistent and I will let a payment of 12.00 for pristine Ferragam's speak for itself!

Helpful  (1)
Thumbnail of user nom9

I loved the Real Real until I actually tried to resell some of the items I bought from them. About 60% of the shoes I bought were fake, and I've been a loyal customer since 2015. Always loved the deals, the browsing, the selection...
Most of the shoes I bought are fake, and I can actually prove it now looking back at the original listings. However at the time, I didn't know as much, and trusted them to follow through with their "guarantee of authentification". The insole stitching of a pair of Prada shoes I bought from them a couple of year back is so bad, I'm ashamed to post them because I'm usually pretty astute to detail. But as I said, I didn't know, and blindly trusted. I know now though...

Helpful  (1)
Thumbnail of user mariannew22

I can say this. My purchases have all been good with realreal. The shipping price though is RIDICULOUS.

The customer service phone dept in San Francisco I find awesome.
Melissa particularly recently was a sheer delight.

Now on the cosigning end they sound like a HORROR. They've been trying to get me to cosign with them but with the price of gold relatively high, I would sell gold that way.

On clothes I am now probably not doing it after reading all reviews.
Vuitton I won't either. The cosigning reviews were shocking.

And with a new flagship store in LA, they ought to read these reviews...

Very upsetting overall. It would be great to live in Hilton Head or Boca or Beverly Hills and be able to buy Seidengang every week.

Sadly the majority of us cannot.

Helpful  (1)
Thumbnail of user jz49

They are horrible don't authenticate every item clearly with so many errors made in the basics
You have to hassle with nonexistent customer service wait endlessly to have someone be rude to you
Numerous description errors as well as condition not as stated
The company just changed their we authenticate 100 percent and everything is authentic I'm their marketing materials and site bc they aren't and they don't
I have received numerous fakes and spent a small fortune returning these items
I quit them completely bc it's too much aggravation
If you can't authenticate the item yourself go elsewhere

Helpful  (0)
Thumbnail of user margaretm330

Try https://www.yoogiscloset.com honest and they actually do authenticate items sold
Smaller business platform online sales posts additional items mon-fri
Free shipping 30 day no hassle return with free return shipping
Never had a problem in over ten years...

Helpful  (0)
Thumbnail of user cheeno

If you were to splurge on your first designer bag I suggest you request for more detailed pictures of the bag and or have it authenticated afterwards. To be on the safe side, do purchase an item that is returnable incase any mishaps might happen. Personally, I have dealt with TRR for the third time now and I have only signed up two weeks ago. I posted a review not too long about my disappointment due to the delay of my parcel and thankfully, their customer service response was quick and they offered to reimburse my shipping fees as a token of apology. So far I have only splurged on clothing so I'm afraid I can't really say much. Good luck and let us know the aftermath! :)

Helpful  (-1)
Thumbnail of user hillaria

I've biught a dress and abou 7 pairs of shoes over the past few months and have only had 1 return. I find their deals a good, quality is what they state.

Helpful  (-2)
Thumbnail of user maryw88

I have had good luck buying on TheRealReal. My issue has been on the consignment front.

Helpful  (-2)
Thumbnail of user lisag265

Hello! I've had only good experiences from the Real Real and handbags and jewelry that I've purchased turned out to be in really good shape and were authenticated.
I only had to return one necklace (as it fell apart when I tried it on).
I have found customer service to be helpful and reliable.

Helpful  (-3)

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