The RealReal Reviews: What Customers Are Saying in 2024

The RealReal Reviews (2025): An In-Depth Look at Buying & Selling

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Navigating the world of luxury resale can be thrilling, but it often comes with a crucial question: can you trust the platform you’re using? As the largest online marketplace for authenticated, pre-owned luxury goods, The RealReal is at the center of this conversation. With millions of members and items, it’s a go-to for fashion lovers, but what’s the real story behind the brand? This guide provides comprehensive the realreal reviews, diving deep into their processes, policies, and the experiences of both buyers and sellers to answer the ultimate question: is the real real legit 2025?

We’ll examine everything from their rigorous authentication methods to their commission structures and return policies, giving you the detailed information you need to shop or sell with confidence.

Table of Contents

What Is The RealReal?

Founded in 2011, The RealReal has grown into the world’s leading marketplace for authenticated luxury consignment. The company was built on a mission to extend the life cycle of luxury items, promoting a circular economy that is more sustainable for the planet. By providing an end-to-end service, they connect a massive community of consignors looking to sell their high-end pieces with millions of buyers seeking them.

At its core, the real real is more than just a resale site; it’s a technology company with a deep-seated expertise in luxury. They handle everything from in-home pickup and item evaluation to professional photography and secure shipping, aiming to make both buying and selling a seamless luxury experience. With over 40 million items sold and more than $5 billion paid out in consignor commissions, their scale is a testament to their revolutionary impact on the fashion industry.

How The RealReal’s Authentication Process Works

A common concern for any resale shopper is authenticity, which is why understanding the realreal authentication process is key. The RealReal prides itself on having what it calls the most rigorous authentication process in the resale market, combining human expertise with cutting-edge technology. They are one of the only resale companies that authenticates every single item they sell.

So, how does the real real authenticate? It’s a multi-point approach:

  • Human Expertise: The company employs hundreds of in-house experts, including gemologists, horologists, and brand authenticators. Many of these specialists come from backgrounds at top luxury brands like Hermès, Rolex, and Tiffany & Co., or renowned auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s. Every authenticator receives at least 40 hours of training and ongoing education to stay ahead of counterfeit trends.
  • Advanced Technology: The RealReal utilizes proprietary AI and machine learning tools. TRR Shield™ flags high-risk items for extra scrutiny upon arrival, while TRR Vision™ takes microscopic images to compare against a vast database of authentic items, spotting even the slightest inconsistencies. They also use XRF machines to analyze the exact metal composition of jewelry and hardware.
  • Unmatched Data: With over a decade of experience and millions of items processed, The RealReal has amassed an enormous dataset on authentic and counterfeit products. This data serves as the backbone of their authentication system, constantly making it smarter and more effective.

This intensive process is their the real real authentication guarantee to customers, ensuring they can shop with a high degree of confidence.

Is The RealReal Legit? A Look at the Evidence

With all the checks and balances, the main question remains: is therealreal legit? The evidence suggests that The RealReal is a legitimate and established business dedicated to providing an authentic luxury experience. They have built a trusted brand with over 38 million members and are a publicly traded company. The company’s entire business model is predicated on trust and authenticity; without it, their marketplace wouldn’t function.

However, no system is perfect. With thousands of items processed daily, the possibility of human error exists, which has led to some the real real authentication issues being reported by customers. High-profile legal disputes, such as when chanel sues the realreal, have also put their process under intense public scrutiny. In response, The RealReal consistently states that they stand behind their authentication and are committed to making things right if a customer is unsatisfied or questions a product’s authenticity.

So, is the real real trustworthy? The company invests heavily in its experts, technology, and customer service to maintain its reputation. They have robust procedures for handling reports of stolen goods in partnership with law enforcement and a clear policy to address any authenticity concerns raised by a buyer. For the vast majority of transactions, the experience is positive, but as with any large-scale marketplace, it’s wise for consumers to be diligent. Ultimately, if you are wondering if is the realreal.com legit, the answer is yes, it is a legitimate company, but like any marketplace, individual experiences can vary.

The Buyer Experience: Shopping on The RealReal

For buyers, The RealReal offers an unparalleled inventory of pre-owned luxury goods. The the real real website reviews from a buyer’s perspective often praise the vast selection and the thrill of finding rare or sold-out items.

Here’s what buyers need to know:

  • Condition Standards: Each item is carefully inspected and assigned a condition level: Pristine, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, or As Is. These descriptions are detailed, noting any signs of wear, so buyers know exactly what to expect.
  • Shipping: The RealReal ships both domestically and internationally to over 60 countries. Standard shipping in the U.S. is $14.95, with express options available. High-value orders may require additional processing time and a signature upon delivery to ensure is the real real safe for valuable purchases.
  • Returns: This is a critical area for buyers. Does the real real do returns? Yes, but with conditions. Eligible items must be returned within 21 days of shipment. However, several categories are final sale, including handbags, swimwear, luggage, beauty items, and anything discounted by 40% or more. To address this, The RealReal offers a “Return Guarantee” through a partner, XCover, which can be purchased for handbags to allow them to be returned.
  • Features: The platform includes useful tools like “Obsessions,” where you can heart items to receive sale alerts, and a “Wait List” for sold items in case they come back in stock.

The the real real reviews for buyers are generally positive, focusing on the access to authenticated luxury. However, it’s essential to read item descriptions and the return policy carefully before purchasing.

The Seller Experience: Consigning with The RealReal

For those looking to clear out their closets, selling on the real real reviews often highlight the platform’s convenience. The company handles the entire process, from authentication and pricing to photography and shipping.

Here’s a breakdown for sellers:

  • How to Sell: Consignors can schedule an at-home pickup (for 10+ items), ship their items for free, or visit a retail location for a valuation.
  • commission structure: Earnings are based on The RealReal’s tiered commission structure, “RealReal Rewards.” The more you sell in a year (based on net sales), the higher your status (Trendsetter, Influencer, Tastemaker, VIP) and the more you earn. Commission rates vary by item category and selling price, ranging from 20% for low-value items to 90% for high-demand watches.
  • Pricing: The RealReal uses a dynamic pricing model based on brand resale value, market trends, item condition, and recency. Their goal is to price items at the highest price the market will demand to ensure a fast sale. For select high-value items, consignors can opt into “Price Review” to approve the initial price.
  • Payment: Payments are issued on the 15th of the month following the sale. Sellers can choose to be paid via direct deposit, mailed check (with a fee), or site credit, which comes with a 5% bonus.

The the real real seller reviews often praise the hands-off process, though some the real real reviews complaints center around pricing and the commission structure. It’s crucial for sellers to understand the terms before consigning.

The Verdict: Is The RealReal Worth It?

So, is the real real worth it? The answer depends on who you are.

For Buyers: If you’re looking for access to a massive, authenticated selection of luxury goods and understand the return policy, The RealReal is an excellent resource. The platform’s commitment to authentication provides a layer of security that is hard to find elsewhere.

For Sellers: If you value convenience and want to avoid the hassle of selling items yourself, The RealReal is a fantastic option. They do all the heavy lifting, and their massive customer base means items can sell quickly. However, you are trading a portion of the sale price for that service.

Overall, The RealReal has solidified its place as a leader in the circular economy. While no platform is without its critiques, their dedication to authentication, service, and sustainability makes them a powerful and generally reliable force in the world of luxury resale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The RealReal sell real stuff?
Yes. The RealReal’s entire business model is built on authenticating and selling genuine luxury goods. They employ a team of over 100 experts and use advanced technology to verify every item they sell. While mistakes are possible, their stated commitment is to ensure are the real real items authentic.

How trustworthy is The RealReal?
The RealReal is widely considered a trustworthy and reputable company in the luxury resale space. They are a publicly traded company with millions of members and have invested heavily in their the realreal authentication process to build and maintain customer trust. However, as with any marketplace, reading the realreal reviews and understanding their policies is recommended.

Are The RealReal bags authentic?
The RealReal puts a strong emphasis on authenticating handbags from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès. Bags are inspected by trained experts who check details like stitching, hardware, materials, and date codes. They stand by their process and claim to have kept hundreds of thousands of fakes off the market, making them a popular destination for those seeking authentic bags.

What do The RealReal reviews on Reddit and Trustpilot say?
While we cannot browse external sites for live feedback, discussions on platforms like Reddit or sites like the real real trustpilot often reflect a wide range of user experiences. Positive the real real reviews reddit threads frequently praise finding rare items and the convenience of selling. Common real real complaints tend to focus on customer service, disputes over item condition or authenticity, and the seller commission structure.

Why is The RealReal so cheap?
Items on The RealReal may seem cheap compared to their original retail price, but this reflects the nature of the resale market. Pricing is dynamic and based on factors like the item’s condition, current market demand, brand, and age. It is not an indication of inauthenticity but rather a reflection of an item’s current market value.

What are some common The RealReal reviews complaints?
Some common themes found in the real real reviews complaints include issues with the strict return policy (especially for final sale items), disagreements on seller commission payouts or final pricing, and, in some cases, disputes over an item’s authenticity. The company has policies in place to address these issues, and their customer service team can be contacted to resolve problems.

Is The RealReal credible?
Yes, is the real real credible is a question many ask, and the company has established itself as a credible leader in luxury resale. Their scale, detailed authentication process, and partnerships with sustainability organizations lend to their credibility in the industry.

Does The RealReal do returns?
Yes, but with limitations. Eligible items can be returned within 21 days. However, categories like handbags, swimwear, luggage, beauty, and items on sale for 40% off or more are considered final sale and cannot be returned unless a “Return Guarantee” was purchased at checkout for an eligible item.

What do the real real reviews for sellers say?
The the real real consignment reviews and the real real reviews for sellers are mixed. Many praise the “white glove” service that makes selling effortless. Others express concerns about the commission rates and the final sale price of their items. It’s a trade-off between convenience and maximizing profit.

Is everything on The RealReal authentic?
The RealReal’s goal and brand promise is that everything they sell is 100% authentic, and they have the most rigorous authentication process in resale to back that up. They guarantee the authenticity of every item and will issue a full refund if an item is proven to be counterfeit. So, is the realreal authentic? They stake their entire reputation on it.