What Sells Best on The RealReal? Top Categories and Brands

What Sells Best on The RealReal? A Seller’s Guide to Maximizing Earnings

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Navigating the world of luxury consignment can be thrilling, but to truly make it profitable, you need a strategy. As the world’s largest marketplace for authenticated luxury resale, The RealReal offers an unparalleled platform to connect your pre-loved treasures with over 38 million discerning members. The key to success is knowing what those members are actively searching for. Whether you’re a first-time consignor or a seasoned seller, understanding market trends is crucial.

This comprehensive guide will break down exactly what sells best on therealreal, from the most in-demand handbag styles to the trending designer apparel that flies off the virtual shelves. We’ll explore the categories that yield the highest returns and walk you through the entire selling process, so you can turn your closet into cash with confidence.

Table of Contents

Current Market Trends: What Shoppers Want Now

To understand what does the real real sell most effectively, you have to think like a buyer. The RealReal’s data provides fascinating insights into the current zeitgeist of luxury fashion. Right now, two key themes are dominating: Miuccia Prada’s massive influence and a growing appetite for understated, “quiet luxury” labels.

Demand for the real real prada and its sister brand Miu Miu has surged by an incredible 21% since last year, with average selling prices climbing 11%. Simultaneously, modern logoless brands like The Row, Khaite, and Toteme are experiencing a 26% increase in demand. This tells us that shoppers are investing in both trendy, of-the-moment pieces and timeless, logo-free staples.

Furthermore, the resurgence of boho-chic has put brands like Chloé back in the spotlight, with “Obsessions” (The RealReal’s version of a wishlist) for its ready-to-wear increasing by a staggering 45%. The best brands on the real real are often a mix of these evergreen powerhouses and trending contemporary designers. If you have items from these brands, now is an excellent time to consign.

The Most Profitable Categories to Sell on The RealReal

While trends come and go, some categories consistently perform well and offer the highest return on investment. Focusing your consignment efforts here is a smart move.

Handbags

Without a doubt, handbags are a cornerstone of the resale market. Iconic styles from heritage brands, often called “holy grail” bags, are a smart investment and perform exceptionally well.

  • The Power Trio: The real real hermes, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton bags are perennial top sellers. In fact, Hermès Birkin bags have recently sold for 34% above their manufacturer’s suggested retail price on average, showing their powerful investment potential.
  • Trending Now: Beyond the classics, demand for Fendi Baguettes has skyrocketed by 155% year-over-year. Bags from Alaïa and Loewe are also seeing massive increases in interest. Consigning a the real real louis vuitton Keepall, a the real real chanel Classic Flap, or one of these trending the real real designer bags is a near-guaranteed way to see a quick and profitable sale. Even a vintage Chloé Paddington can fetch a great price, with some earning consignors over $500.

Jewelry & Watches

Fine jewelry and watches are high-value categories that command strong resale prices. Authenticity and expertise are paramount here, which is why The RealReal employs certified gemologists and horologists.

  • Branded Jewelry: Pieces from iconic houses like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels are always in high demand. A Cartier Panthère de Cartier Pendant Necklace, for example, can earn a consignor over $5,500.
  • Luxury Timepieces: The real real watches from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet are top earners. A classic Rolex Datejust can earn you well over $12,000. Because of their value, the real real jewelry and watches priced over $995 are eligible for price review, giving you more control over discounting.

Clothing & Shoes

While the market for apparel can be trend-driven, certain designers consistently hold their value.

  • Dress to Impress: Breezy, romantic dresses are a hot commodity. Searches for silk dresses from DÔEN are up 177%, and demand for its maxi dresses has risen 107%. Event-ready attire from brands like ALÉMAIS is also seeing a huge 186% jump in demand. A Zimmermann linen dress can earn a seller over $700.
  • Coveted Kicks: The real real shoes from designers like the real real gucci, Prada, and Chanel are always popular. In the men’s category, collectible sneakers are a particularly strong market, with some pairs earning commissions of 85% or more.

How The RealReal Prices Your Items for Maximum Return

A common question sellers ask is, is selling on the real real worth it? A huge part of the answer lies in the company’s sophisticated pricing strategy. The goal is to secure the highest price the market will support, blending expert knowledge with powerful data. Four main factors determine the listing price:

  1. Brand Resale Value: Top-tier brands with enduring demand, like Chanel and Rolex, naturally retain more of their original value.
  2. Market Trends: The RealReal uses real-time data from its millions of members to track which styles, colors, and silhouettes are trending, ensuring your item is priced competitively from day one.
  3. Item Condition: Items are graded from “Fair” to “Pristine.” The closer your item is to new condition, the higher its resale value.
  4. Recency: Generally, newer items command higher prices, with notable exceptions for rare and collectible vintage pieces.

This data-driven approach helps justify the real real consignment rate and ensures that sellers get a fair market price, answering the question of is the realreal worth it for sellers.

The Selling Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

One of the biggest advantages of selling with the real real is the convenience. They handle the hard work, from authentication to photography and shipping. Here’s how does the realreal work for consignors.

The real real selling process begins with getting your items to them. You have several options for how to sell with the real real:

  • At-Home Pickup: If you have 10 or more eligible items, you can schedule a free in-home concierge pickup in many areas.
  • Ship for Free: For fewer than 10 items, you can easily request a free, prepaid shipping label to send your items to one of their authentication centers.
  • In-Store Drop-off: Visit one of the real real store locations for a consultation. Many people search for the realreal houston photos or the realreal palm beach photos to see what these luxury hubs look like. You can drop off items at locations from the real real los angeles to New York. Some consignors even leave the realreal luxury consignment office chicago reviews detailing their positive experiences.

Once your items arrive, The RealReal’s team takes over. The items are authenticated, professionally photographed, described, priced, and listed on the site. This entire process typically takes 10-15 days. Your the real real selling experience is designed to be as effortless as possible.

Understanding Your Earnings: Commission and Payouts

Transparency in earnings is key. What percentage does the realreal take depends on a tiered commission structure called RealReal Rewards. The more you sell, the more you earn.

  • Commission Structure: Your commission rate is based on your net sales over a 12-month period. It ranges from 20% for items under $100 up to 90% for high-value watches. There are different commission tables for categories like handbags, watches, and clothing. For most items sold over $200, you can also earn a “Loyalty Bonus” of up to 5% on top of the base commission as you move up the tiers from “Trendsetter” to “VIP.” The real real selling fees are effectively baked into this commission structure.
  • Payment: How does the real real pay? You have three choices. Payments are issued on the 15th of the month following the sale.
    1. Direct Deposit: The fastest and easiest method.
    2. Site Credit: Receive an extra 5% on your commission to shop on the site.
    3. Check: A physical check can be mailed to you.

For those who want to be paid faster, the “Get Paid Now” program answers the question, does the real real buy outright? For select in-demand handbags, jewelry, and watches, The RealReal will make you an upfront offer, with payment issued in 1-2 business days.

What Happens If Your Items Don’t Sell?

It’s a valid concern for any consignor. The real real what if items don t sell policy is straightforward. Items are listed for a 365-day consignment period. While the vast majority of items sell much faster (around 94% within 90 days), if an item remains unsold after a year, you can request to have it returned to you free of charge. If you want an item back before the 365-day window is up, a small return fee will apply.

When considering selling on the real real vs poshmark, this is a key differentiator. With poshmark vs real real, the former is a DIY platform where you manage your own listings, pricing, and shipping. The RealReal is a full-service model, which is a major draw for those who value convenience and professional handling, despite the commission.

The Power of Trust: Why Authentication is Key

The entire business model of The RealReal is built on trust. Buyers are willing to pay premium prices because they are confident they are getting the real deal. This directly benefits sellers by increasing the value of their items. So, is the real real legit? Absolutely.

Their authentication process is the most rigorous in the resale industry.

  • Expert Human Touch: They employ over 100 in-house experts, including gemologists and horologists, many of whom come from luxury brands like Hermès and Rolex or auction houses like Sotheby’s. Every single item is physically inspected.
  • Advanced Technology: They use proprietary AI-powered tools like TRR Vision™ and TRR Shield™ to analyze microscopic details and flag high-risk items.

This commitment is why is the real real reliable is a question they answer with a resounding yes, having kept hundreds of thousands of counterfeit items off the market. When buyers ask, “does the real real sell authentic items?” the answer is backed by a robust, multi-point process that makes The RealReal a place where you can sell and shop with peace of mind. Many find this much more reassuring than the platform at the teal real.

Frequently Asked Questions

What brands does The RealReal accept?
The RealReal accepts items from hundreds of luxury and contemporary designers. The official the realreal designer list is regularly updated on their website to reflect current market demand and resale value. Before sending items, you should always check the directory to see what brands does the realreal accept. Generally, what brands sell on the real real best are established luxury houses and in-demand contemporary labels. You can find a comprehensive list of brands accepted by the real real on their site, covering everything from handbags to fine art. If you’re wondering what designers does the real real take, the Designer Directory is your best resource.

How long does it typically take for an item to sell?
While there’s no guarantee, The RealReal reports that approximately 94% of items sell within 90 days. How long does the real real take to sell an item depends on factors like the brand, item category, condition, and price. Highly coveted items can sell within hours.

What is The RealReal’s commission rate?
The real real commission is based on a tiered structure. How much does the real real take varies by the item’s sale price and category, as well as your annual sales volume. Commissions range from 20% on low-priced items to as high as 90% for watches selling over $7,500. A detailed earnings guide is available on their website. Many sellers find that even with what is the real real consignment fee, the final payout is higher than on other platforms due to the premium prices The RealReal commands.

What are The RealReal’s condition standards?
Items must be in sellable condition, which The RealReal categorizes as Pristine, Excellent, Very Good, Good, or Fair. They do not accept items with major flaws like large holes or stains, broken zippers, excessive scuffing, or strong odors.

Is selling on The RealReal worth it?
For many, the answer is yes. Based on numerous the real real seller reviews and forums like Reddit, is selling on the real real worth it reddit discussions often highlight the convenience and high prices. The full-service model saves you time and effort, and the platform’s trusted reputation means buyers are willing to pay more. While the commission is a factor, the potential for a higher selling price and a hassle-free process makes it a worthwhile option for consigning high-value luxury goods. The general consensus from reviews on selling with the real real is that it’s a premier destination for your best pieces.

How does The RealReal work?
How the real real works is simple for the seller. You send your luxury items, and their team of experts handles everything else: authentication, professional photography, pricing, listing on their site, and shipping to the buyer. How does consignment work on the realreal is designed to be a white-glove service.

Can I find a The RealReal store near me?
Yes, The RealReal has a growing number of retail stores and luxury consignment offices in major cities across the United States. You can visit a the real real store for in-person consultations, valuations, and to drop off items for consignment.