Basics:
The Real Real is an online consignment store for brand-name goods, but generates a lot of complaints from sellers
Expected pay: speculative
Husl$core: $$
Commissions & fees: staggered from 80% to 15%
Where: Nationwide (remote)
Requirements: Clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry or other luxury items for sale
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The Real Real Review:
The Real Real is a high-end consignment store, where you can theoretically resell your designer goods for a reasonable price. But a litany of complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau tell a different tale.
How it works
To sell here, you’ll set up a seller account providing your name, email and banking information.
You then have three ways to sell goods. You can sell directly to the site. Or you can sell on consignment getting a percentage of the sale. Finally, you can trade your goods for a credit that can be used on the site.
The Real Real only accepts designer goods. However, the list of designers is long.
The site says it prices your items for sale based on the item’s condition, market trends and demand for that brand. Sellers have no control of pricing here. List prices are set at The Real Real’s sole discretion.
Commissions and fees
The site imposes a staggered commission schedule, paying sellers between 20% and 85% of the sales price. In other words, to sell here, you’ll pay The Real Real between 80% and 15% of your item’s value simply to sell it on your behalf.
That’s an extraordinarily high commission rate that makes selling on eBay or Poshmark look cheap by comparison.
The site pays sellers for sales on the 15th of the month following the sale. In other words, you’ll get paid for March sales on April 15. All payments are made through Stripe.
Troublesome terms
But before you sell anything here, realize that the site’s terms give it the right to do a litany of things that sellers complain bitterly about. The most common complaint here is that the site discounts items ruthlessly, and that leaves sellers with a tiny fraction of the item’s value.
The Real Real’s terms give it complete pricing power, including the right to discount your items as steeply and as often as it chooses.
The site also has little accountability for losing items. Technically, the site says that if an item is lost while it’s in the site’s possession, it will be treated as “sold.” But they can apply all of their discounts and promotions to that sales price. So, your item that you thought was worth $500 could be valued at $100. You’d get just 20% of that, or $20.
And it has the right to seize your property when it claims the items you sent were are “inauthentic.” Since they now have the item — and have the right (in their terms) to keep it — their determination of authenticity is impossible to dispute.
Complaints
The Better Business Bureau has handled more than 1,400 complaints about The Real Real in the past three years. The site answers every complaint, but not necessarily to the customer’s satisfaction.
Seller complaints are also listed on dozens of other sites, from SiteJabber to SideHusl.com.
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Recommendations
Don’t sell your brand-name items here. There are several other sites that offer to sell luxury merchandize, and most of them cost less and perform better than The Real Real. Some we’d recommend:
If you’re selling designer goods, we’d suggest Poshmark, where you create a “closet” and set your own sales prices. Poshmark charges sellers a 20% commission.
Amazon can also be a good bet, depending on what you’re selling. The site has a variable commission schedule, which can get costly for some items. However, it’s never more than The Real-Real’s unreal 80%.
eBayis also a great choice. For ways to make your eBay selling more profitable, be sure to check out our blog post: Flipping a $50 chair into a $100,000 business.
What their sellers say (from SiteJabber):
Don’t sell through them. Fees to consign are INSANELY high, you end up with almost nothing. Their grading system is subpar too: sent a pair of shoes that were LITERALLY worn once and still looked new. They graded fair, inline with other shoes on their site that had major stress lines, cracks and heavy sole wear. As a buyer, their prices are pretty high too.
They don’t honor pricing requests. Rather than bunch sets together, they price under $100 to ensure virtually no commission to seller. Customer service is NOT good.
Crazy pricing
I consigned an inexpensive pair of mother jeans and they priced them at $65. Then I consigned a pair of brand new Moussy Vintage jeans that cost over $300 and they priced them LESS than the mother jeans? Never consigning with this company again.
They continue to send my luxury items to the wrong return address. I have contacted them multiple times and nothing gets done.
from the Better Business Bureau
“I listed an expensive diamond watch (+ appraisal) with them. They marked the watch down without my approval. It sold and there’s nothing I can do about it. Also, I have purchased items from them that were not in good condition: stains, pilling, defects, etc. They have low standards for the items they accept for sale. I have given them several chances. Now I am done with TRR.”
Cut my price in half
I sent The Real Real a Balenciaga Motocross Giant 12 iPad Case which I originally purchased at Barneys for over $400. They listed it originally at $175, but said they would never go below 50% off. Instead they sold it for $75 (over 50% off), leaving me with a measly $42.63 commission! The Real Real. It was a waste of my time and money!!!”
I have a statement in writing from one of their employees stating that I did not approve the sale of one of my personal items. The Real Real had a mixed up with the warehouse and forgot to ship my item back to me. Instead they sold my item well under its value. They refused to pay me for the item and they can’t retrieve it from the person who purchased it. I have no bag and no payment for it. This company is a fraud.”
Terrible experience
The worst experience I’ve had with any company. Customer service is a joke, no effort and ability to help resolving any issues, terrible place to consign. They are friendly and easy before you send anything in. Once they have your items, it’s over. They don’t care about you as long as they make their 45% off your goods. False advertisem*nt, misleading information. They undervalue your goods and then run an extra 20% or more sale on top of it, that means you as a consignor get real ****** money for your stuff.
Robbed
THEY ROB YOU. I sent over 15 items which were accepted by them, one of the items is a high demand popular Louis Vuitton wallet, in great condition. Two days after being on the website, they sold it with their 20% off promotion despite that fact it was marked as not available for any coupons and discounts. I mean why the hell would anyone do that? The consignment rep who helped me clearly told me such an item like this would not be on sale unless it’s being on sale for more than 30 days. BUT 2 days after ?? A well sought after LV wallet?? I have no words. But they refused to admit it was their mistake and refused to do anything about it.
“I have had only negative experiences with the company. As a consignor, they will mark down your item significantly without notifying you beforehand–so you are stuck with a final sale price that is much lower than what you would otherwise have accepted.”
Updated 2/5/2023
Dana
Worst experience over and over. I sent in a sold out everywhere Bottega bag with tags attached, brand new. They listed it got LESS than the same bag used AND put 20% on it after writing me in writing they won’t discount it 20%. No accountability. Worse service ever the left hand doesn’t know what the right is doing
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The return department is a complete disaster. Returns staff consistently make mistakes. I returned a $1200 jacket with other items and never received a refund for the jacket. When I called, they kept telling me different stories about what happened with the jacket and delaying my refund for 7 days, then 3 days more, then 5 days, 3 days and hanging up on me. They first told me that they received it but that the jacket needed to be authenticated, then that they didn’t have it and that someone was going to check the cameras and try to locate it, and finally that they had never received it. Finally, after multiple phone calls and contacting various agencies for help, they informed me that the person handling my return sent the jacket to the consignment department for unknown reasons. My money was eventually refunded, but the amount of stress and time I lost trying to get it back was enormous. I’m actually afraid to buy anything else from them after that incident happened. Their customer service department is extremely inept; they make up their own policies that contradict existing policies and tell you they will escalate the case just to get rid of you when in reality they don’t want to help you.
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Anne
Thank you! I was about to send my entire Tiffany collection in to them! I feel like I dodged a bullet.
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Lynn Davis
Glad I read theses comments. I was just about to consign with them. Won’t do it now and will tell others.
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Jina Lee Dell
I’m still waiting on 4 pieces of jewelry to be sent back to me after they lost a 3 stone oval diamond ring and took 2 months to ship my Tiffany items back that I requested. Sellers beware!!! DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THESE PEOPLE, THERE IS ONLY A FACADE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ABSOLUTELY NO ACCOUNTABILITY. Did I mention they paid me out for the “sale” of the lost ring instead of reimbursing me the actual value?!
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Erin S Robb
Hello Jina,
I fell for it too. However, I have been waiting for them to return my items. They have had them for 2 months. Did they ever return all your items? If so do you have information to help me to get the items back? At this point I am ready to go to the police because the replacement value would be grand theft.
Thank you,
ErinReply
Susan Christensen
Wow good to know I was on hold to chat with them to see how it works cuz they’ve got some good items but I just ended the chat right now! lol I’ve got 2 Louis Vuitton bags I’m going to be selling one is pretty rare and the other is super nice both vintage and one with box and dust bag. It’s the Sprouse Alma in red with the coin purse which is $1k by itself. I think I’ll go with Mercari I have bought Louboutins in there and have a couple pair listed. Poshmark seems like there’s so many items mine get lost. Thanks for this thread tho and heads up!
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Audrey
Appreciated the feedback and very helpful!
I was considering the consignment with the Real Real but looks like Mercari is a better option.
Any additional tips would be appreciated.
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Tiffany Reed
OMG! I’m so glad I checked the reviews about the real real. I was just about to send out a collection Versace, Natori, Badgley and Tina clothing out to them that I don’t or haven’t worn. They’re still in the plastic, zipped in their garment bags, tags, receipts and all. In all honesty I would’ve been livid with the type of treatment other’s had to deal with. Absolutely ridiculous and very unprofessional. I work hard for my clothing and to basically just give up my hard earned money to a stranger to profit off of me definitely doesn’t sit well. I’m truly sorry ladies that you got taken advantage of. I hope everything works out for you. It’s no consolation but just remember karma is a MoFo. What comes around goes around. Thanks for getting us newbies backs. It’s most appreciated.
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Rebecca Rose
Thank you Tiffany for your excellent feedback! and YES, what comes around absolutely DOES GO AROUND! Honesty IS the way GOD works and expects US to work! I have a rare vintage Halston co*cktail dress from my life in the ’70’s, and had shown it to these REAL REAL CROOKS! Then, I took another look when something didn’t feel right – and BOY! SO GLAD I DID AND THANK YOU, TIFFANY! Blessings are real … but so are curses. These people have some big bad ones that will follow them. GOD help them …
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Zoey Hoffman
I have sold at least 15 Louis Vuitton pieces to WP Diamonds and have had the pleasure of working with a young professional named Emre. My pieces ranged from the retail value of $500 to $5K. Some of the pieces were rare, and some were more common. Their process is a well oiled machine; very simple and can be done within two business days once pictures are sent to them and the pieces are shipped insured Fed Ex (they pay the insurance and provide the Fed Ex label). WP Diamonds is ideal for communicating; there is no waiting on emails or phone calls to be returned. Payment is super quick via direct deposit to your bank account (an hour or two wait), or you can request a check to be snail mailed. Their offers are reasonable and there are no added commissions taken. If you decline an offer, they ship the item(s) back at no cost. Check out Trust Pilot for added reviews. This is a company that does business with the highest degree of professionalism. Trustworthy, fair offers, and not stressful.
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Lisa
Hi Zoey, Thanks for the tip! Getting ready to sell some rare LV and Chanel, and made my appointment for a “TRR” appraiser to come over and give me sales price estimates. Finding this site was a Godsend, and saved me some serious headaches.
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Peter
I had lots of luxury used items. I would say around 30 to 40 pieces. Guess what? It all got returned to me over a two week basis. Wow, I don’t know what else to say?
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Anonymous
DO NOT CONSIGN WITH THIS COMPANY UNLESS YOU WANT NOTHING BUT A HEADACHE AND DEAL WITH AUTHENTICATORS THAT OBVIOUSLY HAVE ABSOLUTELY ZERO KNOWLEDGE REGARDING THE WORTH OF MOST OF THE ITEMS THEY SELL.
Bartolome
Why would you sent your items to a company for authentication Why,this is all a Big Hoax to steal your valuable items. They inside buy them to resell items themselves for big bucks. This platform it’s designed to legally steal your items !
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Silena
Absolutely true. I stupidly co-signed 55 designer items with them. Then, first thing I see, they “ sold “ my vintage Helmut Lang dress for $90. I was assured by representative that I will get $1,5 K or more for that dress.
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Renee Bush
For the second time I have a problem with Real Real. The first one they did not accept my Furla wallet and they returned it. Next thing I know the person who I deal with said they made a mistake. This time I gave them 8 items from Jay Strongwater and Herrend figurines. They posted that four items were accepted and the others were not. I look on my page and it says that nothing was accepted and because of Covid it will take about 4 to 6 weeks before they mail my stuff back. I am truly very disappointed in them and will not use them anymore. I don’t think they really know what they are doing
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Kay
Isn’t there or shouldn’t there be a way we can, ALL OF US, collectively deal with these evils Realreal so they’ll know we are on to their really really, ‘Fakefake’ practices?
When they are not stealing from a trusting old blind lady, they are cheating a single mom in the teeth of a pandemic! How about ‘disappearing’ your consignment so that your ware never makes it to listing stage and the ones that do are deliberately under-priced, apparently so they can inside buy – to say nothing about returning your things to you either ruined or not at all. You want to call their customer service? No problem; just know that your “wait time is more than a 10 minutes” where 10 minutes really means anything from a couple hours to eventual call termination!! You also have the option of having them call you back: the only problem is, THEY WONT, so don’t hold your breath!!!
Julie Wainwright built a good company but I fear this enterprise is managed, mainly by thieves and fools – fools who fail to realize they’d have no job without consignors, no sale without buyers and ultimately, no company without either.Reply
Erin
Hello Kay,
I am still trying to get my items back that they won’t list. At this point I am ready to go to the police to file a police report for stolen items. I would be in on a collective action of some kind.
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Dominique Martine
Took items from me. They listed them at prices that were 60% below the price I want . The measured them incorrectly and their staff knows nothing about fabric. Inexperienced . They told me my commission would start at 55% and listed all my items for under $100 so at 40% and plus sold one item at less 20%. I demanded all my items back and it took 2 weeks of threatening them to finally get my items back. They kept 5 and have them for sale a ridiculous low price. SO don’t sell with them. My question to them is ? ” what do they do with all the profit they make from their consigners? Does ti go straight to the owner because they don’t do a damn thing to make a sale. They sell at give away prices.
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lovie Whitt
Can the BBB not close these people down? I appreciate your report to the public even though you were treated so bad. I appreciate your warning to others
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Mary
I sent them a brand new Jimmy Choo handbag, currently being sold on Saks for $1350.00. First, they didn’t list it for two months. Then suddenly they listed it and it sold immediately (of course) because they listed it for $225.00, and with 20% off it sold for $180.00 of which I get $108.00. I am so upset. What a ripoff they are to sellers! NEVER sell with them.
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Lisa
Can’t thank SideHusl and all that have left comments about “The Real Real”. This morning I made an appointment with a TRR appraiser to come over and give me an idea of what my designer items are worth. Just speaking with her it seemed like a very lengthy involved process. She said that they would not reduce the prices on items without getting my permission and/or would return if I did not agree to the selling price. There was ZERO MENTION about the extra commission. I was told it was a straight 20%. Taking everyone’s advice to use Mercari or Poshmark. Thanks Y’All!
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Angela Clark
AVOID THIS COMPANY AT ALL COSTS! THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO ACCURATELY DESCRIBE THEIR MERCHANDISE. BUYERS TIE UP THEIR HARD EARNED MONIES TO PURCHASE AND WHEN THEY DO MERCHANDISE IS DESCRIBED POORLY, WRONG COLOR. READ THE REVIEWS ESPECIALLY THE NEGATIVE THEY ALL ARE STATING THE EXACT SAME FACTS. PEOPLE SHOP ELSEWHERE!!!!!
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Kathy L.
I have been thinking about selling some of my authentic Louis Vuitton and Salvatore Ferragamo items but after reading many reviews of The Real Real I definitely WILL NOT be selling with them. Has anyone ever turned them in to the Better Business Bureau? Thank you everyone for saving me from them!
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Barbara A Mayberry
I don’t know why the Better Business Bureau hasn’t done something to shut this place down concerning all of the multiple complaints written, the consignor came to my home and picked up my valued at $500.00 Michael Kor handbag. Was sold without any prior conversation and was sent a check in the amount of $16.60. I have ladies at church who are looking to sell their items and I will be showing them this check. YOU ARE THIEVES and what goes around comes around.
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Usha Mantha
Wow. Glad I saw these posts before sending TRR, my Brand New Valentino bag and shoes, just because the color looked too bright. They already have shown their poor customer service skills by not answering to the phones or text messages. Glad I checked this and WILL NOT GO AHEAD. Thanks to all who posted to help others.
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Mike L
Avoid Real Real @t All Cost…
They act very nice too you when trying to get you to send them your items.. They Give you a High offer that looks appealing , But they forget to tell you that they can get as much as 70% off your sale. So your High offer is a complete waste when & if they ever sell it for you. You will do better selling it yourself ANYWHERE ELSE ! TRUST ME.Reply
J
Wish I read this before working with TRR!! Same thing here. Sold a suit that is currently retailing for ~$4,000. Other consignment sites have listed and sold the same suit for $800-$900. TRR listed the suit for $175!!! So they paid me out $78, then had the nerve to charge a $10 “sent by mail” fee.
Quick question, has anyone ever taken a legal approach to this? We are contemplating taking them to litigation because we are out ~$500 and felt like we have been taken advantage of. I understand consignors might not have a lot of rights, but I think we should A) be notified when the listing goes live and B) be able to request information as to why they listed an item at a specific price.
DO NOT USE THE REAL REAL. It is a scam in every sense of the word. Will let you know how it goes, wish us luck lol
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Lindsey
AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL. AWFUL ALL AROUND.
PAY OUT IS PENNIES – SHUT THIS COMPANY DOWN!!!!!Reply
Marina
S##t… I just gave them so many very expensive Brands clothes!!!! Before I read this !! My, my… I paid for my suits over $4,000, Chanel bags, Bottega Veneta coats… and more, more, more… 🤬😱
Omg… Let’s see. I can’t believe! F…F…F…
I am reading now all comments and I’m in shock! I could sell it in my friend boutique like only 30-35 % commission!!!
And I’ve been thinking 🤔 about it!!!
Now, I’m in shock!Reply
So many things: have consigned $1,500 Jimmy Choo boots THAT THEY LISTED AT $195. Issey Miyaki Jacket that originally sold at $1310.00 – 20 years ago. The jacket was perfect. Was listed by them for under $300. I could go on…,.. Consigner receives pennies out of the low prices they sell for. Price reductions happen randomly; photography is poor; descriptions are inaccurate….Have been consigning for 20 years – yet had never seen such disarray. In less than 2 months, I’ve been given 3 different “Consignment Managers.” Was the pay so awful that they needed to quit? Once the CM leaves, their phone and email are unavailable. Pretty scary!
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