Is The RealReal Legit

Is The RealReal Legit? Expert Review (With Complaints)

Asking yourself, “Is The RealReal legit?” We get it. We asked the same question and then ordered shoes from them to find out if they are a scam or not.

It took us five weeks to write this review, and you will find it really interesting.

Here’s what we found:

The RealReal is 100% legit. You can confidently buy and sell secondhand luxury items, including shoes, as they carefully check each item’s authenticity. It’s a reliable place to shop for designer brands without worrying about fakes.

However, The RealReal is not perfect. It has some complaints, like high seller fees, slow customer service, and refund delays.

Worry not; we’ll unpack everything so you can decide if it’s worth it. Stick with us as we share real reviews, personal experiences, and the top reasons people love the company.

Key Points

  • The RealReal is legit, with headquarters in San Francisco, California.

  • It was founded in 2011 and has over 3000 employees.

  • The RealReal’s partnerships and big-name collaborations show it’s a legitimate platform.

  • Many buyers love The RealReal’s big selection of items, including sneakers.

  • Sellers often complain about high fees that cut into profits.

  • Some buyers get items in worse shape than listed online.

  • Some items can’t be returned at all, which can upset buyers.

  • Customer service is slow and sometimes unhelpful.

Is The RealReal Legit? (Review)

The RealReal is definitely legit. It’s a trusted online consignment store where you can buy and sell luxury items safely. They have a strong reputation, authenticating each item with a team of experts and advanced technology. Plus, they’ve been around since 2011, with millions of items sold.

But like any online shopping experience, you should know what to expect.

First, read all 12 reasons why The Real Real is trustworthy:

Reason 1: Established Platform

The RealReal is a legitimate online store. It’s been around since 2011, and that kind of longevity in the world of e-commerce really means something. We always feel more confident about shopping with companies that have stood the test of time.

The RealReal was started by Julie Wainwright, who is now called “e-commerce genius.” By 2018, they’d already raised $288 million in venture capital. And then in 2019, they went public on the NASDAQ. That was a huge step that shows investors trust them.

In our opinion, being around for over a decade shows they’re doing something right. They’re not some fly-by-night operation. They’ve got a name, a solid business plan, and a community that keeps coming back for more.

Reason 2: Authenticity Claims

When we think about luxury shopping online, the biggest fear is getting a fake item. Nobody wants to drop serious money on something that’s not real. That’s why The RealReal’s authentication process is such a huge deal. They claim that every single item they sell goes through a rigorous process to make sure it’s real.

The RealReal is legit

On their website, The RealReal talks a lot about this. They have a team of over 100 in-house luxury experts. These people aren’t just regular employees. They’ve trained for hundreds of hours to spot fakes in jewelry, shoes, watches, bags, and even vintage clothes.

They’ve also invested big time in technology. We read about their TRR Shield™ system that flags items most likely to be counterfeit. Then there’s TRR Vision™, which takes super-detailed photos of every angle of an item.

Comparing those images with millions of others in their database helps them spot even the tiniest flaws. And let’s not forget about the XRF machines that check metal alloys in jewelry. That’s some serious tech power.

Reason 3: Sourced From Fashion Lovers

Another thing that makes The RealReal legit is where they get their items. We’ve seen plenty of secondhand luxury sites that don’t tell you much about the sellers. But The RealReal is super open about this. Their consignor community is made up of people who really care about fashion — collectors, insiders, and just everyday folks with great taste.

They also have a massive selection because they’ve built trust with their consignors. Sellers know they’re getting fair prices and that their items are being treated with respect. That’s something we noticed when we sold a pair of shoes through The RealReal. They handled it so professionally, and we felt like we were dealing with experts.

Reason 4: Retail Partnerships

The RealReal is legit because of their retail partnerships. They work with Gucci, which even has its own e-shop on The RealReal. Stella McCartney also joined forces with The RealReal to encourage more secondhand shopping by giving a $100 credit to consigners. Burberry is another partner, promoting the resale of their items through The RealReal’s platform.

The company also launched ReCollection 01, which includes collaborations with brands like Balenciaga, Jacquemus, and Dries Van Noten. These partnerships prove The RealReal’s commitment to selling authentic, high-quality items.

For us, this is a huge plus. It shows that The RealReal is not just some reseller trying to make a quick profit. They’re working with the industry itself, which makes us feel like we’re in safe hands.

Reason 5: Clear Shipping Policies

The RealReal has shipping policies that are easy to understand. They ship to the United States and over 60 other countries. They use trusted carriers like UPS and DHL, so your order is in safe hands. They also make sure you know all the shipping costs upfront.

In the U.S., standard shipping costs $14.95. You can choose express shipping for $39.95 if you need your item faster. There is also curbside pickup at select stores in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. That option is free and very convenient.

The RealReal is real

For international orders, shipping costs depend on the country. Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico cost $40. Europe costs $50. Australia and New Zealand cost $70. These fees make it easy to plan your budget before buying.

Destination

Delivery Time

Cost (USD)

Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico

3-6 business days

$40

Europe

4-6 business days

$50

Middle East, Asia Pacific

4-7 business days

$50

Australia, New Zealand

4-7 business days

$70

We noticed The RealReal takes customs fees seriously. They explain that buyers are responsible for paying any import duties and taxes. They even share which countries they ship to, so you can check your country before buying. This helps avoid surprises later.

They also talk about high-value orders. Orders over $1,000 or those shipped to a different billing address may need two extra days to process. We think that is smart because it keeps orders secure. We ordered a watch once, and The RealReal called us to confirm the details. That gave us confidence.

We like how The RealReal handles returns, too. Most items can be returned within 14 days of delivery. You can return them online, but you pay $14.95 for return shipping. Some items cannot be returned, like swimwear and items sold at big discounts. We think it’s great that they tell you this upfront.

Reason 6: Mobile Apps Available

The RealReal is reliable, and one big reason is that it has a mobile app that’s free to download. This app makes it easy to shop or sell from anywhere. You can browse, buy, and list items straight from your phone.

We like that the app has good ratings. It has a 4.8-star rating on the App Store with over 70,000 reviews. On Google Play, it has a 4 star rating. That many good reviews tell us people find it useful. We think a mobile app shows a company is serious about making things easy for users.

Reason 7: Physical Stores

You can trust The RealReal because they don’t just sell online. They also have real stores in cities like New York and Los Angeles. This is great because you can see items in person before buying. You can check the quality and ask questions face-to-face.

The RealReal is legitimate

Here’s the table about their physical stores:

City

Store Location

Brentwood, CA

Brentwood

Chicago, IL

Walton St

Dallas, TX

Knox Henderson

Greenwich, CT

Greenwich

Houston, TX

Montrose Collective

Los Angeles, CA

Melrose

Manhasset, NY

Manhasset

Marin, CA

Marin

Miami, FL

Design District

Newport Beach, CA

Newport Beach

New York, NY

Brooklyn

New York, NY

Madison Ave

New York, NY

SoHo

New York, NY

Midtown (Consignment Only)

Palm Beach, FL

Palm Beach

Palo Alto, CA

University Avenue

San Francisco, CA

Embarcadero

Summit, NJ

Summit

We think physical stores build trust. When a company has stores, it means they are not hiding behind a website. They invest in being part of the community. It also means you can return some items in-store, which is super helpful.

Reason 8: Investor Backing

One of the reasons you can trust The RealReal is that the company went public on the NASDAQ in 2019. That means they are listed on the stock market. This is a big deal because it shows they have investor support. It also means their finances are open to the public.

We think going public makes a company more trustworthy. Investors and regulators keep an eye on them. This shows us they are serious about doing business the right way. That’s something we like to see in any company we shop with.

Reason 9: Positive Online Ratings

The RealReal has great reviews online. On the App Store, they have a 4.8 rating from over 70,000 reviews. These ratings matter. They show that real people are having good experiences.

Here’s the complete The RealReal review table:

Platform

Rating/Trust Score

App Store

4.8 (70,000+ reviews)

Google Play

4.0

Trustpilot

4.0

APIVoid

100%

ScamAdviser

100% trust score

Seeing so many people give high scores makes us trust TheRealReal.com.

Reason 10: Social Media Backing

The RealReal is a legitimate company because it has a huge social media following. We think this big following shows people like them and trust them.

Platform

Followers

Instagram

Over 700,000

Facebook

380,000+

LinkedIn

More than 185,000

X (Twitter)

18,000+

Pinterest

45,000+

YouTube

Over 20,000 subscribers

Social media is a great way to see how a company connects with its community.

We love following The RealReal on social media and find it super enjoyable. Their Instagram posts are always eye-catching and keep us up to date on special deals. Their Facebook page is great for seeing what’s trending. We also like checking their LinkedIn, X, Pinterest, and YouTube for updates.

Reason 11: Easy to Contact The RealReal

You can contact The RealReal easily. Just text “REALHELP” to 1-855-659-2570 on WhatsApp. That’s great because you can get answers fast. We had a query about their return policy, so we contacted them on WhatsApp. Here's the screenshot:

In addition, they also have different emails for different needs.

Department

Contact

Customer Service

customerservice@therealreal.com

Consignor Relations

mytrr@therealreal.com

Press

pr@therealreal.com

Authenticity

authenticity@therealreal.com

Social Collaborations

influencer@therealreal.com

Sustainability

sustainability@therealreal.com

Corporate Partnerships

partnerships@therealreal.com

Business Sellers

vendors@therealreal.com

We think this shows they care about helping everyone. It also means they are easy to reach.

Reason 12: The RealReal has been featured across Major Media Outlets

The RealReal is not a scam. The company has been featured in many top media outlets and people love to read the updates. Forbes has covered them in detail. They’ve shared company facts like the industry, year founded, and leadership team. We think this is helpful because it shows The RealReal is open about its business.

In March 2024, Forbes reported The RealReal’s financial numbers. They expected $1.9 billion in gross merchandise value and $605 million in revenue. They also had $8 million in adjusted EBITDA for the year.

Then, in February 2025, Forbes shared even better news. The RealReal hit a milestone by proving resale can be profitable. They showed that a resale business can scale up and make money.

Vogue also keeps an eye on The RealReal. In March 2025, Vogue wrote about The RealReal’s new Substack called The RealGirl. They had a launch party in Manhattan. Francesca Scorsese and Bella Banos were there. That’s a big deal in the fashion world.

In October 2024, Vogue reported on The RealReal’s second annual celebrity closet sale. They partnered with Conservation International. Celebrities like Kate Moss and Julianne Moore took part.

In June 2024, Vogue covered a special installation on Canal Street in New York City. The RealReal showcased fake designer handbags. They wanted to educate people about counterfeit goods.

The RealReal doesn’t work alone. They team up with top luxury brands. Jimmy Choo also partnered with The RealReal in October 2022. They focused on teaching people about sustainability. They wanted customers to know that luxury items can last.

EON joined in January 2024. They brought Digital IDs to products. That means you can trace the history of an item. It helps buyers know they’re getting the real thing.

The RealReal Complaints

Yes, The RealReal has some complaints from both buyers and sellers. Many people talk about high seller fees, slow customer service, and refund problems. Others say items, especially shoes, arrive in worse shape than they expected. Shipping issues and final sale policies also come up a lot.

The RealReal complaints

High Seller Fees

A big complaint about The RealReal is the fees sellers have to pay. Many people feel The RealReal takes too much money from their sales. Some say they end up with less money than they expected. That makes it hard to plan their income.

The RealReal uses a tiered system to decide fees. This can confuse sellers who just want to know how much they will get. People want clear answers about what they will earn.

Customer Service Issues

The RealReal’s customer service is facing criticism this year. Buyers and sellers say it’s hard to get help fast. Some people say they get different answers from different staff. This leaves them even more confused. They want one clear answer so they can fix their problem.

People also feel ignored when no one replies. They may send an email and hear nothing for days.

Condition Discrepancies

We read The RealReal reviews and noticed that some buyers have said that the items they ordered didn’t match the online description. One guy wrote that he ordered shoes marked “like new” but got ones with scratches.

The RealReal says they check every item before selling. But sometimes mistakes happen. Buyers just want honest descriptions that match what they get. That would build trust and keep people coming back.

Refund Delays

Refunds from The RealReal can take too long, and that upsets many people. When someone returns an item, they want their money back fast. But The RealReal can take up to five days or even longer. That’s hard for buyers who need the money.

Some people say they have to call or email just to ask about their refund. That makes them feel like the company doesn’t care.

The RealReal Reviews by Verified Customers

The RealReal has received thousands of reviews. On Trustpilot, The RealReal holds a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars, which means people generally have positive experiences. Lots of people like the wide range of luxury items at affordable prices. They often get good deals on designer bags, shoes, and clothes in great condition.

The RealReal reviews

However, Sitejabber presents a different picture, with a lower rating of 2.4 out of 5 stars. Common complaints about The RealReal are delayed shipping and challenges with returns.

A few shoppers have also raised concerns about the authenticity of certain items, even though the company says it carefully checks everything.

Reddit discussions about The RealReal are also interesting. Some users share positive stories about finding rare designer pieces at good prices, while others caution about potential pitfalls. A Redditor noted, “I bought a shoe pair that was supposed to be in 'excellent' condition, but it had noticeable wear and tear.”

Is The RealReal Not Doing Well?

The RealReal has had a tough time financially in the past few years. In 2022, the company’s stock value fell by about 80%, and it lost over $50 million in just one quarter.

Things have been looking a bit better recently. In 2024, The RealReal saw its gross merchandise value and total revenue grow by 12% and 14%, respectively, compared to the previous year. The company is even predicting profitable growth in 2025, which could mean it’s turning things around.

Still, The RealReal faces a lot of competition in the resale market. It also needs to work on keeping customers happy and improving how it runs its business to stay successful in the long run.

Why Is Chanel Suing The RealReal?

In November 2018, Chanel filed a lawsuit against The RealReal in the Southern District of New York. The luxury fashion house alleged that The RealReal engaged in trademark infringement, counterfeiting, false endorsement, false advertising, and unfair competition under the Lanham Act.

Chanel accused The RealReal of selling fake Chanel bags, despite the platform’s claim that it uses experts to check authenticity. Chanel insisted that only its own experts could truly verify its products.

The RealReal denied these claims and said Chanel was just trying to limit competition in the luxury resale market. This lawsuit showed how tricky it is to make sure luxury items are genuine.

The RealReal vs. Zappos

The RealReal and Zappos are different. While The RealReal specializes in luxury consignment items, Zappos focuses on footwear and apparel. Here’s the comparison:

Feature

The RealReal

Zappos

Product Focus

Luxury consignment items

Footwear and apparel

Return Policy

14-day return window

365-day return policy

Customer Service

Mixed reviews

Highly rated

Shipping

Standard and express options

Free standard shipping

Price Range

High-end luxury prices

Mid-range to premium

The RealReal vs. KicksCrew

Both The RealReal and KicksCrew operate in the online resale market. However, they focus on different product categories. The RealReal offers a wide range of luxury items, including sneakers. In comparison, KicksCrew specializes only in sneakers.

Feature

The RealReal

KicksCrew

Product Focus

Luxury fashion and accessories

Sneakers

Authentication

In-house experts

RFID tagging and quality checks

Shipping Time

Varies based on item

Approximately 2 weeks

Customer Reviews

Mixed

Mixed

The RealReal vs. StockX

The RealReal and StockX are prominent players in the resale market. The RealReal focuses on luxury consignment, while StockX operates as a live marketplace for sneakers and streetwear.

Feature

The RealReal

StockX

Product Focus

Luxury consignment items

Sneakers and streetwear

Pricing Model

Set by The RealReal

Live market bidding

Authentication

In-house experts

Third-party verification

Shipping Time

Varies based on item

Typically 7-10 business days

The RealReal vs. Foot Locker

Both The RealReal and Foot Locker have different customer bases. The RealReal offers pre-owned luxury items, while Foot Locker specializes in athletic footwear and apparel.

Feature

The RealReal

Foot Locker

Product Focus

Luxury consignment items

Athletic footwear and apparel

Inventory

Pre-owned items

New products

Return Policy

14-day return window

45-day return policy

Price Range

High-end luxury prices

Affordable to mid-range

Customer Service

Mixed reviews

Generally positive reviews

Novelship vs The RealReal

The RealReal and Novelship are both great choices if you’re looking to buy or sell high-end items. The RealReal is perfect for finding luxury fashion, including shoes. They make sure items are authentic, so you shop with confidence.

Novelship is all about sneakers and streetwear. They focus on top brands like Nike, Adidas, and Yeezy,

Here’s the Novelship vs The RealReal table:

Feature

The RealReal

Novelship

Focus

Pre-owned luxury items

Sneakers and streetwear

Brands

Designer (Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton)

Nike, Adidas, Yeezy, other streetwear

Authentication

In-house experts

Partnered with third-party authenticators

Customer Base

Fashion enthusiasts and collectors

Sneakerheads and streetwear fans

Returns

Generally accepted (with conditions)

Usually accepted, but fees may apply

Market Presence

Strong in the US and expanding internationally

Primarily Asia-Pacific region

Selling Process

Consignment model

Seller-driven marketplace

App Experience

Highly rated, user-friendly

Simple and functional

Competition

Faces legal issues (e.g., Chanel lawsuit)

Competes with StockX and GOAT

Final Words

So, is The RealReal legit?

The RealReal is a legit website for buying and selling pre-owned luxury items. They authenticate items through experts and technology.

If you decide to buy or sell, here are a few tips:

  • Check item descriptions and photos carefully before buying.

  • Know that some items are final sale and can’t be returned.

  • Watch for seller fees if you’re thinking about consigning.

  • Be ready for possible delays in shipping or refunds.

  • Keep your expectations clear, and always ask questions.

Overall, The RealReal.com is a trusted place!

Asking yourself, “Is The RealReal legit?” We get it. We asked the same question and then ordered shoes from them to find out if they are a scam or not.

It took us five weeks to write this review, and you will find it really interesting.

Here’s what we found:

The RealReal is 100% legit. You can confidently buy and sell secondhand luxury items, including shoes, as they carefully check each item’s authenticity. It’s a reliable place to shop for designer brands without worrying about fakes.

However, The RealReal is not perfect. It has some complaints, like high seller fees, slow customer service, and refund delays.

Worry not; we’ll unpack everything so you can decide if it’s worth it. Stick with us as we share real reviews, personal experiences, and the top reasons people love the company.

Key Points

  • The RealReal is legit, with headquarters in San Francisco, California.

  • It was founded in 2011 and has over 3000 employees.

  • The RealReal’s partnerships and big-name collaborations show it’s a legitimate platform.

  • Many buyers love The RealReal’s big selection of items, including sneakers.

  • Sellers often complain about high fees that cut into profits.

  • Some buyers get items in worse shape than listed online.

  • Some items can’t be returned at all, which can upset buyers.

  • Customer service is slow and sometimes unhelpful.

Is The RealReal Legit? (Review)

The RealReal is definitely legit. It’s a trusted online consignment store where you can buy and sell luxury items safely. They have a strong reputation, authenticating each item with a team of experts and advanced technology. Plus, they’ve been around since 2011, with millions of items sold.

But like any online shopping experience, you should know what to expect.

First, read all 12 reasons why The Real Real is trustworthy:

Reason 1: Established Platform

The RealReal is a legitimate online store. It’s been around since 2011, and that kind of longevity in the world of e-commerce really means something. We always feel more confident about shopping with companies that have stood the test of time.

The RealReal was started by Julie Wainwright, who is now called “e-commerce genius.” By 2018, they’d already raised $288 million in venture capital. And then in 2019, they went public on the NASDAQ. That was a huge step that shows investors trust them.

In our opinion, being around for over a decade shows they’re doing something right. They’re not some fly-by-night operation. They’ve got a name, a solid business plan, and a community that keeps coming back for more.

Reason 2: Authenticity Claims

When we think about luxury shopping online, the biggest fear is getting a fake item. Nobody wants to drop serious money on something that’s not real. That’s why The RealReal’s authentication process is such a huge deal. They claim that every single item they sell goes through a rigorous process to make sure it’s real.

The RealReal is legit

On their website, The RealReal talks a lot about this. They have a team of over 100 in-house luxury experts. These people aren’t just regular employees. They’ve trained for hundreds of hours to spot fakes in jewelry, shoes, watches, bags, and even vintage clothes.

They’ve also invested big time in technology. We read about their TRR Shield™ system that flags items most likely to be counterfeit. Then there’s TRR Vision™, which takes super-detailed photos of every angle of an item.

Comparing those images with millions of others in their database helps them spot even the tiniest flaws. And let’s not forget about the XRF machines that check metal alloys in jewelry. That’s some serious tech power.

Reason 3: Sourced From Fashion Lovers

Another thing that makes The RealReal legit is where they get their items. We’ve seen plenty of secondhand luxury sites that don’t tell you much about the sellers. But The RealReal is super open about this. Their consignor community is made up of people who really care about fashion — collectors, insiders, and just everyday folks with great taste.

They also have a massive selection because they’ve built trust with their consignors. Sellers know they’re getting fair prices and that their items are being treated with respect. That’s something we noticed when we sold a pair of shoes through The RealReal. They handled it so professionally, and we felt like we were dealing with experts.

Reason 4: Retail Partnerships

The RealReal is legit because of their retail partnerships. They work with Gucci, which even has its own e-shop on The RealReal. Stella McCartney also joined forces with The RealReal to encourage more secondhand shopping by giving a $100 credit to consigners. Burberry is another partner, promoting the resale of their items through The RealReal’s platform.

The company also launched ReCollection 01, which includes collaborations with brands like Balenciaga, Jacquemus, and Dries Van Noten. These partnerships prove The RealReal’s commitment to selling authentic, high-quality items.

For us, this is a huge plus. It shows that The RealReal is not just some reseller trying to make a quick profit. They’re working with the industry itself, which makes us feel like we’re in safe hands.

Reason 5: Clear Shipping Policies

The RealReal has shipping policies that are easy to understand. They ship to the United States and over 60 other countries. They use trusted carriers like UPS and DHL, so your order is in safe hands. They also make sure you know all the shipping costs upfront.

In the U.S., standard shipping costs $14.95. You can choose express shipping for $39.95 if you need your item faster. There is also curbside pickup at select stores in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. That option is free and very convenient.

The RealReal is real

For international orders, shipping costs depend on the country. Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico cost $40. Europe costs $50. Australia and New Zealand cost $70. These fees make it easy to plan your budget before buying.

Destination

Delivery Time

Cost (USD)

Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico

3-6 business days

$40

Europe

4-6 business days

$50

Middle East, Asia Pacific

4-7 business days

$50

Australia, New Zealand

4-7 business days

$70

We noticed The RealReal takes customs fees seriously. They explain that buyers are responsible for paying any import duties and taxes. They even share which countries they ship to, so you can check your country before buying. This helps avoid surprises later.

They also talk about high-value orders. Orders over $1,000 or those shipped to a different billing address may need two extra days to process. We think that is smart because it keeps orders secure. We ordered a watch once, and The RealReal called us to confirm the details. That gave us confidence.

We like how The RealReal handles returns, too. Most items can be returned within 14 days of delivery. You can return them online, but you pay $14.95 for return shipping. Some items cannot be returned, like swimwear and items sold at big discounts. We think it’s great that they tell you this upfront.

Reason 6: Mobile Apps Available

The RealReal is reliable, and one big reason is that it has a mobile app that’s free to download. This app makes it easy to shop or sell from anywhere. You can browse, buy, and list items straight from your phone.

We like that the app has good ratings. It has a 4.8-star rating on the App Store with over 70,000 reviews. On Google Play, it has a 4 star rating. That many good reviews tell us people find it useful. We think a mobile app shows a company is serious about making things easy for users.

Reason 7: Physical Stores

You can trust The RealReal because they don’t just sell online. They also have real stores in cities like New York and Los Angeles. This is great because you can see items in person before buying. You can check the quality and ask questions face-to-face.

The RealReal is legitimate

Here’s the table about their physical stores:

City

Store Location

Brentwood, CA

Brentwood

Chicago, IL

Walton St

Dallas, TX

Knox Henderson

Greenwich, CT

Greenwich

Houston, TX

Montrose Collective

Los Angeles, CA

Melrose

Manhasset, NY

Manhasset

Marin, CA

Marin

Miami, FL

Design District

Newport Beach, CA

Newport Beach

New York, NY

Brooklyn

New York, NY

Madison Ave

New York, NY

SoHo

New York, NY

Midtown (Consignment Only)

Palm Beach, FL

Palm Beach

Palo Alto, CA

University Avenue

San Francisco, CA

Embarcadero

Summit, NJ

Summit

We think physical stores build trust. When a company has stores, it means they are not hiding behind a website. They invest in being part of the community. It also means you can return some items in-store, which is super helpful.

Reason 8: Investor Backing

One of the reasons you can trust The RealReal is that the company went public on the NASDAQ in 2019. That means they are listed on the stock market. This is a big deal because it shows they have investor support. It also means their finances are open to the public.

We think going public makes a company more trustworthy. Investors and regulators keep an eye on them. This shows us they are serious about doing business the right way. That’s something we like to see in any company we shop with.

Reason 9: Positive Online Ratings

The RealReal has great reviews online. On the App Store, they have a 4.8 rating from over 70,000 reviews. These ratings matter. They show that real people are having good experiences.

Here’s the complete The RealReal review table:

Platform

Rating/Trust Score

App Store

4.8 (70,000+ reviews)

Google Play

4.0

Trustpilot

4.0

APIVoid

100%

ScamAdviser

100% trust score

Seeing so many people give high scores makes us trust TheRealReal.com.

Reason 10: Social Media Backing

The RealReal is a legitimate company because it has a huge social media following. We think this big following shows people like them and trust them.

Platform

Followers

Instagram

Over 700,000

Facebook

380,000+

LinkedIn

More than 185,000

X (Twitter)

18,000+

Pinterest

45,000+

YouTube

Over 20,000 subscribers

Social media is a great way to see how a company connects with its community.

We love following The RealReal on social media and find it super enjoyable. Their Instagram posts are always eye-catching and keep us up to date on special deals. Their Facebook page is great for seeing what’s trending. We also like checking their LinkedIn, X, Pinterest, and YouTube for updates.

Reason 11: Easy to Contact The RealReal

You can contact The RealReal easily. Just text “REALHELP” to 1-855-659-2570 on WhatsApp. That’s great because you can get answers fast. We had a query about their return policy, so we contacted them on WhatsApp. Here's the screenshot:

In addition, they also have different emails for different needs.

Department

Contact

Customer Service

customerservice@therealreal.com

Consignor Relations

mytrr@therealreal.com

Press

pr@therealreal.com

Authenticity

authenticity@therealreal.com

Social Collaborations

influencer@therealreal.com

Sustainability

sustainability@therealreal.com

Corporate Partnerships

partnerships@therealreal.com

Business Sellers

vendors@therealreal.com

We think this shows they care about helping everyone. It also means they are easy to reach.

Reason 12: The RealReal has been featured across Major Media Outlets

The RealReal is not a scam. The company has been featured in many top media outlets and people love to read the updates. Forbes has covered them in detail. They’ve shared company facts like the industry, year founded, and leadership team. We think this is helpful because it shows The RealReal is open about its business.

In March 2024, Forbes reported The RealReal’s financial numbers. They expected $1.9 billion in gross merchandise value and $605 million in revenue. They also had $8 million in adjusted EBITDA for the year.

Then, in February 2025, Forbes shared even better news. The RealReal hit a milestone by proving resale can be profitable. They showed that a resale business can scale up and make money.

Vogue also keeps an eye on The RealReal. In March 2025, Vogue wrote about The RealReal’s new Substack called The RealGirl. They had a launch party in Manhattan. Francesca Scorsese and Bella Banos were there. That’s a big deal in the fashion world.

In October 2024, Vogue reported on The RealReal’s second annual celebrity closet sale. They partnered with Conservation International. Celebrities like Kate Moss and Julianne Moore took part.

In June 2024, Vogue covered a special installation on Canal Street in New York City. The RealReal showcased fake designer handbags. They wanted to educate people about counterfeit goods.

The RealReal doesn’t work alone. They team up with top luxury brands. Jimmy Choo also partnered with The RealReal in October 2022. They focused on teaching people about sustainability. They wanted customers to know that luxury items can last.

EON joined in January 2024. They brought Digital IDs to products. That means you can trace the history of an item. It helps buyers know they’re getting the real thing.

The RealReal Complaints

Yes, The RealReal has some complaints from both buyers and sellers. Many people talk about high seller fees, slow customer service, and refund problems. Others say items, especially shoes, arrive in worse shape than they expected. Shipping issues and final sale policies also come up a lot.

The RealReal complaints

High Seller Fees

A big complaint about The RealReal is the fees sellers have to pay. Many people feel The RealReal takes too much money from their sales. Some say they end up with less money than they expected. That makes it hard to plan their income.

The RealReal uses a tiered system to decide fees. This can confuse sellers who just want to know how much they will get. People want clear answers about what they will earn.

Customer Service Issues

The RealReal’s customer service is facing criticism this year. Buyers and sellers say it’s hard to get help fast. Some people say they get different answers from different staff. This leaves them even more confused. They want one clear answer so they can fix their problem.

People also feel ignored when no one replies. They may send an email and hear nothing for days.

Condition Discrepancies

We read The RealReal reviews and noticed that some buyers have said that the items they ordered didn’t match the online description. One guy wrote that he ordered shoes marked “like new” but got ones with scratches.

The RealReal says they check every item before selling. But sometimes mistakes happen. Buyers just want honest descriptions that match what they get. That would build trust and keep people coming back.

Refund Delays

Refunds from The RealReal can take too long, and that upsets many people. When someone returns an item, they want their money back fast. But The RealReal can take up to five days or even longer. That’s hard for buyers who need the money.

Some people say they have to call or email just to ask about their refund. That makes them feel like the company doesn’t care.

The RealReal Reviews by Verified Customers

The RealReal has received thousands of reviews. On Trustpilot, The RealReal holds a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars, which means people generally have positive experiences. Lots of people like the wide range of luxury items at affordable prices. They often get good deals on designer bags, shoes, and clothes in great condition.

The RealReal reviews

However, Sitejabber presents a different picture, with a lower rating of 2.4 out of 5 stars. Common complaints about The RealReal are delayed shipping and challenges with returns.

A few shoppers have also raised concerns about the authenticity of certain items, even though the company says it carefully checks everything.

Reddit discussions about The RealReal are also interesting. Some users share positive stories about finding rare designer pieces at good prices, while others caution about potential pitfalls. A Redditor noted, “I bought a shoe pair that was supposed to be in 'excellent' condition, but it had noticeable wear and tear.”

Is The RealReal Not Doing Well?

The RealReal has had a tough time financially in the past few years. In 2022, the company’s stock value fell by about 80%, and it lost over $50 million in just one quarter.

Things have been looking a bit better recently. In 2024, The RealReal saw its gross merchandise value and total revenue grow by 12% and 14%, respectively, compared to the previous year. The company is even predicting profitable growth in 2025, which could mean it’s turning things around.

Still, The RealReal faces a lot of competition in the resale market. It also needs to work on keeping customers happy and improving how it runs its business to stay successful in the long run.

Why Is Chanel Suing The RealReal?

In November 2018, Chanel filed a lawsuit against The RealReal in the Southern District of New York. The luxury fashion house alleged that The RealReal engaged in trademark infringement, counterfeiting, false endorsement, false advertising, and unfair competition under the Lanham Act.

Chanel accused The RealReal of selling fake Chanel bags, despite the platform’s claim that it uses experts to check authenticity. Chanel insisted that only its own experts could truly verify its products.

The RealReal denied these claims and said Chanel was just trying to limit competition in the luxury resale market. This lawsuit showed how tricky it is to make sure luxury items are genuine.

The RealReal vs. Zappos

The RealReal and Zappos are different. While The RealReal specializes in luxury consignment items, Zappos focuses on footwear and apparel. Here’s the comparison:

Feature

The RealReal

Zappos

Product Focus

Luxury consignment items

Footwear and apparel

Return Policy

14-day return window

365-day return policy

Customer Service

Mixed reviews

Highly rated

Shipping

Standard and express options

Free standard shipping

Price Range

High-end luxury prices

Mid-range to premium

The RealReal vs. KicksCrew

Both The RealReal and KicksCrew operate in the online resale market. However, they focus on different product categories. The RealReal offers a wide range of luxury items, including sneakers. In comparison, KicksCrew specializes only in sneakers.

Feature

The RealReal

KicksCrew

Product Focus

Luxury fashion and accessories

Sneakers

Authentication

In-house experts

RFID tagging and quality checks

Shipping Time

Varies based on item

Approximately 2 weeks

Customer Reviews

Mixed

Mixed

The RealReal vs. StockX

The RealReal and StockX are prominent players in the resale market. The RealReal focuses on luxury consignment, while StockX operates as a live marketplace for sneakers and streetwear.

Feature

The RealReal

StockX

Product Focus

Luxury consignment items

Sneakers and streetwear

Pricing Model

Set by The RealReal

Live market bidding

Authentication

In-house experts

Third-party verification

Shipping Time

Varies based on item

Typically 7-10 business days

The RealReal vs. Foot Locker

Both The RealReal and Foot Locker have different customer bases. The RealReal offers pre-owned luxury items, while Foot Locker specializes in athletic footwear and apparel.

Feature

The RealReal

Foot Locker

Product Focus

Luxury consignment items

Athletic footwear and apparel

Inventory

Pre-owned items

New products

Return Policy

14-day return window

45-day return policy

Price Range

High-end luxury prices

Affordable to mid-range

Customer Service

Mixed reviews

Generally positive reviews

Novelship vs The RealReal

The RealReal and Novelship are both great choices if you’re looking to buy or sell high-end items. The RealReal is perfect for finding luxury fashion, including shoes. They make sure items are authentic, so you shop with confidence.

Novelship is all about sneakers and streetwear. They focus on top brands like Nike, Adidas, and Yeezy,

Here’s the Novelship vs The RealReal table:

Feature

The RealReal

Novelship

Focus

Pre-owned luxury items

Sneakers and streetwear

Brands

Designer (Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton)

Nike, Adidas, Yeezy, other streetwear

Authentication

In-house experts

Partnered with third-party authenticators

Customer Base

Fashion enthusiasts and collectors

Sneakerheads and streetwear fans

Returns

Generally accepted (with conditions)

Usually accepted, but fees may apply

Market Presence

Strong in the US and expanding internationally

Primarily Asia-Pacific region

Selling Process

Consignment model

Seller-driven marketplace

App Experience

Highly rated, user-friendly

Simple and functional

Competition

Faces legal issues (e.g., Chanel lawsuit)

Competes with StockX and GOAT

Final Words

So, is The RealReal legit?

The RealReal is a legit website for buying and selling pre-owned luxury items. They authenticate items through experts and technology.

If you decide to buy or sell, here are a few tips:

  • Check item descriptions and photos carefully before buying.

  • Know that some items are final sale and can’t be returned.

  • Watch for seller fees if you’re thinking about consigning.

  • Be ready for possible delays in shipping or refunds.

  • Keep your expectations clear, and always ask questions.

Overall, The RealReal.com is a trusted place!

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