SmallBizGenius Analysis

Therealreal is a popular online consignment store for luxury goods, with mixed reviews. While customers appreciate the discounted prices and unique finds, inconsistencies in item condition and customer service are recurring issues.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 284 recent reviews

Item Condition & Accuracy

5.5/10

Many reviewers report discrepancies between the listed condition and the actual condition of items received. Examples include undisclosed damage, inaccurate descriptions, and items appearing more worn than expected, leading to disappointment.

38 reviews mention this

Shipping & Delivery

7.0/10

Shipping speed is a mixed bag; some reviewers praise fast delivery, while others cite slow shipping times and high shipping costs. Some also mentioned issues with packaging, such as items being poorly packed or boxes arriving damaged.

22 reviews mention this

Customer Service

5.0/10

A significant number of reviewers express dissatisfaction with Therealreal's customer service. Common complaints include slow response times, unhelpful representatives, and difficulty resolving issues related to inaccurate item descriptions or damaged goods. Some reviewers mention not receiving any response at all.

18 reviews mention this

Pricing & Value

8.0/10

Many reviewers appreciate the discounted prices on designer items, considering it a major draw. They feel they are getting good value for their money, especially when the item matches the description and is in good condition. However, this perception of value is diminished when issues with item condition or customer service arise.

15 reviews mention this

Authentication

8.5/10

The RealReal's authentication process is generally seen as a positive. However, some reviewers report receiving fake items, undermining trust in the authentication process. This creates trust issues with customers.

8 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Discounted prices on designer and luxury items Mentioned 15x
"The RealReal makes it easy to browse, save and purchase beautiful designer bags at a major savings!"
Fast shipping and delivery for some customers Mentioned 11x
"Fast Shipping, Fast delivery.."
Easy to browse and purchase items Mentioned 5x
"Everything was quick and easy."
Opportunity to consign and sell items Mentioned 4x
"I love RealReal! ... you can always sell your Gucci purse, get store credit, and put it towards a newer one!"
Items sometimes arrive in better condition than expected Mentioned 3x
"My shoes were in better shape than I expected, and quick shipping. Easy peasy!"

Common Complaints

Inaccurate item descriptions and condition Mentioned 28x
"Item I ordered was more worn than shown in photos."
Slow or unresponsive customer service Mentioned 12x
"Sent photos & emails to customer service & still no response."
High shipping costs Mentioned 5x
"Only downfall is shipping is a bit expensive."
Items sometimes arrive damaged or with undisclosed flaws Mentioned 5x
"I was sent a damaged bag which wasn’t disclosed to me."
Inconsistent sizing Mentioned 3x
"I was super excited for my pair of still here cool jeans and they were labeled as S which in your size guide S is equivalent to a size 26-27 and when I received them they were a size 23. So I had to r..."

Common Questions About Therealreal

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Therealreal legit and trustworthy?

Therealreal is generally considered a legitimate platform for buying and selling authenticated luxury goods. However, reviews indicate that while the authentication process is in place, inconsistencies in item condition and descriptions can lead to trust issues. Some customers have reported receiving fake items or items in worse condition than advertised, highlighting the need for careful inspection upon receipt. While many have positive experiences, the risk of encountering misrepresented items means it's crucial to be cautious and thoroughly review product details before purchasing.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Therealreal have good customer service?

Customer service is a significant pain point for many Therealreal customers. A number of reviewers report slow response times, difficulty getting issues resolved, and unhelpful interactions with customer service representatives. Some customers even mention not receiving any response to their inquiries. While some reviewers have had positive experiences, the overall sentiment suggests that Therealreal's customer service is inconsistent and can be frustrating to deal with.

Based on 18 reviews

Is Therealreal worth it for small business?

For small businesses looking to source discounted designer items, Therealreal can be a viable option. The platform offers access to a wide range of luxury goods at prices lower than retail. However, the inconsistent item conditions and potential customer service issues mean that businesses need to carefully weigh the pros and cons. Thorough inspection of items upon arrival is crucial, and businesses should be prepared to potentially deal with returns or disputes.

Based on 15 reviews

What is Therealreal's return policy like?

Therealreal's return policy can be restrictive, as many items are marked as 'Final Sale' and cannot be returned. For items that are eligible for return, customers typically have a limited window to initiate the return process. It's important to carefully review the return policy for each item before making a purchase. The inability to return final sale items, especially when the item condition is misrepresented, is a common source of frustration for reviewers.

Based on 8 reviews

How accurate are Therealreal's item descriptions?

Accuracy of item descriptions is a recurring concern in Therealreal reviews. Numerous customers report discrepancies between the listed condition and the actual condition of items received. This includes undisclosed damage, inaccurate color descriptions, and items appearing more worn than expected. These inconsistencies can lead to disappointment and frustration, highlighting the need for Therealreal to improve its quality control and description accuracy.

Based on 38 reviews