The RealReal is an online marketplace where you send in luxury goods and they handle the sale for you
The RealReal is a consignment platform that buys, authenticates, and resells luxury items — primarily clothing, handbags, jewelry, and accessories from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Rolex. You ship items to their warehouse, they inspect and photograph them, list them on their website and mobile app, and send you payment when something sells. You do not set the price; The RealReal's team does based on condition, brand demand, and current market rates.
The company operates warehouses in multiple cities and uses in-house authenticators to verify items before listing. If an item does not meet their standards or cannot be authenticated, they return it to you. The process typically takes two to four weeks from when they receive your items until they appear for sale, though this varies by volume and item type.
Key Takeaways
- You ship items to The RealReal for free using their prepaid label, and they handle authentication, photography, and listing without you setting prices.
- The RealReal takes a commission ranging from 20% to 50% of the final sale price depending on the item category and sale price.
- You receive payment via check or direct deposit within a set timeframe after an item sells, not when you send it in.
- Items that do not sell within a set period (usually 90 days) are returned to you at no charge, or you can request they be donated.
- Authentication is done in-house by The RealReal's team, so you do not need to provide certificates of authenticity, though having them can help.
How the commission structure works
The RealReal keeps a percentage of the sale price as commission. The exact amount depends on the item category and the final selling price. Handbags and accessories typically have commissions in the 20% to 40% range, while jewelry and watches may fall differently. Higher-priced items sometimes have lower commission percentages, but this is not may provide and varies by category.
For example, if a handbag sells for $500 and The RealReal's commission is 30%, you receive $350. The commission is deducted before payment is sent to you. You can view the estimated commission for your items before you ship them, though the final commission is calculated based on the actual sale price, not an estimate.
The RealReal does not charge you an upfront fee to list items or a fee if items do not sell. You only pay commission on items that actually sell.
What happens after you ship items in
You request a shipping label through The RealReal's website or app, pack your items, and ship them for free. Once the warehouse receives your package, they log it into their system and begin inspection. This inspection phase typically takes one to two weeks, depending on how many items you sent and current warehouse volume.
During inspection, authenticators examine each item for condition, wear, damage, and authenticity. Items in good condition with clear authenticity are photographed and listed. Items with significant damage, stains, or authenticity concerns may be rejected. If an item is rejected, The RealReal notifies you and returns it at no charge.
Once an item is listed, it appears on The RealReal's website and app. The listing includes multiple photographs, a detailed description of condition, and the price set by The RealReal's pricing team. You cannot adjust the price or the listing after it goes live.
Payment timing and methods
You receive payment after an item sells, not when you ship it. Payment is issued within a set timeframe — typically 5 to 10 business days after the sale completes. You can choose to receive payment by check or direct deposit to a bank account you provide during signup.
The RealReal sends you an email notification when an item sells, showing the sale price and your payout amount after commission. If you have multiple items listed, payments may be grouped together or issued separately depending on when items sell.
If you have items listed and want to know their status, you can log into your account to see which items are currently for sale, which have sold, and which are pending return.
What happens to items that do not sell
Items that do not sell within approximately 90 days are removed from The RealReal's website. At that point, you have two options: request the items be returned to you, or authorize The RealReal to donate them. If you request return, The RealReal ships them back to you at no charge using a prepaid label.
If you choose donation, the items go to a charitable organization and you may be able to claim a tax deduction for the donated value. The RealReal can provide documentation of the donation for tax purposes, though you should consult a tax professional about whether and how to claim it.
Some sellers choose to have items returned and try selling them elsewhere, while others prefer donation to avoid the hassle of managing unsold inventory.
Condition standards and what gets rejected
The RealReal has specific condition standards for items to be listed. Luxury goods in excellent or very good condition — with minimal wear, no stains, and no significant damage — are most likely to be accepted. Items with heavy wear, permanent stains, broken zippers, missing hardware, or structural damage are often rejected.
Authenticity is non-negotiable. If The RealReal's authenticators cannot verify an item is genuine, it is rejected and returned to you. This applies even to items you believe are authentic. The RealReal does not list items as "possibly authentic" or "unverified." If there is doubt, the item does not go live.
You do not need to provide certificates of authenticity, original boxes, or dust bags for items to be accepted, but having these items can sometimes support authentication and may result in a higher price. The RealReal's in-house team makes the final call on authenticity.
Comparing The RealReal to other resale options
The RealReal's main trade-off is convenience versus control. You do not set prices or handle authentication, but you also do not have to photograph items, write descriptions, or manage buyer communication. Other platforms offer different balances of these factors depending on your priorities.
| Feature | The RealReal | Vestiaire Collective | Rebag | Selling Directly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| You set the price | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Commission or fee | 20–50% commission | 12–20% commission | Varies; some items bought outright | None (but more work) |
| Authentication included | Yes, in-house | Buyer and seller both verify | Yes, in-house | Your responsibility |
| Shipping to them | Free prepaid label | You pay to ship | Free prepaid label | N/A |
| Time to payment | After item sells | After item sells | Varies; some when ready buyout | when ready (if buyer pays) |
Vestiaire Collective gives you more pricing control but requires you to handle shipping and deal with buyer questions. Rebag sometimes buys items outright for when ready payment, but offers less than consignment. Selling directly on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace gives you full control and no commission, but requires significant time and carries authentication risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need certificates of authenticity or original packaging?
No. The RealReal authenticates items in-house and does not require certificates or original boxes. However, having these items can sometimes support the authentication process and may result in a higher listing price. If you have them, include them with your shipment.
What if The RealReal rejects my item as inauthentic?
The item is returned to you at no charge. If you believe the rejection is incorrect, you can contact The RealReal's customer service to discuss, but their authenticators make the final information. You can then try selling the item elsewhere or keep it.
Can I cancel items after I ship them?
Once items are received and logged into the warehouse system, you cannot cancel them. If an item has not yet been listed, you can contact customer service to request it be returned before inspection is complete, though this is not may provide.
How does The RealReal set prices?
The RealReal's pricing team uses factors like brand, condition, current demand, recent sales of similar items, and market trends. You cannot negotiate or adjust the price after listing. The price reflects what The RealReal believes the item will sell for based on their data.
What if an item sells but the buyer returns it?
The RealReal handles all buyer returns and disputes. If a buyer returns an item, it goes back into The RealReal's inventory. You are not charged a fee for the return, and your payout remains the same. The RealReal absorbs the cost of managing returns.