The RealReal is a US marketplace for authenticated luxury consignment: designer bags, clothing, shoes, jewelry, watches and home pieces. You send or hand over your items, and The RealReal authenticates, photographs, prices, sells and ships them. You earn a commission on each sale, up to 85% on in-demand, high-value pieces and less on lower-value items.
At a glance
| What it is | Luxury consignment marketplace |
| Your commission | Up to 85% of the sale price, lower on cheaper items |
| Who does the work | The RealReal handles photos, pricing, sales and shipping |
| Ways to sell | Consign, or trade for upfront site credit |
| Payout options | Direct deposit, check or site credit |
| Locations | Retail stores and Luxury Consignment Offices in US cities |
How it works
You start online, then send items by mail, book a pickup or visit a store or Luxury Consignment Office. The RealReal’s experts authenticate each piece, set a price and list it. When it sells, your commission is added to your account. Items that don’t sell can be lowered in price over time, which affects what you earn.
What you earn
Commission is calculated on the final sold price, net of discounts and excluding tax and shipping. Rates depend on the item’s value and demand and on your status in RealReal Rewards, the consignor loyalty program, which looks at your net sales over a one-year window. In-demand, high-value pieces earn the highest rates, up to 85%. Lower-value items with less demand earn much less.
Consign or trade
Consigning earns the highest commission, but you only get paid once items sell. Trading pays you upfront, within about two weeks, in The RealReal site credit. Trading suits people who plan to shop there anyway.
New consignor offers
The RealReal regularly runs offers for first-time consignors, such as extra site credit or boosted commission on certain price ranges. These change month to month, so check the consign page before you send anything.
Getting paid
You can choose direct deposit, a check or site credit. Choosing site credit adds an extra 5%, which helps if you also buy on the platform.
Referral program
The Real Partners program pays people who refer new consignors, such as stylists or estate professionals, a commission on what those consignors sell in their first 120 days.
Common mistakes
Sending low-value or mid-range brands is the most common mistake, since they earn the lowest rates. Another is ignoring condition: wear, missing dust bags or no proof of purchase can lower prices.
Getting started
Gather your most valuable designer pieces, check the accepted designers list and read the earnings guide on the consign page. Book a pickup or office visit if you have several high-value items, since experts can advise on what’s worth sending.
Is it worth it?
For true luxury pieces you don’t want to sell yourself, yes. For mid-range brands, the commission is often too low to justify it.
Owen’s take
The RealReal makes sense for genuine luxury items you don’t want to photograph, authenticate and ship yourself. The higher the value, the better the deal, so keep cheaper items for other apps.
Who it suits
It suits people with designer bags, jewelry and watches who want a hands-off sale. It suits less well anyone with mostly mid-range clothing.
Similar options
- Vestiaire Collective lets you list luxury pieces yourself.
- ThredUp consigns everyday clothing.
- Grailed focuses on designer menswear.
- Poshmark sells fashion of every level.
More options are in Reselling.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Commission up to 85% on high-value items
- Fully hands-off selling
- Authentication builds buyer trust
Cons
- Low rates on cheaper items
- Paid only when items sell
- Prices may be lowered over time
FAQ
How much does The RealReal pay consignors?
Up to 85% on in-demand, high-value items, and less on lower-value ones.
How is commission calculated?
On the final sold price, net of discounts, excluding tax and shipping.
Can I get paid upfront?
Yes, by trading items for site credit, paid within about two weeks.
How do I get paid?
Direct deposit, check or site credit, with an extra 5% for site credit.
Does The RealReal have a referral program?
Yes, Real Partners pays on what referred consignors sell in their first 120 days.
