If you’ve ever found yourself awake at 1 AM, casually scrolling The RealReal, thinking should I just… — welcome. You’re among friends here. But if you’re new to the brand’s website or app, how does The Real Real work?
Today, I’m breaking down how to navitage things and spilling details on my best-ever finds. Above all, we’ll dive my best tips and secret tricks so you can score those “WHERE did you get that?!” reaction.
At the bottom of this post, I’ve also rounded up 50+ top The RealReal finds. Please buy them so I don’t lol. If there’re not heading to my wardrobe, let’s make sure they’re in yours!
That’s what friends are for. 🙂
How Does The RealReal Work?
In a nutshell: The RealReal is the crème de la crème of luxury resale. Think Chanel bags, Dior heels, Zimmermann dresses, and beyond. However, instead of paying full price, you’re (*sometimes) getting major deals.
Every item is authenticated (no sketchy fakes here), and you can shop both pre-loved pieces and brand-new-with-tags items. In essence, it’s like the best estate sale you’ve ever been to. Well, minus the awkward small talk with strangers over crystal punch bowls. But I digress…
How The RealReal Works – The Best Finds Ever
For many years, we’ve been “First Look” members of The RealReal, a paid membership for first access to the newest items (more on that below). Thanks to the membership, I’ve come across some of my best buys ever like:
- Carolina Herrera Dresses – I found a new season, barely worn gown for under $400. I’m still convinced it was a glitch in the matrix. I also love this gorgeous yellow dress (above) from a few years so.
- FRAME x Ritz Paris Sweater – Brand new, tags still on, for only $155 (current retail price is $648+). I also bought the ivory version (which I prefer between the two – the fabric is softer).
- Aquazzura Heels – Never worn (I could tell by the bottoms — barely a scuff!) for $95. If Cinderella wore designer, it would’ve been these.
- Ralph Lauren Ricky Bag – One of my holy grail bags and in a STRIPED version. Retail? $1,200+. What I paid? $189. No, your eyes are not deceiving you.
Moral of the story: patience, persistence, and Saved Searches are your new best friends.
How to Actually Shop The RealReal Like a Pro
Looking for a seamless shopping experience? Here are some of my best tips to ensure shopping on the website and app go smoothly.
Set Up Saved Searches
Friends, this aspect of The RealReal is critical. Think of Saved Searches like your fairy godmother, except instead of turning pumpkins into carriages, she delivers perfect Prada loafers right to your inbox.
Search by brand, size, category, and condition. Then click “Save Search.” You’ll get emails when new items matching your criteria are added — aka, first dibs.
For example, one of my saved searches is Hermes Oran Sandals. They’re rarely a good price tbh – but sometimes you’ll find a gently used option.
I also have search terms surrounding items I’ve been wanting for years. Friends, there is no better feeling than when those items magically pop up. Mine came when this hot pink wool Michael Kors dress popped up. I’ve wanted this dress for more than a decade (seen on JLo here back in 2012). It was a major pinch me moment!
Filter Ruthlessly
New arrivals only? Check. Your size? Absolutely. Max price under $250? Say no more. The more you filter, the less overwhelmed you’ll feel. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself at 2 AM trying to justify a size 4 shoe because they’re “so pretty.”
Join the First Look Membership
Like I mentioned above, we chose to opt into the $12/month “First Look” membership. It’s so worth in my humble opinion. Members get 24-hour early access to new arrivals, which means you can snag that perfect Ganni dress before it’s gone.
Move FAST
Listen, I’m not into panic shopping, but tbh – The RealReal is not a place for “let me think about it” shopping. Things vanish quicker than a tray of cupcakes at a third-grade birthday party. Yes, The RealReal is a competitive sport, but deep breaths, lol. 🙂
Click add to cart and check out. You can always return it (well, kind of — more on that below). If you lose out on an item, it simply wasn’t meant to be (but make sure to add it to your “waitlist” in case it comes back into stock). You’d be surprised how many items reappear!
Know the Return Policy
Another important tip for understanding how The RealReal works? Some items are Final Sale like handbags or those highly discounted items. Others are returnable for site credit minus a return shipping fee. So yes — you need to do some quick mental math: “Is this Saint Laurent coat worth the risk?” (Spoiler: probably).
And Speaking of Fees…
A tiny raincloud here – shipping is $14.95. Moreover, there’s also return shipping and only for items marked as returnable. (Check before you click!).
Is it ideal? No. But honestly, I still think it’s worth it — especially when you’re getting a $2,000 dress for the cost of a fancy dinner and Uber ride.
How The RealReal Works – The Stylists
Many The RealReal’s top clients have in-house stylists and full-time team members who pull products based on their wish lists. For example, I once asked a Chicago-based stylist to keep an eye out for a specific handbag if it ever came up. The moment one did, she immediately placed it in my shopping bag. A dream!
Last year, The RealReal store closed in Chicago, so I lost my stylist contact (gah!). Thankfully the store reopened (yay!), but I’m still searching for a new stylist partner. We’ll see!
But here’s the catch (and no shade to any of the amazing stylists whatsoever!). When they pull items, the client has one HOUR to decide whether or not they want the item(s). Sometimes longer.
Typically, regular shoppers only get 20 minutes to purchase or pass. Basically, if you see an item constantly on hold after the 20-22 minute mark, there’s a decent chance a stylist is holding it and you’ll need to wait until the 1+ hour mark.
How The RealReal Works – In Closing
Ultimately, I hope this blog gave you a better understanding of how The RealReal works. Shopping The RealReal is like treasure hunting — sometimes you strike gold, and sometimes you just find a bunch of mildly questionable designer flip-flops. But the thrill? So fun.
Plus, when you find that perfect, under-$200 Carolina Herrera moment? You’ll know it was all worth it.
My Top 50+ Current Finds You Should Totally Nab
Have you ever found a crazy good deal? Tell me! I live for these stories. (And if you want a little nudge to shop today… well, consider this it).
Here are 50+ amazing finds on the site (forgive me if any are sold by the time you click). But again – the joy is in the hunt. Above all – I love The RealReal is a secondhand luxury market breathing new life into pieces.
Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor. 🙂