When The RealReal (TRR) launched 15 years ago, it completely redefined luxury consignment by bringing an upscale, authenticated marketplace straight to the internet. It’s said that 10,000 new items are added to TRR daily, so how do we navigate that!? General browsing can lead us down fun rabbit holes, but when we’re looking for something specific, we have strategies to help us narrow our search.
Below are 10+ tips we use to shop on TRR, along with the items and brands we look for.
10+ Tips for Buying from The RealReal:
- First Look Membership: If you want to be the first to see new items, then buying a First Look Membership ($12/month fee) makes sense—you’ll see items 24 hours before non-First Look members do.
- General Save Searches: Set up saved searches that include your size, brand, and other criteria. Check back often, and sort by “newest” to see what items have been added to the site that match your wants.
- Specific Save Searches: If you are looking for something really specific, include the details in your search to help narrow down your options. You can have saved searches for both broad and more specific sets of search terms.
- Continue to Add Items to Saved Searches: If you try on something in a store that you love but is out of your price range, set up a specific saved search for that item (brand, size, etc.) so that if it ever hits the site, you’ll know!
- Filter Search by Product Condition: You can filter your search by selecting specific condition checkboxes in the filter sidebar (under “Condition”), or browse dedicated top-tier condition landing pages like the Pristine Condition Shop. I (Jo) always do this and check either “Pristine,” “Excellent,” or “Very Good,” and look for notes that specify whether there are visible signs of wear.
- New items are added daily at 7 am and 4 pm PT. If there’s something you really want, this is the time to go online. Check the New Arrivals section for these items, or check your Saved Searches to see if any new arrivals match your saved criteria.
- Heart Button/Obsessions: “Heart” items you like will be saved in your “Obsessions” list so you can easily track price drops. Check your Obsessions regularly.
- Maintain Items That Are Sold: If something from your Obsessions list is sold, don’t un-save it—it could be returned and become available to purchase. Add yourself to the waitlist because if it’s returned, you’ll be notified.
- Editor’s Picks: Editors curate things across all categories like home, jewelry, and more in addition ot clothing.
- Rare Finds and Sale Section: There is also a Rare Finds section that’s fun to peruse. Also don’t miss the Sale Section of items up to 75% off.
- Returns: Be sure you are aware of the return policy when you purchase items. Most items can be returned (there is a shipping fee and a time limit) unless they are marked as final sale. Handbags, swimwear, luggage, beauty products, and items discounted by 40% or more are usually NOT eligible for return. Items bought online can be returned in-store, with a smaller restocking fee than returns via mail.
Product Categories:
Formal Wear:
It’s hard to pay full price for an item you wear infrequently. TRR is a great resource for beautiful formal wear, vintage and new, and you can always consign the item back to TRR after you’ve worn it. Don’t hesitate to buy an item in a bigger size and have it altered. I’ve (Jo) bought many special occasion dresses on the site and look for the following designers:
Jewelry:
I (Chrissie) have bought a lot of jewelry over the years on TRR, both for myself (as Christmas gifts for me “from my husband”) and as gifts for others. The prices can be great, and the selection is vast. So whether you are searching by a specific type of item (diamond necklace with peace sign pendant), by designer (David Yurman), or even by more general features (14K turquoise necklace), TRR is a great source. Most jewelry is returnable.
Also, don’t forget that many items may not have been well-cleaned, so pop them into a jewelry cleaner to brighten them up!
Some items we keep an eye on:
- Tiffany Elsa Peretti
- Tiffany Paloma Picasso
- Tiffany Gold Earrings
- Cartier Gold Rings
- Cartier Gold Bracelets
- Oscar de la Renta Costume Jewelry
- Ray Griffiths Jewelry
- 14k Bangles
- 14k Drop Earrings
- Gabrielle Sanchez Earrings
- 14k Chrysoprase Jewelry
- 14k Charms
Dressier Blouses:
It’s always nice to have some blouses hanging in your closet for a night out, cocktail party, holiday event, etc. Our go-to brands include:
- Chloe & See by Chloe
- Isabel Marant & Etoile Isabel Marant
- Essential Antwerp
- Max Mara
- Chanel
- Khaite
- La Double J
Everyday Blouses:
For day-to-day blouses, button-ups, etc., we track:
Everyday Dresses:
For non-formal wear, we like to search for shirt dresses, shift dresses, and other dresses from:
Shoes:
TRR is a great place to find special-occasion shoes and basics from higher-end brands. We keep an eye on:
- Prada Pumps
- Gucci Loafers
- Gucci Sneakers
- Marni Sandals
- Chloe Shoes & Sneakers
- Chanel Flats
- Le Monde Beryl Flats
- Roger Vivier Shoes
Handbags:
This is fun! Dressy bags, vintage bags, casual crossbodies, clutches, tote bags, and more! Our favorites include:
