Consignors
The RealReal
The company holds the item and ships it to you.
Our take · Know the gaps
Strong authentication, but know this before you tap buy: handbags are final sale.
An informed opinion from the policies below, not a verdict.
The receipts
Physical check on every item.
States it physically examines every item as part of its authentication process.
Handbags are final sale as a category, at any price. The one exception is a bag The RealReal itself described incorrectly, which routes through customer service.
Handbags, swimwear, luggage, beauty, items sold at 40% off or more, and items listed As Is are final sale and not eligible for return; the sole exception is an item The RealReal identifies as incorrectly described.
Authenticity claims are handled through its buyer support process.
Publishes a brand-specific authentication process combining experts with AI tooling.
You pay the platform at checkout, with card dispute rights on top.
Purchases run through The RealReal's own checkout.
Buying here anyway?
Fair. Here's how to cover the gaps yourself.
No return window, so build your own paper trail
- Get condition and the return terms in writing before paying. The message thread is your record.
- Ask for photos against a checklist: corners, straps, hardware, interior, date code.
- Film the unboxing. A not-as-described dispute with video is a different conversation.
Check the going rate before you commit
- Look up the bag's current resale median for its size and material. Our estimate, updated from recorded market prices.
- A price far below the going rate is not proof of anything, but it is the single strongest marker to slow down on.
Facts above come from The RealReal's own published policies on the dates shown, and we re-verify monthly. Policies change; the linked source is always the current word.