The RealReal — Local services in Newport Beach

The RealReal Is a Real Scam – They Lied, Devalued My Bag, and Cost Me $1,000

I am absolutely disgusted with my experience consigning with The RealReal, specifically with my assigned rep, Danielle. What they did is not just unprofessional—it’s deceptive and exploitative.

Danielle came to my home on May 20. In front of my mother and in follow-up texts and emails, she assured me my designer handbag would be listed for $3,200–$3,500, and would not be discounted. She said it would take three weeks just to be listed on the site.

Instead, my bag was listed within days—and sold almost immediately at $2,000, a 37.5% discount from the lowest agreed price. I was never informed, never consulted, and certainly never approved such a massive discount.

To make matters worse, I had already been offered $2,500 by Fashionphile, but I turned it down based on Danielle’s “expert guidance.” Thanks to The RealReal’s bait-and-switch tactics, I walk away with only $1,500—a $1,000 loss I would never have agreed to.

Let me be perfectly clear: • I have written proof (texts and emails) where Danielle confirmed the price range and promised no discounting. • I had a witness present when Danielle made these false promises in my home. • I was deceived, and my trust was violated.

I reached out demanding the sale be reversed or to be compensated appropriately—including being upgraded to VIP status given how egregiously this was handled. I’ve received no meaningful response.

The RealReal operates on dishonesty. They’ll tell you what you want to hear, lock in your item, then turn around and deeply discount it to move inventory fast—at your expense. This is not just bad business—it’s fraudulent behavior.

If you value your luxury items, your money, or your peace of mind—DO NOT TRUST The RealReal. You are better off selling directly, using Fashionphile, or any reputable resale option. This company has lost all credibility.

I am pursuing every public and legal route to hold them accountable—and to make sure no one else gets burned...

I recently visited your Newport Beach location. I have been a loyal client for years and have consigned some of my luxury handbags, wallets, jewelry, etc. over the years. Olivia and Eden were gracious, as they assisted with scheduling my valuation appointments with Frankie to consign some of my most treasured luxury handbags and with Devesh the following day to consign my jewelry. Both gentlemen treated me with the utmost professionalism, and provided me with what felt like a very personal experience. Frankie and Devesh were extremely transparent with how they conducted business, by ensuring I understood the various options when consigning my items. They discussed my projected payouts for the options made available to me. Most importantly, I was given ample time to decide which options best suited my needs. As always, I was so pleased with my experiences, that I scheduled a third valuation appointment with Devesh and will be dropping off additional handbags, which Frankie evaluated for me last week. Thank you to everyone for welcoming me and for your expertise in evaluating my items. I look forward to doing business with you for...

Drove an hour to return an item- called and spoke with Deborah who said they close at 6pm. Arrived at 5:15om and doors are locked- knocked and Claudio answered stating they are closing early today. Informed him that Deborah said to come before 6pm to make return and that I'm driving from a long distance- another customer arrived at the same time, with a similar story. He refused to assist either of us saying only two people were working the store and they already closed all registers because they are "short staffed [and] Deborah wasn't aware we were closing early today." I begged him again sharing the long distance that I drove and he shrugged his shoulders "you will just have to come back tomorrow." The store closes on week days at 5pm- I don't get off of work till 5:30p and then will have an even longer drive. His nonchalant attitude is reminiscent of Walmart- not a luxury consignment store. Based on other reviews it appears that TRR has a systemic lack of customer service, which really needs to be addresed. The whole world is short staffed- we all are working through this together, but terrible customer service is...