Consigning/buying with The Real Real TRR

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

#1,216
I have purchased 5 bags and a pair of shoes from TRR in the last year - shipping was fast and the items were in the described condition. My only issue is that one of the bags had a strong perfume odor- a very heavy smell that doesn't wear off. I wish that they would disclose odor issues.
Unfortunately the prices are no longer as good as they used to be - and I it's been months since I came across a great bargain.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GoGlam
#1,217
For those of you who have had problems with 'final sale' bags arriving in a condition other than described, have you had any luck opening a dispute with your credit card?

I just bought a vintage mini speedy that has seen better days (I was able to use a 20% off code so it wasn't crazy expensive). I expected it to arrive with a dark patina, worn leather and scratched hardware, but the description conveniently omitted the large amount of hardware plating that has rubbed off. I've contacted CS and they state it was listed as 'good' condition and that is the lowest condition rating they have, and offered me to consign it with them instead of issuing a return.

I'm confused by their return policy, since my bag came with a tag that said it had to be attached in order to be returned - this company makes no sense! Any words of wisdom are much appreciated!
 
#1,218
Handbags are generally final sale (even at full price) but what you can do is contact customer service again explaining that the bag had issues that were not listed (their condition description is irrelevant as it is completely subjective and where exactly does "good" mean "pretty trashed"?) and you want to return for a full refund. They should allow the return. If not, you can always go to your credit card company.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MsModernShopper
#1,219
BeautyAddict58 said:
Handbags are generally final sale (even at full price) but what you can do is contact customer service again explaining that the bag had issues that were not listed (their condition description is irrelevant as it is completely subjective and where exactly does "good" mean "pretty trashed"?) and you want to return for a full refund. They should allow the return. If not, you can always go to your credit card company.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your input! I will try contacting them again to see. Lesson learned though, I will not purchase anything from them again. Their described conditions are way off.
 
#1,220
pooks088 said:
hmmm.. I was soo close to buying a Chanel Reissue 227 from theRealReal and now I'm not sure I should.. Has anyone had a good experience buying with them recently?
Click to expand...
I personally have never had a bad experience...I've shopped with them tons. They even allowed the return of a non-returnable item when my kid purchased it by accident! (a freaking SOFA. Thankfully I got the shipment notification before a sofa showed up at my house...)

They also offered a return for site credit on a non-returnable bag - there were two identical ones listed, one was 100$ more, the cheaper one stated it did not come with a shoulder strap while the more expensive one did not mention no shoulder strap, so I assumed it had one. I decided to keep it anyway but they were very accommodating.
 
#1,221
The CS department is usually very accommodating. To me the biggest problems with TRR are description and price. Many scarves listed as excellent, but when you look at close up pictures they have pulls and stains, that's very lazy and sloppy listing practice. And price has gone up through the roof, it's not even funny because you can find better deals on Ebay with better photos and description.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nikki_
#1,223
MsModernShopper said:
For those of you who have had problems with 'final sale' bags arriving in a condition other than described, have you had any luck opening a dispute with your credit card?

I just bought a vintage mini speedy that has seen better days (I was able to use a 20% off code so it wasn't crazy expensive). I expected it to arrive with a dark patina, worn leather and scratched hardware, but the description conveniently omitted the large amount of hardware plating that has rubbed off. I've contacted CS and they state it was listed as 'good' condition and that is the lowest condition rating they have, and offered me to consign it with them instead of issuing a return.

I'm confused by their return policy, since my bag came with a tag that said it had to be attached in order to be returned - this company makes no sense! Any words of wisdom are much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Update: After a few emails asking for a refund based on my item being not as described, CS finally relented! I said I'd rather get this sorted out with TRR instead of filing a dispute with AMEX, and what do you know they issued a return authorization...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Glitterbomb
#1,224
s.tighe said:
I've bought from them before. I've never had a problem with authenticity, and it's been a while since I've seen a fake pop up, but it definitely has happened. They've grown too fast and their copywriters, merchandisers, authenticators and photographers can barely seem to keep up with the amount of product they have coming in. If you look at the size of their inventory it's no surprise, really. But they get some great bags--mint condition oldies as well as new condition current bags (as well as "fair" condition bags which they'll inexplicably price the same as or more than mint condition bags).

I know many people (myself included) have contacted them asking why they can't just take the right photographs (like fashionphile does), but their response is usually that they have a set of 'uniform' photos they take for every bag. How that doesn't include at least the tag is beyond me.

More often what I see instead of fakes is inaccurate or incomplete descriptions, and therein lies the key to their "no return" policy. If there is anything at all about their item description that is inaccurate, including the condition being different from what is shown in the photographs, they will take the bag back and issue a refund. I ordered a white city from them once, in the photos it looked pristine and I was thrilled to find a white 06 chevre city that was like new. But when it arrived the white was actually gray, and huge patches of the bag had yellowed, including one entire side panel.The photograph had completely misrepresented the true condition of the bag, and the description just said "faint wear." I called and told them and they took it back and paid for the return shipping, no questions asked. Their copywriters are vague and/or sloppy, and their photographers often don't document the bags completely or they describe them inaccurately. Either case is grounds for a return and in my experience they'll honor it. Same goes for odors. They don't describe odors, and I've ordered two non-bal bags that stunk so badly it was like getting hit in the face when I opened the box. In both cases, they took them back and paid the shipping.

All of this said, there is always the risk that unless you have an exceedingly clear reason for the return (fake/NAD) you'll get a customer service associate who is strict and unbending, and you're stuck with a bag that you just don't like. It seems to work for them though, because they sell a ton of stuff and they keep growing.
Click to expand...

I got a not as described bag today... massive discoloration does not equal pristine condition to me. The rep was very nice and promptly sent me a return slip. She said they would have to confirm the damage but seemed very receptive and even waived my return shipping fee.
 
#1,226
Styleanyone said:
Hi all TRR shoppers, I bought this 35cm birkin so black from the real real. When I received it, I found out it was an employee sale bag. I paid Bababebi authenticated and confirmed. I also had advice from other member. I returned it and the refund is on its way. After received the email that was told refund was processed, I felt curious and went on the TRR site to check the bag out. Just like what I thought, it was relisted with the original description and original price, no mention about the employee sale, no mention about the S stamp with ID numbers. I was very surprised because I have provided them with an enlarged picture of the S stamp with numbers,and also provide a copy of Bababebi opinion email. If any member is interested in this birkin 35 so black, just be aware. I believe this is very unprofessional to list a high end item without disclosing this in detail since we all know the price difference between the H boutique and the Employee Sales.
https://www.therealreal.com/products?keywords=hermes birkin so black
Click to expand...

I see they now are listing this as an employee sale bag. Good fighting on your part!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Rosie Posie
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top