The RealReal Sale Events: When and What to Buy

Luxury consignment has exploded in recent years, and at the forefront of this trend is The RealReal. This online platform offers a treasure trove of pre-owned designer goods, from coveted handbags to chic shoes and clothing, often at significantly lower prices than retail. The allure of scoring a deal on a dream designer item is undeniable, and The RealReal’s frequent sale events make that dream even more attainable. However, a cloud of controversy hangs over the company, stemming from accusations of selling counterfeit products and concerns about their authentication processes. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate The RealReal sale events, maximize your savings, and confidently ensure the authenticity of your purchases.

Sitewide Sales: These are the most anticipated events, offering blanket discounts across almost all categories. Expect markdowns of 20-40% off already reduced prices, making it an excellent time to snag that investment piece you’ve been eyeing.
Seasonal Sales: As seasons change, so does The RealReal’s inventory. Expect end-of-season sales with deeper discounts on items like winter coats or summer dresses to make room for new arrivals.
Flash Sales: These short-lived, limited-time sales focus on specific brands or categories, offering surprisingly steep discounts for those quick enough to capitalize on them.
Special Promotions: Keep an eye out for unique promotions like extra discounts for first-time buyers or exclusive deals for email subscribers.

Frequency and Timing:

The RealReal is known for its generous sale schedule, often running multiple events concurrently. To maximize your savings, it’s helpful to understand their typical cadence:

Multiple Sales Throughout the Year: Don’t worry about missing out—The RealReal hosts sales regularly throughout the year.
Key Periods for Major Sales: Like most retailers, they leverage key shopping periods for their most significant discounts:
- Black Friday & Cyber Monday: The RealReal jumps on the Black Friday and Cyber Monday bandwagon, offering some of their deepest discounts of the year.
- End-of-Season Clearances: As one season transitions to the next, they’ll run sales to clear out inventory, offering great deals on past-season styles.
- Holidays: Keep an eye out for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or holiday-themed sales.

How to Stay Informed:

Staying in the loop about upcoming sale events is crucial to taking advantage of the best deals:

Email Newsletter: The most reliable way to receive timely notifications is by signing up for The RealReal’s email newsletter. You’ll be among the first to know about new arrivals, upcoming sales, and exclusive discount codes.
Social Media: Follow The RealReal on their social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) for visually enticing sneak peeks of sale items and announcements.
Website’s “Sale” Section: Regularly check the dedicated “Sale” section on their website for ongoing promotions and flash sales.

Mastering The RealReal Sale Shopping Strategies:

Successfully navigating The RealReal sale events requires a blend of preparation and strategic execution:

Pre-Sale Preparation:

Create an Account & Saved Searches: Create a The RealReal account beforehand to streamline your checkout process during a sale. Set up “saved searches” for your desired items (e.g., “Chanel Classic Flap” or “Hermès Birkin 30”) to receive notifications when new items matching your criteria are listed.
Utilize the “Obsessions” Feature: The “Obsessions” feature allows you to bookmark specific items you’re interested in. During a sale, you can quickly access your “Obsessions” and see if they’ve been discounted.
Familiarize Yourself with Policies: Understand The RealReal’s return policy and authentication guarantee before making a purchase. Be aware of any specific conditions or limitations.

Sale Day Tactics:

Shop Early: Don’t hesitate—popular items and sizes tend to sell out quickly, especially during major sale events. Be prepared to shop as soon as the sale goes live.
Utilize Filters: The RealReal’s website has robust filtering options to narrow your search. Filter by brand, category, size, color, price range, and condition to efficiently find the items you’re seeking.
Check for Additional Discount Codes: Occasionally, you might find additional discount codes that can be stacked on top of existing sale prices. Do a quick Google search or check coupon websites for any available codes.

Post-Sale Follow-Up:

Track Your Shipment: Once you’ve made a purchase, keep an eye on the tracking information to monitor the estimated delivery date.
Inspect Your Items Thoroughly: Upon receiving your order, inspect the item carefully for any discrepancies or inconsistencies with the online description and photos. If you have any concerns about the item’s authenticity or condition, contact The RealReal customer service immediately.

The Elephant in the Room: Authenticity Concerns:

While The RealReal is a popular platform for luxury consignment, its history is marked by controversies surrounding its authentication practices. The company claims to authenticate all items sold on its website, but there have been questions raised about this process. Concerns arose from a CNBC investigation which shed light on the company’s authentication process. Additionally, a lawsuit filed by Chanel against The RealReal alleging the sale of counterfeit Chanel products further heightened these anxieties.

Importance of Independent Authentication:

Given these concerns, it is essential to exercise caution when purchasing from The RealReal, particularly for high-priced items. Independent authentication by a reputable third-party service offers an added layer of security and assurance.

Reputable Authentication Services: Various established authentication services specialize in luxury goods. Services like Bababebi and Leather Surgeons are well-known for their meticulous processes and expert authenticators.
Authentication Process & Costs: The authentication process typically involves providing the chosen service with clear photographs of the item, including close-up shots of logos, hardware, stitching, and date codes. The service will then assess the item’s authenticity based on these images. In some cases, they might request a physical inspection of the item. Authentication fees vary depending on the service and the item’s brand and value.

Alternative Shopping Strategies:

If you are particularly apprehensive about authenticity or prefer to avoid the additional step of independent authentication, consider these alternative options:

Buying Direct from Boutiques: Purchasing directly from brand boutiques, although possibly more expensive and less convenient, guarantees authenticity and offers a luxurious shopping experience.
Other Reputable Pre-Loved Platforms: Explore other well-regarded pre-loved platforms recognized for their stringent authentication processes, such as Fashionphile. These platforms offer a curated selection of luxury goods with a strong focus on authentication and customer satisfaction.

What to Buy at The RealReal Sale Events:

Navigating The RealReal’s sale events successfully involves knowing which items to prioritize, helping you make well-informed purchasing decisions:

Shoes:

Shoes are generally viewed as a safer purchase on The RealReal, as counterfeiters tend to concentrate on higher-value items like handbags. It’s still advisable to carefully examine the photos provided, looking for any inconsistencies in the stitching, logos, or materials used. Conduct research on the specific shoe model you’re interested in to familiarize yourself with its authentic features.

Handbags:

When it comes to handbags, focus your attention on high-value brands like Hermès, particularly their iconic Birkin and Kelly bags. The significant price discrepancy between pre-owned and retail prices for these bags justifies the cost of independent authentication. Sale events often offer impressive discounts on these coveted pieces.

Clothing & Accessories:

The prevalence of superfakes, or exceptionally sophisticated counterfeit products, has increased in various categories, including clothing and accessories. Exercise heightened caution when purchasing these items from The RealReal. Opt for lower-priced pieces or brands known to be less susceptible to counterfeiting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Is The RealReal going out of business?

The RealReal has faced financial challenges, resulting in staff layoffs and store closures. While the company’s future is uncertain, it is currently still operating and accepting consignments.

Does The RealReal authenticate everything they sell?

The RealReal asserts that they authenticate all items sold through their website. However, concerns remain regarding their authentication process and the qualifications of their authenticators. Independent authentication is highly recommended, especially for higher-priced items.

How can I get my items authenticated?

You can get your items authenticated by engaging a reputable third-party authentication service like Bababebi or Leather Surgeons. To learn more about their procedures and fees, reach out to the service of your choice directly. Typically, they will require clear photos of the item, and in some cases, they may request a physical inspection.