What Sells Best on The RealReal? Top Categories and Brands

What Sells Best on The RealReal? Top Categories and Brands

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Selling pre-loved luxury goods has become increasingly popular, and one platform that stands out is The RealReal. This online consignment marketplace specializes in authenticating and selling high-end items, offering a convenient and potentially profitable avenue for those looking to declutter their luxury closets. But what exactly sells best on The RealReal? Let’s delve into the top-performing categories and brands, drawing insights from user experiences and market trends.

Table of Contents

Why Choose The RealReal?

While selling luxury goods independently through platforms like eBay or Poshmark offers control and potentially higher profit margins, it also demands significant effort and carries risks like lowball offers and scams. The RealReal, however, provides a compelling alternative:

  • Hassle-Free Experience: Leave the complexities to the experts. The RealReal handles everything from authentication and photography to listing, shipping, and customer service.
  • Luxury Expertise: Their specialized knowledge ensures accurate authentication and fair pricing of your high-end items.
  • Targeted Audience: Connect with a global network of buyers specifically seeking luxury goods, increasing the likelihood of a successful sale.
  • Potential for Higher Returns: The consignment model can yield higher prices compared to direct buyouts, maximizing your earning potential.

Top-Selling Categories on The RealReal

Certain categories consistently perform well on The RealReal, attracting a large pool of discerning buyers:

  • Handbags: Iconic brands like Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada dominate this category. Timeless designs, limited edition releases, and rare colors often command premium prices.
  • Jewelry: From dazzling diamonds to exquisite gemstones and coveted designer pieces, fine and vintage jewelry sells briskly. Cartier Love Bracelets, Tiffany & Co. necklaces, and statement earrings from renowned designers are particularly sought after.
  • Watches: Timepieces from prestigious brands like Rolex, Cartier, Omega, and Patek Philippe are highly desired. Vintage models, limited editions, and those with intricate complications often fetch significant sums.
  • Women’s Apparel: Classic and timeless designer clothing remains in high demand. Think Chanel tweed jackets, Hermès scarves, and elegant dresses from acclaimed designers like Dior, Gucci, and Valentino.
  • Shoes: Designer heels, sneakers, boots, and sandals from brands like Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Gucci, and Prada attract a loyal following.

Top-Selling Brands on The RealReal

While many luxury brands perform well on The RealReal, some stand out for their exceptional resale value and desirability:

  • Tier 1: Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton are the undisputed champions, known for their enduring appeal and investment-worthy quality.
  • Tier 2: Gucci, Prada, Dior, Rolex, and Cartier remain highly desirable, though their resale value might be slightly lower than Tier 1 brands.
  • Unexpected Performers: Certain items, often overlooked by independent sellers, consistently surprise with their strong performance on The RealReal:
    • Hermès Scarves: The iconic silk scarves, even pre-owned, can fetch prices surpassing their original retail value due to their collectible nature and limited availability.
    • SLGs (Small Leather Goods): Wallets, cardholders, and other small accessories from designer brands are popular for their practicality and lower price points compared to larger bags.
    • Christian Louboutin and Valentino Shoes: These brands enjoy strong recognition and a devoted fanbase, ensuring high demand for their iconic red soles and rockstud embellishments.

Tips for Maximizing Your Earnings on The RealReal

To make the most of The RealReal’s consignment model, consider these strategies:

  • Thorough Research is Key: Understanding the fair market value of your items is crucial before consigning. Use The RealReal and other platforms like Fashionphile to compare prices for similar items in comparable condition.
  • Factor in Promotions: Be realistic about the final sale price, knowing that The RealReal frequently runs site-wide discounts, including their popular 20% off promotions.
  • Seize First-Time Seller Bonuses: These promotions can significantly boost your initial profits, making The RealReal especially attractive for first-time consignors.
  • Patience is a Virtue: The consignment process takes time, so be prepared for a longer selling period compared to direct buyouts. The higher potential returns often outweigh the longer wait.
  • Clear and Accurate Descriptions: Provide detailed and honest descriptions of your items’ condition, including any flaws or signs of wear. This builds trust with buyers and helps manage expectations.

A Consignment Success Story

Consigning a Coach Harmony Hobo bag with The RealReal recently offered a revealing glimpse into the platform’s strengths and weaknesses. The process began seamlessly, with a responsive account manager arranging free UPS pickup for the bag. While the item description and estimated retail price on the listing lacked some accuracy, the “Excellent” condition grading exceeded expectations. After approximately 1.5 months, the bag sold for $248.50.

Due to the commission structure, the payout amounted to $149 in store credit, representing 60% of the sale price, with a 10% bonus applied. Combining this with a first-time seller bonus and existing store credit from a previous purchase resulted in a total profit of $372.

This experience demonstrated the convenience of consigning through The RealReal, removing the stress of independent selling. Despite reduced communication with the account manager after the initial phase, the hands-off service and enticing first-time seller bonus made the sale both positive and profitable.

FAQ

Let’s address some common questions about selling on The RealReal:

  • Does The RealReal accept all brands?

    No, they specialize in luxury and designer brands and have strict criteria for accepted items. You can find a comprehensive list of accepted brands on their website.

  • What is The RealReal’s commission structure?

    The commission rates are tiered and vary based on the selling price and category of the item. The RealReal’s website provides a detailed breakdown of their commission structure.

  • How long does it take to sell an item on The RealReal?

    The consignment process typically takes several weeks, and sometimes months, depending on the item, its condition, and market demand.

  • Does The RealReal offer direct buyouts?

    While primarily focused on consignment, The RealReal may offer direct buyouts for certain items. However, consignment usually yields higher returns for sellers.