Luxury Consignment: How To Sell On The RealReal

Luxury resale is booming in 2025, fueled by shifting consumer preferences that include a desire for sustainability and affordability. The resale industry is worth an estimated $256 billion and shows no signs of slowing down. Shoppers want access to luxury items at a discount. With the market for luxury consignment heating up, it is the best time to sell your items on The RealReal. A leader in the luxury consignment market, The RealReal has a vast selection of merchandise from top designers, coupled with a large user base. We can connect you to the people who want your consignment luxury items.

This guide breaks down how to sell on The RealReal, including tips for getting the best resale value and different ways in which you can sell.

Why Sell on The RealReal?

Consigning with The RealReal gives you the credibility of a well-known and trusted brand. Throughout its history, The RealReal has built a trusted reputation with customers by authenticating every piece. We have more than 90 in-house experts who use a thorough authentication process to inspect every item before it is listed for sale. People who consign with us can take advantage of this stellar reputation. You don’t have to spend hours on social media to find customers and build your brand.

Our team also believes in transparent communication with customers. Every item listed on the website features a condition assessment that helps customers know what to expect when they receive their purchases. Customers can also pay extra to make their items returnable, further enhancing trust. You get added online visibility through the recommendations feature that shows available items to shoppers based on their previous purchases and favorites history.

If you’re ready to start consigning with us, start by learning what brands we accept. Shoppers can find most luxury brands on our site, but if you’re not sure, check out our Designer Directory.

How Selling on The RealReal is More Sustainable

Buying clothing on consignment and consigning your clothes and other items with The RealReal is just better for the planet. You contribute to the circular economy and keep a customer from buying something new, thus reducing their carbon footprint.

Consignment also reduces waste by keeping clothing and other textiles out of the landfill. On average, a person wears something 7-10 times before getting rid of it. To meet the UN’s cooling goal, you should only buy five new items a year. Buying and selling items from The RealReal helps you meet this goal while breathing new life into clothing you would have otherwise discarded.

We are fully committed to sustainability. Since 2011, The RealReal has kept 40 million items in circulation. Each item you sell successfully reduces a shopper’s chances of buying something new by 33%. By keeping people from buying new, The RealReal has saved nearly 86,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Our sustainability contributions are not limited to items available on our site and in our stores. We also partner with SuperCircle to recycle unsellable items and confiscated fakes. Even if your items don’t sell with us, you can still contribute to the circular economy and do your part to keep textile waste out of the landfill.

Three Ways To Consign

The RealReal’s simplicity makes consigning with us a breeze. First, sign up for an account, read the terms and conditions and choose your preferred method for getting your items to us.

In-Home

When you’re cleaning out your closet, your pile of items to consign can grow fast. It isn’t always easy to ship multiple items to a consigner, particularly if you live in a walkable city and don’t have a car. The RealReal offers in-home consignment appointments.

Start the process by clicking “Free at-Home Appointment.”  You will see a list of available dates and times. Choose those that work for you, and a Luxury Manager will come to you. We have Luxury Managers in most major metropolitan areas. You’re not limited to a select few fashion capitals to take advantage of this option.

Each appointment is 60 minutes. A Luxury Manager will meet with you to collect your items. We will transport them, catalog and photograph them, and let you know which will be available on the site.

In-Store

If you prefer an in-person consignment, we offer in-store options. We operate retail locations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Greenwich, Connecticut, Manhasset, New York, Miami, Newport Beach, California and the San Francisco Bay area. Along with these 14 store locations, we host consigning events in various cities across the country. Check out our website for the store or consignment event closest to you and jot down the details.

These events are great for anyone consigning designer bags and fine jewelry, as we offer free price valuations on items worth over $995. Once you’ve given us your items, we will look through them and list and catalog those that we will list on the site.

Shipping

For anyone who can’t make it to a store and doesn’t want to use the in-home option, we offer shipping. Request a prepaid shipping label, package your items and follow the instructions provided when you chose your shipping method.

You can take your package to a UPS shipping location. Once we receive your package, we will sort through your items and let you know which are accepted.

The RealReal Consignment Process

After we have received your items at your home, in the store, or through shipping, we will authenticate and photograph them. When consigning luxury items with The RealReal, high-quality photographs make the difference between a sale and an item that ends up in clearance.

Our team understands how to photograph items to make them more likely to sell. We will take care of the listing, shipping and customer service. You select your preferred method of payout, and we will pay you when your items sell. We offer payment through site credit, paper checks and direct deposit.

How To Prepare Your Items for Consignment

First, make sure your items are clean and presentable. During the inspection process, our team will note wear and tear and other factors that influence your item’s resale value. We do list items in fair condition and sell them as-is, clearly documenting any damage and letting potential customers know exactly what is damaged. Our customers understand that these items are deeply discounted and not eligible for return. However, if an item is too damaged to sell, we may return it to you, repurpose it or donate it.

Before you send your items to us, look for the original packaging. If you’ve saved sunglasses cases, dust bags, boxes and proof of authenticity, it speeds up the authentication process and makes your items easier to sell.

If you choose to ship your items to us, package them according to the instructions. Using size-appropriate packages and protective packaging keeps your items from being damaged in transit and improves your chances of a successful sale.

Item Listing

After we have authenticated your items, our team of experts will set a competitive price based on the current demand and your item’s condition. You can trust that you are getting a fair price for your items. We are transparent about our pricing structure and set prices using our data insights center. Having sold more than 28 million items, we understand how to set competitive prices based on customer demand and industry benchmarks.

Once we’ve set the price, we will list your items on the website and app. You can log in to your account to view listings, check status updates and chat with your concierge. In general, the selling process takes about 2-3 weeks from receiving to listing, so be patient if you don’t see any of your listings right away. We ship your items using packaging with limited environmental impact. Our packaging will still protect your item’s integrity, but we work with packaging that contains a high amount of recycled content.

To receive your commission, your item needs to sell within a specified window, generally 365 days. If your items don’t sell within that time, we may return them to you.

Commission Structure

The RealReal offers a competitive commission structure that rewards loyalty and encourages our sellers to provide high-quality merchandise. You start out as a Trendsetter and earn your way up to VIP depending on your sales volume. Our loyalty tiers are:

• • • • • Trendsetter ($1,499 and under in net sales)
        • Influencer + 1% ($1,500 – $4,999 in net sales)
        • Tastemaker +2% ($5,000 – $9,999 in net sales)
        • VIP +5% (Over $10,000 in net sales)

Earnings rates vary based on your item. For clothing, our commission structure is:

• • • • • 20% – $0 – $99
        • 30% – $100 – $149
        • 45% – $150 – $199
        • 55% – $200 – $299
        • 60% – $300 – $749
        • 65% – $750 – $4,999
        • 70% – $5,000 or more

Your earnings rate will differ for handbags, branded fine jewelry, watches, and men’s sneakers and collectibles.

For example, our commission structure for branded fine jewelry is:

• • • • • 20% – $0 – $99
        • 30% – $100 – $149
        • 45% – $150 – $199
        • 55% – $200 – $299
        • 65% – $300 – $749
        • 70% – $750 or more

How Does The RealReal Authenticate Items?

At The RealReal, we work with industry experts, many of whom have worked for top luxury brands or auction houses. Our experts deeply understand markets, materials and craftsmanship. They also attend multiple training sessions to stay updated on counterfeiting trends and techniques.

We supplement our human authentication team with artificial intelligence. This technology analyzes everything from the dye to the fabric to stitching techniques to carefully scrutinize every item and identify counterfeit merchandise.

We also have a database with information on every item we have consigned, which serves as a valuable resource for spotting fakes. Each new item authenticated by our team helps them learn the specifics of designer brands and makes inconsistencies easier to spot.

Our authentication team uses technology to evaluate the specific metal composition in jewelry, watches and handbag hardware. We compare the results to a database with specific information for different brands to make the authentication process more accurate.

What Sells Best on The RealReal?

Since The RealReal is known as a premier luxury consignment destination, many customers shop the site for high-end bargains. Fine jewelry, handbags, luggage and men’s sneakers sell well throughout the year.

Popular brands tend to fluctuate with the trends. Offloading a luxury handbag or dress when the designer is hot will help you earn more in sales. If you want to know what’s trending, check this Insight Report before you start cleaning out your closet. In 2025, people are all about vintage. Check your closet for timeless classics and take advantage of this trend.

This year also marks a significant shift in the fashion industry, with multiple major fashion houses changing leadership. Former Alexander McQueen staple Sarah Burton is moving on to Givenchy, and Julian Klausner, who has been on the “must watch” list lately, is moving into a leadership role at Dries Van Noten. Other brands changing hands this year include Versace, Loewe, Mugler, Gucci and Maison Margiela.

Since leadership changes at top brands often signal a shift in the brand aesthetic, brand loyalists often hunt through consignment stores and websites for past looks from the old creative directors. If you have items from any of the brands changing direction in 2025, consider consigning them with The RealReal to capture peak nostalgia.

Rare and exclusive items also tend to sell faster and for a higher price. If you have any limited-edition items in your closet, research their current market value and consider listing them if they are in demand.

Which Luxury Items Have the Best Resale Value?

Understanding resale value will help you get the most out of your consignment items. Several factors influence how a brand will maintain its value over time, including:

• • • • • Brand reputation
        • Craftsmanship
        • Rarity
        • Condition
        • Design

Timeless pieces from well-established brands will hold their value longer than trendy pieces from mid-range designers. For example, a Rolex watch is a well-made, timeless status symbol. A women’s Rolex watch from the 1980s looks just as at home with a modern ensemble as it did 40 years ago.

Other items with high resale value include Hermès bags (specifically the Birkin and the Kelly), and Louis Vuitton and Cartier pieces.

How To Improve Your Sales

Moving up through the tiers is a great way to boost your earning potential as a consigner with The RealReal. Be strategic to earn more for your items and move up the ranks faster. First, consider when you’re selling your items. Take advantage of peak selling seasons, such as right before the holidays or before summer starts.

Take Advantage of the Seasons

Learn to identify peak seasons for your items. For example, if you’re trying to sell an engagement ring or a wedding dress, consign with us in late winter and early spring to catch the people planning weddings. If you’re selling a winter coat, wait until around the first frost of the season when people start thinking about replacing their winter coats.

Check Out Our Insights

Look at The RealReal’s seller insights to see what’s trending for men, women, jewelry and home goods. Our team keeps tabs on what is flying off the shelves, and we track industry insights. Before packaging your items for consignment, look for trending items in your closet and add them to the consignment pile.

We also host promotions and special events on occasion. Check our site for exclusive perks and bonuses.

Don’t Gloss Over Menswear

The RealReal offers an extensive selection of menswear, shoes and accessories. Like women’s wear and accessories, quality matters when consigning menswear. Before cleaning your closet, check out what’s trending. Focus on niche items such as collectibles and sneakers. Look for watches, jewelry and other high-end accessories.

In 2025, popular menswear brands include Dior Men, Louis Vuitton and vintage Yohji Yamamoto. Sneakerheads also have a lot of options on The RealReal. Before consigning your kicks, check out our insights to see what’s trending. Consider how often you’ve worn them and whether or not you have seen price spikes. If you decide it’s time to part with them, make sure they’re clean and gently worn. If you have the box and a certificate of authentication, send it to us with your sneakers.

Sell Multiple Items

Although The RealReal doesn’t offer discounts for bundling consignment items, you have a higher chance of making sales when you consign multiple items. It’s also easier to schedule a pickup or ship multiple items in one sitting.

Consign Past Purchases

The RealReal now gives you the option to consign items you bought from us. We will show you any items you’ve purchased that are eligible for resale. Reselling items you’ve already bought extends their lifespan even more.

High-quality clothing, handbags and jewelry are made to withstand wear. With proper care, a designer handbag can stay in circulation for decades. When you buy a luxury consignment item from The RealReal, you might tire of it long before the end of its lifespan. Consign with us again to earn money for something new to you.

Consider Home Goods

A lot of customers hop on The RealReal for luxury shoes, handbags and clothing, but we also offer home goods. When you’re cleaning house, look for home décor, designer pillows and throws, art and collectibles.

Start by looking at our site to see what’s trending. Then, research the market for your items to assess demand. Prep your household items like you would clothing and accessories. For art and other collectibles, include certificates of authentication and original packaging if it’s still available.

Refer a Friend

The RealReal has built a community of trustworthy consigners partly through excellent customer service and word of mouth. We reward sellers who refer first-time consigners. You can send a referral link to your friends. When they use your link to set up an account and consign an item valued at more than $200, you get $100 in site credit. Make sure you use your credit within 14 days.

Success Stories

We have worked with millions of successful consigners since 2011. Many appreciate our effortless approach to consignment. Consignor Justin Boone said, “The RealReal will come directly to me and pick up stuff… With a lot of other selling platforms, you have to do the work yourself, but with The RealReal, you don’t.”

Consignor Lakeisha Connors appreciates the ease and quickness of The RealReal selling process. She said, “My first time consigning with The RealReal was quick and effortless. I love the fact that The RealReal has a team who cares about their buyers and sellers.”

Start Selling With The RealReal

The answer to where to consign luxury is simple. Take your place in the circular economy by selling your gently used designer items with The RealReal. It’s easy to set up an account. You get to clear your closet of items you’ve taken out of the daily rotation to make room and money for something new to you. You also get to lower your carbon footprint and limit your textile waste. Do your part to help the earth without sacrificing your style. Click here to get started today.

FAQ

How does selling on The RealReal work?

The RealReal offers three easy ways to consign your items. Create an account and choose whether you want an in-home appointment, in-store consignment, or if you want to ship your items to us. We authenticate them, photograph them, and list them on the site. You sit back and wait for your items to sell. Although we specialize in luxury designers, we accept a broad range of designer items. Check our designer directory before cleaning your closet.

Our commission structure is based on your sales volume. We pay between 20% – 70% based on your item’s value. We also offer a tiered bonus structure based on your overall sales volume over time.

Which luxury products have the best resale value?

Timeless brands known for quality hold their value longer than others – think Hermès, Rolex and Cartier. Any brand with a commitment to quality that is well-known and in high demand will be valuable for a long time.