The RealReal Hacks: How To Shop Like A Pro
how to win at The RealReal game (from a self-proclaimed pro shopper)
2025 will forever be known as the year I converted to shopping secondhand for 95% of my clothes. The fashion industry’s associated waste and negative environmental impact make me nauseous. For instance, fashion is responsible for 2-8 % of global carbon emissions, and 85% of all textiles go to the dump each year. Yikes. I cannot stomach buying undergarments secondhand, but everything else is fair game.
The RealReal has become one of my favorite online shopping platforms, and I believe that I have mastered shopping on the site. At first glance, the new arrivals are overwhelming and expensive. How did my friend Alice find a $40 Gucci top on here??? Well, I am about to break down how I approach shopping on The RealReal, and how I have found some amazing deals.
Also, check out my series titled The RealReal Gems for hand picked items at great prices.
Steps to Becoming a Shopping Pro at The RealReal:
First Look Subscription - I 100% think this is the insider hack to finding the best items on TRR. By paying for this subscription ($12/month), you can see items 24 hours before they go live to the public. Prior to signing up for this, I had no idea how many cool items were sold before I even saw them! Also, TRR makes mistakes, and it is always the girlies with the first look subscription who find a mislabeled/mispriced Chanel sweater for $100. I swear I’m not sponsored, just a fan of this feature.
Save To Obsessions, Then Wait - Sometimes it is smart to immediately purchase an item if the deal is good (or if you spot a mistake), however most of the time it is better to wait it out. The longer an item is on TRR, the more likely it will be discounted. TRR typically consigns items for 1 calendar year, so the price will get lower and lower until that 1 year mark approaches. I have noticed clothing items get discounted to 10% or 20% off within a few weeks of the initial posting.
Do not delete items from your “obsessions” after they have been sold. Why? If a sold item is returned by the buyer, the item will become available again (often at an even lower price!). It will appear as “coming soon” in your obsessions. The price is often lower because more time as elapsed, and the consignment clock does not reset.
New Arrivals Drop Time - New stock drops at 10AM EST and 7PM EST. This is also when item prices are updated and new markdowns appear. This is the best time to shop. Period.
Editor’s Picks - The editors at TRR have a great eye, and I love sifting through their picks in the new arrivals section. The editors curate a selection of items that are new and relevant in fashion as well as items that have unique details.
Saved Searches - Saved searches can be a hassle to set up, but they are worth it. Looking for a pair of brown suede Gucci boats? I was too, and I found a pair by checking my saved search religiously. The search can be customized endlessly with size, color, brand, clothing type, etc.
Here is an example of one of my saved searches. I am looking for a cocktail dress for a wedding welcome party, so I selected my size, different designers, and various dress lengths that would be suitable. Everyday I open this search and see if there is anything new to add to my obsessions.
Buy in Bulk - The RealReal has a flat shipping fee of $14.95 (which pains me). The best way to avoid paying exorbitant fees on shipping is to purchase many favorited items together. There is also a return shipping fee, so it is best to ship back returns together as well.
Comment below what you think of these hacks or if you have anything to add!
xoxo Sarah