The RealReal

Last verified: August 17, 2026

Return policy at a glance

United States
Return window
21 days
Free return shipping
Conditional
Receipt required
Not specified
In store return for online orders
Yes
Refund processing time
5-7 business days depending on payment method
Restocking fee
Not specified

The RealReal allows most purchases to be returned within 21 days of delivery for a refund. You can return items by mail or in person at a store, though some categories and conditions are excluded from returns.

How returns work

You may return items by mail or in store. To return by mail, request the return within 14 days of purchase or shipment, go to your My Purchases page, click the order number, select Return next to the items you want to return, fill out the return information, and print the shipping label to send the item back within 21 days. In-store returns are also available and are subject to a $6.95 restocking fee unless you make a concurrent purchase at the same time.

Exclusions and restrictions

The RealReal does not accept returns on swimwear, beauty products, or items sold at 40 percent or more off the original price. Items in As Is condition are also final sale and cannot be returned. Bags without Return Guarantee purchased cannot be returned. Items with missing or removed security tags are not returnable. Art, furniture, and oversized items have a shorter 14 day return window and require you to contact customer service within that period; you pay return costs unless The RealReal facilitates the return.

Refunds

Refunds are processed within 5 to 7 business days depending on your payment method. Credit card purchases are refunded to the original card. Purchases made with The RealReal Gift Card or site credit are refunded as site credit. Purchases made with cash are refunded by mailed check.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to return something to The RealReal?

You have 21 days from the delivery date to return most items. You must request the return within 14 days of purchase or shipment, then ship the item back within the full 21 day window. Art, furniture, and oversized items have a shorter 14 day return window.

Do I have to pay for return shipping?

Return shipping costs are conditional. If you return by mail, you pay a $15.95 return shipping fee. If you return in store, you pay a $6.95 restocking fee unless you make a purchase at the same time.

Can I return items in store?

Yes, you can return items in store. In-store returns are subject to a $6.95 restocking fee unless you make a concurrent purchase at the store.

What items cannot be returned?

Swimwear and beauty products are final sale. Items with 40 percent or more off are also final sale. Items in As Is condition cannot be returned. Bags without Return Guarantee purchased are not returnable. Items with missing or removed security tags are excluded from returns.

How long does it take to get my refund?

Refunds are processed within 5 to 7 business days depending on your payment method. The time may vary based on whether you paid with a credit card, gift card, site credit, or cash.

What refund method will I receive?

The refund method depends on how you paid. Credit card purchases are refunded to your card. Gift card and site credit purchases are refunded as site credit. Cash purchases are refunded by mailed check.

What if my item arrived damaged or was not as described?

The RealReal may accept returns if the item is identified as incorrectly described upon customer service review. Contact customer service to report the issue with your order.

How you can return an item

  • By mail , Print shipping label from confirmation email and ship item
  • In store , In-store returns subject to $6.95 restocking fee unless making concurrent purchase

Step by step

  1. Request return within 14 days of purchase or shipment date
  2. Go to My Purchases page and click the order number
  3. Click Return next to items you want to return
  4. Fill out and submit return information
  5. Print shipping label and return item within 21 days

Categories with their own return window

Category Window Note
Art, Furniture & Oversized Items 14 days Contact customer service within 14 days of delivery. Client pays return costs unless RealReal facilitates.

What you cannot return

  • Items received after 21 days , Outside return window
  • Items with missing or removed security tag , Security tag missing
  • Bags without Return Guarantee , No Return Guarantee purchased
  • Swimwear , Final sale category
  • Beauty , Final sale category
  • Items sold at 40% or more off , Final sale category
  • Items in As Is condition , Final sale category

How your refund comes back

You paid with Refund comes back as
Credit Card Refunded to credit card
The RealReal Gift Card Site credit
Site Credit Site credit
Cash Mailed check

Damaged or defective items

Returns may be accepted if item identified as incorrectly described by RealReal upon customer service review.

What the policy actually says

Every figure above is taken word for word from the retailer page. Here are the exact lines.

Field Quoted from the retailer
Return window days return the item(s) within 21 days of in-store purchase or original shipment date
Free return shipping $15.95 will be deducted when your item is processed
Return shipping fee $15.95 will be deducted when your item is processed
Refund method refer to the chart below for refund timing
Refund processing days Once your return is processed, refer to the chart below for refund timing
In store return for online Online and in-store purchases may be returned online (except non-member and cash refund returns which must be made in store)

Return policies for similar stores

Store Return window
Burlington return policy 30 days
Charlotte Russe return policy 30 days
Chico's return policy 60 days
Chico's FAS return policy 60 days
David's Bridal return policy 30 days
Dickies return policy 30 days

Checked against the retailer's published policy. Last verified: August 17, 2026

Return policies change without notice. Confirm the current policy with the retailer before you buy.