OUR BRAND
Expertise
Expertise is at the center of everything we do—and it is one of the crucial qualities that distinguishes The RealReal from other resale companies. We employ hundreds of gemologists, horologists, curators and luxury experts, and we think of them as both artists and scientists in their respective fields.
The Art & Science of Authentication
We are the only resale company in the world that authenticates every single item we sell. Everything passes through our strict authenticity tests before it is curated into daily sales. We inspect all goods for appropriate brand markings, date codes, serial tags and hologram stickers. Fine jewelry and watches are authenticated and appraised by our gemologists and horologists and each piece comes with a valuation certificate. Art items are thoroughly researched and validated by our team of fine art specialists.
Our Quality Control team provides an additional layer of inspection, pulling certain questionable items for further review. Items that are considered “high risk” are sent to authenticators who are highly specialized in specific categories.
Our authentication process, and all of our internal processes, are constantly evolving, powered by new technologies like machine learning and AI. We continuously work to maintain our members’ trust and to provide them with the most secure place to shop and sell authenticated luxury resale.
“TRR experts treat their jobs like a scientist: they show their work, build consensus, take feedback from peers. On average, a luxury item has five touch points in the authentication process.”
– TRR Insider
How The RealReal Stops Counterfeits
The RealReal does not accept fake or counterfeit merchandise. If we suspect for any reason that an item submitted for resale is not authentic, we will ask for proof of purchase in an effort to establish authenticity. Items determined to be counterfeit will not be returned and will be destroyed.
The RealReal cooperates with the brands we sell as well as state and federal agencies seeking to track down the source of stolen or counterfeit items, which includes providing the contact information of those who have submitted counterfeit goods.
Authentication Centers
At our Authentication Centers, our experts rigorously inspect each piece, photograph them for our site and carefully store them until they are sold. From there they are packed and sent to their new home.
TRR Academy is the training program for onboarding, continuing education, and career development at The RealReal. Our proprietary training content develops experts to identify and authenticate merchandise, grow in leadership, and gain internal and external certification for professional mastery. TRR Academy continuously develops expertise to solidify The RealReal's position as leaders in authenticated luxury resale.
“Unlike our competitors (who use self-posting), we take possession of the item. We smell the leather, open the watch, measure the gem.”
— TRR Insider
Sharing Our Knowledge
Expertise is an important part of our authentication process. It’s also how we build trust with our members. Letting members in on what we know helps us build trust in our process and values.
One-On-One Appointments
Members can meet our experts, either in-person or virtually, to learn what their pieces are worth, receive a personal valuation document, and, if they choose, sell on the spot. Our Luxury Consignment Offices provide us with great opportunities to educate our consignors and build trust with our community.
Virtual Events
Real Talk brings our Experts, Industry Collaborators and Community together in a virtual talk series. Here, we create engaging conversations with a focus on Expertise and TRR core values.
Personal Shopping
TRR members can elect to have one of our experts curate a selection of pieces chosen just for them.