SmallBizGenius Analysis

Ruelala is an online retailer offering discounted designer goods through a membership-based model. While some customers praise the deep discounts and authentic products, a significant number report issues with order fulfillment, customer service, and return policies, leading to a generally negative customer experience.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 284 recent reviews

Shipping and Delivery Issues

3.0/10

Many reviewers report significant delays in shipping, with some orders taking weeks or even months to arrive. Some customers also claim their orders were never delivered, despite being marked as such, and they struggled to get assistance from customer service. One reviewer stated, "I have made few purchases in the past. They take too long to deliver anything."

25 reviews mention this

Customer Service Problems

2.5/10

A significant number of reviewers express dissatisfaction with Ruelala's customer service, citing long response times, unhelpful agents, and difficulty resolving issues. Many reviewers mention the lack of a phone number and reliance on email communication, which often goes unanswered. One reviewer said, "Poor customer service Contacted them about returning a dress that I bought that has a faulty zipper No one has bother to get back to me."

22 reviews mention this

Return Policy Issues

3.5/10

Several reviewers criticize Ruelala's restrictive return policy, particularly the limited return window and the prevalence of "final sale" items. Customers report being stuck with unwanted items due to sizing issues or dissatisfaction with the product quality. One reviewer complained, "Terrible return policy — feels like a scam. I placed an order and needed to return an item, but instead of a refund, they only offered store credit."

18 reviews mention this

Product Authenticity Concerns

4.0/10

Some reviewers express concerns about the authenticity of products sold on Ruelala, particularly designer items. Customers claim to have received fake or substandard goods, leading to a loss of trust in the platform. One reviewer stated, "Fake items. Awful awful definitely avoid! This website is a scam. Bought a pair of sandals which were definitely not authentic."

12 reviews mention this

Positive Shopping Experiences

8.0/10

Some customers report positive experiences with Ruelala, highlighting the great deals and authentic products they were able to purchase. These reviewers often mention receiving their orders on time and being satisfied with the quality of the items. One reviewer said, "Ordered a Chloe Marcie saddle bag from them, 100% authentic, delivered pretty quickly and got an amazing deal too! $700 cheaper than other retailers! Very satisfied with this transaction."

15 reviews mention this

Website and Account Issues

3.0/10

A few reviewers mention difficulties logging into their accounts or navigating the website. Some customers find the security verification process overly burdensome. One reviewer stated, "Ruelala has made it so hard to get into it's site with several verifications that it is actually myself logging into my own account, I can't be bother to go through it all."

5 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Deep discounts on designer brands Mentioned 18x
"Ordered a Chloe Marcie saddle bag from them, 100% authentic, delivered pretty quickly and got an amazing deal too! $700 cheaper than other retailers!"
Authentic products when as advertised Mentioned 10x
"The item was genuine Trina Turk pants at an amazing price. Delivered before estimated delivery date. The site is for real"
Easy to use ordering process Mentioned 3x
"The ordering was easy"

Common Complaints

Frequent shipping delays and missing orders Mentioned 20x
"It’s useless experience. I bought toteme bag on April 16th. I haven’t received the bag 1 month later, I have contacted customer service through email, no response, absolute nightmare."
Unresponsive and unhelpful customer service Mentioned 18x
"Poor customer service Contacted them about returning a dress that I bought that has a faulty zipper No one has bother to get back to me even though they said a dedicated member of the team would get back in 48 hrs . Not very dedicated as I have had no contact with anyone"
Restrictive return policy with many final sale items Mentioned 15x
"Terrible return policy — feels like a scam. I placed an order and needed to return an item, but instead of a refund, they only offered store credit. Now I’m stuck with credit I don’t want to use."
Concerns about product authenticity and quality Mentioned 12x
"Received a fake watch. I heavily researched the brand and the watch before ordering through this site. It did not work well immediately after receiving - it has multiple settings and not all of them c..."
Inaccurate product descriptions and sizing issues Mentioned 5x
"Ordered a pair of shoes they were too big not true to size and can’t return even for an exchange for a smaller size. That is poor customer care."

Common Questions About Ruelala

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Ruelala legit and trustworthy?

Ruelala's legitimacy is a recurring concern based on the reviews. While some customers report receiving authentic designer items at discounted prices, a significant number express doubts due to issues with product quality, order fulfillment, and customer service. The prevalence of negative experiences suggests that there is a risk involved in shopping with Ruelala, and customers should proceed with caution. It's crucial to carefully review product descriptions and return policies before making a purchase.

Based on 25 reviews

Does Ruelala have good customer service?

Based on the reviews, Ruelala's customer service is a major pain point for many customers. Numerous reviewers report difficulty contacting customer service representatives, long response times, and unhelpful interactions. The lack of a phone number and reliance on email communication contribute to the frustration. Customers often struggle to resolve issues related to delayed orders, returns, and product quality.

Based on 22 reviews

Is Ruelala worth it for small business?

For small businesses, Ruelala's value proposition is questionable. While the discounted prices may seem appealing, the unreliability of order fulfillment and the potential for receiving substandard or fake products pose significant risks. The negative customer service experiences reported by many reviewers further diminish its suitability for small businesses seeking reliable sourcing or gifting options. It's essential to weigh the potential cost savings against the potential for negative experiences and reputational damage.

Based on 10 reviews

What is Ruelala's return policy like?

Ruelala's return policy is frequently criticized for being restrictive and unfavorable to customers. The return window is limited, and many items are designated as "final sale," making them non-returnable. Customers also report difficulties obtaining refunds and being offered store credit instead. The combination of these factors makes it challenging for customers to return unwanted items and receive fair compensation.

Based on 18 reviews

Does Ruelala sell authentic designer items?

The authenticity of designer items sold on Ruelala is a recurring concern in the reviews. While some customers report receiving genuine products, others claim to have received fake or substandard goods. This inconsistency raises doubts about the platform's ability to consistently guarantee the authenticity of its offerings. Customers should exercise caution and thoroughly research products before making a purchase, especially when dealing with high-value designer items.

Based on 12 reviews