Travel Technology - What do you think about buying Tumi on ebay?

I got a gash on my 5 year old 26 incher Tumi bag. Tried to get tumi to warranty - no dice. I tried. I have seen the new G4 bags on Tumi and I'm thinking about getting one. Looked on ebay and see them for 100 less. What do you think about buying Tumi on Ebay? Warranty?

I got a gash on my 5 year old 26 incher Tumi bag. Tried to get tumi to warranty - no dice. I tried. I have seen the new G4 bags on Tumi and I'm thinking about getting one. Looked on ebay and see them for 100 less. What do you think about buying Tumi on Ebay? Warranty?


I bought a new satchel on ebay for about 25% off normal price. I registered it just fine. Very happy with it :) I'd be sure to go with a seller with good feedback, though :)

Never had a problem buying Tumi on Ebay (or selling it for that matter), I just upgraded my wife to G4 (granted, we purchased that at a store as we had 15% off) but I did end up selling all the old T3 stuff.

The G4 bags are VERY nice! :)

I have bought (and sold) Tumi on ebay before and recently (this week). I like the discounts and that they are mostly new with tags. If you have a Neiman Marcus Last Call around, check them out, they usually have Tumi on sale or for a good discount. I bought my complete set of T3 at NM.

I would think twice before purchasing designer goods on EBay. Check out this investigative article from this week by the Daily Mail.

"As part of an investigation into the scale of counterfeit goods being sold on eBay, the Daily Mail purchased that particular bag (£69 plus £7.95 post and packaging) as well as some 20 other items sold under the exclusive Louis Vuitton brand name. To ensure a fair snapshot, items that appeared suspicious from their online descriptions and photographs were not specifically targeted. Rather, over three days I simply bid for every item of so-called Louis Vuitton cherry blossom goods that came up. Shockingly, every single bag, purse and wallet I bought was a cheap and obvious fake."

The article doesn't specifically mention Tumi but I'd be surprised if they're immune.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/standard/article.html?in_article_id=354508&in_page_id=1685

I dont buy Tumi on eBay... I have found if you look hard enough you can get it on sale (clerance) at Macys, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus. Tumi themselves wil discount the stuff too. You just have to watc out for it.

-Vincent

Never had a problem buying Tumi on Ebay (or selling it for that matter), I just upgraded my wife to G4 (granted, we purchased that at a store as we had 15% off) but I did end up selling all the old T3 stuff.

The G4 bags are VERY nice! :)

I am looking at also getting the 22022 G4 the expandable 22. I went to a store and saw it. Did you get the that bag? What did you think about it? What do you think about the expandable mechanism?

I am looking at also getting the 22022 G4 the expandable 22. I went to a store and saw it. Did you get the that bag? What did you think about it? What do you think about the expandable mechanism?

That is the one my wife got, the expanding mechanism is amazing, absolutely brilliant IMHO.

I just hope that they release a laptop/brief/messenger bag in their alloy color soon, to match the roller.

I have bought (and sold) Tumi on ebay before and recently (this week). I like the discounts and that they are mostly new with tags. If you have a Neiman Marcus Last Call around, check them out, they usually have Tumi on sale or for a good discount. I bought my complete set of T3 at NM.

I think its one thing to fake a LV purse it's another to fake a Tumi roller suitcase.

I think buying from eBay is fine as long as the seller has good feedback. I make sure to read recent feedback, esp. if any is negative. I hesitate buying from anyone who has less than 99% positive.

Also beware of the prices on eBay and research what you can get it for offline. People sometimes overpay on eBay.

That is the one my wife got, the expanding mechanism is amazing, absolutely brilliant IMHO.

I just hope that they release a laptop/brief/messenger bag in their alloy color soon, to match the roller.

Is the mechanism better than zipper model. The sales person was having a hard time with the up and down. Seemed ackward. What does your wife think about it?

Is the mechanism better than zipper model. The sales person was having a hard time with the up and down. Seemed ackward. What does your wife think about it?

It takes a little getting used to, but if you push the buttons in hard enough, it is pretty easy. Only slight downside I can see is expanding it, when the bag is filled.

Quality merchandise on eBay?

I wouldn't do it. Too many counterfeits. Or, possibly stolen merchandise for sale.

Quality merchandise on eBay?

I wouldn't do it. Too many counterfeits. Or, possibly stolen merchandise for sale.

I've never heard of a Tumi counterfeit. And as for stolen merchandise, ANYTHING on Ebay could be stolen, that is the risk you run buying ANTHING used/refurbished. Stuff at the local cash converters, pawn shop or flea market could be stolen too.

I've purchased Coach on Ebay too, all you need is a reliable seller, products with tags, and a seller with good photos.

And as said, I'd have no doubts that ALL the tumi on Ebay is original.

those that purchase on ebay have their reasons to, those that don't don't. Just more low priced GOOD items for me to buy!!!! It is just like one person does not like to go to a certain supermarket where others will go there and geit their items from that supermarket someone else does not like to go to. it is a matter of opinion. Of all of the transactions I have done on ebay, I have only had one negative experience. The rest have been great. I sell and buy all the time. My partner sells daily!!!! and it isn't something thats only going for a dollar, they sell for upwards of hundreds and once in a while thousands of dollars. Just use common sence and make sure its from a reputable seller.

And if it sounds too good to be true, it prob is!!!!!!

I dont buy Tumi on eBay... I have found if you look hard enough you can get it on sale (clerance) at Macys, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus. Tumi themselves wil discount the stuff too. You just have to watc out for it.

-Vincent


When Tumi themselves discount items, it can mean they are about to discontinue the color/line. Found this out the hard way :eek:

When Tumi themselves discount items, it can mean they are about to discontinue the color/line. Found this out the hard way :eek:

HA HA HA this is true, but I have been able to get some nice pieces from thier "urban" collection this way. On RANDOM ocassion I've seen certain fusion z pieces discounted...


-Vincent

I never seen Tumi discount directly, but I have bought a few pieces from eBay. As long as new with tags, and from areputable seller, tough to go wrong.

Just make sure they aren't getting them from one of the Tumi outlets, outlet merchandise comes with no warantee, only first quality Tumi is waranteed.

If they neglect to mention they got it for a steal at a factory outlet, and you pay what you think is a great deal based on full retail, you may not have a good deal.

Can one check the waranty prior to purchase?
Can you tell if it is stolen? (e.g. check the tags? prior to purchase?)

Have other FTers been able to buy a used Tumi bag AND register it?

Well then the LV fakes they bought truly were not any good as the very good fakes look and feel almost the same and LV often has to pull them apart to tell the difference. ScottC, while Tumi fakes are not too prevalent in Korea they make excellent Tumi fakes, so excellent in fact that Tumi put severe pressure on the Korean government to have the business halted. That being said, aforesaid fakes were going for in excess of $150, not your normal fake price(s)

I've never heard of a Tumi counterfeit....

Take one trip to Itewon, South Korea..... it's out there.

At the shop where I bought some "legitimate" Tumi and Bree, The guy told me that the manufacturer has a contract and they automatically write off x% as scrap and that is where it ends up.

He also said there are many counterfeits there. And I saw them.

I have also personally seen a boatload in Shanghai.

Take one trip to Itewon, South Korea..... it's out there.

At the shop where I bought some "legitimate" Tumi and Bree, The guy told me that the manufacturer has a contract and they automatically write off x% as scrap and that is where it ends up.

He also said there are many counterfeits there. And I saw them.

I have also personally seen a boatload in Shanghai.

DAMN they will counterfit just about anything wont they?

-Vincent

Take one trip to Itewon, South Korea..... it's out there.

At the shop where I bought some "legitimate" Tumi and Bree, The guy told me that the manufacturer has a contract and they automatically write off x% as scrap and that is where it ends up.


A son of a friend was in China for a year. He bought a load of first class goretex brand name jackets. He said the exact same thing. The factories write of x% as crap and sell it cheap still making a profit.

For those who bought the G4, do you find the non-adjustable strap for your laptop a pain??? I really want to change but love my current tumi will adjustable strap for my laptop to hang onto. My wife has the one with the fixed strap length and is a pain. Don't know why Tumi didn't come out with an adjustable strap for the 22"?

Buying on eBay always involves a degree of risk. It depends on whether or not you want to take the risk.

I shop locally (I like to see and check out the stuff first), and we have a local luggage shop who will discount Tumi for regular customers. Been serving our little neighborhood for many years.

By the way, he is extremely (and brutally) honest. If you want to pay for the Tumi name, he'll gladly accomodate you, but he finds it not worth the premium price, considering the way the airlines treat luggage these days. He can recommend similar quality for almost half the price. Never steered me wrong!

Shop your local businesses - you may be surprised by the results! :)

No manufacturer allows "overs" to be sold locally in China, this does occur to a limited extent in places like Sri Lanka or Vietnam, but definately not China. Regarding the "Gore Tex" jckets in China, these are mostly North Face and the origins are simple. North Face refused to sign off on a letter of credit for a large contract manufacturer in China, the manufacturer then dumped them on the market (we're talking like 500,000 pieces) this created the market and since then new supplies are either out and out counterfeits or worse for NF (and other companies) third shifts that go out the back door.

I have bought two pieces of tumi on ebay and saved a bundle. I am happy with my purchases. I bought a backpack style computer bag and a 22" expandable roll a board. I paid a large sum online for the rolling bag but out of luck it was being sold local to my area so I contacted the seller (a luggage repair shop in my area) and went and inspected the item. The guy at the repair shop told me it was dropped off for a minor repair (something with the handle) and the owner never returned to pick it up. It did have the initial plate embossed and after I won the auction he replaced the initial tag for me with my own initials. I got it at about 30% of the original retail price (~$200) and it seemed very minimally used (though not brand new) condition. There were no marks on the fabric. Overall I wouldn't hesitate buying Tumi off of ebay again. I am sometimes leary of "brand new" because it sometimes raises the "fake" flag. I would rather buy a barely used piece from an individual than a new with tags piece from a dealer who may be trafficing in fake merchandise.

After receiving my Tumi backpack I proceeded to put my Briggs & Riley computer bag on ebay and the buyer seemed pleased.

For those who bought the G4, do you find the non-adjustable strap for your laptop a pain??? I really want to change but love my current tumi will adjustable strap for my laptop to hang onto. My wife has the one with the fixed strap length and is a pain. Don't know why Tumi didn't come out with an adjustable strap for the 22"?

Anyone have any thoughts on this???

Anyone have any thoughts on this???

Dang... I hadn't even noticed this till you mentioned it... I can imagine that it WILL be annoying, but will depend on the bag you hang onto it, I too can't possible imagine what they were thinking...

I bought a Tumi leather expandable computer brief case #96041 through eBay for ~300 USD. I am very satisfied with the item. I was able to register the product through Tumi and activate the global tracking feature. I guess I saved about $150 + sales taxes. :D
The computer case is selling for $450 on Tumi sites as well as other online luggage stores.

Ask for a corporate program from your local Tumi store (in USA). I took advantage of this a few years ago. IIRC the minimum is 4 pieces bought at the same time and they would give 15% discount. But I don't know if there has been any changes to the policy.

I bought the G4 Napa expandable briefcase on Ebay for a big saving vs even US prices - given how expensive they are over here in Oz (US$700'ish equiv) was an even better deal as the approved web sites won't ship overseas so worth considering especially for non-US residents.

Also bought a couple of second hand pieces, one of which turned out to be 10-yrs old. Just goes to show why buy Tumi when it still looks great (not dated at all in style) and wears really well.

As per the comment above, AA lost my old 22" wheel-on (big shopping trip so I had expanded it and they wouldn't let me take it on) so treated myself to a new Gen 4 one. Is anyone else really disappointed? - I wish I'd found an old model somewhere instead
- Extendible handle feels much more flimsy
- Strap as mentioned above
- Expansion seems like it might wear quickly, be a little fragile
- Not sure I like having the "steal-me" logo on the front - much preferred the clean look of the old ones (I used to take the Tumi tag off)
- No cool hanger
Rush purchase so didn't spot these at the time. On the flip side:-
- Like the recessed handle
- Like the compression system

Anybody else feel the same?

I bought 2 tumi bags for about 30% off list from ebay, very happy with the seller - his name is "scottnoah" - I have no affiliation with him, but I am hapy with the bags and the service.

What exactly does Tumi luggage or Ebay have to do with "Travel Technology"?

MisterNice

Is it really worth the extra $$ for the expandable option on the new G4 22"?

Does the non expandable one have a zipper expansion?

Is it really worth the extra $$ for the expandable option on the new G4 22"?

Does the non expandable one have a zipper expansion?


Not that I know of, expandable bags were never available on any of the 22" rollers. At least none that I ever saw.

As for the extra $$$$, if you want to buy new Tumi you don't have much choice, you either get the cheaper (and IMHO inferior) T3, old(er) G3 stuff (if you can even find it anywhere) or the new G4.

Not that I know of, expandable bags were never available on any of the 22" rollers. At least none that I ever saw.

As for the extra $$$$, if you want to buy new Tumi you don't have much choice, you either get the cheaper (and IMHO inferior) T3, old(er) G3 stuff (if you can even find it anywhere) or the new G4.
Well I meant the $595 for the expandable or the $495 for the non-expandable.

Also, the reason why I'm buying it is to fit it in the overhead. These should fit right?

Well I meant the $595 for the expandable or the $495 for the non-expandable.

Also, the reason why I'm buying it is to fit it in the overhead. These should fit right?

I didn't even know they had a non-expandable version :)

When it isn't expanded it will fit in the overhead. Whether or not you need the expandable version will depend on your travel needs, in our case we did need expanding, as some of our travel is local stuff (by car).

I didn't even know they had a non-expandable version :)

When it isn't expanded it will fit in the overhead. Whether or not you need the expandable version will depend on your travel needs, in our case we did need expanding, as some of our travel is local stuff (by car).
http://www.tumi.com/products/index.cfm?ModelID=50101&MercSearch_Link=22012
:)

Are these going to fit in ALL overheads?

Tumi G4s up to 22", when not expanded, can fit into most overheads (B737 and larger aircraft).

I got a gash on my 5 year old 26 incher Tumi bag. Tried to get tumi to warranty - no dice. I tried. I have seen the new G4 bags on Tumi and I'm thinking about getting one. Looked on ebay and see them for 100 less. What do you think about buying Tumi on Ebay? Warranty?

What happened to the "lifetime warranty"? I sent them a bag that was manufactured before the lifetime warranty was a policy. Even though it was prior to the policy, they fixed it for free. It was a zipper issue though, not a gash. It sounds like the OP pursued this, but I would press them, they have been good to me.

I got a gash on my 5 year old 26 incher Tumi bag. Tried to get tumi to warranty - no dice. I tried. I have seen the new G4 bags on Tumi and I'm thinking about getting one. Looked on ebay and see them for 100 less. What do you think about buying Tumi on Ebay? Warranty?

What happened to the "lifetime warranty"? I sent them a bag that was manufactured before the lifetime warranty was a policy. Even though it was prior to the policy, they fixed it for free. It was a zipper issue though, not a gash. It sounds like the OP pursued this, but I would press them, they have been good to me.

The word that I received was that the warranty is lifetime but limited. Limited? Yes - folks limited to zipper or malfunction of original parts. I tried at 4 different places and was told the same thing. Briggs and Riley which i am considering is lifetime warranty which includes airline damage.

As an alternate, there are at least 2 Tumi outlet stores in the US where you can get real bargains. One is in upstate NY, the other in Maine.

I have had very good luck with Tumi on Ebay, buying a rolling computer brief, wheel away slim garment bag and a rolling weekender at about 250 dollars less than I would have paid in a store.

I have always searched for New in Box (NIB) and done business with a reliable seller with lots of feedback.

One other thing . . . I use Auction Sniper to bid for me, particularly when I really want to win. You may want to try it. Email me and I will send you details on the Ebayer that I purchased my Tumi gear from.

As an alternate, there are at least 2 Tumi outlet stores in the US where you can get real bargains. One is in upstate NY, the other in Maine.

The tumi outlets sell items with no warranty or trace programer. They actually will black over the tracer piece in the bag.

I bought the G4 Napa expandable briefcase on Ebay for a big saving vs even US prices - given how expensive they are over here in Oz (US$700'ish equiv) was an even better deal as the approved web sites won't ship overseas so worth considering especially for non-US residents.

Also bought a couple of second hand pieces, one of which turned out to be 10-yrs old. Just goes to show why buy Tumi when it still looks great (not dated at all in style) and wears really well.

As per the comment above, AA lost my old 22" wheel-on (big shopping trip so I had expanded it and they wouldn't let me take it on) so treated myself to a new Gen 4 one. Is anyone else really disappointed? - I wish I'd found an old model somewhere instead
- Extendible handle feels much more flimsy
- Strap as mentioned above
- Expansion seems like it might wear quickly, be a little fragile
- Not sure I like having the "steal-me" logo on the front - much preferred the clean look of the old ones (I used to take the Tumi tag off)
- No cool hanger
Rush purchase so didn't spot these at the time. On the flip side:-
- Like the recessed handle
- Like the compression system

Anybody else feel the same?

I hate the strap, my bag almost reaches the floor if there's a laptop in it.


The expansion squeaks (I brought it back and the ones they had squeak too)

The handle also seems shaky when it's in use, not sure if that's normal.

Otherwise, can't complain :)

Kind of off-topic, but can someone explain to me why Tumi is so popular, given its price? I have been buying Samsonite or American Tourister luggage for years, and it usually gets destroyed by the airline before it wears out. Is there something magical about Tumi that I should know about, or is it just more stylish?

Kind of off-topic, but can someone explain to me why Tumi is so popular, given its price? I have been buying Samsonite or American Tourister luggage for years, and it usually gets destroyed by the airline before it wears out. Is there something magical about Tumi that I should know about, or is it just more stylish?

I used to be a TravelPro devotee, but I found the corners of my TP rollaboards (always nylon) tended to fray quickly - My Tumi does not have the same problem.

Additionally, I have wrecked the zippers on countless bags; the Tumi zippers are tough and well-constructed.

...and yes, I like the Volvo-esque design.

Kind of off-topic, but can someone explain to me why Tumi is so popular, given its price? I have been buying Samsonite or American Tourister luggage for years, and it usually gets destroyed by the airline before it wears out. Is there something magical about Tumi that I should know about, or is it just more stylish?


Tumi is the best and they stand beheind thier product - no maybe, no perhaps. They are solid.

I'm a customer for life.

-Vincent

Kind of off-topic, but can someone explain to me why Tumi is so popular, given its price? I have been buying Samsonite or American Tourister luggage for years, and it usually gets destroyed by the airline before it wears out. Is there something magical about Tumi that I should know about, or is it just more stylish?

I've been using my 22" roller since 2000, it has travelled over 1.2 million miles with me, I treat it like crap, and it is rolling along just as smoothly as day one.

Granted, you pay $600 for it, but it won't let you down.

Anyone find that the Gen 4 handle is shaky?

Anyone find that the Gen 4 handle is shaky?

No problems with the G4, but found the T3 one to be terrible. The "twisting handle" concept looks great, but is terribly viable to becoming loose.

Well, after reading all your responses to my OP - I went and purchased Tumi bags at Nordstrom. I weighed all of the good posts and good experiences that you shared. I bid on one bag and lost out at the last minue. I got a coupon 10% off in the mail for Nordies and was in PDX and no sales tax. Plus, Nordies has legendary customer service. I actually purchased because when I took my wife's bag in for repair the person helping us looked at the bag - which is a 2 year old Tumi 22 and came back and asked us if we had bought it at Nordstroms. Yes, we did buy it at Nordstroms and then she told us to hold on. She came back and offered us a cappucinno or a soft drink and we gladly accepted. I thought they were doing the repair in the back while we were waiting. We came back to the luggage area after getting our lattes - the lady gave us a brand new g4 bag. She said that it looked like the problem on the bag was a manufacturer issue and that it would be better if we got a new instead of a repair. At that moment Nordies earned my business on a new 22 g4 and 26 incher and some other stuff.

Thanks for all your input.

I hate the strap, my bag almost reaches the floor if there's a laptop in it.


The expansion squeaks (I brought it back and the ones they had squeak too)

The handle also seems shaky when it's in use, not sure if that's normal.

Otherwise, can't complain :)

Yup, I hate the strap too and that has stopped me from getting the G4!

For the handle, the G3 (or is it 2?) is poorly designed. When the laptop bag is attached to my 22" it adds weight to the bag and where the handle meets the bag, that plastic keeps cracking. At least Tumi replaces it for me everytime without any questions asked. In Dallas, it takes about a week to replace. In Singapore, they replace it on the spot and takes 10 minutes!!! ^

I would love to buy the G4 and see how long I can hold out for.

FYI, they changed the strap so it's now adjustable.

I brought my bag back for another reason and the new one had the new adjustable strap :)

Anyone else preferring the old (G3?) leather soft briefcases than the new G4 ones? Better compartments, softer leather, etc.