Tumi bags are expensive because they use premium materials, have thoughtful designs for frequent travelers, and Tumi has built a reputation as a prestige brand known for quality and durability.
Tumi is known for making some of the most durable and luxurious luggage and business bags on the market. Their bags come with a high price tag, which leaves many wondering – why are Tumi bags so expensive? Tumi justifies their premium pricing by using high-quality materials, thoughtful designs aimed at frequent travelers, and by positioning their brand as a status symbol. While the price may seem hard to swallow for some, Tumi devotees swear by the bags’ quality and functionality.
Top 10 Reasons Why Tumi Bags Are So Expensive
1. Premium Materials
Tumi bags are made with only the finest materials like ballistic nylon, full-grain leather, and lightweight aluminum. These materials are extremely durable and able to withstand the demands of frequent travel. Tumi views the higher cost of premium materials as an investment in the longevity and quality of their products. This allows them to offer generous warranties on their bags as well.
2. Thoughtful Designs for Travelers
Tumi designs their bags with frequent travelers in mind. Their bags offer features like smooth operating zippers, luggage straps to stack bags together, interior organizational pockets, laptop sleeves, and options to expand or compress the bag as needed. These intelligent designs solve common problems faced by travelers and road warriors. The attention to detail requires extra engineering and labor costs.
3. Skilled Craftsmanship
Producing the high-quality materials and thoughtful designs requires exceptional, skilled craftsmanship. Tumi bags are made in Colombian factories known for artisanal leatherworking. The level of skill and handiwork involved in making a Tumi bag is far beyond what you find from a basic nylon luggage brand. Tumi acknowledges this exceptional craftsmanship deserves greater compensation.
4. Brand Recognition and Reputation
As the market leader in premium luggage and business bags, the Tumi name carries clout and gravitas. Tumi has built up their reputation over decades by consistently delivering outstanding products aimed at high-income travelers.
Their recognizable logo telegraphs to others that the owner has an experienced, sophisticated sense of style and refuses to compromise on quality. Customers pay a premium price to enjoy the status that comes with the Tumi brand name.
5. Excellent Warranties and Support
Tumi stands behind the quality of their bags by offering generous repair and replacement policies. Many credit card holders offer similar extended warranty policies on products, recognizing the value consumers place on this peace of mind. Should any defect arise due to regular use, Tumi will repair or replace your bag.
It gives customers confidence in making the investment in their products. Excellent support and service comes at a cost to the company.
6. Low Production Quantities
As a premium brand, Tumi does not mass produce their luggage by the millions. The materials, craftsmanship and attention to detail involved means they produce far less than big box brands focused on volume and discounts. The costs invested in each Tumi bag are spread over fewer units. Limited production quantities enable greater quality control too.
7. Research and Development Costs
Tumi employs extensive research and development (R&D) to continually refine and improve their bag designs and materials. This includes consumer testing panels, focus groups, third-party quality assurance testing, surveying frequent travelers and cooperating with industrial design firms.
This R&D is expensive but results in thoughtful innovations and enhancements consumers appreciate. These costs allow Tumi to stay ahead of customer needs.
8. Responsible Company Values
Tumi has invested seriously in corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability initiatives. They use many recycled materials, zero landfill manufacturing practices and solar facilities to produce their bags. Tumi partners with non-profits supporting children, education and the environment too.
While noble, these efforts raise production expenses which contribute to higher retail costs. Consumers benefit from supporting an ethical company.
9. Premium Retail Stores
Rather than relying on discounts from big box stores, Tumi primarily sells their luggage in their own branded retail stores, online store and through high-end department stores.
This allows them to control the shopping experience and the prestige conveyed by their settings. But prime retail locations, well-trained sales staff and lower volume come at a real estate and labor cost premium – passed onto buyers.
10. Strong Profit Margins
As a sought-after premium brand, Tumi can command stronger profit margins on their bags versus mass market brands competing mainly on price. Part of the higher prices consumers pay goes directly to Tumi’s bottom line.
The premium pricing contributes to revenues, profits and maintaining their position as an aspirational brand that consumers admire and trust. Their profitability allows continued investments and innovations.
Is Tumi a good brand?
Yes, Tumi is considered an excellent, top-tier brand for luggage and business bags. They are known for their premium materials, durable and thoughtful designs, and reputation for quality and innovation.
Are Tumi bags good?
Tumi bags are regarded as some of the best on the market for frequent travelers and those wanting functional, stylish luggage built to last. Their quality materials and bag features make them very good.
Are Tumi bags worth the price?
For some customers, Tumi bags are worth the high prices because of their durability, quality, smart designs and brand prestige. For more budget-focused shoppers, the price may be hard to justify.
Where to buy Tumi bags?
Tumi bags can be purchased directly through Tumi’s website, Tumi retail stores, select high-end department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s, and some specialty luggage stores. Buying directly from Tumi provides the best selection.