Tula Tuesdays: Are Tula Baby Carriers Worth the Hype?

Tula Tuesdays are a new series on BOTTLESOUP. Every Tuesday, BOTTLESOUP will feature a post on the latest, greatest, and most outrageous Tula news. Stop by for info on Tula excusives, Tula lingo, special Tula giveaways, and more. Caw caw! 

When I first came across the Tula world, I was horrified. $3,500+ for some carriers? That sounded outrageous. Poking around Facebook, I found several Tula communities dedicated to the love of this carrier. I joined a couple groups and observed for a while, and my initial shock turned to interest, and before I knew it, I was one of those crazy Tula ladies. (Well, let’s be fair, I only have one Tula, so I’m not officially in the cult of SSS (“stash shot Saturday”) mommies (yet)).

So, what makes a Tula better than an Ergo? Or a Beco? Is it just that Tula sounds prettier and doesn’t end in “o”? What about Lenny Lamb, or a KinderPack? Why is Tula so HSA (highly sought after)?

From what I know about Tula’s now, I think it’s a cocktail: part status, part camaraderie, and part function. Before purchasing a standard canvas Tula, I had a Beco Soleil and a linen ring sling. Both were adequate, functioning carriers. In fact, when it comes to price, the Beco Soleil retails for the same price as a standard canvas Tula. So, to try a Tula, I sold my Beco Soleil and my linen ring sling (why would I need three carriers for one infant? My toddler is too big for a carrier, right?). This is what I found:

1. When it comes to comfort, Beco cannot compare to Tula

The first thing I noticed about my Tula was how soft it is. The Tula I have, a Jubilee, is made of Organic Cotton and canvas, unlike the Beco Soleil which was made of a nylon backpack-like material. The standard Tula is breathable, comfortable, and soft.

2. Resale Value

Unlike many other SSC (soft-structured carriers), Tula holds its value. In fact, in most cases, a used Tula will sell above retail price because prints are limited and regularly discontinued, and “broken in” carriers are softer and even more comfortable that a new in box (or bag) Tula. If you’re lucky enough to “score” a wrap conversion (WC) SSC Tula, then you’re looking at serious return on investment. Although WC’s are pricier than canvas Tulas, the limited quantity and release make WC extremely valuable. Buy a WC on Sunday, sell it on Tuesday for 3x the price (but, be careful, some Tula fanatics really hate “flippers”).

3. Real Money Can Be Made Flipping Tulas

Yes, I know a lot of the Tula Love community will hate me for admitting this, but you can make serious cash flipping Tulas. And, quite honestly, people who love Tulas and don’t flip theirs should love market value (MV) because the supply & demand of the Tula is what makes your Tula so valuable and increases resale value. Yes, there is a faction of Tula parents who think Tulas shouldn’t increase in value and used Tulas should be sold for less than retail, but the fact is people make connections with certain Tulas. People want rare, HTF (hard to find), HSA Tula baby carriers. Tula’s are the designer baby carrier of the times. Embrace it (and get rid of yours before MV drops, mmkayy?)

4. Trading Tulas

Don’t like your Tula? Bored with your Tula? Can’t afford 10 different Tulas? The Tula community is huge on B/S/T (buy/sell/trade) groups. Trade your Tula for a different one of equal value, or have the other person give you some extra cash for your more valuable trade (or vice versa).

Here are some awesome Tula groups to get you started and help you find your DISO (desperately in search of) Tula:

Tula Love (FB)

Tula Canvas B/S/T (FB)

Tula Carriers Buy/Sell/Trade (FB)

Tula Market Value Questions (FB)

Tula Appreciation (Pinterest)

 

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