The $400 Phil and Ted’s Stroller – Dissecting The Purchase
Sticker shock. That is probably your first thought, I know it was mine when The Happy Rockette first told me about the stroller. A little more than 3 months later, we own one! See the picture below for a quick look or click here for an in depth look at PhilandTeds.com.
Here are the criteria I used to evaluate and review our Phil and Ted stroller purchase and why I think it was a great purchase:
- Pay Cash. The Rockette had been working every other Saturday to help out at her former job and decided she wanted that extra effort to go towards something. We had the money in two weekends or so. That month gave us some time to do some extra research and really get behind the purchase.
- Aligned With Our Values. Being in a small condo, going outside is a must. We love going the park and hiking the trails, walking the boardwalk, going to museums, etc. With the addition of Pebble Jr. two strollers just made everything much more of an ordeal. The purchase would help us cope with a small house, provide us with much more convenient time outside, and contribute to the positive welfare of our children.
- Get Good Value. Could we have gotten a $200 double stroller? Sure…so that what did we get for the extra $200 dollars.
- When we went to the store to check the stroller out in person, it was quite apparent that this stroller had years of research and design put into it compared to the other double stroller. It folded up smaller then our current one seater. Size is a big deal for double strollers. It provided multiple child configurations that accommodated our baby and a toddler all the way to two toddlers. The current setup has the Pebble Jr. laying down, and the Big Pebble perched on top. There was even enough room to change the Pebble Jr. which has come in quite handy. Handles are adjustable, covers and rain protectors are easy to use and store nicely, it is easy for The Rockette to push, and the list goes on. The value is in the design.
- Pretty much everyone who owns a Phil and Ted stroller raves about it. Not in an I drive a BMW or Mercedes kind of way, but in a “it’s made my life so much easier” way.
- The resale value on used strollers was not much less than brand new, usually $300 or more. This is an indicator of people’s willingness to pay and the quality of the product. It also helps justify the purchase to know that you can unload the stroller and get a decent portion of the purchase price back.
- Get A Good Price. We searched for about a month until with found a new sport one for $399 with free shipping from Pish Posh Baby. I even emailed to see if there were coupons available, but they didn’t respond until they included a coupon code for pishposhbaby.com with my order. You can get 5% with the code Save5 though, which readers say is still working
.- *Update – Pish Posh Baby updated their new price to $539, but they have the discontinued camo colors for Phil and Ted Sport for $449
- *Update – Pish Posh Baby updated their new price to $539, but they have the discontinued camo colors for Phil and Ted Sport for $449
So far we are very happy with our purchase, even though I still have a little sticker remorse from time to time when I realize the the stoller is almost worth the same amount as my car. What do you think? Am I crazy and just justifying a silly purchase?
Update[8/17/2008] – Here are a few answers to questions I received through email.
1. Which model did you get? – Inline Sport
2. Does it allow you to adapt your car seat to it for an infant? (If it does not, did you find this to be a problem?) – It does not adapt to the car seat out of the box, but there are car seat adapters out there – I think the stroller is way easier than the car seat. If you have a small infant that can’t sit up, it has the lay down position which works great. Phil and Ted Car Seat Adapters
3. Do you know where I can find a list of retailers where I can look at one in person?. – I think your best bet is here, although I know there is at least one local retailer that isn’t listed there. It was helpful to look in person to help combat sticker shock.
Update[7/21/2009] – Thanks to The Happy Rock reader Cristina for alerting us about a recall for almost all Phil and Ted strollers(2003 – 2008) for hinge problems. As a couple of commenter mentioned the stroller hinge is too sharp and can cut a person or rip the stroller material. View the details here: Phil and Ted Stroller Recall.
Black-Market Christmas – Zhu Zhu Pets
The Penny Is Being Retired!
@Ashley – Looks like BabyBungalow is not a well know site and the few ratings they do have are not good at all. Baby Bungalow Reseller Ratings, review on Epinions seemed to be a little better
I will say that Pish Posh Baby has the pink camo or gray with doubles for $450 and the 5% off coupon is still reported as working. Blue camo is another $20.
I was wondering if anyone has ever used any of the Phil & Ted’s in snow and ice? We’re contemplating purchasing this for our forthcoming second child to accomodate our 2 yr. old and the new one but wanted to see if anyone has tried this. Thanks – great feedback from everyone helping make our decision more informed!
@Holly – I have taken the boys on snow and some ice and it works, but I am not sure that it has anything special to offer for snow and ice over other strollers. The tires are regular tires.
I’m going to purchase a Phil and Ted’s stroller, but am unsure which model is best. Is it worth the extra money to get the Vibe, for folding, the Dash with the plastic footwell, or is the Sport good enough?
I bought a Vibe right after it came out and I love it. It has truly made my life much easier in that I can go anywhere now with my kids in a stroller. I never could do that before in my side by side. My Nanny uses the side by side for the park, etc. I keep the VIBE in my car all the time. I got the VIBE due to the seats being a bit bigger and because it had a few new items on it. I love the hang-bag for drinks, etc. It works well with the VIBE. I think it was expensive, but it has been worth the money since it has made taking my kids out so much easier. My kids are 3 and 4, but petite, so I can use the VIBE for much longer. My kids really like it and my 4 year old loves sitting in the back seat. I could have gotten a Joovy Caboose, but both of my kids sometimes fall asleep and the Joovy doesn’t allow the older child to lay down. For me, the Vibe has worked out perfectly. I use the hang bag accessory and then take a small toddler bag too. I put my wallet in the toddler bag. I can go anywhere and the VIbe folds easily, so I highly recommend it. I just wish I’d bought one first! I took my Vibe to my bike shop to have all the tires sealed. I learned about this online and it wasn’t expensive, so I don’t have to ever worry about the tires going flat. This really is a great stroller.
Hello all,
I am a mother of two and I just want everyone to be aware and NOT buy anything from Pish Posh Baby. They have this stroller for very cheap but there is a reason. I just got off the phone with a man that works there and he was so rude and offensive, he condescendingly tried to answer my questions which he didn’t even give me real answers.
I was on hold for around 30 mins after I finally got a hold of someone, I have been trying to call for weeks and got an answering machine and no call back. The guy kept talking to other people while he was on the phone with me and telling me to hold on when I am trying to purchase this phil and teds stroller. Ridiculous.
The entire phone call he was practically yelling, which I still do not understand why. These people at pishposhbaby.com are extremely obnoxious and he eventually told me to “look up your own answers” When I simply asked about whether or not I could jog with the stroller.
I will order the stroller and all of my other baby products somewhere else and if you want to be saved the hassle and not deal with rude people, you should do the same.
@Jesse,
Thanks for sharing your experience, its helpful to have a bunch of different perspectives. I will say that Pish Posh has more than a few happy customers that have read this thread and bought over there. Most of them just used the coupon and ordered though I think.
With that said I haven’t had much luck with talking to them in person either. I haven’t had any luck trying to get them to start an affiliate referral program, actually I haven’t even got them to respond to an email either.
I was surprised at Jesse’s negative experience at pishposhbaby.com. I purchased the phil and teds sport stroller with a coupon and had a great buyer experience from beg. to end. I also referred a friend who was very happy too. I even received a free mommy hook as a courtesy gift. I used the ask sarah link several times and recieved a response within the hour!!! I would definatley reccommend pishposhbaby to anyone out there.
Heather (mom of 3!)
I just recently purchased the sport with my 2nd baby and love it! I do wish I had the forsight with my first child to have purchased the Phil and Ted (and people I knew had told me to do it, but, you just never know when or if #2 will happen). I did buy a Maclaren that I have worn down, so, I don’t feel that we have too many strollers, and the P&T is heavier (we live in a city and don’t have a car) so, it only makes sense now since it doesn’t take up an entire sidewalk! I ordered through Pishposh and although I waited on hold for a bit, they were terrific and I had the stroller fast and easy! I would definitely order through them again!
We bought the Phil and Teds Vibe a year ago. We are truly happy with the design of the stroller and being able to maneuver our 2 kids around New York easily. But there is one big disadvantage to it and I never thought of it when buying. The tires are specifically made for Phil and Teds and very hard to get. We already had to replace 2 tires as well as 3 tubes. I never had these problems with another stroller that had inflatable tires. And a replacement tire for the Vibe rear wheel is not even available but you have to buy the whole wheel for $35 dollars (not including tax nor shipping). It’s just such a hassle all the time and I wish we would have never bought that stroller.
@katja – Your wheel problems surprise me. I got a flat with our stroller(P & T Sport) and just walked into a bike shop with the tire and they had an innertube that was the right size. I fixed it myself for a total cost of $6 I think.
Hopefully, I never have to replace a tire. What made your tires go anyway, I would think tires should last the life of the stroller with normal wear and tear?
Still really like my Vibe. Find it easy to use. Folds easily and goes in and out of the car easily. With two kids I go light since the shopping bag has feet in it. I use a Mommy hook on the handle for a package or two if I’m shopping. I use the hang bag zippered part for my cell phone, cash, etc. I have also loaded this stroller down heavily and still had no problems. I just am careful to have my back passenger get out first. The kids hop in and out of this stroller as they see things while out and always say, “Mom take the stroller”. If they do get tired they can fall asleep in this stroller which is great. Won’t buy another stroller, this one is the last one for me. I did take precaution and had the tires all sealed at my local bike shop, so I will not have any flats. Just wanted to not have to worry about that. It’s a stroller that I can go and do with which has meant a lot to me as a Mom. With my double I had to wait outside places because it would not fit. Thanks.
We were sold on the Phil and Teds because there is nothing like it- a single/double stroller- perfect for our family. We have a two year old who loves to walk (but still needs a stroller at times) and a newborn. Worth the price tag when you consider the convenience. I wanted to share a tip I found- USA Baby sells the sport for pretty inexpensive (comparatively) AND will honor Bed Bath and Beyond coupons since they introduced Buy Buy Baby and sell P & T online! It ends up being right around $400 for a sport with a doubles kit!
Kelly- which USA baby was this?
I am having tons of problems with the tires as well…the rims on the stroller are not overly deep and the sidewalls of the tires come off the rim (despite being inflated to 22lbs.) The rims are not crooked or bent as in an above post. I have taken the tires to several bike shops and gone through new tubes and new tires.
Also, Regal Lager no longer servicing these strollers…now Phil and Ted have their own service line (800-839-4985.) Called today to try to get the issue resolved and had to leave a message for call back.
If we could only get the tire issue fixed we would be thrilled as we love the stroller flexibility. Sadly, in addition to the cost of the stroller, we have also put a bunch of money into rain covers, UV covers, cupholder, infant car seat adapter. Currently our stroller is not usable until the tire issue is resolved.
I bought the P & T Sport. Does anyone know how old the baby needs to be (or how big) to put them in the second seat rather than the bassinet?
Also, I have a lot of trouble trying to fold the stroller. The “survival guide” manual isn’t very visual, any recommendations of where I can see how to fold down the stroller?
Thanks everyone!
Heather
I just saw there was a repair recall on the 2003-2008 models of their strollers. You can find all the details here: Phil and Ted Stroller Recall
It might get rid of the need for duct tape. ;o)
I think the baby needs to be 3 months, christina, or able to sit in that upright of a position. I would put on a headrest too unless your baby has good head control. Although it says to put the heavier child in front, I put mine in back – he likes to get in and out and I don’t like the baby in the back when no one is in the front. This stroller is totally worth it…
Does anyone know what size tubes/tires are needed? I need to replace a tube. Also, anyone know how to take off the seat for washing?
Does anyone know where to buy a sunshade for the back double kit? My older child would never tolerate the double sunshade going over her in the front so I want just a top shade for the double kit
I wonder if this stroller works for twins, or “only” if one kid is a bit older and able to sit up.
Hi, so 2 years later hopefully someone still is checking this thread.
We just had our first child and like many reviewers, I decided to invest in a double now so I we dont have to buy two strollers later!
That being said, I’ve decided to get the new 2010 Sport and was planning on getting it on eBay. However, I’m a little concerned considering all the bad reviews. Has anyone purchased one and had a good experience on eBay?
If not, does anyone have a new promotion/discount code for any credible website? These boogers are pricey so any savings helps!
A note to all those who might read this, I found a great sun shade for the doubleseat by Protect-a-Bub. Check it out on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Protect-Bub-Tandem-Back-Sunshade/dp/B0019C4NYC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1271299144&sr=8-4
My advice would be DO NOT buy on ebay. You will NOT have a warranty. Believe me I learned the hard way after I bought a Phil Teds Dash stroller off of Ebay and it was totally messed up with the folding system.
Phil and Teds wouldn’t honor the warranty. I didn’t know this but NONE of the Phil and Teds sellers on ebay are authorized sellers and Phil and Teds said they don’t know who these people are and if they find out they will shut them down.
The seller I bought from wouldnt refund the money and wouldn’t give me a phone number to call. Very dishonest.
Thanks Erin for the comment. I was about to purchase a dash online from ebay. The seller has a great history rating but now this puts a question in the back of my head. Has anyone else purchased on ebay?
Buying from these people on ebay is like buying stolen property. These people are dishonest. They are stealing from the marketing/consumer education efforts of legitimate retailers and manufacturers.
Why do you think they don’t post their phone numbers or contact info? Because if they did they would be sued/cut-off from the manufacturers.
So it doesn’t really matter if they have a “good history” rating or not. I’m sure you can find some thieves that would give you the products they said they were going to give you and that have a “good history” rating from people that buy stolen goods. But does that make it right?
Do you want your baby riding around in a stroller that was purchased from someone “gaming” the system and acting dishonestly? Are those the qualities you want to raise your baby with?
If you are going to buy off of Ebay (god only knows why) then find an AUTHORIZED dealer that posts their contact information. Otherwise you are just contributing to unethical behavior.
A couple of things…2 years later… : )
I am looking at pishposhbaby.com, yes the SAVE5 still works!
Erin..if its not too late I am purchasing the Explorer! It has all the improvements that people have been asking for…it is really pricey…you are smart to get the phil&teds now…: ) wish I had thought of it…but didn’t think I would have a #2.
I am going to make the leap and buy from pishposhbaby.com, ther is no sales tax and free shipping!
I too missed a GREAT Labor Day sale for an extra 15% off from ‘tots on the go’ : ( That would have been like $85 and no tax/shipping…oh well!!
Thank you everyone for their input! Have been looking and researching for 9 weeks now….my daughter is 9 weeks old!! Wish I had started earlier!
I did lots of research be purchasing this for my wife. She loves it and we have really nothing negative about the purchase, other than the same common problems with folding it.
I been looking at the joovy caboose stand on tandem which is a pretty compact design but this stroller has certainly tucked the kids away nice and neat.it also looks like you wouldn’t have too much trouble getting around with it.
The Inline Sport was a pretty good choice, a bit on the heavy side tho ! Thanks for sharing !
I ordered from Pishposhbaby.com and had a GREAT experience. They were really nice, had great prices and great shipping time. What a pleasure to order from!
something tells me the folks over at pishposhbaby.com have found this website…. who rates a website as a GREAT experience? When was the last time your wife bought something online and said, wow honey, that website was a pleasure to order from? Customers don’t say that, companies say that….
I love the Joovy Caboose ultralight stroller too! So light and moves with one hand
hi..may i know p&t made from where and do they got counterfeit like ergo,beco and others got many counterfeit even stokke..