Why the luggage manufacturing business will probably never fail.

Written by Renee McDermott

One item travelers cannot do without is a suitcase. From rolling duffels and hard shell suitcases to backpacks and designer bags, the vast array of styles and options they offer consumers is enough to make your head spin.

And make your wallet a bit thinner.

Is Your Wallet FAT or Thin?

Many shoppers still head to brick and mortar stores when it comes to the final luggage purchase. After all, this is where you can open, close, lift, touch, zip, snap and test every aspect of a suitcase before you buy it. However, the price tag dangling from each bag is printed with a relatively high number compared to what you would find online.

Purchase Your Luggage Online?

Did you know that 88 percent of luggage is available online and that you can save an average of $110 by opting to purchase it there?

It is certainly a wakeup call for many travelers who think that the cheapest way to purchase luggage is during a seasonal sale or from the clearance section.

Let’s face it – traveling is expensive, and luggage isn’t always at the top of the priority list.

Thanks to the help of an in-depth study done by Test Facts, shoppers will be pleased to know that Delsey, Samsonite, American Tourister, and many more brands are all available online for less.

So should you head to your favorite online shop and start adding luggage to your cart?

Yes, but be aware of a few traps along the way.

For example, products with a high volume of negative reviews usually have a higher discount. While you may be getting a great deal on a heavily discounted bag, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is worth the purchase.

Do you want the zipper to fly off the track after your first trip with it or the retractable handle to break?

You get what you pay for, so shop wisely and make sure you understand the average lifespan of a suitcase or bag before you purchase it.

While you may not be able to touch or feel a potential piece of luggage on your computer screen, you can gain useful insight into its quality and durability by referring to customers’ comments. Many include photos of their purchase or detailed explanations of the product, which will put the wary shopper at ease. Popular products will have a high quantity of reviews, so it is easy to find all of the information you need to make a confident purchase online.

Based on the study, the three luggage manufacturers that offer the most savings (in dollar amounts) are Nautica, Kenneth Cole, and Victorinox.

And which online stores offer the most savings?

Surprisingly, Walmart online store is at the top of the list, followed by Century 21 and Target. Kohl’s and Macy’s, it seems, aren’t even worth considering.

The Bottom Line

Regardless of the brand you prefer, the statistics show that online shopping is best when it comes to purchasing luggage. Travelers on a budget can always turn to brick and mortar stores when it comes to touching and testing a product, but to save some real cash, be sure to make your final purchase online.