Luggage online - safe?

[RedSky]

Hi all,

First of all sorry this is my first post but I tried searching and couldn't find anything that helped. I between Melbourne and Sydney 2-3 times per month and am looking to move from my trusty laptop backpack to a rollaboard. Planning on picking up a medium sized spinner at the same time as I'll be heading to the US/Europe occasionally for work.

I took a look online and there are quite a few places selling brand name luggage much cheaper than Myer, even during sales. My concern though is that they're fake goods and sold without warranty which means any money saved will be a waste if they break in a month.

Anyone had any success/failure stories buying online? Should I just pay a little more and go to Myer/DJ's?

Thanks!

 

[Mal]

Welcome.

I believe luggage is one of those items which has a huge mark-up, so certain sellers can sell them cheaper. The one thing to watch is shipping, as luggage (by it's nature) tends to be bulky.

You will often see Myer (and sometimes David Jones) selling luggage for 30-40% off. There are also seasonal changes in luggage types, which provides a huge scope for discounts.

One site that I've seen very good reviews of (but haven't shopped there myself) is Luggage Direct http://www.luggagedirect.com.au/catalog/

A couple of points about them though.
- Not sure how their situation is at the moment as their warehouse in Brisbane is located in an area of Brisbane that did flood.
- If you are Rydges PriorityGuest member, there is an additional 5% off Luggage Direct - a Rydges PriorityGUEST Program Partner

I wouldn't be too concerned about getting fake products (or ones without warranties) when buying from an online retailer in Australia. Markets, Ebay and similar places - yes plenty of fake type items.

 

[RedSky]

Man that was quick, thanks Mal!

The site I'm looking at has free shipping so that's a plus, might contact them and see how their customer service is first

 

[Mal]

The site I'm looking at has free shipping so that's a plus, might contact them and see how their customer service is first

If you want to get a feeling for genuineness, warranty support etc, ask them "If there's a problem with the luggage and I have to do a warranty claim, what is the procedure I'd need to follow".

I've only ever had to claim one issue on warranty with luggage (Samsonite). Wasn't too inconvenient for me - just took the bag out to a place in West End (Brisbane), dropped it off and got it back about a week later.

Another piece of general advice - if you're looking for carry-on luggage try and get a very light piece of luggage. Many brands weigh upwards of 3Kg ... and when there is generally a 8kg restriction with domestic in Australia ... it does quickly add up.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Hi all,

First of all sorry this is my first post but I tried searching and couldn't find anything that helped. I between Melbourne and Sydney 2-3 times per month and am looking to move from my trusty laptop backpack to a rollaboard. Planning on picking up a medium sized spinner at the same time as I'll be heading to the US/Europe occasionally for work.

I took a look online and there are quite a few places selling brand name luggage much cheaper than Myer, even during sales. My concern though is that they're fake goods and sold without warranty which means any money saved will be a waste if they break in a month.

Anyone had any success/failure stories buying online? Should I just pay a little more and go to Myer/DJ's?

Thanks!

Work out whist you want first. I use Tumi and Victorinox, both fantastic.

Buy it in the states, there is no substitute for quality.

One shop in Oz had a high Sierra duffle cheaper than the US, so know the market. Just stick with quality. Nothing worse than luggage failure at the wrong time.

 

[koonyaflyer]

I have recently increased my luggage collection with 2 new pieces, one for up to 3 day trips with no checked luggage, and a roller duffle for week long trips with lots of papers (has a seperate compartment!). In both cases I found what I wanted in a bricks and mortar store, but found the items cheaper online with bagworld.com.au, based in Perth. They were well packaged, no delivery charges and arrived within 48 hours of order to Tassie! Complete with warranties!

 

[samiam]

Hi all,
First of all sorry this is my first post but I tried searching and couldn't find anything that helped...

Welcome to AFF RedSky!

These recent threads may be of help with your search for luggage and the veracity of online sites - good luck!

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/travel-insider-tips/luggage-27515.html

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/your-questions/antler-luggage-20894.html

 

[KLN]

Peter's of Kensington | Home

very reliable and great sales.
i order things online from them all thetime

 

[drewbles]

I bought an Antler roll-a-board (Size Zero) from Luggage Direct (I'm based in Melbourne). They had a small problem with the order, but it got to me unscathed. They have free delivery and their customer service is pretty good.

As for warranty, I broke a wheel in MIA late last year on the bag. I contacted them, they've given me the name of the agent in VIC to take it to to get repaired, no issues.

Luggage warranties seem to be pretty good, so long as you contact the distributor in the country you need a repair. I think they understand that it's really a global need for repairs as 'stuff happens' when you're far away from home.

 

[nlagalle]

+1 for luggage direct. I have bought luggage from them in the past with no issues. They are also one of the cheapest around.

 

[straitman]

RedSky,

There are several lines of thought with luggage.

1. Buy elcheapo and accept it will need replacing every year or so as the airlines gradually trash it.
2. Buy medium quality and except it will need replacing every couple of years or so as the airlines gradually trash it.
3. Buy good quality and except it will need replacing every few years or so as the airlines gradually trash it.

There is no consensus and everyone has an opinion. It really comes down to what you like and what works for you.

 

[codash1099]

I've used Bagworld Australia | Samsonite, Guess, Antler, Blackwolf, Bags, Luggage, Suitcases, Laptop Bags, Backpacks a few times with no problems.

IIRC, free delivery and they have stores in most capital cities.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Peter's of Kensington | Home

very reliable and great sales.
i order things online from them all thetime

Ditto.

Have bought from them and they have some specials.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Peters of Kensington is always very reliable. no problems there at all.

 

[RedSky]

Thanks to everyone who replied, ended up getting a 66cm spinner from BagWorld, waiting on them to get stock in for the 48cm carry on. Could've got it from Peter's in the meantime, but BagWorld gave me great service over the phone plus they were $27 cheaper so I figured I could wait a few extra days for them.

Couple questions though: I got the 66cm Samsonite Duralite spinner. Seems that one of the wheels may be slightly off-balance so when you're rolling it there's a little bit of a shudder/shimmy to it. Not very noticeable when it's empty but very noticeable when it's full - is this normal?

Also, I could be mistaken but are the spinners slightly smaller than the standard cases? I assumed they were the same dimensions just with larger wheels on them but it feels very slightly smaller than the standard ones I saw in Myer. Of course, it could just be in my head