Buyer's Guide: Best Bags and Luggage to Source

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Bags and luggage are indispensable accessories for travel, work, school, outdoor activities and even fashion. Beyond carrying and protecting essentials, they create a lasting impression and elevate one’s sense of fashion, professional look and character.

Whether you’re in the market for the best waterproof backpacks, functional portable bag, durable rolling luggage or a trendsetting fashion bag, here are some tips for buyers when it comes to sourcing high-quality bags and luggage.

What is the market size of bags and luggage?

Despite the proliferation of counterfeit products, and challenges brought about by the recent pandemic like price volatility of raw materials, labor-related issues, supply chain management and logistical constraints, the growth prospects of the global market for bags and luggage look good in the years to come. Factors such as the rising preference of users on bag customization and personalization, sustainability, the increasing availability of bags on e-commerce platforms and buying power of women in the global workforce are expected to drive market growth.

Per Statista, the global market for bags and luggage is expected to reach $177 billion by the end of 2032, with most revenue generated in the US. The handbags segment is forecast to reach $64.62 billion by the end of 2032 and the backpack segment $33 billion by 2027. Meanwhile, based on the analysis of Research and Markets, the global luggage market is anticipated to reach $31.72 billion by 2026, owing to a surge in tourism and air traffic across the world post-pandemic.

What is the most important selling point of bags and luggage?

The most important selling point of bags and luggage can vary depending on the specific target audience and brand. However, generally, the ability to provide a safe and convenient way for travelers to transport their belongings is the overarching significant factor.

Consumers value bags and luggage that are made from sturdy and durable materials that can protect belongings from harmful elements and withstand impact during transit or rough handling by baggage handlers. Consumers also often look for bags and luggage that have ample storage, smooth-rolling wheels, meet airline specifications and are easy to handle, stylish and lightweight.

What are the most important factors buyers should consider when buying wholesale bags and luggage?

When sourcing bags and luggage, it is important to consider several factors to ensure that you are providing high-quality products that meet the needs and expectations of your customers. It’s also important to get value for your money without compromising on quality. Here are tips on what to look for when choosing bags and luggage to add to your catalog:

Durability

Are the wheels, straps, handles, and zippers durable and made of high-quality materials? Can the materials withstand wear and tear from frequent usage? Aside from the overall structure of the product, it’s important to consider whether the materials and fabric used are strong. Leather, ballistic nylon and polycarbonate are often preferred to their cheaper counterparts because of their durable and long-lasting properties. The manufacturing process also plays a crucial role in bag durability, so look for manufacturers that use rigorous testing and quality control procedures.

Design

Aside from the visual appeal, design can also impact the functionality and durability of a bag. The bag’s design covers not just the color, shape, weight distribution and size but also its zippers, stitching, pockets, handles, ease of access to compartments, locks and other features such as water resistance.

Well-designed bags are not just stylish and trendy but also sturdy and functional – features that meet the needs of varying types of consumers. Some consumers prefer canvas bags for shopping, leather for those working and in the corporate sector, clutches, purses and handbags for a night out, jute for summer travel, fire- and water-resistant documents for handling important papers, portable bags for everyday use, and water- and wear-resistant bags for outdoor activities. Additionally, with bags that are designed with sustainability in mind gaining popularity, it is also important to consider models that are made using eco-friendly materials.

Storage capacity

Depending on your market and the intended use, a bag’s storage capacity is also an important factor to consider when sourcing. For travelers, the primary concern would be to have ample storage space to carry clothes, toiletries and other travel essentials, and multiple compartments and pockets to keep items organized. For students, school bags that are sturdy enough to hold books and have comfortable straps and compartments for school supplies are essential. For athletes, special purpose bags with different compartments for shoes and wet and dry clothes are imperative. Choosing a bag with ample storage space and compartments that meet the user's needs can help ensure that the bag is not only convenient to use but also adds value to the user's life.

Compliance with airline standards

Compliance with airline standards is important, especially for frequent flyers. Airlines are strict when it comes to luggage and bag specifications and have requirements for the size, weight, straps, locks and type of bags that can be carried on board their aircraft. Carry-on bags must be within a certain size and weight limit, typically ranging from 18-22 inches in length, 14-18 inches in width, and 8-10 inches in depth, with a weight limit of 15-25 pounds. Checked bags also have size and weight limits, typically ranging from 62-80 inches in total dimensions and a weight limit of 50-70 pounds. Choosing bags that meet airline standards can help travelers avoid additional fees and hassles at the airport.

How to find trusted wholesale bags and luggage manufacturers

There are thousands of bags and luggage manufacturers offering a wide range of their products both online and in-person which could make finding the right one for your specific needs a little challenging. Whether you are new to sourcing or an experienced buyer, the best ways to find trusted manufacturers are to ask for referrals and recommendations from trusted sources, attend trade shows, request samples and research online, using search engines and industry directories to find bags and luggage manufacturers that meet your criteria.

Online B2B platforms allow buyers to easily look for the right manufacturer that meets their specific needs. Global Sources, for instance, not only organizes physical and online trade shows but also provides site visitors with a comprehensive list of products and their details, and a list of suppliers that have been verified by third parties to ensure buyers are only dealing with legitimate companies. The B2B sourcing platform even lets visitors filter and customize their searches, check the qualifications, certifications and relevant company information of the suppliers and take a virtual tour of some of the manufacturers’ facilities.

The products in the gallery below have been selected by our Market Analyst for representing trends in bags and luggage in today’s market.

Gallery View of Popular Bags and Luggage

1. Hard-side luggage 

Company: Shanghai Bi-Lotus Import and Export Co. Ltd

Available in 20, 24 and 28in sizes, this W-21BL-TC002-23#1 hard-side luggage from Shanghai Bi-Lotus is made of aluminum, ABS and PC. It has a 210D lining, common code or TSA lock and eight wheels. Various colors are available. Shanghai Bi-Lotus provides OEM and ODM services.

MOQ: 600 pieces Price: $52 Lead time: 35 to 55 days

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2. 3-in-1 bag

Company: Good Seller Co. Ltd

The EA-16 from Good Seller is a backpack, shoulder bag and handbag in one. Made of PU leather, it has polyester lining and zipper closure. Dimensions are 12.3x6.3x13.4in. Good Seller exports to over 180 countries and provides OEM and ODM services.

MOQ: 1,000 pieces Price: $5.53 Lead time: 15 to 30 days

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3. Jelly pearl handbag

Company: Skylark Network Co. Ltd

Made of PU leather, Skylark’s SN-R-53 water-resistant jelly pearl handbag comes in six colors, measures 12.5x9cm and weighs 230g. Skylark meets ISO 9001:2015, 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards. It has more than 20 years’ export experience.

MOQ: 100 pieces Price: $1.48 to $1.70 Lead time: 20 to 30 days

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4. Electric scooter luggage

Company: Wenzhou Start Inzok Co. Ltd

Wenzhou Start offers this SE3S-A electric scooter luggage made of ABS, PC and aluminum alloy. It has a 26L volume, 110kg carrying capacity, 9.4kg weight and 550x360x240mm dimensions. The scooter has 8kph speed, 9.2km cruising distance and 5V output voltage. It uses a removable battery with 73.26Wh capacity and 2-hr charging time. Wenzhou Start has 100 R&D engineers and over 20 years’ manufacturing experience.

MOQ: 10 units Price: $300 to $357 Lead time: 5 to 10 days

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5. Backpack with UV LED sterilizer

Company: Guangzhou Kingsons Bags Technology Co. Ltd

Featuring a built-in UV LED sterilizer, Guangzhou Kingsons’ K9756w-A backpack is made of wear- and water-resistant fabric and measures 43x29x14cm. The sterilizer has three disinfection modes, and intelligent induction switch and 99.9 percent sterilization rate. ISO 9001:2015-certified Guangzhou Kingsons provides OEM services.

MOQ: 500 pieces Price: $20.90

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6. Anti-theft women’s leather backpack

Company: Dongguan Adonis Leather Co. Ltd

Made of genuine leather, this OEM-28-11 backpack with polyester from Dongguan Adonis has an anti-theft design and comes in custom colors and logos. Dimensions are 34x13x24cm and the weight 700g. Sony, Disney, Toyota and BMW are among the major customers of ISO 9001:2015-certified Dongguan Adonis.

MOQ: 600 pieces Price: $12 to $13 Lead time: 30 to 45 days

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7. Rattan crossbody bag

Company: Star Hope Enterprise Ltd

This rattan crossbody bag from Star Hope, the FL062402, also functions as a handbag. It has PU straps and measures 20x18x13cm. Star Hope provides OEM and ODM services.

MOQ: 300 pieces Price: $5.65 to $6.45 Lead time: 35 to 45 days

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8. Rolling duffle bag

Company: Jinjiang Jiaxing Group Co. Ltd

The Pull Rod Travel Bag-090FV from Jinjiang Jiaxing is a rolling duffle bag made of water-resistant polyester. Jinjiang Jiaxing’s 30,000sqm factory has a monthly output of 200,000 pieces.

MOQ: 1,000 pieces Price: $13.50 Lead time: 15 to 25 days

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9. LED bicycle bag

Company: Fuzhou Haomin Imp. & Exp. Co Ltd

Made of nylon, oxford, PC and ABS, this HM-2208-10 bicycle bag from Fuzhou Haomin integrates an LED signal light that can be controlled remotely. It has 2.4GHz frequency, up to 3m control distance, 20 to 30-hr working time, 3-hr charging time and water-resistant remote controller. Fuzhou Haomin’s in-house R&D engineers can create 30 new designs monthly. The manufacturer can get custom designs ready in one day.

MOQ: 500 pieces Price: $9.50 to $16.50 Lead time: 15 to 35 days

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10. Hiking backpack

Company: Quanzhou U Know Bags Co. Ltd

Quanzhou U Know’s YN2305 hiking backpack is made of wear-, tear- and water-resistant nylon fabric. It has 16L capacity, 310kg weight, 48x32x11cm size, adjustable straps and a PVC reflective design. ISO 9001:2015-certified Quanzhou U Know provides OEM and ODM services.

MOQ: 500 pieces Price: $7.20 to $8.20 Lead time: 45 to 55 days

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