What Buyers Should Include in an OEM Luggage RFQ for an Accurate Factory Quote
2026-07-13
What Buyers Should Include in an OEM Luggage RFQ for an Accurate Factory Quote
To receive an accurate OEM luggage quotation, buyers should send more than a product photo and a total quantity. A useful RFQ should define suitcase sizes, shell material, product structure, wheels, trolley handle, lock, interior, logo method, color plan, packing, quantity by size and destination terms. It should also separate fixed requirements from optional upgrades. When these details are clear, a luggage manufacturer can identify tooling or MOQ limits, select suitable components, estimate sample work and quote the same specification instead of filling gaps with assumptions.
Why a Complete RFQ Matters A quick price based on an unclear inquiry often changes after materials, hardware, branding and packing are confirmed. A structured RFQ makes quotations easier to compare and reduces repeated revisions.
1. Begin with the Product Positioning and Sales Channel
Before selecting parts, explain where the luggage will be sold and which customer group it should serve. A carry-on for an airline gift program, an entry-level online set and a business-travel collection may use similar shell shapes, but they require different decisions on material, wheel performance, trolley stability, lining, packing and appearance.
Information to Provide at the Start
Target market and sales channel, such as retail, wholesale, e-commerce, promotional supply or private label.
Expected retail position or target factory price range.
Main use case, such as cabin travel, family trips, business travel or frequent travel.
Required launch date and preferred shipment window.
Reference products that show the desired style, with notes identifying which details are essential and which are only visual references.
A target price is most useful when it is treated as a design constraint rather than the only purchasing criterion. It helps the factory recommend a balanced configuration instead of quoting a suitcase that looks correct in photographs but does not fit the intended market.
2. Define Sizes, Shell Material and Construction
Specify whether the project will use an existing factory model or needs a new shell, frame or functional structure. An existing mold may reduce development work, while a new shape normally requires engineering review, tooling evaluation and a longer sample process.
Core Body Details to Place in the Specification
List every required size separately, for example 20-inch carry-on, 24-inch check-in and 28-inch check-in. Do not assume one model is available in all sizes. State whether the products will be packed as nested sets or separate units, and confirm whether the design needs an expandable zipper, front-opening compartment, zipperless aluminum frame, conventional zipper closure or another special structure.
For hard-side luggage, identify the preferred material—PC, PP, ABS+PC or another specified construction—and state whether alternatives may be quoted. Include the required surface effect, such as matte, glossy, textured, transparent or metallic. Surface finish can affect forming, color consistency, scratch visibility, sample approval and cost.
3. Describe Components Instead of Asking for “Good Quality”
Phrases such as “strong wheels” and “high-quality trolley” do not create a comparable quotation because different suppliers may interpret them differently. Buyers should describe the expected structure, appearance and performance level of the components customers touch, pull, roll and open most often.
RFQ Area
Details to State
Why It Changes the Quote
Spinner wheels
Single or double wheel, diameter, color, detachable option and noise expectation
Wheel structure affects cost, assembly, replacement method and rolling behavior
Trolley system
Tube material, stages, tube shape, handle style, button position and color
Tube and grip options have different stability, tooling and finish requirements
Closure and lock
Zipper or frame, lock type, lock position, puller design and hardware color
The closure system changes the case structure, hardware and assembly process
Interior
Lining fabric, divider, pockets, straps, zipper pullers, stitching and color
Sewing complexity and custom fabric can affect sampling, labor and MOQ
Packing
Protective bag, carton method, nesting, labels, manuals, barcodes and inserts
Packing affects unit cost, carton dimensions, freight planning and protection
Buyer Tip Ask each supplier to quote one confirmed base configuration, then list optional upgrades separately. This exposes the cost of each change and prevents factories from quoting different unseen specifications.
4. Clarify Branding, Colors, MOQ and Samples
Private-label details can change cost, minimum quantity and sample time. Include vector logo artwork, finished logo dimensions, position and preferred application method. Printed, metal, rubber, plastic, embossed, laser and UV logo options use different processes and may not suit every shell texture, color or quantity.
Provide the total number of colors and the planned quantity per size and color. An order may meet the factory’s general MOQ while each custom color remains below the minimum required by a sheet, lining, zipper, wheel or packaging supplier. A clear quantity matrix allows the manufacturer to identify these limits before quoting.
State whether you need a stock sample, a customized appearance sample or a functional development sample. Define what must be approved before production: color, dimensions, logo placement, component configuration, interior layout, packing or functional checks. The supplier can then separate sample charges from bulk pricing and explain which items require tooling or one-time setup.
5. Add Commercial, Packing and Delivery Requirements
A product quotation is incomplete without commercial terms. State the estimated order quantity and clarify whether it is a total quantity, a quantity per size or a quantity per color. Mention expected repeat-order potential, the requested trade term and whether packing must follow e-commerce, wholesale, retail or promotional-program requirements.
When requesting freight, provide the destination city, postal code, delivery type and whether the request covers transportation only or a delivered term that includes additional destination charges. Buyers should also ask for quotation validity, sample lead time, estimated production time, packing method, carton details and payment stages. These points allow a purchasing team to compare the complete project rather than comparing unit prices alone.
A Practical RFQ File Package
The most efficient inquiry usually contains a concise specification sheet, product reference images, vector logo artwork, color references, packing requirements and a quantity table by size and color. Mark each item as “required,” “preferred” or “optional.” This gives the factory room to suggest cost-saving alternatives without changing the features that define the product.
6. Turn the RFQ into a Comparable Factory Quote
An accurate quotation begins with an accurate product definition. Buyers do not need to finalize every engineering detail before contacting a custom luggage manufacturer, but they should clearly describe the target market, sizes, construction, materials, components, branding, colors, quantity, packing and delivery expectations.
Ask the supplier to record assumptions and exclusions in writing. If a requirement is not yet confirmed, request two clearly labeled options rather than one blended price. The final quotation should identify the product specification, quantity basis, sample scope, packing basis, trade term and validity period. This creates a reliable document for internal approval and later sample checking.
Prepare Your OEM or ODM Luggage RFQ
Send Aksen your target market, required sizes, material preference, component expectations, logo method, color breakdown, packing needs and estimated order quantity.
We can review the specification, identify details that affect MOQ and sampling, and prepare a structured quotation for your luggage project.
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How to Choose Luggage Wheels: Spinner, Double and Removable Wheel Options
2026-07-11
How to Choose Luggage Wheels: Spinner, Double and Removable Wheel Options
For luggage buyers, wheels are not a small accessory. They affect how a suitcase rolls, how customers judge quality, and how often after-sales questions appear. Before placing an OEM or ODM order, choose a wheel system that matches the luggage size, target price, travel use and market positioning.
Why Wheel Selection Matters for Luggage Orders
Customers notice wheel performance as soon as they move a suitcase. Smooth, stable and quiet wheels make travel easier in airports, hotels, stations and city streets. Unstable rolling, loud noise or a weak wheel base can quickly reduce confidence in the product.
1. Spinner Wheels: Easy Movement in Every Direction
Spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees, allowing the suitcase to move in different directions without being tilted. This popular option provides flexible movement in crowded travel environments.
Spinner Wheels Are Suitable For
Carry-on and medium-size travel luggage
Business travel and airport-use suitcase lines
Retail markets that value easy handling
Products positioned as convenient and modern
Buyers should check rotation smoothness, wheel clearance, base strength and stability when the suitcase is loaded.
2. Double Wheels: Better Stability and a Stronger Product Feel
Double-wheel systems use two wheels at each corner. They offer a wider contact area and a more stable rolling feeling. They are often selected for buyers who want a more substantial product appearance and better everyday performance.
Wheel Type
Main Advantage
Suitable Buyer Need
Single Spinner Wheel
Simple structure and cost control
Entry-level or price-sensitive luggage lines
Double Spinner Wheel
Stable movement and premium visual effect
Mid-range travel luggage and retail projects
Removable Wheel System
Convenient replacement and packing flexibility
Specialized travel or service-focused projects
3. Removable Wheels: A Functional Option for Selected Projects
Removable wheel systems can make replacement easier and add useful functionality for selected markets. Buyers should confirm the locking structure carefully: the wheel should be easy to remove when needed but remain securely attached during normal travel.
4. What Buyers Should Test Before Mass Production
A wheel should be tested as part of the complete suitcase, not only as a separate component. Sample review is the best time to identify issues before bulk production begins.
Wheel Quality Check Points
360-degree rotation without obvious shaking
Smooth rolling and acceptable noise level
Strong wheel base connection to the shell
Stable movement with weight inside the suitcase
Consistent wheel height and alignment at all four corners
Suitable performance on tile, carpet and uneven surfaces
5. Match the Wheel System to Your Product Positioning
For promotional or entry-level luggage, a simple and well-controlled wheel structure may be right. For business travel or mid-to-high-end suitcase lines, double spinner wheels can support a stronger product impression. For specialized projects, removable wheels may offer a useful advantage.
Final Thought
Luggage wheels directly affect comfort, product reputation and after-sales performance. By choosing the right wheel system and setting clear inspection points, buyers can build a suitcase line that moves smoothly, feels reliable and matches the needs of their market.
Need Help Selecting Wheels for Your Next Luggage Project?
Contact us to discuss spinner wheels, double-wheel systems, removable wheel options, wheel materials, trolley structures, sample development and quality inspection for your next OEM or ODM luggage order.
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PC, PP or ABS+PC Luggage: Which Material Should Buyers Choose?
2026-07-03
PC, PP or ABS+PC Luggage: Which Material Should Buyers Choose?
One of the most common questions from luggage buyers is: “Which suitcase material is better for my market?” For hard shell luggage, PC, PP, and ABS+PC are all popular options, but they are suitable for different budgets, product positions, and sales channels.
Buyer Question: Which Material Is the Best?
There is no single material that is best for every order. The right choice depends on the buyer’s target price, product positioning, expected durability, appearance requirement, and order quantity. A good luggage material plan should balance cost, performance, and market demand.
1. PC Luggage: A Strong Choice for Better Product Positioning
PC luggage is widely used for hard shell suitcases because it has good flexibility, impact resistance, and a clean surface appearance. It is often selected by buyers who want a more reliable product feel and better market positioning.
PC material is suitable for carry-on luggage, business travel luggage, aluminum frame luggage, and customized suitcase projects. It can support different colors, surface textures, logo methods, and product structures.
PC Luggage Is Suitable For
Buyers who focus on product quality and appearance
Business travel suitcase orders
Custom color or logo projects
Mid-to-high price level luggage lines
Orders that require better shell flexibility
2. PP Luggage: Flexible and Practical for Daily Travel
PP luggage is another common option for hard shell suitcases. It is known for its flexibility and practical daily-use performance. Compared with some other hard shell materials, PP can offer a different balance between weight, toughness, and cost.
For buyers who want a practical suitcase line for family travel, student travel, or general retail channels, PP can be a good option. It is also useful when the buyer wants a lighter product feel and a more functional positioning.
3. ABS+PC Luggage: A Cost-Controlled Option for Bulk Orders
ABS+PC luggage is often used when buyers need to control the total product cost while keeping a clean hard shell appearance. In many cases, ABS+PC can be a practical choice for promotional orders, entry-level product lines, or price-sensitive markets.
Buyers should confirm the material ratio, shell thickness, surface finish, and product structure before placing the order. For cost-controlled projects, it is important to make sure that the final product still matches the expected quality level.
Material
Main Advantage
Suitable Buyer Need
PC
Good flexibility and appearance
Better product positioning and custom suitcase orders
PP
Practical, flexible, and suitable for daily travel
Functional luggage lines and general travel use
ABS+PC
Cost control with hard shell appearance
Entry-level, promotional, or price-sensitive orders
4. Buyers Should Not Choose Material by Price Only
Price is important, but it should not be the only factor when choosing luggage material. Buyers also need to consider product positioning, target customer expectations, warranty pressure, transportation risks, and long-term brand reputation.
A lower material cost may be suitable for some sales channels, but if the product does not match customer expectations, it may create more after-sales problems. A better material choice can help improve customer satisfaction and reduce quality risks.
Practical Buying Suggestion
If your order focuses on quality and brand image, PC luggage is usually a strong option. If your order focuses on daily practical use, PP can be considered. If your project needs better cost control, ABS+PC may be suitable. The final decision should be based on your target price, market positioning, and quality requirements.
5. Material Choice Should Work Together with Product Structure
A good suitcase is not only about shell material. Zippers, trolley handles, wheels, locks, handles, lining, and packing also affect the final product quality. Even when the shell material is good, weak accessories can still create quality problems.
For OEM and ODM luggage orders, buyers should confirm both material and structure before mass production. This helps the supplier provide a more accurate quotation and a more suitable production plan.
Final Thought
PC, PP, and ABS+PC are all useful luggage materials, but they serve different buyer needs. The best material is the one that matches the buyer’s price level, product positioning, target market, and quality expectation.
Before placing a bulk luggage order, buyers should discuss material options with the manufacturer, review samples carefully, and confirm how the chosen material works with the full suitcase structure.
Need Help Choosing the Right Luggage Material?
Contact us to discuss PC, PP, ABS+PC, aluminum frame structure, zipper options, wheel quality, logo customization, sample development, and bulk order planning for your next suitcase project.
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Small Details That Reduce After-Sales Problems in Luggage Orders
2026-07-02
Luggage Quality Insight
Small Details That Reduce After-Sales Problems in Luggage Orders
For luggage buyers, after-sales problems often come from small details that were ignored before mass production. Wheels, trolley handles, locks, lining, shell structure, and packing can all affect the customer experience.
Why Small Luggage Details Matter
A suitcase may look good in product photos, but real quality is proven during daily use. Buyers should pay attention to the parts that customers touch, pull, roll, lock, open, and pack every day. When these details are stable, the product is easier to sell and easier to maintain.
1. Wheels: The First Detail Customers Notice
Wheels are one of the most important parts of a suitcase. A smooth wheel system helps the luggage move quietly and easily in airports, hotels, streets, stations, and shopping areas. Poor wheel quality may cause noise, shaking, broken parts, or customer complaints.
Before confirming a luggage order, buyers should check wheel smoothness, wheel material, rotation angle, installation strength, and noise level. For travel luggage, 360-degree spinner wheels are often preferred because they provide easier movement in different directions.
Wheel Check Points
Smooth rotation without obvious shaking
Low noise during rolling
Strong wheel base connection
Suitable wheel size for the luggage body
Good movement on different floor surfaces
2. Trolley Handle: Strength and Comfort Are Both Important
The trolley handle is used repeatedly during travel. If the handle is loose, difficult to pull, or not stable enough, customers may quickly feel that the product quality is not reliable. A strong trolley system should extend smoothly, lock correctly, and remain stable when the suitcase is fully loaded.
Buyers should confirm the trolley material, tube thickness, handle grip, button function, and pulling stability. For different price levels, the trolley system can be adjusted to match the buyer's target market.
Buyer Tip
Do not only check the luggage when it is empty. Test the trolley handle with weight inside the suitcase. This gives a more realistic view of how the product will perform during actual travel.
3. Locks and Closures: Small Parts with Big Impact
Locks, zippers, and aluminum frame closures directly affect the user experience. A lock should open and close smoothly, while a zipper should move without getting stuck. For aluminum frame luggage, the frame should align correctly and close tightly.
If the closure system is not stable, customers may face problems before the suitcase is even used for a long trip. This is why lock and closure inspection should be included in both sample checking and final inspection.
Part
Common Issue
What Buyers Should Check
Lock
Hard to open or close
Smooth operation and correct alignment
Zipper
Stuck teeth or weak slider
Pulling smoothness and stitching strength
Aluminum Frame
Poor closing fit
Frame alignment and closing tightness
4. Interior Lining: A Detail That Builds Product Trust
Many buyers focus on the suitcase shell, but the inside of the luggage is also important. A clean lining, smooth zipper pocket, strong divider, and neat stitching can make the product feel more reliable. For brand orders, lining color and logo pattern can also help improve product identity.
During sample approval, buyers should check whether the lining fits the shell properly, whether the stitching is clean, and whether the inside structure matches the expected packing function.
Interior Details to Review
Lining fabric quality and color
Divider structure and zipper pocket
Stitching around the edges
Elastic straps and buckle strength
Logo pattern or brand label position
5. Packing Protection: Preventing Damage Before Delivery
Even when the suitcase itself is well made, poor packing can cause scratches, dents, deformation, or broken parts during transportation. For export orders, buyers should confirm carton strength, inner protection, wheel protection, handle protection, and packing method.
Good packing is especially important for customized luggage, aluminum frame luggage, glossy shell luggage, and sample shipments. A small improvement in packing can help reduce shipping damage and after-sales claims.
Final Thought
Reducing after-sales problems starts before production, not after delivery. Buyers should review the details that customers use most often: wheels, trolley handles, locks, closures, lining, and packing.
A luggage order with well-controlled details is easier to sell, easier to ship, and easier to support in the market. For OEM and ODM projects, clear inspection standards help both the buyer and the manufacturer build a more stable cooperation.
Need Support for Your Next Luggage Project?
Contact us to discuss suitcase materials, wheel options, trolley systems, lock structure, lining design, logo customization, packing standards, and quality inspection for your next OEM or ODM luggage order.
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Luggage Quality Testing: What Buyers Should Check Before Bulk Shipment
2026-07-01
A suitcase can look correct in a showroom and still fail after repeated handling.
Wheels may become noisy, trolley handles may jam, zippers may separate under load, and thin shell areas may crack around corners or mounting points. For importers, wholesalers, retailers and private-label buyers, these problems are easier to prevent before shipment than to resolve after the goods reach the market.
A useful luggage quality plan should test the complete product, not only its appearance. Shell material, structural reinforcement, wheels, handles, zippers, locks, lining and export packaging all need measurable acceptance criteria. The approved sample should also remain the reference for bulk production.
1. Begin with the Approved Sample and Written Specification
Quality testing starts before mass production. Buyers should record the agreed material, shell construction, thickness range, finished weight, dimensions, color, surface texture and component specifications. Photos alone are not enough because they cannot confirm material grade, wall thickness or internal reinforcement.
The approved sample should be identified as the reference sample. Any later change to material, hardware, structure or production method should require written approval. This helps prevent a common sourcing problem: a sample performs well, but the bulk order uses different components or reduced specifications.
2. Shell and Structural Testing
For hard-shell luggage, inspectors should check material consistency, shell thickness and the strength of high-stress areas. Corners, wheel housings, handle mounts, frame connections and zipper edges usually carry more stress than flat surfaces.
Buyer checkpoint: A loaded drop test should cover more than one orientation. Test load, drop height, repetitions and acceptance criteria should be agreed according to suitcase size, construction and intended market.
3. Wheel Rolling and Obstacle Testing
Wheels are among the most frequently used parts of a suitcase. A visual check cannot show how they will perform after extended rolling. Testing should evaluate rotation, noise, alignment, mounting strength and the ability to move under load.
Rolling tests can be performed on a controlled surface for an agreed distance or duration. Obstacle testing can add repeated contact with small raised sections to simulate joints, thresholds and uneven flooring. After testing, inspectors should check for wheel wobble, unusual noise, damaged housings, loose screws and changes in directional control.
4. Trolley Handle and Carry Handle Testing
The trolley handle should extend, lock and retract smoothly at every designed position. Repeated cycling helps identify weak locking mechanisms, excessive movement, bent tubes and poor alignment. Testing should be completed with the suitcase loaded because an empty-case test may not reproduce the stress experienced during travel.
Top and side carry handles also need load and repeated-lifting checks. Inspectors should examine attachment points, screws, rivets and internal reinforcement after testing. Any cracking, separation, permanent deformation or loose connection should be treated according to the agreed defect classification.
5. Zipper, Closure and Lock Inspection
Zippers should move smoothly around corners without snagging, separating or placing excessive strain on the shell. Repeated opening and closing is more useful than a single function check. Inspectors should also examine zipper tape, stitching, pullers and the connection between the zipper and the case body.
For framed luggage, the frame should align evenly and close without forcing one side into position. Locks and latches should operate repeatedly with the supplied keys or combinations. The test should confirm function and alignment without making unsupported claims about security certification.
6. Interior and Workmanship Checks
Interior inspection should cover lining attachment, seams, divider panels, pockets, elastic straps and exposed sharp points. Stitching should be consistent, with no skipped stitches, broken threads or open seams at stress points. Adhesive marks, stains, odors and loose fabric should also be included in the visual checklist.
Inspectors should compare color, dimensions, accessories and workmanship across multiple pieces from the production batch. The purpose is not only to find an individual defect, but also to identify variation between units that suggests an unstable production process.
7. Packaging and Transport Protection
A suitcase that passes product testing can still arrive damaged if the packaging is inadequate. Buyers should confirm protective bags, corner protection, carton strength, carton dimensions, shipping marks and packing quantity.
A packed-carton drop or handling test can show whether the packaging protects wheels, handles and shell surfaces during transportation. After testing, both the carton and the suitcase should be inspected. Packaging requirements should reflect the actual shipping method and handling conditions.
Turn Test Names into Measurable Requirements
Simply listing a test name in a purchase order leaves too much room for interpretation. Each test should define the sample condition, load, equipment, duration or cycle count, inspection points and pass-or-fail criteria.
Test Area
Variables to Agree
What to Check Afterwards
Drop test
Load, height, orientations and repetitions
Cracks, deformation, loose parts and function
Wheel test
Load, surface, distance, speed and obstacles
Noise, wear, wobble, alignment and mounting
Handle test
Load, cycle count, extension positions and pulling direction
Locking, tube alignment, looseness and reinforcement
Zipper test
Load condition, cycle count and travel path
Snagging, separation, stitching and puller condition
Packaging test
Pack configuration, drop orientation and shipping method
Carton failure, surface damage and component protection
What Buyers Should Request Before Shipment
✓ The final product specification and approved reference sample.
✓ A written inspection checklist with defect classifications.
✓ The agreed test methods and acceptance criteria.
✓ Photos or video showing the tested production units.
✓ Test records linked to the relevant order or batch.
✓ A corrective-action plan when a result does not meet the requirement.
Quality Control Works Best When It Is Defined Early
Effective luggage testing is not a last-minute inspection added after production is complete. It begins with a clear specification, continues through material and assembly checks, and ends with functional and packaging verification before shipment.
Buyers do not need the longest possible test list. They need tests that reflect the product design, target market and expected use. When the requirements are measurable and agreed before production, quality decisions become easier to document, compare and enforce.
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