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First-Time Buyer’s Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Luggage Bag

First time buyer's mistakes to avoid When Choosing Luggage Bags in Sri Lanka featured image

Are you someone looking to buy your first luggage bag? Many shoppers tend to make clumsy mistakes during their first purchase. Whether you are looking for a luggage bag for intercontinental travel or simple weekend getaways, make sure your first luggage is the best fit for all your needs.

This is a helpful guide for beginners to avoid the most common mistakes first-time buyers make when buying luggage bags in Sri Lanka.

Wrong Dimensions for Your Trip

Miscalculating the dimensions of your luggage bags is the most common mistake first-time buyers make. Whether it is the size or weight, all dimensions add up for a good travel experience. Imagine buying luggage that’s too big for you, or even something too small for your long trips. Even worse when you have to cut out or pay extra in airports for your belongings due to luggage with heavy empty weight.

How to Avoid: Consider your typical travel duration and the type of items you pack. If you are expecting ease of carriage and looking for something that fits the overhead bin of an aeroplane or under the seat in front of you, hand luggage bags are the choice for you.

Opt for durable yet lightweight luggage bags with polycarbonate, nylon, or polyester. Explore American Tourister luggage and Goby London luggage that feature options for a wide range of dimensions.

Ignoring Mobility Features

Little features mean so much when buying the right luggage. Especially features that add up to mobility and functionality are very crucial. The main mobility considerations include things like the wheel type and handle durability.  

Many buyers just see “wheels” but don’t realise the difference. 2-wheel, 4-wheel, spinners, or in-line wheels, each of them has its own benefits and having the right one can make your trips feel effortless.

Handles break more often than shells. First-timers forget to test telescopic handles or the comfort of side grips.

How to Avoid: Consider your travel environments when selecting the wheel type. Spinners excel in flat grounds, while in-line models are ideal for rocky and jagged surfaces. Definitely test out the handles before buying.

Not Testing the Bag Before Buying

Purchasing without prior checking how the bag functions also leads to dissatisfied purchases. Testing the bag doesn’t always mean the basic stuff like zippers and safety locks. Now you need to test the interior fabric as well. 

Many buyers miss low-quality lining tears or trap odours as they never care to unzip to check the inside. 

How to Avoid: Visit In-store if possible. When in-store, physically walk with the bag, pull the handle, and test the zippers to ensure everything works smoothly. Feel the strength of the fabric both inside and outside. Never be hesitant to test your purchase before buying.

Adhering to Airline Policies

Considering airline policies is such an obvious aspect when buying luggage bags, yet still many fail to make the right purchase. 

First-timers often buy based on “store labels” (like “cabin size”) without checking airline-specific size limits. These sizes can be inaccurate as there is no universal standard. This ends up making them pay for oversized carry-ons and many other related troubles.

How to Avoid: Verify dimensions and empty weight to ensure your luggage is compliant, especially for carry-on bags. Browse through airline websites and refer to their baggage information to have an idea about restrictions and any distinctive policies.

Buying a Set Instead of One Good Piece

Many think sets mean savings, but most of the time they aren’t. The luggage market in Sri Lanka has many cheap sets that compromise quality just to tempt buyers. First-time buyers often get tempted by flashy options with multi-functional features. These deals fail to satisfy buyers at their expected level and sometimes don’t work as they claim to be. 

Some sets include one or two quality luggage bags alongside cheap picks to deceive you. 

How to Avoid: Unless you are completely sure of the purchase, it is better to buy one durable piece first. Choose only luggage sets from reliable brands.

Compromising Quality for Price

Almost anyone has negotiated prices and ended up compromising on the quality, even once in their lives. This is pretty common during luggage shopping in Sri Lanka. Most luggage bag dealers try to woo you with low-quality options that just look good when you demand low prices.

Buying cheaper luggage bags made with low-quality materials or zippers can cost you way more trouble than the amount you save. Imagine how much frequent repairs, zipper replacements, and unexpected dysfunctions can cost you. Not just money, it even costs you your valuable time and energy.

How to Avoid: Choose only trusted and renowned luggage dealers in Sri Lanka. Go for shops that value customer satisfaction and loyalty more than a quick sale. Think of a durable bag as an investment.

Underestimating the Warranty

The power of warranties is such an underrated consideration. New buyers rarely check warranty terms. Luggage often fails at weak points like zippers and wheels. 

Frequent travellers, especially through airlines, know how often their luggage faces damage due to misuse and travel rigours. Although you have a slight chance of claiming for major damages, slight damages like scratches, dents, and stains don’t get covered.

How to Avoid: Always buy from luggage stores that offer warranties. Make sure you always read the warranty terms and conditions carefully for specific exclusions that may apply to your luggage.

Sweet Luggage Goals with Bag Plus

Bag Plus is dedicated to making every purchase memorable and fully satisfying. Our customers experience the full shopping experience at our store. From expert opinions to deciding your pick to completely fair luggage prices in Sri Lanka, we deliver to you like no other.

Shop from a variety of luggage bags in Sri Lanka, from lightweight luggage to medium-sized picks, hard shell luggage, soft shell luggage, and many more.

Visit Bag Plus, the leading luggage store in Sri Lanka, where all your luggage dreams come true.