When choosing a suitcase, many people probably wonder, "Which brand should I choose?"
Prices vary widely, from around 10,000 yen to over 200,000 yen, and each brand has distinct characteristics and strengths. Even if designs look similar, there can often be significant differences in material quality, durability, and after-sales service.
In this article, from the perspective of the New Trip editorial team, we will clearly explain five key points to consider when choosing a brand to avoid disappointment, and how to identify the brand that's right for you.
What you should know before choosing a suitcase brand
Each suitcase brand has its own "area of expertise" and "target user base."
For example:
- Luxury-oriented brands: For business travelers or those who frequently travel internationally. Emphasize durability and luxury.
- Functionality-focused brands: Practicality and design suitable for family trips or long journeys.
- Design-focused brands: For young people or those with a keen sense of fashion.
- Cost-performance-focused brands: Models with basic features at an affordable price.
Choosing a brand that matches your travel style and budget will greatly increase your satisfaction after purchase.
Furthermore, even for suitcases in the same price range, quality control standards and warranty details can differ significantly between brands. It's important not to choose based solely on appearance, but to also check the brand's philosophy and track record.
5 key points to check when choosing a brand
① Does the brand's target user base match your intended use?
Brands have a target audience in mind, asking "who do we want to use this?" Brands for business people, family travel, or fashion-conscious individuals each have different strengths.
Checkpoints:
- Check the brand's official website for its "concept" and "brand story."
- Look at the product lineup to see what uses are envisioned.
- See who actually uses the product on social media and in reviews.
👉 Decision criteria: Do your travel style (business/family trip/fashion-focused) and the brand's target audience align?
② Quality control system and commitment to durability
Since suitcases are meant to be used for a long time, a brand's quality control system is crucial. There's no point in a cheap suitcase that breaks quickly.
Checkpoints:
- Length of warranty period (1 year or more is a good benchmark)
- Is the selection standard for materials and parts clear?
- Does the brand disclose information about quality testing?
- Are there any user reviews indicating "breaks easily"?
👉 Decision criteria: Choose a brand that not only offers a "low price" but also demonstrates a clear commitment to quality control.
③ Sales performance and market reputation
Actual sales performance and user reviews are important indicators of a brand's reliability. Brands that sell well do so for a reason.
Checkpoints:
- Rankings on e-commerce sites (Amazon, Rakuten, etc.)
- Availability and sales trends at electronics retailers
- Number of reviews and star ratings (4 stars or higher is a good benchmark)
- Content of reviews (especially regarding wheels, handles, and durability)
👉 Decision criteria: Popular brands have reasons and reliability behind their sales.
④ Balance between price and quality
The quality of materials and parts, as well as durability, vary significantly depending on the price range. It's important to choose a price range that matches your frequency of use.
| Price Range | Characteristics | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10,000 yen | Materials tend to be weak, parts prone to breaking | Short trips once a year or less |
| 10,000 - 30,000 yen | Good cost performance, suitable for several trips a year | People who want to use it for both domestic and international travel |
| 30,000 - 100,000 yen | High quality and durable, lasts a long time | Frequent business travelers or tourists |
| Over 100,000 yen | Quality and status unique to luxury brands | Business executives |
👉 Decision criteria: Choose a brand in the appropriate price range based on your frequency of use and budget.
⑤ After-sales service and warranty details
Post-purchase support is also a crucial factor in brand selection. The peace of mind you get from knowing that potential malfunctions or damage will be addressed can make a big difference.
Checkpoints:
- Length of warranty period
- Availability and speed of repair services
- Robustness of inquiry channels
- Return and exchange conditions
👉 Decision criteria: Is there a support system that allows for confident use after purchase?
By use case: How to choose the right brand type for you
For those who travel frequently for business
Key points to consider:
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Luxurious appearance
- High durability
Recommended brand types:
Brands that offer highly robust models, such as aluminum frame types, or brands that specialize in business travel with lightweight polycarbonate and dedicated features, are recommended.
New Trip's strengths:
- Lightweight design for easy mobility
- Simple and elegant design
- Features convenient for business trips, such as front-opening types
For those who travel frequently with family or internationally
Key points to consider:
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Large capacity or expandable feature
- Good balance between price and quality
Recommended brand types:
Practicality-oriented brands targeting families. Brands with features that make travel comfortable, such as expandable capacity or stopper functions, are suitable.
New Trip's strengths:
- Expandable models to accommodate increased luggage
- Lightweight design, easy for all family members to handle
- Environmentally conscious design for sustainable travel
For those who prioritize design and style
Key points to consider:
- Unique or simple and sophisticated appearance
- Instagrammable
- Mid-range price is acceptable
Recommended brand types:
Brands that emphasize design, or brands targeting fashion-conscious consumers, are recommended.
New Trip's strengths:
- Simple and fashionable design
- Originality through in-house design and development
- Design suitable for both young people and adults
For those who prioritize cost performance and mainly take short trips
Key points to consider:
- Affordable price
- Basic functions are sufficient
- Used 1-2 times a year
Recommended brand types:
Cost-performance-oriented brands that offer good quality in the mid-price range, or brands with a simple design that eliminates unnecessary features, are suitable.
New Trip's strengths:
- High quality despite being in the mid-price range
- Products that have undergone rigorous quality testing
- Balances cost performance and quality
Suitcase brand selection checklist
When finally deciding on a brand, check the following points:
✅ Does the brand concept align with your intended use?
Confirm whether it's geared towards business/travel/fashion/cost-performance.
✅ Is the quality control system clear?
Check if the warranty period, material testing, and commitment to quality are evident.
✅ Is the sales performance and user reputation good?
Check rankings, reviews, and track record.
✅ Is the balance between price and quality appropriate?
Determine if the price is fair for your frequency of use.
✅ Is the after-sales service comprehensive?
Check repair support, warranty details, and inquiry channels.
✅ Do the actual product specifications suit your needs?
Check material, weight, capacity, casters, expansion features, etc.
Why New Trip is chosen
Based on the five points introduced so far, here is a summary of New Trip's features.
① Brand philosophy combining environmental considerations and technology
- Concept of "safe, secure, and comfortable travel"
- Four pillars: simple, fashionable, environmentally friendly, and technological
- Originality through in-house design and development
② Prioritizing quality, users, and service
- All materials and parts are selected after rigorous testing
- Products are sold only after passing the user experience test
- Commitment to delivering products that exceed user expectations
③ Proven sales record and market evaluation
- Ranked high in the suitcase category on Amazon Japan's best-seller list
- Ranked 4th in the suitcase category at Yodobashi Camera
- Highly rated by users in reviews
④ Good balance between price and quality
- Achieves high quality in the mid-price range (10,000-30,000 yen)
- Prioritizes cost performance without compromising on quality
⑤ Diverse lineup to meet various needs
- From domestic to international travel, business trips
- Equipped with convenient features like expansion, stoppers, and front-opening
Summary: Choose the suitcase brand that's right for you
When choosing a suitcase brand, check the following five points:
- Does the brand's target user base match your intended use?
- Quality control system and commitment to durability
- Sales performance and market reputation
- Balance between price and quality
- After-sales service and warranty details
New Trip is a brand that balances all these points well.
Choose a suitcase that perfectly suits your travel style and budget.
👉 View on New Trip official store
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is the most important point when choosing a suitcase brand?
The most important thing is to check if your intended use (business/travel/fashion/cost-performance) matches the brand's target user base. After that, also check their quality control system and sales performance.
Q2. Who is New Trip recommended for?
It is recommended for those who want a versatile suitcase for domestic and international travel, as well as business trips, and who prioritize a good balance between price and quality. It's also suitable for those who wish to choose an environmentally conscious brand.
Q3. What is the difference between cheap and expensive suitcases?
The quality of materials, durability of casters and handles, warranty details, and the brand's quality control system differ significantly. If you travel frequently, choosing a mid-range price (10,000-30,000 yen) is recommended for peace of mind.
Q4. How can I check a brand's quality control system?
Check the official website for warranty details, material and component selection standards, and information on quality testing. It's also a good idea to check user reviews for feedback on durability.
Q5. I'm buying a suitcase for the first time, what price range do you recommend?
If you plan to use it several times a year or more, a mid-range price of 10,000 to 30,000 yen is recommended. This price range offers a good balance of quality and price, suitable for both domestic and international travel. For short trips once or twice a year, a suitcase around 10,000 yen may be sufficient, but for longer-term use, choosing a mid-range option provides greater peace of mind.
Q6. Do caster qualities differ by brand?
Yes, significantly. With brands that have lax quality control, casters can break after just a few uses. Before purchasing, we recommend checking reviews for feedback on the durability of casters and handles.
Q7. Where can I buy New Trip suitcases?
New Trip suitcases can be purchased through reliable sales channels such as Amazon, Rakuten, Yodobashi Camera, and Bic Camera. They are also available for purchase on our official online store.