Sourcing own-label luggage from China: shells, wheels, handles and testing
For own-label luggage from China, specify the shell material, frame, wheels, trolley handle, zips and lining per model, agree a durability test plan for wheels, handles and drops before production, and approve a golden sample. Inspect against it and supervise loading by the container. Cambridge China Bridge runs luggage programmes in China, from factory audit to loading.
For retailers building a luggage range by the container: specify shell, wheels, handles and zips, agree a durability test plan, and control repeat orders.
Products and search terms
luggage, suitcases, hard-shell suitcases, cabin bags, own-label luggage, travel accessories
Luggage is an assembly of bought-in parts
A suitcase factory moulds or cuts the shell and assembles the rest: wheels, trolley handles, locks, zips and linings are often bought in from specialist suppliers. The durability of the case depends on those parts, so name them in the specification and require approval before any substitution.
Agree the durability tests before production, not after a return: wheel running, trolley-handle cycling, handle pull, drop and corner impact, and zip endurance. Name who runs each test, on how many samples and against what pass mark, and keep the tested samples with the golden sample.
| Part | Specify | Check before loading |
|---|---|---|
| Shell and frame | Shell material and thickness, colour, finish and frame | Shell finish, colour and dents against the golden sample |
| Wheels and trolley handle | Wheel model and bearings, trolley tube and locking stages | Wheel running, handle locking and the component models used |
| Zips, locks and handles | Zip type, lock model and carry-handle fixing | Zip running, lock function and handle fixing on sampled cases |
| Lining and packing | Lining fabric, pockets, dust bag, carton and nesting of sets | Interior finish and packed cartons against the packing list |
Running the range by the container
A department-store range has several sizes and colours, often from more than one factory. Our own staff in China audit each factory, check production against the golden sample, confirm the component models, and supervise loading with the count by SKU and the seal number recorded. Nesting sets inside one another changes how many fit a container, so agree it per range.
Repeat orders drift when a component supplier changes. Keep the golden sample, the component list and the test results together, and re-check them on every reorder. We quote one UK landed price or an itemised, direct-import arrangement for a programme of this size.
Frequently asked questions
What durability tests should luggage pass?
Agree them before production: wheel running, trolley-handle cycling, handle pull, drop and corner impact, and zip endurance, with the sample count and pass mark.
Why does luggage quality change between orders?
Usually a substituted wheel, handle or zip. Name the component models and require approval before any change.
Can luggage sets be nested for shipping?
Often, which changes how many fit a container. Agree nesting and packing per range before quoting freight.