Consider This as You Shop for Luggage

Consider This as You Shop for Luggage
By Natalie Shire
www.fwluggage.com/

When it comes to luggage, there is an almost endless range of possibilities. You can have hard or soft sides; shoulder bags or cases with wheels; cloth or leather; small, large, or gigantic sizes; and I even know someone who actually bought a bullet-proof duffel bag! If you can imagine a feature or a particular type of luggage, then chances are that someone manufactures it. The trick is finding who and where. It just isn't possible for any single brick and mortar store to stock the entire range of possibilities so you can be sure to find the perfect luggage to fit your needs.

Although I didn't think buying luggage online was a workable option, I started researching online just to get an idea of what's available. I hoped that by searching online I could define what luggage I'd get if it were possible to find pieces that fit my needs ideally. I didn't plan to actually buy the luggage online for a couple of
reasons: I figured the shipping would be too expensive and I wasn't sure that what was represented online would translate accurately to the real pieces delivered to my door. But, I did select and buy some luggage online, and have been very gratified with the result of having exactly what I wanted. In the process, though, I realized some things to consider when buying luggage, or any other item, online.

Shipping costs can be a drawback of shopping online, and it's important to factor this in for price comparisons.
Some online stores really sock it to you with shipping costs, but most don't. In fact, online businesses generally offer fr~ee shipping if your order is more than a specified price. Luggage will often qualify for fre~ee shipping, meaning that it won't cost you more than it would to buy at a local store. The added benefit in this case is that you don't have to pack and haul your purchase because it is delivered right to your door. The drawback is that sometimes delivery takes a while; a week or more can elapse between your purchase date and the delivery.

Before beginning your online search, create a brief description or list of features you want and need your luggage to have. By identifying specifics, you'll have an easier time zeroing in on your objectives and recognizing the right pieces when you see them. Also, you won't buy on impulse an item that doesn't really meet your expectations or needs.

Some basic questions to consider:
* How often will I use it - every week on business or once a year on the family vacation? How durable does it need to be?
* Will it work better for me to have a matched set, or better to put together a variety of luggage items specific to my traveling style?
* Should I have fewer but larger luggage items, or should I have several smaller pieces for different occasions?
* What material would be best for me; cloth, leather, hard sides, etc.

With an idea of how online luggage shopping works, you can now go out and find the perfect luggage for your needs!
Remember to check several different websites so that you can find the best price and shipping options. Good luck, and happy traveling.

Natalie Shire is a contributing author to News at FW Luggage the leading resource for luggage information. Visit Natalie's archive of articles at http://www.fwluggage.com/