Get Them Going With Luggage and Leather Goods
By Emily Tipping
Value Proposition
As far as what should be included in your program, Cassius said, "a 17-inch rollerboard, a 21-inch roller board, a 25-inch roller board, a rolling duffel, wheeled computer cases, even backpacks" are ideal.
Mitchell added that providing plenty of options at various price points is key. "The thing we always tell clients is the participant is making a choice, so offer them a wide enough assortment of product, Everyone gravitates to the 21-inch piece, but you need to make sure to also include larger pieces," he said. "Variety is a good thing. And, like any other supplier, we have good, better and best. Provide a little bit of everything in your program."
If you can only provide one option, carry-on sizes are the way to go. "Carry-on size suitcases continue to be strong redeeming items," Erdman explained. "This is a versatile size that eliminates paying to check your luggage when flying and can easily be used for weekend car travel as well."
In addition to individual pieces, you should consider including sets of luggage in your program.
For example, the three-piece Kenneth Cole luggage set from The Corporate Marketplace includes nested 28-inch, 24-inch and 20-inch four-wheeled uprights and is constructed of a lightweight and durable ABS exterior with molded corner reinforcement for maximum impact resistance. The roomy, fully lined bags boast a bevy of useful interior features, including garment restraints and a zipper pocket. The lids feature a large U-shaped zipper pocket for quick access to important documents and travel accessories.
The PackCloth collection from Hartmann, available through Rymax, showcases the evolution of a Hartmann classic with its updated and modern design. It features lightweight and durable construction with stain-resistant and water-repellant nylon exterior, classic peanut butter vinyl trim and figure-eight handles, nylon self-healing coil zippers, and antique brass hardware.
When it comes to selecting a brand for your program, you can't go wrong, as long as you choose a well-respected, well-known manufacturer. "We tell people to use the best brand name you can afford," Mitchell said.
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If you're a frequent business traveler, you likely already have been through the TSA dance—remove the shoes and belt, slip the laptop out of the bag, arrange it all in bins, push it along the conveyor, then reverse the steps on the other side of the X-ray machine.
Travel goods manufacturers are trying to simplify at least some of that process with newer TSA-friendly laptop and business cases.
"In business cases now, TSA has recommended that luggage manufacturers make business cases so that people don't have to take their laptops out," said Mike Landry of Tumi. T-Pass is Tumi's unique spin on this, and Landry said that eventually, you won't see business cases that don't feature this functionality.
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