5 Questions Every Buyer Should Ask

5 Questions Every Buyer Should Ask a Luggage or Lock Supplier

A guide for brands working with OEMs for the first time

If you're launching a travel goods brand or looking to add new suppliers to your network, asking the right questions about manufacturing products is one of the most important steps. Choosing the wrong manufacturer can lead to delays, poor quality, compliance issues or disappointed customers.

This guide outlines the key questions to ask when evaluating new luggage or lock suppliers, with insights from OEMs who’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t). 

1. What Size Is the Factory and Who Have They Worked With?

Start by understanding the size and scale of the factory. Is it a large facility with multiple lines and high capacity, or a small workshop focused on low-volume orders? Factory size can affect pricing, lead time, flexibility and how much support they can offer.

It’s also important to ask which brands the supplier has worked with before. This gives you a good idea of the product level they’re used to making. If they’ve worked with well-known luggage brands, especially brands in your marketing region, it often means they meet higher quality and compliance standards.

Buyers also want to know about the factory’s reputation. They’ll often look for recommendations, trade show appearances or mentions in sourcing groups to get a feel for how the supplier is viewed in the industry.

2. How Do They Manage Product Quality?

Many factories say they make high-quality products - but that’s only true if they have the right quality control systems in place.

There are three common steps manufacturers should follow:

• IQC (Incoming Quality Control): Do they check the raw materials before production starts?
• IPQC (In-Process Quality Control): Is quality checked during production on the line?
• OQC (Outgoing Quality Control): Are finished products inspected before they are packed?

If a supplier can’t clearly explain their quality process or doesn’t follow all three steps, it could be a red flag. Ask if they can share recent inspection reports, defect rates or if they allow third-party inspections.

For luggage and locks, this is especially important. Moving parts like locks, wheels, zippers and handles are common failure points. You want a supplier who actively works to prevent those issues before the products ship.

3. Can They Price Your Design, Not Just Their Standard Products?

Many buyers come in with a specific idea or design, not just an off-the-shelf item, so you’ll want to know if the supplier can give pricing based on your custom design. That includes materials, accessories, color choices and branding details.

This shows how well the supplier understands custom work and whether they’re organized enough to cost it out properly. It also helps you compare quotes more accurately when speaking to multiple manufacturers.

OEMs shared that one of the biggest early conversations is price, but buyers aren’t just looking for the cheapest option. They want value for money and confidence that the supplier understands their product goals.

4. What’s the Minimum Order Quantity and Can They Support Customization?

Minimum order quantity (MOQ) is a big factor, especially for newer brands or product launches. Ask how many units they require for both standard orders and customized ones.

If the MOQ is high, you’ll want to know what added value comes with it, such as better pricing, access to higher-end materials or more branding options.

Also ask about:

• Logo application (e.g., embossed, printed, metal plates)
• Hardware options (zipper pulls, wheels, locks)
• Custom packaging or labeling

The more flexible a supplier is on customization, the easier it is to make your product stand out in a crowded market.

With new U.S. tariffs on Chinese travel goods, it’s more important than ever to understand where your supplier sources components and how future pricing may be affected. Even if your products are assembled outside of China, key inputs like wheels or locks may still be subject to duties. Learn more about the impact of tariffs on the luggage industry here.

5. Do They Follow Global Compliance Standards?

Regulations around luggage and lock products are getting stricter, especially when it comes to chemical use, child safety laws and airport security compatibility.

You’ll want to ask:

• Are their materials compliant with Prop 65, REACH, CPSIA or PFAS bans?
• Can they provide testing reports or certifications?
  • ISO 9001 (quality management systems)
  • ISO 37301 (compliance management)
  • ISO 37002 (modern slavery and whistleblower protection)
  • PAS 7000 (supplier risk screening and prequalification)
• Does the factory align with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, especially around anti-slavery, forced labor or underage labor protections?

Non-compliance can lead to serious issues, including product recalls, legal problems or having goods held at customs. It’s better to work with suppliers who are already familiar with the rules in your key markets.

Factory Visits

Factory visits are one of the best ways to assess a supplier’s true capabilities. If you can visit in person, look out for:

• Cleanliness and organization of production areas
• How materials are stored and labeled
• How workers are treated and what the conditions are like
• Whether safety protocols are visibly followed
• If quality checks are happening during manufacturing, not just after

A good supplier will be open to visits and may even suggest one. If you can't travel, ask for a virtual tour, third-party audit or photo documentation.

Warehouse and Shipping Support

While not always mentioned upfront, many buyers also want to know whether a supplier has strong warehouse and inventory systems. If you’re planning large seasonal orders or phased deliveries, you’ll need a partner that can store goods and ship on schedule.

Ask about:

• Average lead times and how they handle rush orders
• Whether they have experience with your preferred shipping terms (FOB, DDP, etc.)
• How they handle peak season planning, like Chinese New Year or Black Friday prep

Clear communication around logistics helps avoid last-minute surprises and missed deadlines.

What Buyers Ask After the First Order

Once a buyer has an established relationship with a supplier, the questions change. At this stage, it’s more about maintaining consistency and improving product performance. Key topics include:

• Product design updates: tweaking structures, colors or accessories based on customer feedback
• Price negotiations: especially as raw material or freight costs fluctuate
• Lead time planning: getting ahead of seasonal spikes or new launches

Having a supplier who can grow with you and adapt over time is one of the best long-term investments a brand can make.

Why These Questions Matter

Many sourcing mistakes happen because buyers don’t ask the right questions early on or don’t push for clear answers. Skipping this process can lead to:

• Inconsistent product quality
• Delays that miss retail windows
• Unexpected costs (like high MOQs or mold fees)
• Regulatory problems if goods are non-compliant

The best suppliers will expect these questions. They’ll have clear answers, helpful documentation, and be ready to work with you to build something that meets both your quality standards and business goals.

Final Advice for First-Time Buyers

Choosing a supplier is a relationship, not just a transaction. Look for manufacturers who:

• Are open and transparent about their capabilities
• Have clear systems for quality control and compliance
• Show pride in their past work with other brands
• Can scale with you as your product line grows

If you’re just getting started or want help finding trusted OEMs, our team can help connect you with licensed factories that understand luggage, locks and travel accessories.