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The Luggage Production Process

The Luggage Production Process Explained: A Guide for Brands

If you're a luggage brand looking to produce high-quality products, understanding the full luggage production process is essential. From first contact to final shipment, each step plays a role in ensuring product quality, customer satisfaction and long-term success.

This guide outlines a typical wholesale order journey to better manage costs, timelines and the supply chain, especially if your business values eco-friendly, cost-effective manufacturing.

1. Quotation Agreement

The process begins with both parties agreeing on a detailed quotation that covers:

  • Product specifications and features
  • Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
  • Payment terms and estimated lead time

This step sets clear expectations and ensures both buyer and supplier are aligned from the beginning.

2. Buyer Places the Order

Once the quotation is approved, the buyer places an official wholesale order. This formal document authorizes the supplier to begin the manufacturing process.

3. Structure Samples Are Created

The supplier’s sample maker produces structure samples which are early prototypes focused on dimensions, fit and durability (not yet in final colors). These samples represent the physical framework of the product.

4. Strength and Reliability Testing

The structure samples are sent to the buyer for testing. The buyer evaluates them for strength, reliability, and product quality, ensuring that the luggage can withstand real-world use.

5. Buyer Approves the Structure

If the product passes testing, the buyer gives written approval to move forward. This confirms that the product design is functional and fit for purpose.

6. Color Samples Are Developed

Next, the manufacturer creates a new set of samples in the colors requested by the buyer. These pre-production samples reflect the final branding and design aesthetics.

7. Color Matching Approval

The buyer carefully reviews these samples to confirm color accuracy, material finishes and branding details. Once satisfied, the buyer signs off and these now become the standard for mass production.

8. Pre-Production Meeting

Before full production begins, a pre-production meeting is held between the buyer and supplier. This is a critical step to finalize:

  • Production timelines
  • Quality checkpoints
  • Packaging requirements
  • Compliance with eco-friendly or brand-specific standards

9. Raw Material Procurement

Once everything is approved, the supplier begins sourcing raw materials such as zippers, fabric, locks, or wheels based on the approved sample. For brands focused on eco-friendly materials, this is a key moment to confirm sourcing standards.

10. Trial Production

A trial run is conducted on the production lines. This ensures machinery is calibrated correctly and that the product can be assembled consistently at scale.

If issues are identified, they’re resolved before moving to full manufacturing.

11. Mass Production Begins

With a successful trial complete, the supplier proceeds to the luggage manufacturing process. This is the heart of the luggage manufacturing process, where large quantities are produced in line with the approved design. 

12. Buyer Conducts Random Inspections

To ensure consistency and product quality, the buyer may conduct random inspections throughout or after production. These help catch issues early and maintain trust between both parties.

13. Passed Inspection? Time to Ship

Once the inspection is passed, the products are packaged, labeled and prepared for shipment. Final logistics and export documents are handled, and the goods are released for delivery.

A clear and professional workflow, from samples to shipment, helps provide excellent customer service and quality assurance.

Need help identifying TSA-compliant factories or building a custom lock or luggage solution?

Have a look at our licensed partners that fit your production goals.