Shopping for cheap luggage usually involves making some tradeoffs, with the specific tradeoffs varying depending on where and how the luggage is purchased. Overstock or discontinued luggage of average or good quality is often available, but specific styles or sizes may not be available. Luggage sets offer lower prices per piece, but may include unnecessary items. Relatively low-quality luggage is typically quite inexpensive, but may not be as appealing or as durable as more expensive luggage. Used luggage of excellent quality can often be found at very reasonable prices, but will typically be battered, worn, and in a style that is likely no longer popular.
One common way to purchase cheap luggage is to shop for overstock, outlet, or closeout items. Many websites specialize in this sort of merchandise. Reading through customer reviews before buying is probably a good idea to ensure that a given site is legitimate. Outlet malls often have good prices on products that are slightly flawed, but basically sound. Closeout models may not be available in every style or color, but are often much less expensive and are offered even by very highly-rated manufacturers.
Buying in bulk is almost always a good way to get a better price and one way to get cheap luggage is to buy a luggage set. These sets typically offer a noticeably lower per-item price, but will usually include more pieces than a normal traveler needs or wants. Splitting a set two or more ways is often feasible and a good way to get more luggage for a lower price.
Some consumers may be willing to sacrifice quality when shopping for cheap luggage. If luggage is only going to be used once or twice, or if it will only face light duty, then buying lower-quality luggage can be a viable alternative. Much of the cost of higher-end luggage comes from durability and strength, qualities that are probably not needed for a suitcase that will be used two or three times and then stored for decades. Low-quality luggage is usually a bad option for more serious travel, however.
Purchasing used baggage can be an excellent way to get high-quality, cheap luggage. Ironically, much of the baggage lost by air travelers is re-sold if unclaimed. Good-quality luggage can often be purchased in this fashion at a steep discount. Other sources of used goods, such as estate sales and secondhand stores, are also good sources for durable, if dated, used luggage. Some people may even prefer such luggage for its vintage charm, although care should be taken to make sure that bags meet modern air travel security requirements.