Suitcase Luggage Repair - Where? Why? How Much?

Strandbags have refused to fix one of my suitcases, I'm a bit confused as to why, anyway I was considering trying somewhere else and so inspired to make this thread.

What are your experiences getting suitcases repaired, or not repaired?

Why have they needed repair?

Where do you go?

How much are you willing to pay?

Comments

  • +2

    We had ours fixed at myer for free after one of the wheel broke. Broke again at the next use, didn't bother to get it fixed again. The end.

  • +1
    • +1

      Pretty sure they're not there anymore but could be wrong.

      I had something repaired there under warranty, repair didn't last one use and was then replaced by Samsonite.

  • +1

    I'm a bit confused as to why

    Maybe because they want you to buy a new one?

  • +3

    Luggage is made to fail, thats the planned obsolesce to force you to buy more luggage.

    • it's wrong. i wish we could do something about it.

      • Sadly your Luggage doesn't have the appeal of the ALP "Aldi Bag full of cash" story, otherwise it would be front page news, photo op's and you would probably need an agent or a lawyer (or both).

        I'm glad we had this talk. :+)

        • -2

          what?

          • @bargain huntress: You could call Tracy at ACA about your luggage and muscle out the Weight Loss story they have slated for tonight…

  • +1

    Assuming you purchased the item from Strandbags, you haven't said, contact their Customer Service department 1800 773 777

  • +1

    I’ve had a couple repaired.

    It would come down to how much is a replacement and long has this one lasted me. If the repair is reasonable (let’s say a new bag was $400 and a repair was $150-$225), I’d probably repair it. If it were more than that I’d probably consider and buy a replacement because the warranty on the replacement which are typically 5-10 years would be worth the extra.

  • +1

    The luggage shop in mascot does repairs

  • +1

    Strandbags are unhelpful.

    I had a suitcase that was damaged by Qantas, where they somehow managed to have part of the top of the suitcase come away from one of the sides, ripping apart three or four layers in the process; this meant that anything (e.g. water) could get into the suitcase, which is not great. Qantas eventually coughed up $60 as compensation, but it was a bit of a circus to get compensation from them…

    Anyway, the suitcase was originally purchased from a Strandbags retail outlet, and I wanted to know what my options were. I first took it to a Strandbags clearance outlet, who refused to help me at all, because the suitcase was purchased at one of their retail outlets, and I would need to go to a retail outlet for assistance. I then drove to the other side of town to a Strandbags retail store, where the store manager took one look at the bag. She declared it was damage obviously caused by mishandling, the manufacturer would not repair it under warranty, it would cost me at least $100 to get it repaired (but it will depend on what the manufacturer quotes), plus it would take a minimum of three weeks to sort it out. She came across as rather condescending and was like “I’ve seen so many suitcases sent off for repairs over the years and I know for a fact that your suitcase will not be repaired or replaced under warranty. I can help you send it off for an assessment, but trust me, the manufacturer will charge you for repairs.”

    I was flying out overseas the next day, so I went back to the aforementioned clearance outlet and bought a new suitcase on clearance, largely because I didn’t want to have to deal with a whole other circus of trying to get a suitcase suitably repaired, plus it only cost an extra $120 for a larger suitcase of similar construction from the same brand. The damaged suitcase is only used to store clothing long-term now…

    ——-

    Strandbags have refused to fix one of my suitcases

    I would be curious to know why they refused to fix it at all in your case. Was the suitcase originally purchased from Strandbags? Did you not have a suitable proof of purchase with you?

  • Some asswipe jimmied open our 2 suitcases on a train in Europe, so the zip track was a little damaged but still usable. I contacted the manufacturer and they sent me the list of repair places. I got a quote but it was about $115 to repair 2 zips and a lock so I just left it at that.

  • +2

    I know this doesn't help you right now, but it might in the future. I used to travel to SE Asia regularly for work; particularly Thailand. One of the things I discovered is that it's incredibly cheap to get all kinds of things repaired - you name it, clothes, electronics, luggage etc.

    For instance, once an airline nearly ripped a handle off of my suitcase. I complained and received about $150 in compensation. I took it to this guy that operated a one man repair stall on the footpath in Ratchadapisek - then went for a meal at a favorite street stall that sells Southern Thai food. Left it with him overnight, and it was expertly fixed the next day. Cost me about $3. Ten years later and it's still going strong - and to think I was going to throw it out.

    Obviously you're not going to travel there just to get your luggage fixed - it's more that a lot of things you might otherwise abandon and you know you're traveling there anyway (say a holiday), might as well spend a few dollars and let these guys fix it - be it a mobile phone, laptop etc.

  • Luggage bags longevity depends on the way it’s handled. If it’s broken just replace.

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