Luggage Flipping Guide: Make Money Reselling Travel Bags 2026

The luggage resale market has exploded as travel rebounds and consumers increasingly seek premium brands at discount prices. With luxury luggage brands commanding prices of $1,000 or more retail, savvy resellers are finding consistent profits flipping everything from vintage Samsonite to modern Rimowa. This comprehensive guide reveals exactly how to build a profitable luggage flipping business in 2026.

Why Luggage Flipping Is Profitable in 2026

Travel spending hit record highs in 2025, and 2026 projections show continued growth. This surge created unprecedented demand for quality luggage. Here’s why this niche is perfect for resellers:

Market Dynamics Working in Your Favor:

• Post-pandemic travel boom continues with revenge travel spending
• Supply chain issues reduced new inventory availability for premium brands
• Sustainability-conscious consumers actively seek pre-owned luxury items
• Brand loyalty runs deep in luggage (Rimowa, Tumi buyers are repeat customers)
• Airlines enforcing carry-on restrictions drives demand for compliant sizes

The beauty of luggage flipping lies in the dramatic price drops on the secondary market while demand remains strong. Someone who paid $1,500 for a Rimowa might accept $400 at a garage sale simply because they upgraded or received a new set as a gift.

Understanding the Luggage Market: Brands That Sell

Not all luggage brands are created equal in the resale market. Here’s your complete breakdown of which brands to target and why.

Tier 1: Luxury Brands (Highest Margins)

Rimowa Resale - The Crown Jewel

Rimowa represents the pinnacle of luggage flipping. This German brand, owned by LVMH since 2016, commands exceptional resale values:

Why Rimowa Resale Works:

• Retail prices range from $780 to $1,600+ for standard pieces
• Limited editions and collaborations (Supreme x Rimowa, Dior x Rimowa) fetch 2-3x retail
• Signature aluminum construction is nearly indestructible
• Easy to authenticate with serial numbers and brand markings
• Strong brand recognition among affluent travelers

Rimowa Profit Margins:

Sourcing Rimowa: Look for estate sales from affluent neighborhoods, airline lost luggage auctions, and eBay listings with poor photos. Many sellers don’t realize the value gap between Rimowa’s aluminum and polycarbonate lines.

Tumi - The Business Traveler’s Choice

Tumi dominates the professional travel segment with their distinctive ballistic nylon and premium leather goods:

Tumi Resale Insights:

• Alpha series commands the highest resale values
• Leather briefcases and messenger bags often outsell rolling luggage
• Corporate logos can decrease value (many companies gift Tumi to executives)
• Limited editions like the McLaren collaboration maintain strong value

Tumi Profit Margins:

Tier 2: Premium Brands (Reliable Profits)

Samsonite - Volume Opportunity

As the world’s largest luggage brand, Samsonite offers consistent flipping opportunities:

What Sells:

• Black Label and Red lines (premium sub-brands)
• Vintage hardside pieces from the 1960s-1980s
• Silhouette and Oyster series vintage sets
• Current flagship models like Proxis and Magnum Eco

Samsonite Profit Margins:

• Modern premium lines: 40-60% ROI typical
• Vintage complete sets: 100-200% ROI possible
• Standard contemporary pieces: 30-50% ROI

Pro Tip: Vintage Samsonite train cases are Instagram favorites for home décor. A $10 thrift store find can sell for $75-150 to interior decorators.

Away - The DTC Disruptor

Away revolutionized luggage marketing, creating a cult following since 2015:

Away Resale Reality:

• Strong demand among millennials and Gen Z
• Built-in battery models require careful shipping compliance
• Colors matter: limited editions outsell standard colors
• Minor scuffs significantly impact resale value (buyers expect near-perfect condition)

Away Margins:

Tier 3: Value Brands (Quick Flips)

These brands won’t make you rich but offer consistent, low-risk profits:

• Briggs & Riley: Lifetime warranty transfers to new owners, big selling point
• Travelpro: Flight crew favorite, known for durability
• Delsey: French brand with growing US presence
• Hartmann: Vintage pieces especially valuable

Vintage Luggage: A Hidden Gold Mine

The vintage luggage market operates differently from modern resale. Here’s how to capitalize on it:

What Collectors Want

Most Valuable Vintage Categories:

1. Leather steamer trunks (1880s-1920s): $500-5,000+
2. Louis Vuitton vintage trunks: $3,000-50,000+
3. Mid-century hardside sets (1950s-1970s): $150-600 for complete sets
4. Airline branded bags: Defunct airlines (Pan Am, TWA) command premiums
5. Train cases: Popular for décor, makeup storage, photography props

Condition Assessment for Vintage Pieces

Vintage luggage requires honest condition evaluation:

Where to Find Vintage Luggage

• Estate sales: Best source for complete sets with matching pieces
• Antique malls: Often overpriced but negotiable
• Flea markets: Early bird gets the deals
• Attic cleanouts: Offer free removal for first pick
• Storage unit auctions: Luggage commonly abandoned

Carry-On Sizing Restrictions: Critical Knowledge

Understanding airline carry-on restrictions is essential for luggage flipping. Misrepresenting size can result in returns and negative feedback.

2026 Standard Carry-On Dimensions

Key Selling Points:

• Underseat bags (17" x 13" x 8") appeal to basic economy travelers
• TSA-approved laptop compartments add $20-50 to resale value
• Spinner wheels vs. inline wheels affect buyer preferences

When listing carry-on luggage, always include:

1. Exact exterior dimensions (including wheels and handles)
2. Interior packing dimensions
3. Weight when empty
4. Which airlines it definitely fits (and which it might not)

Sourcing Strategies for Luggage Flipping

Online Sourcing

eBay:

• Filter for auctions ending soon with few bids
• Search misspellings (“Remowa,” “Tumy,” “Samsonite”)
• Watch “for parts” listings that actually work fine
• Target sellers with poor photos or vague descriptions

Facebook Marketplace:

• Set alerts for luxury brand names
• Check surrounding wealthy zip codes
• Offer to pick up immediately (sellers love convenience)

OfferUp/Craigslist:

• Best for local pickup of heavy items
• Lower competition than Marketplace
• Negotiate bundles for better margins

Offline Sourcing (Higher Margins)

Thrift Stores:

• Goodwill outlets sell by the pound ($1-2/lb for hard goods)
• Check behind the counter for recently donated items
• Build relationships with staff for early access

Estate Sales:

• Use EstateSales.net and tag sales to find listings
• Premium neighborhoods often have premium luggage
• First-day prices higher, but selection better

Garage Sales:

• Early Saturday morning route in affluent areas
• Luggage often priced at $5-25 regardless of brand
• Ask “do you have any luggage?” even if none displayed

Airline Lost Luggage Auctions:

• Unclaimed Baggage Center (Scottsboro, Alabama)
• Various regional auction houses
• TSA surplus auctions

Inspection Checklist Before Buying

Never buy luggage without checking these elements:

Structural Integrity

• [ ] Zippers operate smoothly on all compartments
• [ ] Telescoping handle extends and retracts properly
• [ ] Handle locks in all positions without wobbling
• [ ] No cracks in hard shell or tears in soft sides
• [ ] Frame not bent or warped

Wheels and Mobility

• [ ] All wheels spin freely
• [ ] Spinner wheels rotate 360° without resistance
• [ ] No flat spots from sitting in storage
• [ ] Wheel housings not cracked

Interior Condition

• [ ] No mold, mildew, or musty odors
• [ ] Liner not torn or stained
• [ ] Interior straps and dividers intact
• [ ] Interior zipper pockets functional

Hardware and Accessories

• [ ] TSA locks present and functional (if applicable)
• [ ] Original keys included for keyed locks
• [ ] Combination locks reset properly
• [ ] ID tag holder present
• [ ] Dust bag included (adds value for luxury brands)

Cleaning and Refurbishing for Maximum Profit

A thorough cleaning can add 20-40% to your resale price. Here’s how the pros do it:

Hard Shell Luggage

Basic Cleaning:

1. Wipe exterior with mild soap and water
2. For aluminum (Rimowa), use aluminum polish for scratches
3. For polycarbonate, use plastic polish
4. Clean wheels with degreaser

Scratch Repair:

• Minor scratches on polycarbonate: heat gun on low setting
• Deeper scratches: color-matched automotive touch-up paint
• Aluminum: embrace the patina or polish smooth

Soft Side Luggage

Fabric Cleaning:

1. Vacuum all compartments thoroughly
2. Spot clean with fabric cleaner
3. For ballistic nylon (Tumi), use nylon-specific cleaner
4. Steam clean interior for odor removal

Leather Luggage:

1. Clean with leather cleaner
2. Condition with leather conditioner
3. Allow 24 hours to absorb
4. Buff with microfiber cloth

Odor Elimination

Musty luggage kills sales. Try these methods:

• Activated charcoal bags inside for 48-72 hours
• Coffee grounds in an open container (24 hours)
• Baking soda sprinkled inside, vacuum after 24 hours
• UV light exposure for exterior disinfection

Photography Tips for Luggage Listings

Luggage is large and reflective, making photography challenging:

Essential Shots:

1. Front view, handle extended, wheels visible
2. Back view showing any damage
3. Interior with compartments visible
4. Close-up of brand tag/serial number
5. Zippers in detail
6. Wheels close-up
7. Any flaws or damage (builds trust)

Pro Photography Tips:

• Use natural light or diffused artificial light
• Place on white or neutral background
• Show a common object for scale (book, water bottle)
• Photograph in “airline ready” position

Pricing Strategy for Maximum Profit

Research-Based Pricing

Before listing, always check:

1. eBay sold listings (not active listings)
2. Poshmark sold items
3. TheRealReal for luxury brands
4. Facebook Marketplace in your area

Pricing Tiers

Premium Pricing (98%+ condition):

• Original packaging/dust bag included
• No visible wear
• All accessories present
• Price at 65-75% of retail

Standard Pricing (85-97% condition):

• Light use evident
• Fully functional
• Price at 45-60% of retail

Value Pricing (70-84% condition):

• Visible wear/scratches
• May need minor repairs
• Price at 30-45% of retail

Shipping Luggage Profitably

Luggage shipping costs can destroy margins if not managed properly. Use our Shipping Calculator to compare rates and find the most profitable shipping method for your items.

Shipping Best Practices

Weight Considerations:

• Empty cabin bags: 5-8 lbs
• Empty medium bags: 8-12 lbs
• Empty large bags: 10-15 lbs
• Add 1-2 lbs for packing materials

Packaging Methods:

1. Ship in original box: Ideal if available
2. Bag method: Wrap in plastic, then contractor bag
3. Box method: Large moving boxes, reinforce corners
4. Nested shipping: Ship smaller bags inside larger ones

Cost-Saving Tips:

• Pirate Ship offers cubic pricing (great for luggage)
• UPS stores often have better rates than retail
• Factor shipping into your buy price, not just listing price

Regional Pricing Differences

Luggage prices vary by location. Big opportunity for arbitrage:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ expensive lessons:

Buying Mistakes:

• Ignoring wheel damage (replacement costs $30-100)
• Not testing telescoping handles (repair costs $50-150)
• Buying counterfeit luxury brands (legal liability)
• Overpaying at retail thrift stores like Goodwill

Selling Mistakes:

• Inaccurate dimensions leading to returns
• Poor photography hiding brand value
• Not including measurements with handles extended
• Shipping carry-ons that don’t actually fit overhead bins

Business Mistakes:

• Storing too much inventory (luggage takes space)
• Ignoring seasonal demand fluctuations
• Not diversifying platform presence
• Underestimating cleaning/refurbishment time

Seasonal Timing for Luggage Sales

Understanding demand cycles maximizes your profits:

Peak Selling Seasons:

• December-January: Holiday travel, gift returns fuel buying
• May-June: Summer vacation preparation
• August: Back to school/college move-in

Best Buying Seasons:

• January-February: New Year purges, estate sales
• Post-summer: People offloading after trips
• Moving season (April-September): Estate and garage sales

Building a Sustainable Luggage Flipping Business

Scaling Strategies

Start Small:

• Begin with carry-on sizes (easier to ship, store)
• Focus on one brand family to build expertise
• Reinvest profits into inventory

Scale Smart:

• Add one new brand category quarterly
• Build relationships with estate sale companies
• Consider consignment relationships with luggage repair shops

Diversification Opportunities

Once established, expand into related categories:

• Travel accessories (packing cubes, TSA items)
• Laptop bags and backpacks
• Garment bags
• Luggage tags and accessories

Tools and Resources for Luggage Flippers

Authentication Resources:

• Brand serial number databases
• YouTube authentication videos
• Reddit r/Repladies and r/Flipping communities

Market Research:

• Worthpoint for historical pricing
• Terapeak (included with eBay stores)
• Google Trends for seasonal demand

Sourcing Apps:

• EstateSales.net
• Garage Sale Finder
• AuctionZip

Final Thoughts: Your Luggage Flipping Action Plan

The luggage flipping opportunity is substantial for resellers willing to develop expertise. Here’s your 30-day action plan:

Week 1: Research Phase

• Study the brands covered in this guide
• Browse eBay sold listings to understand prices
• Identify sourcing opportunities in your area

Week 2: First Purchases

• Acquire 3-5 pieces across different brands/price points
• Document condition thoroughly
• Clean and photograph professionally

Week 3: List and Learn

• List on 2-3 platforms (eBay, Facebook, Poshmark)
• Track views, watchers, and offers
• Adjust pricing based on market response

Week 4: Optimize and Scale

• Analyze what sold and why
• Double down on winning categories
• Establish sourcing routine

Luggage flipping combines relatively low competition with strong demand and excellent margins. The key is developing an eye for quality, understanding what buyers want, and presenting your items professionally. Start with one or two pieces this weekend and build from there.

Ready to analyze your first luggage flip? Underpriced can help you determine the exact profit potential before you buy. Happy flipping!