The best places to buy cheap suitcases are discount retailers, warehouse clubs, and online marketplaces that sell both new and returned luggage

You do not have to spend hundreds of dollars on a suitcase. Discount chains like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross carry brand-name luggage at 20 to 40 percent below department store prices because they buy overstock and last season's colors. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club rotate luggage inventory seasonally and often undercut regular retail by similar margins. Online, Amazon and eBay have new suitcases from budget brands alongside used and returned pieces from major manufacturers. The catch with each route is different: discount stores have limited selection and no may provide the same item will be there next week; warehouse clubs require membership and stock only a handful of models at any given time; online marketplaces require you to read return policies carefully, because a cheap suitcase from an unknown brand may not have one.

The real savings come from knowing when to shop and what to accept. Luggage goes on sale heaviest in January (after holiday travel) and August (before back-to-school and fall trips). Buying a previous-year model or a color that did not sell saves money without sacrificing durability. A suitcase does not need to be a luxury brand to last five years—it needs wheels that roll straight, a handle that does not wobble, and a zipper that does not jam. Those features exist in suitcases under $100.

Key Takeaways

  • Discount retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls stock brand-name luggage at 20 to 40 percent off because they buy overstock and previous seasons.
  • Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club offer deep discounts but require membership and carry only a few models at a time.
  • Online marketplaces sell both new budget-brand suitcases and returned items from major manufacturers, but return policies vary widely.
  • January and August are the heaviest sale months for luggage, making them the best time to buy if you can plan ahead.
  • A durable suitcase under $100 needs straight-rolling wheels, a stable handle, and a reliable zipper—not a designer name.

Discount Retailers: TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross

These three chains buy overstock from major luggage makers and sell it at roughly 30 percent below what you would pay at Macy's or Kohl's. TJ Maxx and Marshalls are the same company and carry similar inventory, though selection varies by location. You will find Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey alongside house brands. The selection changes weekly, so if you see a suitcase you like, buy it—it may not be there next time.

The downside is that you cannot order online and pick up in store at most locations, and shipping from their websites is slower than Amazon. You also cannot return items bought in-store to the website or vice versa. If you live near a TJ Maxx or Marshalls, checking in person once a month during travel season is faster than waiting for online delivery. Ross has the deepest discounts of the three but the smallest selection and the least consistent stock.

Warehouse Clubs: Costco and Sam's Club

Costco and Sam's Club buy in bulk and pass the savings to members. A suitcase that costs $150 at Target might be $89 at Costco. The trade-off is that they stock only three to five luggage models at any time, and inventory rotates every few weeks. If you need a specific size or color, you may miss it.

Both clubs offer a return window of 90 days to two years depending on membership level, which is longer than most retailers. Costco's return policy is particularly generous—you can return a suitcase even after a year of use if it fails. Sam's Club requires you to be a member to buy, and membership costs $45 to $110 per year depending on the tier. Costco membership is $60 to $130. If you buy one suitcase per year, the membership cost adds roughly $50 to $100 to the price, so compare the final cost against discount retailers before joining solely for luggage.

Online Marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.com

Amazon carries hundreds of suitcase models from $40 to $500, with the bulk of budget options between $50 and $120. Many are from brands you have not heard of—Coolife, Rockland, IT Luggage—but they meet basic durability standards. Read the reviews carefully: look for complaints about zippers breaking, wheels failing, or handles snapping. If a model has hundreds of reviews and a 4-star rating, the manufacturer has likely worked out the early defects.

eBay sells both new and used suitcases. New items from sellers are often overstock or returned merchandise at 30 to 50 percent off retail. Used suitcases are cheaper but carry more risk—you cannot see the wheels or zipper in person. Always check the seller's return policy before bidding. Walmart.com stocks budget brands like Mainstays and better-known names like American Tourister at prices between discount retailers and full retail.

The risk with online shopping is that you cannot inspect the suitcase before it arrives. A cheap suitcase with a faulty wheel or zipper becomes expensive when you have to return it and wait for a replacement. Buy from sellers with high ratings and read the return policy before checkout. Amazon's standard return window is 30 days; eBay varies by seller; Walmart is 90 days for most items.

Outlet Stores and Luggage-Specific Retailers

Luggage outlet stores exist in many cities and online. Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey all run outlet websites where they sell discontinued colors, factory seconds, and overstock at 30 to 50 percent off. Factory seconds have minor cosmetic flaws—a small dent, a slightly uneven seam—but the same warranty as new suitcases.

Outlet stores are worth visiting if one is near you, but shipping from outlet websites can be expensive, sometimes $15 to $25 for a suitcase. Check the final price after shipping before assuming you are saving money. Some outlet stores offer free shipping above a certain purchase amount, so buying two smaller bags or a suitcase and a carry-on together can lower the per-item cost.

Timing Your Purchase: When Luggage Goes on Sale

Luggage prices drop predictably twice a year. January is the heaviest sale month because retailers clear holiday inventory and people return from trips realizing they need better luggage. Discounts of 30 to 50 percent are common. August is the second peak because back-to-school and fall travel drive demand, and retailers discount previous inventory to make room.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring sales, but they are not always deeper than January or August sales. Set a price alert on Amazon or check discount retailers weekly during these months if you are flexible about color or brand. If you need a suitcase in March or October, you will pay closer to full price, so buying ahead during sale season saves money even if you do not travel when ready.

What to Look for in a Budget Suitcase

A cheap suitcase does not fail because it is cheap—it fails because of three specific weak points: wheels, handles, and zippers. Before buying, check reviews for complaints about these three things. Wheels should be described as smooth, quiet, and durable; if reviews say they wobble or squeak, skip it. Handles should not be flimsy or wobbly; if someone says the handle broke after a year, that is a sign the frame is weak. Zippers should glide smoothly; if multiple reviews mention zippers jamming or separating, the suitcase will frustrate you.

Material matters less than you might think. Hard-shell polycarbonate and soft-shell nylon both last five years if the wheels and zipper are solid. Hard-shell protects contents better but is heavier and louder when rolling. Soft-shell is lighter and quieter but easier to puncture. Neither is inherently better—choose based on what you pack and how you travel.

Size is the other decision. A carry-on suitcase (22 by 14 by 9 inches) fits airline overhead bins and works for trips up to a week. A checked bag (28 by 20 by 12 inches) holds more but costs extra on budget airlines. If you travel once or twice a year, one carry-on suitcase under $80 is a better investment than a cheap checked bag you use rarely. If you travel monthly, buy a carry-on and a checked bag from the same brand so they nest together for storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a suitcase under $100 going to last as long as one that costs $300?

Not necessarily. A $300 suitcase from a premium brand may last 10 years; a $80 suitcase may last 5 years. But a $80 suitcase with solid wheels, a stable handle, and a reliable zipper will outlast a $300 suitcase with cheap components. Read reviews for the specific model, not the brand name. A budget brand with good reviews is a better buy than a luxury brand with complaints about zippers breaking.

Should I buy a suitcase in person or online?

In person if you can inspect the wheels and zipper and want to avoid return shipping. Online if you want more selection and do not mind the return process. Discount retailers like TJ Maxx are best in person because stock changes weekly. Warehouse clubs are worth visiting if you have a membership. Online is best if you know exactly what model you want or want to compare prices across sellers.

What is the difference between a suitcase and a carry-on bag?

A carry-on suitcase (roughly 22 by 14 by 9 inches) fits in airplane overhead bins and works for short trips. A checked bag (roughly 28 by 20 by 12 inches) goes in the cargo hold and holds more but costs extra on budget airlines. Most people need one carry-on for weekend trips and a checked bag for longer travel. Buying both from the same brand means they stack for storage.

Do I need a suitcase with a built-in USB port or weight scale?

No. USB ports and scales add $20 to $40 to the price and are rarely used. A USB port is useful only if you travel with electronics and do not have a power bank. A scale is useful only if you consistently pack near the airline weight limit. For most travelers, these features are not worth the extra cost.

Can I return a suitcase if I buy it on sale?

Yes, but the return window may be shorter. Most retailers allow returns within 30 to 90 days regardless of sale price. Warehouse clubs like Costco allow returns for up to two years. Check the return policy before checkout. If you buy from a third-party seller on Amazon or eBay, the seller's policy applies, not Amazon's or eBay's—read it carefully.