freight—and per-unit price is the only one worth benchmarking against the market.
Tooling is a one-time number you should get in writing before anything else. Unit price is where material and volume do their work: quotes typically step at 300, 500, and 1,000+ units, and material moves the number in a predictable ladder from ABS through PC/ABS and PC to PP and aluminum-magnesium. Samples plus freight are the third block, and sample fees are usually deductible from your first production order. A factory with 16+ years of luggage production, like CLK Luggage, will quote down to wheels and locks—that level of detail is what lets you compare suppliers honestly instead of guessing.
The Three Numbers That Make Up Your Cost
- One-time tooling: molds if you go OEM or heavily modify an ODM design. Get this fixed number in writing first.
- Unit price: falls as volume rises (300 / 500 / 1,000+ tiers) and rises with material grade.
- Samples plus freight: sample fees (often deductible), FOB or DDP terms, sea or air freight.
How Material Moves Unit Price
|
Material |
Brand Story |
Price Direction |
|
ABS |
Affordable, entry-level |
Lowest |
|
PC/ABS blend |
Balance of cost and impact resistance |
Low-mid |
|
Polycarbonate (PC) |
Impact recovery, premium feel |
Mid |
|
Polypropylene (PP) |
Lightweight, eco-friendly, chemical resistant |
Mid-high |
|
Aluminum-magnesium |
Premium, durable |
Highest |
Volume Tiers and the 300 / 500 / 1,000+ Math
Factories quote unit price in tiers because fixed costs spread differently at each scale. The practical move is to ask for the same specification quoted at two volumes—for example 300 and 1,000 units—so you can see exactly what growth is worth. If the gap between tiers is small, ordering slightly bigger on your first run can save meaningful money per unit; if the gap is large, start small and grow.
The Hidden Costs New Founders Forget
- Custom packaging and printed boxes—often quoted separately.
- Third-party inspection (SGS, BV) on production batches.
- Bank transfer fees and agent or broker costs.
- Freight: air freight can be 3–5x sea freight for the same volume.
- Duties and import taxes on arrival.
How to Get a Real, Itemized Quote
Ask for a line-item breakdown: shell material, wheels, handle, locks, lining, packaging, inspection, and freight terms. Compare total landed cost, not just the factory price. If a factory only gives you one total number, that is a yellow flag—real manufacturers can show you exactly where the money goes, because they buy those components from suppliers just like you buy from them.
FAQ
How much does it cost to make a custom suitcase?
It depends on material, volume, and OEM vs ODM. Budget three blocks: one-time tooling, unit price that drops with volume, and samples plus freight. Ask for an itemized quote to get a real number.
Which suitcase material is cheapest and which is most expensive?
In rough order of price: ABS is cheapest, then PC/ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and aluminum-magnesium most expensive. Material is the biggest driver of unit price after volume.
How much does volume change the unit price?
Quotes usually step at 300, 500, and 1,000+ units. Ask the factory to quote the same specification at two volumes so you can see what scale is worth.
Are sample fees deductible from production orders?
Usually yes—sample fees are commonly deducted from your first production order. Confirm this in writing.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Custom packaging, third-party inspection, bank and agent fees, and freight. Compare total landed cost rather than just the factory quote.