The 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying Cheap Luggage

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TL;DR

• Cheap luggage = broken wheels, busted zippers, and endless repurchases.
• Over time, it costs more than investing once in quality.
• Roam luggage offers durability, personalisation, and a five-year warranty that actually protects you.

Here’s the truth: luggage isn’t something you think about until it lets you down.

I learned this the hard way. Picture me in JFK, 5:30 AM, dragging a $79 “bargain” carry-on with one wheel refusing to roll, praying it wouldn’t completely collapse before boarding. That was the morning I realised cheap luggage wasn’t saving me money. It was costing me comfort, time, and frankly, dignity.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why spend on luggage? It’s just a bag,” trust me — I was you. Until I wasn’t. After years of regret, here are seven things I wish I’d known before buying cheap luggage (and why switching to Roam has made every trip smoother).

1. Wheels Will Betray You

Airports are basically marathons in disguise. You’ll walk miles through terminals, and if your wheels aren’t up for the job? You feel it in your shoulders, your back, your mood.

Cheap luggage wheels wobble, squeak, and eventually break. Roam’s 360° ball-bearing spinner wheels are the kind you don’t know you need until you try them. They glide next to you — even on cobblestones — instead of dragging behind. Customers say they had no idea wheels could feel this smooth until they switched.

2. Zippers Break When You Need Them Most

Cheap zippers are like frenemies: fine until the moment they betray you. I once had a zipper split while boarding for a two-week trip — cue frantic gate-check with my stuff practically spilling out.

Roam designed water-resistant, theft-resistant zippers that slide easily but stay locked when you need them. Honestly, nothing ruins a vacation faster than fighting with a stuck zipper.

3. It Doesn’t Age Well

You know that dented, scratched bag that looks like it survived a war zone? That was my “deal” luggage after one international trip. Cheaper poly-blend shells fade, crack, and collapse.

Roam’s aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell keeps its shape and sheen. It’s chamfered to fit better into overhead bins, hand-finished in the U.S., and surprisingly light — carry-ons start at just 7.3 pounds. In short: it looks good, and it stays good.

4. Comfort Is Overlooked

Handles that stick. Grips that dig into your palm. Telescoping bars that won’t extend fully when you’re in a rush. Cheap luggage ignores ergonomics, and you feel it during every connection.

Roam’s aircraft-grade aluminum handles have four height settings, a protected internal shaft (so they don’t jam), and — genius — they align across all sizes, so pulling multiple bags at once is easy.

5. It Costs More in the Long Run

This one stings. I thought I was saving money with budget bags — until I counted. Over five years, I bought four “cheap” carry-ons. That’s almost $400 for frustration.

Meanwhile, Roam offers a lifetime guarantee, plus a 100-day trial. Add in hand-stitching with military-grade thread, recyclable antimicrobial linings, and monogrammed nameplates included at no charge… it’s clear this isn’t disposable luggage. It’s built to last and built for you.

6. Style Isn’t Just Superficial

I used to think colourful luggage was frivolous. But after losing time (and nerves) at baggage carousels trying to spot my generic black suitcase among 300 others, I’ve changed my mind.

Roam lets you customize almost every detail — shells, zippers, wheels, handles, even the lining. With 5 shell colours, a dozen trims, and expandable options, there are literally millions of combinations. That signature pop of colour? They call it the “Roam racing stripe.” It’s stylish, yes — but it also means you’ll never mistake your bag again.

7. Warranty Matters

Cheap luggage rarely comes with a warranty worth reading. Roam, on the other hand, stands behind every stitch.

With a lifetime guarantee and U.S.-based repairs, your luggage isn’t just a product, it’s a companion that evolves with your travels. And if you’re still skeptical, the 100-day trial lets you test-drive it, no strings attached.

Conclusion

Travel is stressful enough without your suitcase joining the resistance. Cheap luggage might work for one trip, maybe two — but it won’t last. Upgrading isn’t just about luxury; it’s about reclaiming energy and calm during travel.

For me, switching to Roam wasn’t about having “fancy luggage.” It was about finally having luggage that works with me, not against me. With thoughtful engineering, real durability, and a splash of colour that feels personal, it’s one upgrade that’s actually worth it.