Looking for luggage? Want a true buy-it-for-life piece? You need to be able to separate the truly great warranties and guarantees from marketing gimmicks. We’ve done the hard work for you; this complete guide covers the warranties for 15 of the most popular brands in the world, including the three that offer the best warranties on the market.
Table Of Contents
- What Is A Luggage Warranty?
- Warranty Vs. Guarantee: Which Protects Your Luggage Best?
- The "Unconditional" Legends: Lifetime Warranties That Cover Everything
- Top Luggage Brands: Limited Global Warranties Explained
- Adventure And Technical Gear Warranties
- Accessory And Daily Carry Warranties
- How To Process A Warranty Claim In Canada
- Quick Checklist To Ensure You Win Your Claim
- Buy The Best Lifetime-Warranty Bags
What Is A Luggage Warranty?
A luggage warranty is a legally-binding promise made by the manufacturer of a piece of luggage to repair or replace your luggage if it is damaged or loses its functionality within a given period of time. Luggage warranties will typically include:
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The timeframe in which the luggage is covered
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The type of damage, defects, and loss of functionality that the luggage is covered for
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How the warranty will handle damage
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Repairing your luggage
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Replacing your luggage
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Offering you a credit or refund
Luggage manufacturers also describe who the warranty covers, and what you need to provide to benefit from the warranty. Typically, warranties will cover the original purchaser; receipts or registration may be required to benefit from the warranty.
Warranty Vs. Guarantee: Which Protects Your Luggage Best?
Warranty and guarantee are used interchangeably - most guarantees are a type of warranty, in that they are legally binding. Two of the top three luggage warranties on the market advertise themselves as guarantees, but it’s not the marketing terms they use that matter - it’s the legally-binding promises they make.
The “Unconditional” Legends: Lifetime Warranties That Cover Everything
There are three companies that stand head and shoulders above the rest in terms of warranties:
All three of these companies offer broad, lifetime guarantees. While “lifetime” is somewhat ambiguous, here (we’ll address each lifetime guarantee in turn), these are true buy-it-for-life products; if you buy one, you may never need to buy a similar piece of luggage again.
Briggs & Riley “Simple As That®” Guarantee
Covers:
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The repair for all functional aspects of your Briggs & Riley bag for life
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Damage caused by airlines
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Coverage continues even if you purchase a new Briggs & Riley bag
Does not cover:
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Cosmetic wear (scratches, dents, dings, scuffs, stains, colour changes, normal wear and tear)
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Cleaning
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Lost or stolen bags
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Contents of the bag
Briggs & Riley offers a lifetime repair guarantee - the “Simple As That®” guarantee.
This is one of the most robust guarantees on the market. Briggs & Riley has been offering the Simple As That® guarantee for long enough that it has a disclaimer noting that parts and colours might be discontinued, so repairs may alter the appearance of the bag.
Notably, this is not a replacement guarantee - Briggs & Riley will repair your bag, not offer a new bag, credit, or refund.
We offer a wide selection of Briggs & Riley lifetime warranty luggage on our online store!
Osprey’s “All Mighty Guarantee”
Covers:
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Repair or replacement for any damage or defect
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Damage caused by airlines
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Coverage continues even if you purchase a new Osprey bag
Does not cover:
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Cleaning
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Certain bags for life
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POCO® (7-year warranty)
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Soelden/Sopris Pro (5-year warranty)
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Raptor Pro (5-year warranty)
The Osprey All Mighty Guarantee might be the most comprehensive luggage warranty on the market; the company advertises that, “whatever the damage, we'll repair or replace it at no cost - whether your bag was produced in 1974 or yesterday.”
This is another true buy-it-for-life guarantee, and unlike Briggs & Riley, this guarantee will also cover a replacement bag if your bag cannot be repaired.
Osprey notes that the look of your luggage may change after repairs, because parts and fabrics become discontinued over time.
Eagle Creek “No Matter What™” Warranty
Covers:
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Repair or damage to functional aspects of the bag and fabric
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Damage caused by airlines
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The cost to send your item back to you when it has been repaired
Does not cover:
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Replacement after the item is at the end of its life
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Cosmetic damage or cleaning, including scratches, dents, dings, scuffs, stains, colour changes, normal wear and tear (including inner fabric), technological obsolescence, or other non-functional changes in the appearance of the product that occur during normal handling and use by any party and which do not impair the functionality of the product
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Replacement of any non-defective parts in the item
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Damage determined by us to be due to intentional abuse, modification, tampering, and/or alteration beyond what could be considered normal handling and use
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Fabrics that are discoloured or degraded
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Damage to contents or the replacement of lost or stolen gear and/or its contents
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The cost of shipping to the repair centre
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The cost of shipping a do-it-yourself repair kit
We love the Eagle Creek guarantee because it removes a lot of ambiguity; the repair is for the lifetime of the bag (not the lifetime of the owner), and it explicitly spells out what is and is not repaired.
Eagle Creek’s warranty is a repair warranty; it will not replace a bag that cannot be repaired.
We offer a wide assortment of luggage that’s covered by the Eagle Creek Warranty in Canada.
Top Luggage Brands: Limited Global Warranties Explained
The following four brands offer excellent warranties; not as comprehensive or long-lasting as the top warranties we’ve found, but a testament to the quality of the brands nonetheless:
Samsonite Warranty Policy (3, 5, 10-Year, & Lifetime Limited)
Covers:
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Manufacturing defects in material and workmanship
Does not cover:
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Damage caused by:
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Misuse
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Neglect
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Accidents
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Abrasion
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Extreme temperatures
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Solvents
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Acids
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Water
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Transportation
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Airlines
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Wear and tear
Samsonite’s warranty policy varies depending on which type of luggage you purchase from it. Most of its products are covered by 3, 5, or 10-year warranties; some select products, like those in its Black Label collection, may be covered by lifetime warranties. Unlike many lifetime warranties, Samsonite’s lifetime warranty extends to the lifespan of the original owner, which is a huge benefit.
We offer Samsonite luggage; talk to us to learn more about the warranty offered on each piece!
TUMI Warranty (The 5-Year Ownership Arc)
Covers:
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Damage from airline handling and transit (1st year)
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Damage from normal wear and tear
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Damage from defects in materials or workmanship
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Shipping costs (1st year)
Does not cover:
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Damage from airline handling and transit (Years 2-5)
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Shipping (Years 2-5)
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Damage from abuse
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Cosmetic damage
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Incidental damage (loss of use, loss of contents, etc.)
TUMI’s luggage warranties are unique in that they cover just about everything during the 1st year after purchase; the warranty loses some value in years 2-5, then stops covering your bag after 5 years. This makes TUMI bags an excellent choice if you predict a lot of travel in the year you buy the luggage, and then less travel in subsequent years.
We offer a number of pieces of TUMI luggage covered by the TUMI Warranty in Canada.
American Tourister Warranty Coverage
Covers:
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Manufacturing defects in material and workmanship
Does not cover:
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Damage caused by:
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Misuse
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Neglect
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Accidents
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Abrasion
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Extreme temperatures
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Solvents
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Acids
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Water
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Transportation
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Airlines
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Wear and tear
American Tourister’s warranty is practically identical to Samsonite’s; that’s because both brands are owned by the same company. Much like Samsonite, some American Tourister bags are covered for the lifetime of the purchaser, while others are covered by a limited 10-year or 3-year warranty (no 5-year warranties, here).
Looking for a piece of luggage covered by the American Tourister Warranty? We have several pieces in stock!
Thule “Bring It!” Guarantee
Covers:
Defects in parts or workmanship
Does not cover:
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Normal wear and tear
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Scratches
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Accidents
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Modifications
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Damage caused by airlines
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Any type of repair other than those authorized by Thule
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Defects caused by:
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Misuse
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Overloading
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Failure to use the product in accordance with Thule guidelines
Thule offers a limited lifetime warranty on its luggage and duffel bags; like with most lifetime warranties, Thule does not describe whether the warranty is for the lifetime of the owner or the lifetime of the luggage. Nonetheless, this is solid workmanship and a manufacturing warranty.
We offer a wide selection of both Thule checked suitcases and Thule carry-ons, all of which are covered by their limited lifetime warranty.
Adventure And Technical Gear Warranties
The three companies in this category are known for their specialized gear:
Patagonia and Cotopaxi are both adventure brands with eco-friendly products, while Pacsafe is known for its anti-theft bags. All three have excellent warranties.
Patagonia “Ironclad Guarantee”
Covers:
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Defects in materials and workmanship (at Patagonia’s discretion)
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Damage (at Patagonia’s discretion)
Does not cover:
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Damage due to wear and tear
Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee is one of the vaguer warranties on the market, but look online, and you’ll find plenty of people who swear by it. We’ve had good experiences with its warranty on the bags that we sell.
The team at Patagonia will also repair damage caused by wear and tear at “a reasonable charge” - still a lot less expensive than buying a whole new bag.
Looking for a bag with a Patagonia Canada Warranty? We have several available.
Cotopaxi “Guaranteed For Good”
Covers:
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Manufacturing defects
Does not cover:
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Dirty or unwashed items
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Pilling, abrasion, pinholes, and other cosmetic wear and tear
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Rips, punctures, and burns
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Products that shrink or are damaged when laundered in a way that does not match Cotopaxi’s care instructions
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Damage from animals
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Damage caused by airlines
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Accidental damage
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Bags that are lost, stolen, or damaged during personal trips or travels
Cotopaxi’s warranty covers you for the lifetime of your bag, which it states is “not an indefinite period of time - it's an estimate based on how well a product can realistically maintain its functionality.”
It also offers repairs even when a bag is outside of warranty; however, this is a great way to keep your bag for longer and save money.
We have several bags covered by the Cotopaxi Canada Warranty in stock!
Pacsafe Anti-Theft Warranty
Covers:
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Manufacturing defects in workmanship and/or material (for 5 years)
Does not cover:
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Damage caused by:
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Improper care
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Mishandling
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Misuse or overload
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Neglect
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Alteration
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Accidents
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Natural wear and tear
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Transport damage
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Airlines
We offer a selection of bags covered by the Pacsafe Canada Warranty!
Accessory And Daily Carry Warranties
We’re called U.N. Luggage, but we offer much more than just luggage - and so do the brands we carry. Here are the warranties for three brands that offer wallets, pouches, and other daily carry items and accessories:
Secrid Wallets (2-Year + 1 With Registration)
Covers:
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Manufacturing defects (which Secrid calls production errors)
Does not cover:
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Anything else (including damage caused by airlines)
Secrid’s wallets come with a standard 2-year guarantee; you can add an additional year to the warranty by registering the product, for three-years of warranty.
The company also offers a line of premium wallets; these wallets come with a 4-year standard warranty, which you can add an additional year to (for a total of 5 years) by registering the wallet.
Check out our collection of wallets covered by the Secrid Canada Warranty!
Bellroy (10-Year Luggage, 6-Year Bags, 3-Year Wallets)
Covers:
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Faults in materials and workmanship
Does not cover:
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Regular signs of aging
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Damage caused by unreasonable use or neglect
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Damage caused by airlines
Bellroy offers a different warranty depending on the item you purchase: 10 years for luggage, 6 years for bags, and 3 years for wallets, phone cases, pouches, and accessories. This is what it considers to be the “lifetime” of each of these products, and it states that it “believes they can last much longer, but it would be disingenuous for us to guarantee it.”
We have luggage, bags, and wallets that are covered by the Bellroy Canada Warranty. Take a look!
Fjällräven “Warranty Of Nature”
Covers:
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Manufacturing defects
Does not cover:
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Wear and tear
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Damage caused by the user
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Damage caused by airlines
Fjällräven’s warranty is a Limited Lifetime Warranty; this warranty applies to all of its products, a nice touch given how many different products the company offers. It specifies that this warranty is for the product’s lifetime, and that the lifetime of the product is “determined by a Warranty Specialist based on a reasonable timeframe that your item will maintain its functionality.”
From the legendary Kanken backpack to wallets, hip packs, and more, we have an incredible selection of items covered by the Fjällräven Canada Warranty.
How To Process A Warranty Claim In Canada
In-Store Drop-Off Service At U.N. Luggage
U.N. Luggage is proud to be an authorized repair centre for some of the world’s top luggage brands, including:
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Samsonite
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TUMI
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Briggs & Riley
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Thule
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American Tourister
Have a problem with your luggage? First, contact the provider to learn whether or not you’re still covered under your warranty. From there, you can let them know you plan on visiting our store; they’ll let you know whether or not we’re an authorized repair centre for the item you want repaired.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Warranty Processing
For warranties that cannot be processed at U.N. Luggage, there are DIY warranty options. Companies for which we do not offer drop-off warranty services include:
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Patagonia
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Cotopaxi
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Pacsafe
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Fjällräven
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Secrid
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Bellroy
Gather Evidence
Start by taking pictures of all of the damage on your item; videos can help too. You’ll also want to collect the receipt or receipts associated with your purchase of the item; if you registered the product online, screenshots of your registration can help too.
Write down a detailed description of the damage; if possible, include where and how the damage occurred.
Start The Claim
Each manufacturer has its own contact information for warranties; it may offer chat, email, or warranty form submissions, as well as a phone number.
Be as detailed as possible when starting the claim; include all of the evidence we detailed above.
Authorization & Shipping
Should you be approved for repairs, the company may send you a tracking code known as an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number that you should include on the shipping label. Some companies will pay for shipping and handling when damage falls under warranty; others may require you to pay for shipping to the company, shipping back to you, or both.
The company will tell you where to send the item; ideally, you’ll be able to process your repairs through a local business like U.N. Luggage. When you have to send it elsewhere, be sure to use bubble wrap and other packaging to protect your item while it’s en route.
Repair/Replacement Timeline
Repair and replacement timelines vary between manufacturers; as an example, Briggs & Riley offers a timeline of 2 to 3 weeks for its repairs, while Eagle Creek gives a 3 to 8-week timeline.
You should be able to check the status of your repairs with all of these companies; this may be done by contacting them directly to check for a status update, though you may also receive regular email updates about the repairs.
Return, Pickup, Or Store-Assisted Collection
You may be asked to pick up the item at a specific location, or to visit a store like U.N. Luggage that completed the repairs. In some cases, when a repair is impossible, you may simply be issued credits to buy a new item.
In other circumstances, your item may be shipped directly back to you; remember that you may be asked to pay return shipping, depending on the company.
Once your item has been returned, check it to ensure that any repairs have been completed properly; if you see any flaws or damage, be sure to document it and contact support immediately.
Quick Checklist To Ensure You Win Your Claim
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Check the warranty thoroughly before claiming.
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Ensure that you register all items for warranty (where applicable) as soon as you purchase them.
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Provide detailed documentation, as described above.
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Be courteous with service agents, but don’t be afraid to insist if you believe you should be covered by your warranty.
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Be patient; completing claims can take some time.
If you believe your bag should be covered under warranty, but you are not being approved by the company, feel free to bring your bag to our store if we are an authorized repair centre for the company in question. We can give you our expert advice on warranties, repairs, and more.
Buy The Best Lifetime-Warranty Bags
Many of our bags are covered by true buy-it-for-life warranties; they may be the last bags you ever need to purchase. Visit us in-store or buy a bag from one of the collections above today; you’ll be glad you did.