Last Updated: March 1, 2023
Why Is Briggs And Riley So Expensive? Are They Worth It?
Interested in Briggs & Riley luggage but you don’t understand why it’s so pricey? Then you’re in the right place because this guide explores the history of the company, its standards, and the reasoning behind the high price points.
The brand manufactures quality durable bags, but are they really worth the money? Where are they manufactured, what kind of warranty they offer, and whether the bags are really worth it are just some of the topics covered in this guide, so keep reading!
Table Of Contents Show All
History of Briggs & Riley
Briggs & Riley is one of the premium luggage brands known for high-quality products with unique features. The company was founded in New York in 1993 and since then they’ve been known for innovation, quality, and excellent customer service.
Unlike many other luggage brands, Briggs & Riley offers a lifetime guarantee for their products, which includes free repairs of all damaged products. What makes them stand out is that they’re probably the only luggage brand that will fix damage caused by an airline free of charge, enticing many frequent travelers to purchase their high-quality luggage.
What Are The Products Made by Briggs & Riley?
Briggs & Riley manufactures luggage, so you’ll find plenty of suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks in their product range. The brand manufactures luggage accessories as well, and they even sell repair kits and spare products, for people who want to repair their luggage on their own.
Where Is Briggs & Riley Made?
Briggs & Riley isn’t transparent about where their products are manufactured. You’ll get nowhere if you try to find information about the manufacturing process on their website, but if you look at the Briggs & Riley suitcases on Amazon, you will see that most of them are listed as originating from China.
Asian countries are generally known for very cheap labor and many world-famous brands choose to set up factories there because of very low costs. However, it’s no secret that workers in these factories often work in inhumane conditions, and it’s shady when a company doesn’t mention anything about its manufacturing process.
I’m not saying that this is certainly the case with Briggs & Riley luggage, but I have to point out that their profit margins are probably astronomical, considering the low manufacturing costs. I also must point out that Briggs & Riley isn’t the only of the luxury luggage brands with factories in China – Tumi also does this, and their products are even more expensive than Briggs & Riley’s.
How Much Does Briggs & Riley Cost?
Depending on what type of item you’re looking to purchase from the brand, you could spend anywhere from $10 to more than $1,000. Briggs & Riley luggage starts at around $380 and goes up to $1,000+, with the vast majority of suitcases being in the $500-800 range.
Softshell luggage is usually more affordable than hardside luggage, and the priciest items are special garment bags designed for business travelers. Briggs & Riley backpacks are in the $200 to $400 price range, with the cheaper bags being quite bare in terms of features, and the more expensive bags having multiple compartments and special features.
Why Is Briggs & Riley So Expensive?
Premium Materials
Briggs & Riley uses only the best materials in the manufacturing of their products, which is one of the main reasons for higher prices. They don’t cut corners when it comes to the quality of their bags, and all the materials the brand uses are exceptionally durable and made to last a long time.
The hardside luggage is usually made from durable polycarbonate, while the softshells often feature ballistic nylon outer fabric, which is very tough and reliable. The spinner wheels used on their suitcases are the best on the market, and the luggage often has self-repairing zippers and lightweight handles.
Innovative Features
Another reason why Briggs & Riley can justify the high prices of their products is the unique and innovative features incorporated in their luggage. They are best known for CX compression, which is a system that allows for the expansion of a suitcase without any additional zippers.
CX compression includes latches on the sides that will compress a fully packed suitcase by up to 25%. This is amazing for people who have a tendency to overpack, or just for those of you who like to leave some room in your luggage so you can do some shopping while you’re away. The compression system is extremely efficient, plus it minimizes any safety issues that arise when there’s an additional zipper on your suitcase.
Briggs & Riley was also the first luggage brand to develop a telescopic handle that is mounted to the exterior of a suitcase so that it doesn’t take anything away from the internal capacity.
Excellent Craftsmanship
The quality of Briggs & Riley products is truly top-notch, so they can get away with the high prices of their items. There’s a certain standard with this brand, and all the items must meet it otherwise they will not be put up for sale.
This minimizes issues with brand-new products, and there are truly few people who receive a defective new item. The brand’s warranty covers any manufacturing defects, so in case you’re unlucky enough to receive a damaged Briggs & Riley bag, you can exchange it for a new one immediately.
Lifetime Warranty
I’ve read through warranties from dozens of luggage manufacturers, and Briggs & Riley is the only one that promises to repair any damage that impacts the functionality of your suitcase, even if that damage is inflicted by an airline. So, if you’re a frequent flyer and you often deal with broken or damaged luggage, this brand is an excellent option purely because of their Simple As That lifetime guarantee.
Are Briggs & Riley Products Worth The Price?
That depends on what your budget for luggage is. If you can afford Briggs & Riley without breaking the bank, they’re absolutely worth it. The products are, in my opinion, a better choice than many other high-end brands, simply because you’re paying the same amount of money for something that stands out.
The unique features, excellent quality, and premium durability are absolutely worth it, and a much better thing to spend money on than a famous name engraved in the bag.
On the other hand, if Briggs & Riley products are too expensive for you, they’re not worth stretching your budget, especially because the vast majority of them are manufactured in China for a fraction of their retail price. Go with Samsonite, American Tourister, TravelPro, or other mid-range brands that offer high-quality products at more affordable prices.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
