Michael Turner
Direct recommendation: Acquire a hard-shell or spinner case from a major retailer or specialist store and verify cabin/checked dimensions with the carrier before departure. Example benchmark: Qantas domestic cabin allowance often lists 56 × 36 × 23 cm and a 7 kg weight guideline; many domestic carriers apply a similar 7 kg limit for carry-on pieces, while international operators vary–confirm the exact allowance on the airline’s official site.
Where to source: Department stores (Myer, David Jones), discount chains (Kmart, Big W, Target), specialist dealers and brand boutiques (Samsonite outlets, local travel stores), plus online marketplaces (Amazon.au, The Iconic, Catch, eBay). Airport retail shops sometimes stock premium lines for last-minute purchases. Typical retail price bands: budget models ~AUD 30–100, mid-range ~AUD 100–400, premium designs >AUD 400. Manufacturer warranties usually span 2–10 years depending on brand and model.
Tax and export notes: Domestic shelf prices include the standard 10% GST. International shoppers leaving the country may be eligible to reclaim GST via the Tourist Refund Scheme when the single purchase total is AUD 300 or more and other TRS conditions are met; present original tax invoices and the goods at the port of departure. Rules change occasionally–check the Australian Border Force/TRS guidance before relying on a refund.
Practical selection tips: Prioritize lightweight shells if strict weight limits apply, choose 360° spinner wheels for ease in terminals, test telescopic handle smoothness and zipper durability, and select a TSA‑accepted lock for international travel. For inexpensive options, inspect second‑hand listings on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace for wheel and handle wear before committing. Opt for retailers with clear return policies and express pickup if time is tight. Purchase, size-check, and document receipts to avoid surprises at check-in or on departure.
How to source the brand’s suitcases in AU
Purchase from authorised domestic retailers or the brand’s official international storefront with direct-to-AU shipping to secure valid warranty coverage, local returns and GST collection.
Confirm retailer authorisation on the brand’s official website before transaction; authorised stockists usually display a reseller list or verification badge and offer local after-sales support.
Expect imported-order costs: GST at 10% applies to goods imported into AU and is commonly collected at checkout by reputable sellers; customs duty may apply for consignments valued above AU$1,000 and a customs processing fee can be added by the courier.
Typical price ranges (approximate, inclusive of GST and international shipping estimates): carry-on hard-shell AU$300–500, medium checked AU$350–700, large checked AU$450–1,000. Seasonal sales and authorised-store promotions can reduce prices by roughly 10–30%.
Shipping and timing: domestic-stock orders ship in 1–5 business days; direct international shipments usually arrive within 7–21 business days standard, expedited services reduce transit time at higher cost (estimate AU$30–150 depending on speed and carrier).
Warranty and returns: register the product serial number and retain proof of purchase; warranty terms vary by region–purchases from authorised domestic sellers simplify claims under consumer law, while international purchases may require return shipping for service.
Avoid grey-market sellers that offer steep discounts on marketplace platforms without authorisation–risks include voided warranty, counterfeit items and longer, more expensive returns. Prefer authorised domestic inventory when quick exchanges or warranty repairs are a priority.
Where to find official stores, stockists and pop-ups in AU
Head to the brand’s official Store Locator page and subscribe to its newsletter for confirmed shop addresses and pop-up announcements.
Official channels to check
Use the label’s website Store Locator first; it lists permanent retail outlets and authorised third-party stockists. Follow the company’s verified Instagram and sign up for email alerts – pop-up dates, mall kiosks and limited-run collections are announced there before other channels. For phone confirmation, contact the brand’s regional customer service to request a current list of authorised retailers in AU and to verify warranty coverage for a specific store.
Typical places where authorised stock appears
Permanent shopfronts and temporary activations most often appear in major city shopping precincts and travel retail hubs: premium department stores (David Jones, Myer) and large Westfield centres (Chadstone, Westfield Sydney, Westfield Bondi Junction) frequently host brand concessions or pop-up kiosks. Airports with high international traffic (Sydney Kingsford Smith, Melbourne Tullamarine) occasionally carry authorised travel collections in their retail terminals. Seasonal pop-ups also turn up at fashion weeks, travel expos and curated market events; check event pages and mall directories for booth listings.
To avoid grey-market sellers, confirm any third-party shop against the Store Locator, ask the retailer to demonstrate a manufacturer warranty card or online registration code, and insist on original packaging and a printed receipt showing an authorised seller name before completing a purchase.
How to order the travel brand online to AU: shipping costs, delivery times and returns
Order from the brand’s official online store and select AU shipping; opt for tracked express when the travel case value exceeds AU$300 to reduce transit risk and customs hold-ups.
- Shipping costs (typical ranges):
- Standard international (fulfilled from US/UK): AU$35–65 per suitcase-sized parcel.
- Express international (DHL/FedEx priority): AU$75–150 per suitcase-sized parcel.
- Local fulfillment (if the company ships from an AU distribution centre): AU$10–35.
- Delivery times:
- Standard international: 7–15 business days from dispatch; allow up to 21 business days during peak seasons (Nov–Jan).
- Express international: 3–7 business days from dispatch, subject to customs clearance.
- Local fulfilment: 2–5 business days.
- Taxes, duties and import handling:
- GST (10%) is commonly collected at checkout by sellers registered for AU tax; when collected, no additional GST is payable at import.
- Customs duty can apply for goods with a customs value above AUD 1,000; rates vary by product classification.
- If GST or duties are not charged at checkout, expect a customs brokerage fee and payment-on-delivery request from the courier.
- Returns and trials:
- Brand return window: commonly a 100-day trial for new, unused items (confirm at purchase page).
- Defect coverage: standard manufacturer warranty often spans five years for structural issues; warranty repairs or replacements are provided per policy.
- Return shipping costs:
- Domestic returns to an AU depot: AU$15–45 (pre-paid labels sometimes provided).
- International returns to US/UK addresses: AU$60–160 for suitcase-sized parcels if purchaser arranges shipment.
- Refund timing: once the returns warehouse receives and inspects the item, refunds typically process within 7–21 business days to the original payment method.
- Restocking and condition: refunds usually require the item returned in original condition and packaging; fees may apply for damaged or heavily used items.
Practical recommendations:
- Confirm the region selected at checkout (AU/International) and check whether GST is charged before finalising payment.
- Choose tracked shipping with signature on delivery for suitcase-sized orders valued over AU$300.
- Retain all shipment tracking numbers and original packing; photograph any transit damage immediately and report to the courier and the brand within 48 hours.
- Before initiating a return, request an RMA or return label from customer service; if no pre-paid label is supplied, obtain a tracked international Courier service and keep proof of postage.
- For high-value purchases, prefer payment methods with buyer protection (credit card or PayPal) to simplify disputes or refund reversals.
How to calculate total cost: AUD price, GST and potential import duties
Start with the seller’s invoice price converted to AUD using the current FX rate from a bank or a market quote; then add international shipping and insurance to obtain the landed value before tax and duties.
Key rates and rules to apply
GST rate: 10% applied to the sum of customs value + international transport + insurance + any customs duty. For low-value consignments (customs value at or below AUD 1,000), registered overseas sellers are required to charge GST at sale; for consignments above AUD 1,000 GST and any applicable duties are collected at import clearance. Customs duty rates vary by tariff classification (common range 0–10%; many personal cases are 0–5%).
| Component | How to determine | Formula | Example (numbers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seller price (foreign currency) | Invoice price shown on checkout | Convert using current FX | USD 250 → 250 × 1.50 = AUD 375 |
| International shipping & insurance | Seller’s shipping fee + declared insurance | Add to converted price | AUD 40 shipping + AUD 0 insurance = AUD 40 |
| Customs value (landed) | Converted price + international shipping + insurance | AUD 375 + AUD 40 = AUD 415 | AUD 415 |
| Customs duty (if applicable) | Tariff-based percentage on customs value; check the tariff code | Duty% × customs value | 5% × 415 = AUD 20.75 (example) |
| GST base | Customs value + customs duty + international transport + insurance | GST_base = customs value + duty + shipping + insurance | 415 + 20.75 = AUD 435.75 |
| GST (10%) | 10% of GST base | 0.10 × GST_base | 0.10 × 435.75 = AUD 43.58 |
| Brokerage / clearance fees | Courier or postal handling fees; often AUD 10–100 depending on carrier and value | Add flat fee charged by carrier | AUD 15 (example) |
| Total payable at delivery | Sum of landed price + duty + GST + brokerage | Converted price + shipping + duty + GST + brokerage | 375 + 40 + 20.75 + 43.58 + 15 = AUD 494.33 |
Practical recommendations
Always obtain: (1) current FX rate used for conversion; (2) tariff classification or HS code and corresponding duty percentage from the national customs tariff tool; (3) explicit shipping and insurance charges. For low-value orders confirm whether the overseas seller collected GST at sale; if so, border GST should not be charged again. Allocate a brokerage allowance (AUD 10–50 for postal, AUD 20–100 for express couriers) when estimating final cost.
Warranty coverage for the brand in AU and where to get repairs locally
Yes – the manufacturer’s limited warranty covers manufacturing defects for items purchased from the brand’s official store or authorised stockists; owners in AU must submit claims via the brand support portal for evaluation. Warranty typically includes defects in shells, wheels, telescoping handles and zipper fabrication when confirmed as manufacturing faults; accidental damage and cosmetic wear are usually excluded.
How to submit a warranty claim
Required documents and evidence: product serial number (inside compartment sticker), original proof of purchase (order number or retailer receipt), date of purchase, and high-resolution photos showing the fault from multiple angles. Initial response from support normally arrives within 48–72 hours; follow-up may request an RMA number and shipping instructions.
If the brand confirms a warranty repair, shipping instructions will state whether the item must be sent to a regional repair hub (often outside AU) or handled via a local authorised partner. Warranty repairs accepted as valid are repaired or replaced at no charge for parts and labour; owners remain responsible for shipping unless the brand provides a prepaid label. Expected total turnaround including transit: 2–8 weeks depending on repair centre workload and customs processing.
Local repair and out-of-warranty options
Official local authorised service centres within AU are limited; many repairs for in-country owners are performed by independent bag repair specialists. Major cities with reliable firms: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Typical out-of-warranty price ranges: minor zipper/patch repairs AUD 40–120, wheel or handle replacement AUD 80–250, full shell replacement AUD 200+. Typical turnaround for local shops: 3–14 business days once accepted.
Recommended steps for independent repair: obtain a written quote before handing over the item; request parts-brand compatibility (genuine parts where possible); insist on tracked shipping and insurance if posting; photograph the item thoroughly before dispatch. When returning internationally for a brand-authorised repair, label the parcel as “return for repair – not for resale” and include the RMA and supporting documents to reduce risk of customs duties and delays.
If a replacement model is preferred or the repair cost is high, compare alternatives at these resources: best luggage to travel with in japan and best rolling backpack for middle school.
Which suitcase size avoids excess baggage fees on major domestic carriers
Select the Carry-On model (approx. 55 × 35 × 22 cm; packed weight ≤7 kg) to meet cabin limits on most mainstream carriers operating from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and avoid checked-bag surcharges on economy fares that do not include checked allowance.
Cabin allowance – dimensions and matching case
Most full-service and low-cost operators enforce a cabin-size ceiling of 56 × 36 × 23 cm and a weight cap of 7 kg (single item). Practical mapping to common case sizes: Carry-On ≈55 × 35 × 22 cm (fits overhead and sizers); Bigger Carry-On ≈58 × 38 × 24 cm (may exceed cabin for strict low-cost gates and trigger checked-bag fees); carry-only travel should stick to the smaller Carry-On and a digital luggage scale set to 7 kg.
Checked-bag allowances – size, weight and which case to choose
Paid or included checked allowances on international/full-service fares are typically 23 kg per bag with linear dimensions up to ~158 cm (sum H+W+D). The Medium case (approx. 62 × 40 × 26 cm; 24–26 litre larger volume) will hold near the 23 kg limit when packed sensibly; Large cases (≈71 × 46 × 31 cm) frequently exceed free-checked size/weight and trigger excess fees on most fares. For fee avoidance: prefer Carry-On for cabin-only itineraries and Medium for routes where one checked piece (23 kg) is part of the fare.
Packing tips to stay under limits: weigh packed case before leaving home, distribute heavy items between carry and checked items if a checked allowance exists, use compression packing cubes and wear heavier shoes/jackets. For compact camera kit recommendations see best digital camera binoculars for photography.
