When buying a suitcase, we expect it to last for years and withstand dozens of trips. Proper packing, careful handling, and timely care —these are the three pillars of your luggage's long life. Here's how to protect your suitcase from damage and what to do if you discover a defect.

Warranty Conditions:What You Need to Know

The warranty covers only manufacturing defects —flaws that occurred during production and manifested during normal use. Manufacturing defects include:

• Lock or zipper failure during regular use
• Handle or wheel detachment due to poor fastening
• Seam separation without mechanical impact
• Shell cracks appearing without impacts

If you discover a defect after purchase, you have the right to exchange the suitcase. To do this:

1. Keep your receipt and packaging (if possible)
2. Contact BEZB Shop store in Chisinau
3. Describe the problem —we'll inspect the item
4. Upon confirmation of manufacturing defect, we'll exchange it

The warranty does NOT cover:

• Mechanical damage (cracks from impacts, scratches, dents)
• Damage from airlines during baggage handling
• Wear from intensive use (scuffs, fading)
• Damage from improper packing or overloading

How to Pack a Suitcase Properly:Protecting from Inside

Most suitcase damage occurs not from external impacts but from improper weight distribution inside. Heavy items create point pressure on walls, deform wheels and handles.

Rule #1:Heavy Bottom, Light Top

• At the bottom: shoes (in bags), heavy books, cosmetics, toiletries
• In the middle: rolled clothes, jeans, sweaters
• On top: light items, underwear, accessories

When the suitcase stands on wheels, the center of gravity is at the bottom —this reduces load on wheels and shell.

Rule #2:Protect the Corners

Suitcase corners are the most vulnerable spots. During falls or impacts, they take the main load.

• Place soft items (towels, jackets) in the corners
• Don't press hard objects (hairdryers, chargers) into corner areas
• If carrying fragile items —wrap them in clothes and place in the center

Rule #3:Fill Empty Spaces

Empty space inside a suitcase is your enemy. Items shift, create imbalance, and press on walls from inside.

• Use socks, underwear, scarves to fill voids
• Shoes can be stuffed with socks or small items
• Belts, chargers, cosmetics —in separate pouches between clothing layers

Rule #4:Don't Overload

Each suitcase has a maximum weight. Typically:

• S (carry-on):up to 8-10 kg
• M (medium):up to 20 kg
• L (large):up to 23-25 kg
• XL:up to 30 kg

Overloading leads to:

• Shell deformation
• Wheel and telescopic handle breakage
• Zipper failure
• Fastening detachment

Protecting Luggage on the Road:What to Do at the Airport

1. Wrap or Cover?

Plastic Wrap (at airport for 50-100 MDL):

• ✅ Protects from scratches and dirt
• ✅ Prevents tampering and theft
• ✅ Shows tampering evidence
• ❌ Single-use, needs renewal each flight
• ❌ Doesn't protect from hard impacts

Luggage Cover:

• ✅ Reusable, long-term savings
• ✅ Protects from scratches, dust, rain
• ✅ Washable
• ❌ Doesn't prevent content theft
• ❌ Less effective against impacts

Our recommendation: for occasional trips —wrap, for frequent —cover.

2. Locks and Tags

• TSA lock —if flying to USA (security services can open regular locks)
• Combination lock —for other destinations
• Bright tag with contacts —helps return lost luggage

3. Pre-Check-In Inspection

Before check-in, verify:

• All zippers are closed
• Nothing is sticking out —straps or handles (can catch on belt)
• Wheels are securely attached
• No visible damage (photograph if any exists)

4. Fragile Items —Carry-On Only

Baggage holds are high-risk zones. Suitcases are thrown, stacked, moved by machinery. Therefore:

• Laptops, tablets, cameras —in carry-on
• Alcohol —only in bubble wrap + soft padding
• Glass/ceramic souvenirs —better ship separately

Care and Cleaning:Extending Suitcase Life

After each trip:

✓ Wipe shell with damp cloth (remove dust, dirt, sticker residue)
✓ Check wheels —remove tangled threads, hair, dirt
✓ Lubricate locks and zippers with silicone spray (every 3-5 trips)
✓ Dry suitcase inside if exposed to rain or snow

Cleaning Hard-Shell Suitcase (polycarbonate, ABS, polypropylene):

1. Mix warm water with liquid soap
2. Wipe entire surface with sponge
3. Remove stains with soft brush
4. Rinse with clean water, wipe dry
5. For shine, use plastic polish

Cleaning Soft Suitcase (fabric):

1. Vacuum outside and inside
2. Spot-clean stains with brush and soap solution
3. Wipe with damp cloth
4. Dry in unfolded state
5. Don't machine wash! Can damage frame and coating

Storage:

• In dry place, away from radiators and sun
• Semi-open (zippers not fully closed —for ventilation)
• Can nest one suitcase inside another to save space
• Place silica gel packet inside (moisture and odor protection)

Common Breakages and How to Prevent Them

1. Broken Wheel

Causes: overload, rough surfaces, sudden jerks

Prevention:

• Don't drag suitcase by telescopic handle on stairs —carry it
• Avoid curbs and potholes
• On escalators hold suitcase, don't let it roll

2. Stuck Zipper

Causes: fabric caught, dirt, overloading

Prevention:

• Close zipper slowly, ensuring fabric doesn't get caught
• Don't stuff suitcase "to the max"—leave 10-15% free space
• Lubricate slider with paraffin (regular candle) or silicone

3. Broken Handle

Causes: lifting overpacked suitcase, sudden jerks

Prevention:

• Lift suitcase with both hands using side handles
• Don't yank telescopic handle —not designed for vertical loads
• When loading into transport, grab shell, not handle

4. Cracked Shell

Causes: strong impact, falling from height, overload + brittle plastic

Prevention:

• Use wrap or cover for impact absorption
• Don't place heavy hard objects against suitcase walls
• Avoid extreme temperatures (car trunk in frost/heat)

What to Do If Suitcase Breaks During Travel

At Airport:

1. Immediately file baggage damage report at airline office (usually near baggage claim)
2. Photograph damage
3. Demand compensation from airline (per Montreal Convention)
4. Keep boarding pass and baggage tag

At Home:

1. If manufacturing defect —contact BEZB Shop with receipt
2. If mechanical damage —try finding luggage repair shop
3. Minor repairs (wheels, locks) can be DIY with spare parts

Traveler Lifehacks

✈️ Bright strap or sticker —your suitcase will stand out on belt among dozens of identical ones
✈️ Photo of contents before closing —if opened, you'll know what's missing
✈️ Spare contacts inside —in case external tag comes off
✈️ Item list in phone —helps with lost baggage and insurance claims
✈️ Change of clothes in carry-on —in case of baggage delay

Conclusion

A suitcase is an investment in comfortable travel. Proper packing, careful transport, and regular care will extend its life for years. Remember:most breakages result not from manufacturing defects but from improper handling.

At BEZB Shop we select suitcases from durable materials and reliable manufacturers so they serve you long. If you have questions about use or need consultation —visit our stores in Chisinau.

View our suitcase catalog →

Choose quality —travel in comfort!