Using discounted luggage, whether it is second-hand or simply cheap, can be a good option depending on the type of luggage used, its condition, and a person's traveling habits. There is also the issue of personal image, which may be important to some people, while others don't particularly care about making a fashion statement with their luggage. While discounted luggage can provide a significant cost savings, some travelers may be legitimately concerned about how well it will protect their items during the course of travel.
Not everyone uses luggage in the same way. For example, some people travel strictly by car and use their luggage to transport their belongings. Their luggage is never out of their possession and is not handled by multiple people or transported by automated machines. For such travelers, very sturdy luggage is not generally important, as it will not be subjected to any significant stress. Frequent travelers, particularly those who travel by airplane, may have a need for stronger luggage that won't fall apart and that is capable of protecting items carried within. While not all discounted luggage is poorly made, travelers may need to take extra steps to ensure that an inexpensive luggage set is capable of withstanding the sort of treatment it will receive at an airport.
One alternative to buying a cheap luggage is to buy second-hand luggage. This can provide a traveler with quality luggage at a discounted price. The traveler should take care, however, to ensure that the luggage is still in good condition and that it has not been tainted with bad odors, such as from cigarette smoke. While quality used luggage will likely show signs of use, if it is in good condition, it can do a fine job of protecting a traveler's belongings.
For some individuals, particularly those in high-profile jobs, the appearance of luggage is very important. Unless they are able to purchase high-end or designer luggage at a discount, cheap or obviously worn luggage may not be appropriate. In such cases, such travelers may wish to pay full price for their luggage. It may be possible to find discounted luggage through store or even liquidation sales.
In some cases, purchasing discounted luggage may be the best option for travelers who cannot afford high-quality luggage but who don't typically travel with valuable items. Some people primarily pack clothing in their suitcases, which typically doesn't need special protection against rough handling. For these travelers, buying inexpensive luggage that is not at risk of actually falling apart might be the most sensible and cost-effective option.