ME: "Hi, I am looking for a hardside luggage. A medium size one, like bigger than a carry-on, but not huge".
WOMAN AT THE SHOP: "We have these ones; I think this is the size you want"
::pulls out a grey, 26" Wisdom Luggage brand[1]::
I open it, give it a look, spin it around, etc...
ME: "How much is it"
WOMAN: "58 dollars"
ME: "OK, thanks; I'll think about it"
::walks towards the exit::
SHOP OWNER: "Hey, if you like it, I'll make you a good price".
ME: "How much?"
SHOP OWNER: "48 dollars"
ME: "Make it 40 and I'll take it"
SHOP OWNER: "Ok, I'll give it to you for 40; business has been slow today. But don't tell anybody that I made you pay so little, otherwise they will all ask for this price and I will go out of business, ok?"
ME: "No no no. Of course I won't tell anyone! Don't worry about it. Thanks!"
I needed a new hardside, medium size luggage. At first I wanted to go to Altman Luggage next door, but the place is closed on Saturday, so I decided to give International Luggage a try.
This store sells cheap luggage; the kind of "no frill, you know what you get" kind of luggage. Since I wasn't going to blow $300 on a fancy piece of luggage, this place seemed OK. The choice is not huge, but I found what I wanted.
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[1] Once home I was surprised to find out that Wisdom Luggage not only can be found on google, but it is even sold on Amazon. To be honest this luggage looks a bit flimsy, but it is light, expandable, and just $40. And if it lasts even just a couple of transatlantic trips, I'll be happy. read more