Selecting a Business Case: A Buyers Guide

A business case can be the ultimate organizer, the thing that makes you look like the buttoned-down, with-it business honcho — or the disorganized, can’t-find-my-appointment-book slacker nobody wants to do business with. It’s a personal statement, reflecting both who you are and what you do, and today’s business cases and computer bags run the gamut from trendy to traditional, from slimmed-down to bulked-up, with all the compartments and organizers you need.

TGA president Michele Marini Pittenger advises businesspeople that there is not only an excellent array of choices, but also a wide variety of price ranges to consider when deciding on an appropriate business case. To help better understand the variety of business case products available, TGA offers the following description of business case products to help them with their selections.

BUSINESS CASES

Styled to enhance your business wardrobe, the business case is a personal branding statement and organizer, an office you can carry in your hand.

AttachÉs

The attaché is a fully framed, box-shape case, usually secured by one or more combination or key locks. The inside top of the case is frequently fitted with pockets or files (either removable or permanent) to organize papers and other business accessories such as calculators, pens, and business cards. Some attachés include a removable portfolio. Some attachés open flat so that the contents can be easily seen, many can also be used like a desk.

Envelopes

Envelopes have flap closures, and usually feature carry handles or shoulder straps (which are typically detachable). Others are carried under the arm. They may be simple one-compartment cases, or larger bags with gusseted, pleated sides and interiors fitted with files. They are typically soft and open from the top, giving access to contents the way a file drawer does. Envelopes are generally lightweight and have some expandability.

Zippered Cases

Zippered cases open from the top, with either a top zipper, or zippers that extend around two or three sides. They range from simple, unfitted styles to those with more elaborately featured interiors. Some have outside pockets. They may have no handles, retractable or fixed handles, and a detachable shoulder strap. Zippered cases come in many styles and feature expandability, and are often used as mini-organizers carried inside attachés or other briefcases.

Catalog Case or Pilot's Case

A rectangular bag closed by a long single flap or double flaps (one of which fits over the other), the catalog or pilot's case is designed for maximum carrying capacity. Handles can be double straps or fixed, and fit through a slot in the flaps. These rigid box-type cases have wider tops than briefbags, and are not flexible. While the 18" size is most popular, the 20" size is ideal for computer printouts and larger paperwork.

"Offices-On-The-Go"

Fabricated in leather, heavy-gauge nylon and even lightweight aluminum, these business cases feature a trolley system, and pockets and compartments for organizing office and overnight travel essentials.

Briefbags

These cases open at the top with a hinged frame; they can be secured with a lock and often have a flap closure. The interiors are usually fitted with two or more compartments. Gussets allow expandability (sometimes up to 8 inches or more). Briefbags are carried with fixed handles or shoulder straps, and because they’re adept at managing large volumes of papers or books they’re popular with attorneys, accountants, and students.

Alternative Business Cases

Alternative business cases in the form of backpacks, messenger bags and business totes are designed to be more casual work organizers. Many of these alternatives are laptop-compatible, and offer a host of features such as multi-pocketed organizational compartments, easy access zippered main compartments, and front pocket horizontal file storage compartments. Some are designed with easy-to-access mesh side compartments for frequently needed items, as well as bungee cords for attaching bike helmets and other difficult-to-pack items.

BUSINESS CASE BUYING GUIDE & CHECKLIST

Leather—Is it really leather? Many modern synthetics bear an uncanny resemblance to leather, and while they can be a match for durability and luster they should not command the price premium of genuine leather. Leather has markings and slight color variations. Check labeling for type of leather. Top or full-grain and exotic leathers command higher prices.

Solid Construction—Is that attaché case you’re considering solidly constructed? Are the top and bottom of the case in line? (Test by twisting the case slightly to be sure that it does not wobble from side to side.) Are the bottoms of unframed cases reinforced so the leather won't sag when the case is full?

Hardware—Does the lid of an open attaché stay locked in the open position? Does the briefbag frame stay in the open position when needed? Are locks other than combination locks solid brass or die-cast?

Handles—Is the handle soft enough for comfort, yet firm enough to keep its shape? (When in doubt, choose a slightly harder handle, as it will soften with use.) Is the handle attached to some sort of reinforcement, so it can't pull through when the case is full and heavy?

Finished Edges—How are the edges finished? Does the leather on the handle’s edges separate where the leather meets? (Check by rubbing a finger across the edges.) Are burnished edges smooth and tight? (Check by rubbing a thumb down the edge of the case for smoothness, and across to be sure it does not separate. Make sure the coloring on the edge does not rub off.) Are bound (turned) edges neat, and sewn close to the edge? If edges are welted, are welts sewn in securely?

Stitching—Is the stitching evenly spaced, with no loose ends? On an extended-edge design, stitches should not run into the edge. Is the stitching functional or ornamental?

Interior—It’s a good idea to bring along your standard business load, the things you want the case to carry. Will they all fit? Is everything organized? Are file dividers tiered at the top and gusseted on the sides? Are the tiers deep enough to keep papers securely in place? Are the gussets big enough for easy access? Will it accommodate legal-sized file folders? Are partitions and pockets made of leather, or materials with good stitch-holding characteristics, rather than from chipboard or no-saturated paper?

Taped Seams—With woven bags (nylon, Cordura®, canvas), make sure the interior seams are “taped,” meaning they have something sewn over them so they’re not exposed. Otherwise, the fabric will gradually unravel, threatening the bag’s structural integrity and shortening its life.

Balance—Do portfolios (except underarm styles), attachés, and briefbags stand up by themselves? Do the case hang naturally from the handle, in such a way that it’s a comfortable carry?

Zippers—Are zippers appropriately sized? Do they travel smoothly? Do they stay closed? Are they sewn in so they don't catch on linings?

For more information, contact the Travel Goods Association, Garrett Lai at garrett@travel-goods.org.