Unclaimed Airport Luggage: Buying Guide And Tips

Unclaimed luggage at airports is a treasure trove of opportunity for those looking to make a quick buck. While some may view it as simply lost property, others see a potential goldmine. With hundreds of thousands of suitcases going missing each year, it's no surprise that a unique industry has emerged, specialising in auctioning off these unclaimed bags and their contents.

The process is simple: if luggage remains unclaimed, it will eventually be sold by the airline, often through auction houses, to recoup some of their losses. These auctions offer a lucky dip of items, from dirty laundry to designer goods, and can be a fun way to score a bargain.

Auction houses like Greasby's in London, or the Unclaimed Baggage Centre in Alabama, USA, offer in-person and online bidding on these lost suitcases. While you may not always know exactly what's inside, some auctioneers provide vague descriptions or even let you view the contents beforehand.

So, if you're feeling adventurous and are happy to take a chance, buying unclaimed airport luggage could be your next exciting endeavour.

Where to find unclaimed luggage auctions

Unclaimed luggage auctions are a great way to find deals on a variety of items, from clothing to electronics. While most unclaimed luggage is sold through online retailers, there are also physical auction houses that sell unclaimed luggage. Here are some places to find unclaimed luggage auctions:

Online Retailers

Unclaimed Baggage: This retailer offers a wide range of products from lifestyle to electronics, with new items added daily. They provide free shipping on orders over $75 and a 21-day free return policy.

Auction Houses

• Wellers and Mulberry Bank: These auction houses sell only empty suitcases, with no contents included. This means you can focus on the value and quality of the suitcase itself.
• Greasbys and BCVA: These auction houses sell a mix of empty suitcases and those with clothes or other items inside. They often provide descriptions of the contents, such as "gents' clothing."
• Baggage Auction House: Specializing in online auctions, they offer lost, stolen, and abandoned property from airports, storage lockers, and police stations in the UK. They also hold auctions for cars, houses, furniture, and jewelry.

Remember that the contents of unclaimed luggage have often been sorted through, and valuable items may have been removed. Additionally, always factor in any additional fees, such as buyer's premium and VAT, when calculating your final cost.

How to bid on unclaimed luggage

Bidding on unclaimed luggage can be an exciting way to find hidden treasures and even make a profit. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to bid on unclaimed luggage:

Step 1: Find an Auction House

First, you'll need to locate an auction house that specializes in selling unclaimed baggage. In the UK, popular options include Greasby's in Tooting, London, BCVA Commercial Auctions in Bristol, Mulberry Bank Auctions in Glasgow, and Wellers of Guildford in Surrey. In the US, the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama, is well-known for its lost luggage auctions.

Step 2: Research and View the Luggage

Before the auction, research the likely value of individual items and the cases themselves. This will help you set a bidding limit. You can search for similar items on eBay or look up the recommended retail price of the cases online. Some auction houses allow you to view the luggage before the auction, so take advantage of this opportunity to inspect the bags and decide which ones you want to bid on.

Step 3: Understand the Auction Process

During the auction, the auctioneer may separate very valuable items from the suitcases and sell them separately. These could include electronics, shoes, or jewellery. You can bid on these individual items or focus on bidding for suitcases, hoping to find clothes, shoes, books, or other items inside. Auctioneers typically provide vague descriptions of the contents, such as "men's clothes," and may also indicate whether the clothes are clean or not.

Step 4: Place Your Bid

When bidding, don't get carried away. Set a maximum bid and stick to it. Remember that you'll need to factor in additional fees, such as the buyer's premium and VAT on the hammer price. Bring your photo ID and be prepared to pay a refundable deposit to participate in the bidding.

Step 5: Sell Your Finds

Once you've successfully bid on unclaimed luggage, you can decide whether to keep the items or resell them for a profit. Take photos, write descriptive copy, and post your finds on eBay or other online marketplaces. You might be surprised at how much you can make!

What to do with your unclaimed luggage purchase

If you've purchased unclaimed luggage, there are a few things you can do with it. Here are some options:

Inspect the contents

Before bidding on or purchasing unclaimed luggage, it's a good idea to inspect the contents if possible. This will give you a better idea of what you're buying and help you decide if it's worth the price. Some auction houses provide descriptions of the contents, such as "gents' clothing," or even allow you to see what's inside before you buy.

Resell valuable items

Unclaimed luggage may contain valuable items such as designer clothing, electronics, or sports equipment. If you find items that are in good condition and have resale value, you can sell them online or through other channels to make a profit.

Keep what you need and donate the rest

If you find items in the unclaimed luggage that you can use, by all means, keep them! However, if there are items you don't need, consider donating them to charity or recycling them responsibly. This way, you can give these items a second life and help those in need.

Return items with personal information

If you come across items with personal information, such as documents or electronics, it's best to try to return them to their rightful owners. This can be a thoughtful way to help someone recover their lost possessions and ensure their personal information stays secure.

Enjoy the thrill of the unknown

Part of the excitement of buying unclaimed luggage is the element of surprise. You never know what you might find! Embrace the thrill of discovering unexpected items and the unique stories they may hold.

Remember, when purchasing unclaimed luggage, it's important to be mindful of others' privacy and personal belongings. Always handle the contents respectfully and make an effort to return items that can be traced back to their owners.

How to spot valuable items in unclaimed luggage

When it comes to buying unclaimed luggage, it's a game of chance. You might end up with a suitcase full of designer gear or someone's dirty laundry. While it's unlikely that you'll stumble upon a bag brimming with diamonds, you can still find valuable items in unclaimed luggage. Here are some tips on how to spot those treasures:

Do Your Research

Before bidding on unclaimed luggage, take advantage of advance viewing opportunities. Go a day early and inspect the suitcases up for auction. Note the make and model of the suitcases and research their value on eBay or other resale sites. That way, even if the contents aren't as expected, you might still get a good deal on a high-quality suitcase.

Look for Luxury Brands

When sorting through the luggage, keep an eye out for luxury brands. Items from brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, or Yves Saint Laurent can be resold for a good profit. Check the clothing labels, inspect the suitcases themselves, and keep an eye out for any accessories, shoes, or other items that might bear the logo of a luxury brand.

Assess the Condition

Even if you find items from luxury brands, their value will depend heavily on their condition. Look for items that are in good shape, with minimal wear and tear. Check for stains, tears, or other damage. Electronics should be tested to ensure they are in working condition, and fine jewelry should be cleaned and appraised.

Be Creative with Valuables

Not all valuables are immediately apparent. For example, a collection of vintage wine or rare coins might be hidden in an unassuming bag. Keep an eye out for items that could be resold to collectors, such as rare books, antique toys, or even sports cards.

Know What to Avoid

While you're on the hunt for valuables, it's also important to know what not to waste your money on. Avoid suitcases filled with only personal items and clothing, especially if they are heavily worn or damaged. Unless you're an expert, be cautious about electronics, as they may have hidden damage. And remember, airlines will have already removed the most valuable items, like iPods, jewelry, and perfume.

Stay Informed

If you're serious about finding valuable unclaimed luggage, stay informed about the auction process. Get to know the auctioneers and other regular bidders, as they may be able to provide valuable insights. Ask questions, attend multiple auctions, and learn from each experience to improve your chances of spotting those hidden gems.

Remember, buying unclaimed luggage is a gamble, and even the most experienced bidders can end up with a suitcase full of soiled laundry. However, with a keen eye, a bit of luck, and the tips above, you might just walk away with a treasure.

How to sell unclaimed luggage items online

If you've managed to get your hands on some unclaimed luggage items, you might be wondering how to sell them online. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Step 1: Inspect the items

Before you start selling, take some time to go through the items you've purchased. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and make a note of any unique features or brand names. This will help you when it comes to pricing the items and writing descriptions for your listings.

Step 2: Research the value

Do some research to get an idea of how much similar items are selling for online. This will help you set a competitive price for your items. You can check eBay or other online marketplaces to see if the same or similar items are for sale, and how much they're listed for.

Step 3: Clean and sanitise

It's important to clean and sanitise any second-hand items before selling them, especially clothing and other personal effects. Make sure everything is in good condition and presentable to potential buyers.

Step 4: Take photos

Taking clear and attractive photos of your items is crucial for online selling. Use a plain background and good lighting to showcase the items in the best possible light. Try to capture any unique features or details that might appeal to buyers.

Step 5: Write descriptions

Write detailed and honest descriptions of each item, including any relevant information such as brand names, sizes, colours, and condition. Be sure to mention any flaws or defects so that buyers know exactly what they're getting.

Step 6: Choose an online marketplace

There are several online marketplaces where you can sell second-hand items, such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or specialist fashion apps. Choose a platform that you're comfortable with and that has a good reputation.

Step 7: Set up your listings

Create listings for each item, using the photos and descriptions you've prepared. Be sure to include all relevant information, and set a price based on your research. You may also want to look into the fees charged by the platform, as these can eat into your profits.

Step 8: Engage with buyers

Once your listings are live, be prepared to answer any questions from potential buyers. Respond promptly and politely, and be willing to negotiate if necessary.

Step 9: Package and ship

When an item sells, package it carefully and ship it to the buyer as soon as possible. Consider using tracked shipping to ensure it arrives safely and provide peace of mind for both you and the buyer.

Step 10: Build your reputation

As you sell more items, focus on building your reputation as a trustworthy seller. This will help you attract more buyers and potentially command higher prices for your items. Provide excellent customer service, and encourage buyers to leave positive feedback.

Selling unclaimed luggage items online can be a fun and profitable venture. With a bit of time and effort, you can turn your treasure hunt finds into a successful side hustle!

Frequently asked questions