32.8% regret purchasing bags prioritizing only price. The most common reason: 'Broke or wore out quickly.'

The price of prioritizing "cheapness" and the true desire to "use it for a long time"

Bags are carried almost every day.

However, when it comes to choosing one, many people may be unsure of the criteria to use.

Should you prioritize price, design, or durability for long-term use?

Therefore, in collaboration with the "Hyogo Prefectural Bag Industry Association," which represents the bag industry in Toyooka, we conducted a survey on "points to consider when purchasing a bag" targeting 400 men and women nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they "use bags regularly."

*When quoting the content of this press release, please take the following actions:*

* Indicate that the source is a "Survey by NEXER Group Inc. and the Hyogo Prefectural Bag Industry Association, representing the bag industry in Toyooka." * Include a link to the Hyogo Prefectural Bag Industry Association (https://toyooka-kaban.jp/)

Survey Overview: "Survey on Points to Consider When Purchasing a Bag"

Survey Method: Internet-based questionnaire

Survey Period: June 22, 2026 - June 29, 2026

Target Respondents: Men and women nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they "use bags regularly."

Valid Responses: 400 samples

Questions:

Question 1: When purchasing a bag, what is the most important point you consider?

Question 2: Please tell us the reason for your answer.

Question 3: If you were to choose a bag, which way of thinking are you closer to?

Question 4: Please tell us the reason for your answer.

Question 5: Have you ever regretted a bag purchase in the past because you only prioritized its cheapness?

Question 6: In what ways did you regret it? (Multiple selections allowed)

Question 7: When choosing a bag, do you consider "where it was made, by whom, and how it was made (origin, craftsman, manufacturing method)"?

Question 8: Please tell us the reason for your answer.

*Note: In principle, values are rounded to the second decimal place, so the total may not be 100%.*

32.8% responded that the most important point is "price/cost performance."

First, we asked about the most important point when purchasing a bag.

The most frequent answer was "price/cost performance" at 32.8%.

Following that, "functionality (storage capacity, ease of use, etc.)" was 28.8%, a result nearly on par with price. "Design/appearance" came in third at 20.5%, and the top three items combined accounted for approximately 80% of the total.

We asked for the reasons behind each answer and present some of them below.

Respondents who answered "price/cost performance":

* I don't want to spend too much on bags, so I want to find a product that offers good value for money. (30s, Female) * They wear out quickly when raising children. (20s, Female) * I want to keep costs down, so I choose something that is cheap and durable. (40s, Male)

Respondents who answered "functionality (storage capacity, ease of use, etc.)":

* Because I prioritize storage capacity and ease of use. (30s, Male) * I prefer having pockets. (20s, Female) * I choose something with a large capacity or a size that fits my belongings. (30s, Female)

Respondents who answered "design/appearance":

* Carrying a bag with a design I like makes going out more enjoyable. (30s, Female) * I want to use something I like for a long time. (20s, Female) * If the design isn't stylish, I'll be self-conscious when carrying it. (30s, Male)

It seems that those who chose "price" are not simply looking for the cheapest option. Comments like "I don't want to spend much, but I want to choose something that offers good value for the price" suggest that they prioritize satisfaction, including quality and durability, not just the price.

Furthermore, those who cited functionality and design also valued the ease of daily use and the feeling of uplift from carrying the bag. Price, functionality, and design are not considered in isolation; a balance of these factors seems to be prioritized in bag selection.

51.5% responded, "I choose a high-quality bag that can be used for a long time, even if it's a bit expensive."

Next, we asked people to choose the option closest to their thinking when selecting a bag.

51.5% responded, "I choose a high-quality bag that can be used for a long time, even if it's a bit expensive," while 48.5% responded, "I choose a cheap bag that can be easily replaced."

The "quality-focused" group slightly outnumbered the "disposable" group, but the difference was almost even. Whether to use it for a long time or replace it easily resulted in a clear division of people's values.

Although those who prefer to "use a high-quality bag for a long time" slightly outnumbered the others, the difference between the two groups was negligible. The results showed a near-even split between those who want to choose an item they can use and cherish for a long time and those who prefer to buy affordable bags that can be easily replaced.

We asked for the reasons behind each answer and present some of them below.

Respondents who answered "I choose a high-quality bag that can be used for a long time, even if it's a bit expensive":

* High-quality bags last longer. It's more cost-effective than buying replacements frequently. (30s, Female) * I want to use it carefully and for a long time. (20s, Male) * It boosts my motivation. (30s, Male)

Respondents who answered "I choose a cheap bag that can be easily replaced":

* When using it daily, it inevitably gets dirty, so I want to use it until it's no longer usable and then replace it. (30s, Female) * It's better to be able to replace it each time it gets damaged. (20s, Female) * Even high-quality bags get dirty and scratched, so I don't feel the need to show off. (30s, Male)

It appears that those who choose durable, high-quality bags value not only their longevity and long-term cost-effectiveness but also the ability to use them with affection. On the other hand, those who opt for easily replaceable bags prioritize being able to use them without issue, assuming daily wear and tear.

Both approaches reflect a desire to choose a bag that suits their daily lives.

32.8% responded that they have "experienced regret" from shopping prioritizing only price.

Next, we asked if people had ever regretted a bag purchase where they only prioritized its cheapness.

The results were "Yes" at 32.8% and "No" at 67.3%.

This indicates that approximately one in three people has experienced regret from prioritizing price when shopping.

Furthermore, we asked those who answered "Yes" about the specific points of regret.

The most common reason was "Broke or wore out quickly" at 77.1%.

This was followed by "Poor usability" at 35.1% and "Materials looked cheap" at 32.8%.

Issues like breaking quickly, poor usability, and a cheap appearance are difficult to judge solely on the purchase price. While low prices can reduce the initial burden, they can also lead to dissatisfaction after use.

This highlights the importance of checking not only the price but also the durability, usability, and material quality.

26.8% responded that they "consider" the origin, craftsman, and manufacturing method.

Finally, we asked if people consider "where it was made, by whom, and how it was made (origin, craftsman, manufacturing method)" when choosing a bag.

The results were 5.0% for "Very much" and 21.8% for "Somewhat." Combined, 26.8% consider the origin, maker, and manufacturing method.

On the other hand, 44.5% answered "Not much" and 28.8% answered "Not at all," totaling 73.3%.

We asked for the reasons behind each answer and present some of them below.

Respondents who answered "I consider":

* I want to avoid such regrets in the future. (20s, Female) * Learning about the craftsmanship involved helps me understand the high quality of the product. (30s, Male) * I want to use a bag with a unique story or craftsmanship. (30s, Female)

Respondents who answered "I don't consider":

* Durability and design are more important than that. (30s, Female) * I buy what I like regardless of the origin or manufacturer. As long as it's not extremely cheap, I don't worry too much about quality. (30s, Male) * Bags I like match my fashion better. (30s, Female)

Many of those who "don't consider" are not uninterested in the origin itself, but rather prioritize tangible values like durability and design.

Conversely, those who "consider" view the origin and manufacturing method as clues to understanding quality and the maker's dedication.

While many people prioritize usability and appearance over information about origin and makers when choosing a bag, a certain number of people also consider these factors as indicators of quality.

Summary

This survey found that the most important point when choosing a bag is "price/cost performance," accounting for 32.8%.

On the other hand, 32.8% of respondents have experienced regret from prioritizing cheapness when making a purchase. Of these, 77.1% cited "Broke or wore out quickly" as the reason. While a bag might be inexpensive at the time of purchase, dissatisfaction can arise if it cannot be used for a long time.

When choosing your next bag, it's important to look beyond the price tag and consider how long it can be used. Paying attention to the origin, maker, and manufacturing method may also provide clues to assessing quality.

*Regarding use in articles, etc.:*

* Indicate that the source is a "Survey by NEXER Group Inc. and the Hyogo Prefectural Bag Industry Association, representing the bag industry in Toyooka." * Include a link to the Hyogo Prefectural Bag Industry Association (https://toyooka-kaban.jp/)

*About the Hyogo Prefectural Bag Industry Association:*

Company Name: Hyogo Prefectural Bag Industry Association

Address: 1-79 Oisomachi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, 668-0041

Representative: Kenji Uemura, Director General

Tel: 0796-23-7833

URL: https://toyooka-kaban.jp/

Business Activities: Aims to promote the development of businesses for member companies within the Toyooka region of Hyogo Prefecture, while upholding the philosophy of maintaining and improving the quality and brand of Toyooka's bag industry.

Toyooka Kaban is a regional brand born in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture, one of Japan's leading bag production areas.

Originating from Yanagimono (willow luggage) 1200 years ago, we have honed our skills throughout our long history and continue to produce bags of reliable quality.

To carry your precious belongings.

We are committed to remaining "bag-like" in every way.

*About NEXER Group Inc.:*

Headquarters: Rise Arena Building 11F, 4-5-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-0013

Representative Director: Yuya Miyata

URL: https://www.nexer.co.jp

Business Activities: SEO, Web Branding, Web Advertising, Website Production, Media