Founder Story: Props Luggage by Maggie Gerth

Get ready to meet Props Luggage, a startup that's redefining convenience for travelers. Maggie Gerth, driven by her family's own travel challenges, created this innovative carry-on suitcase that comes with a built-in leg system.

This unique feature removes the need for a luggage rack, making it a game-changer in airports and hotels alike. Props Luggage not only supports your clothes but also doubles as a workstation or a handy table for meals on the go.

They've designed this suitcase to simplify the way we manage our travel essentials, turning every waiting gate into a temporary office or dining area. It’s practicality meets ingenuity, tailored perfectly for the modern traveler.

Join us as we explore how Props Luggage is standing up to revolutionize the travel experience, straight from Maggie Gerth herself, the mind behind this innovative product.

I am Maggie Gerth, married to Bob for 37 years and mother to four incredible daughters. We have always loved to travel as a family and continued to run into the same issue.

One luggage rack and many more suitcases. I found myself rummaging through the girls cases on the floor and realized there had to be a better way. And thus came the idea of Props luggage. If the case had its own legs this problem would be solved.

Props Luggage is redefining travel convenience with its innovative carry-on suitcase designed by Maggie Gerth, a seasoned traveler and mother, who saw the need for a more practical luggage solution during her family trips.

Faced with the common issue of insufficient luggage racks in hotel rooms, Maggie developed a suitcase equipped with built-in legs, allowing it to stand independently.

This feature not only eliminates the need for a luggage rack but also transforms the suitcase into a versatile work surface or dining table, particularly useful during airport delays.

Launched amid enthusiastic local media attention, Props Luggage quickly captured national interest, boosting its early sales. The startup has navigated financial challenges, particularly in marketing, by leveraging creative strategies and securing press coverage independently.

Despite these hurdles, Props Luggage has not pursued external fundraising, choosing instead to grow based on sales and organic promotion.

Looking forward, Props Luggage plans to expand its product line to include a larger suitcase model, catering to longer trips and responding to the growing trend of travelers opting for carry-on luggage.

This innovation not only enhances travel convenience but also supports travelers in maintaining productivity and comfort on the go, truly elevating the travel experience.

Most hotels only have one luggage rack per room. But there is often more than one person per room. The dilemma of where to put the other suitcases is often a problem. Even the nicest of hotels are not always the cleanest and as we know the bed bug issue is on the rise. This carry-on solves all of those issues. The other popular use is at the airport. We have all experienced the never-ending delays. Now we can be more productive. Props serves as a work surface for your laptop or a place to put your meal and drink. No more balancing act on your lap.

Props received a lot of local press when first launched and as a result our initial sales did quite well. From there we received a few national press articles. We have recognized the importance of the press and its impact on our sales.

The biggest hurdle was our lack of money to fund marketing. When developing Props, we had no idea how expensive it would be to market this properly. We have learned to be creative with what we have and gain attention in the press on our own.

Sharing knowledge and experience between startups. We are always quick to share what we know from our journey. We have also been the recipients of help from those who ask nothing but truly want to help. I hope someday to do the same.

We have not done any fundraising to date.

Once we feel the 22" carry-on is well established, we plan to launch the larger 26" case for longer trips.

We have seen a definite increase in travelers only using carry-ons. We have created the perfect case for them to carry0n and elevate their travel game. Literally.

Patience. I had no idea when I began this project how long this journey would be. Launching a new product is not easy. If it were easy everyone would be doing it. This saying certainly holds true.