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Hofbauer Minibag Buying Guide

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More than 25 years experience

Choosing the Right Sample Case

Full details of the Hofbauer Minibag range

With Hofbauer being one of the most well-known and popular plastic case manufacturers, there is a strong argument for using their cases. But which one? And are they really superior to alternatives from WAG, Maxado and others?

This detailed buying guide – focusing specifically on Hofbauer’s Minibag range – has been created specifically so you can assess if this is the right sample case option for your business.

Hofbauer Minibag detailed buying guide

What are Hofbauer Minibag Cases?

Plastic carry cases ideal for presenting samples

Although only available in a range of compact sizes and colours (4 sizes, 3 colour options), Minibags are a popular choice for a number of applications.

Their square design helps them to maximise storage space within the cases, allowing for a large number of tools, samples or other products to be safely stored and transported.

The angular appearance also provides the cases with a number of other benefits – namely a modern appearance and a large area suitable for adding branding, logos and important messages (e.g. handling instructions).

Buy Hofbauer Minibag cases
Hofbauer Minibag are a popular and widely used range of plastic sample cases

Manufactured in Germany by Hofbauer, the cases are produced using an advanced injection moulding process which provides a particularly high quality and durable finish.

This means that although Minibags are predominately used as sample cases for sales reps, they can also be used by service engineers and field staff for taking equipment out onto site.

Equally, they provide a surprisingly wide range of features for such a small range of cases, which further enhances their usability.

Minibag Case Features

Range of clever, well-engineered features

The diagram and accompanying notes below highlight the key features of the Minibag range.

Hofbauer Minibag case features
A

Snap Shut Catches: The snap shut catches of the Minibag cases provide a number of benefits. They are particularly easy (and satisfying!) to use, but also keep the contents of the case secure even if dropped or mishandled.

B

Stacking Points: The surface of the cases provides what at first glance appear to be small decorative elements. Whilst these do indeed enhance the aesthetic appearance, they also allow for multiple cases to be safely stacked on one another.

C

Moulded in Handle: Utilising a moulded in handle adds longevity to the case whilst keeping costs down (as it allows for easier manufacture). Despite this, the handle is still very comfortable to use, even with heavier loads in the cases.

D

Branding Area: Due to the square design, Minibag cases provide a much larger branding area (proportionally) when compared with some other plastic case options. This can allow for direct screen or digital print, as well as labels, to be easily applied.

E

Sturdy Feet: The feet on Minibag cases allow for them to be stood vertically. This is not only a benefit when service engineers are out on site (it allows the cases to be moved around more easily) but can also be useful in sales meetings too.

F

Durable Hinge: Minibags have a durable “living hinge” that is good for many thousands of uses. However, the largest option – Minibag 4 – features an interlocking hinge which also opens up the possibility of including an optional divider panel to separate lid / base contents.

G

Compact Design: The Minibag name derives from the compact design of these cases, which still manage to maximise the internal space available. This makes them easy to store, transport, whilst being a great choice for smaller tools, equipment etc.

Standard Options

List of standard options for Hofbauer Minibag

Minbag plastic insert plates

Inset Dividers

Separates lid / base
Customisable
Subject to MOQ

Tekno case catches

Catch Colours

Bespoke colours
Interchangeable
Subject to MOQ

Customisation & Inserts

Bespoke options, including custom designed foam

Printed Minibag cases

Case Printing

Screen printing
Low cost option
Simple, bold graphics
Branding opportunity

Minibag inmould labelling

In-Mould Labelling

Detailed imagery
Photographic quality
Scuff resistant finish
Subject to MOQ

Minibag foam inserts

Foam Inserts

Fully bespoke
Protects & presents
Plastazote® material
UK design / production

Applications

Applications for Hofbauer Minibags

Even with a limited range of sizes, Minibag cases can still be used for a wide range of different applications. The below section provides a brief overview of the most common of these.

Sales Meetings

As with all of the plastic sample cases offered by Hofbauer, the key use for Minibag cases is as a sales demo case.

Minibags are perfect for sales reps to display new product ranges to potential clients in sales meetings. Using a plastic case of this type, when coupled with foam inserts, ensure the samples remain safe and free from damage, are well organised, and are also presented in a much more professional manner.

Add in branding options for both the case exterior and foam inserts, and your sales team will have a much better opportunity to impress your new customers.

Medical Equipment

Cases used for medical equipment and devices tend to have a set of specific criteria that can be considerably different from that of normal tools, products etc.

Firstly, medical cases need to be easily cleaned and / or sterilised. They need to be resistant to dust and moisture. They often need to carry instructions or warnings on the outer surfaces. And they need to protect against mishandling (with the devices potentially being worth thousands of pounds).

As such, Minibags – which can provide all of this – are a great option for these markets.

Minibag cases for medical equipment
Minibag cases are an ideal choice for medical and pharmaceutical applications, due to their smooth, easy to clean surfaces

Service Engineers

A service engineer may not need a lot of tools or equipment to perform their job efficiently, which can make large, bulky cases an inconvenience.

As such, Minibag cases are ideal for applications of this type. They are able to organise and protect smaller collections of items, whilst remaining light and easy to handle.

The inclusion of foam inserts can also help organise the contents and using shadow foam (with different colours for the recesses) allows staff to quickly see if an item is missing from the case.

Lightweight plastic equipment cases
Minbags are also widely used as lightweight equipment cases (where full ingress protection is not required)

DIY Equipment

Minibags are also an option for retail markets, particularly in areas such as DIY. With suitable inserts, Minibag cases are perfect for containing a range of products or parts, which can be sold direct to end consumers.

Consumers are then able to retain the case for storage of the products for as long as required. This can also add a great deal of perceived and actual value to your company’s’ products.

Alternative Sample Cases

Other plastic presentation case options available

WAG Tekno cases

WAG Tekno

German engineered since 1997 providing high quality

WAG Twist cases

WAG Twist

Unique twisted design for high quality appearance

Hofbauer Xtrabag cases

Hofbauer Xtrabag

A popular collection of cases for sales meetings

Rose Plastic Ergoline

Rose Plastic Ergoline

Durable case range from the plastic specialists

SPI Cases

Maxado SPI

High quality Maxado cases with fun appearance

Smart Case

Smart Case

The leading custom built sample cases available

Shell case Hybrid 300

Shell Case

Soft shell cases with a unique, striking appearance

All sample cases

All Sample Cases

Click here to see the full range of sample cases

Summary

Should you consider using Hofbauer Minibag cases?

To summarise, the below section highlights all of the key information regarding the Hofbauer Minibag range of small carry cases.

  • 3 Different colour options available
  • 4 compact sizes suitable for smaller items / sample ranges
  • Durable yet easy to use snap shut catches
  • Living hinge, plus option for internal divider panel
  • Injection moulded with high-quality polypropylene
  • Can be customised with bespoke foam inserts
  • Hardwearing yet lightweight
  • Cost effective solution for numerous applications
  • Perfect for smaller samples and products
  • Exterior branding available, including printing and labelling

UK’s number one independent sample case supplier

Need a sample case? Or a carry case? Or a plastic equipment case? Waterproof? Aluminium? Whatever case you need for your business, GWP can help.

As official distributors of the Hofbauer range of cases (including Minibag, Xtrabag, Quantum T and many others) as well as options from WAG, Maxado and Rose Plastic, your business can benefit from the widest range from a single supplier.

Minibag official case distributor
GWP Protective are official resellers of Minibag cases, including those customised with foam inserts

What’s more, this independence also means that GWP’s case experts will be able – and happy – to offer unbiased advice on the best case option for your specific application. No trying to sell cases we have a vested interest in.

Couple this with the option for branding and foam inserts, all from a single source (which reduces costs and improves quality) and GWP is effectively your one stop shop for any protective case requirement.

We almost forgot to mention that all quotes are completely free, completely no obligation, and extremely competitive too.

If this sounds like it could benefit you at your business, please use the details below to get in touch.

Buying Info

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Foam Inserts

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Free PDF Download

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    Here to Help

    Contact a member of our sales & support team directly

    Dan Wellings

    Dan Wellings

    Product Adviser
    protective@gwp.co.uk
    01722 416 440

    Richard Coombes

    Richard Coombes

    General Manager
    richard.coombes@gwp.co.uk
    01722 416 440

    Ian Heskins

    Ian Heskins

    Sales Director
    ian.heskins@gwp.co.uk
    01793 754 444

    Phone GWP Protective

    01722 416 440

    Mon – Fri 08.30 – 17.00

    Email GWP Protective

    protective@gwp.co.uk

    Email a case / foam expert

    If you still have questions after reading this Hofbauer Minibag buying guide, please don't hesitate to get in touch...

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