TSMC custom employee-exclusive suitcases are sold online for as high as $16,700

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Reseller marketplaces are often the only way for non-TSMC folk to grab this swag, and the mark-ups can be high.

TSMC suitcase listings on Shopee Taiwan
(Image credit: Shopee Taiwan)

TSMC’s new custom-designed employee-exclusive 20-inch suitcase is pretty awesome to behold. However, semiconductor analyst Ray Wang has observed that lucky owners are reselling them for up to US$16,700 (NT$500,000) on online marketplaces in Taiwan.

TSMC custom-branded products are highly coveted inside and outside of its employee base. We have seen many new TSMC custom employee-exclusive products become collectors’ items, like TSMC Starbucks mugs and even co-branded snack products.

Due to the rarity of TSMC-branded items and their restricted employee-only initial sale, even new releases can command significant premiums on resale marketplaces. A case in point is this premium-looking suitcase, a co-brand effort between TSMC and Eminent, which is worth a closer look.

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We dug up listings like Mr Wang's clipped from Taiwan’s Shopee platform and note that these subtly computer-chip-styled silver suitcases are made using Makrolon polycarbonate. The material's German maker, Covestro AG, describes it as “extremely robust, lightweight with glass-like transparency and is impact resistant—even at low temperatures."

In other details, we can see that the case measures 56 x 36 x 23cm and is characterized as a 20-inch suitcase. It weighs about 2.9kg (6.4 pounds) empty. This snazzy case is made in Taiwan (by Eminent) and comes with a decent 5-year warranty.

Case can be grabbed much cheaper – but beware pre-orders

During our perusal of the new TSMC suitcase listings, it quickly became apparent that this employee-exclusive can be had for much more reasonable money. However, some of the best prices were for pre-orders, which have a chance of not being fulfilled.

Shockingly, the US$16,700 (NT$500,000) case seller didn’t even have a case in their possession. They promised that the case was “expected” before June 30.

Our hunt continued through the Shopee listings, and we found one reseller with actual stock (1 case) at US$334 (NT$10,000). The majority of other sellers were listing goods they didn’t yet have in their possession.

Elsewhere in the listings, we were reminded how handsome the range of TSMC Starbucks co-branded coffee mugs was. There were also listings with TSMC sportswear accessories, TSMC-branded mobile phones (dumb phones, ironically), packs of Guai Guai, and more. Please don’t go and buy this stuff; save some for me…

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Mark Tyson
Mark Tyson
News Editor

Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.

4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • COLGeek
    Have you seen what luggage ends up looking like when used for its intended purpose? Fools and their money...
    Reply
  • thekingofALLmonkz
    That's the cost of a wafer. Lmao
    Reply
  • Notton
    It's a 20", so that means you can use it as carry-on for most airlines and it doesn't have to go through baggage tossers.
    It'll also fit inside a 24" or 28", if you have to check it in.
    Reply
  • bit_user
    Once upon a time, I wanted a briefcase, like my dad used to carry. Taking my backpack to work felt a bit juvenile, and I guess I was self-conscious of that, being one of the youngest in the office. I think he missed the point, because he got me a leather briefcase that was way too nice. It seemed more like something a lawyer would carry, which wasn't at all the vibe I was going for.

    So, I used it for a couple years and then reverted to a backpack. On occasion, I have somewhat fancied the idea of an actual metal briefcase. Although, now that I'm no longer carting physical books or papers back & forth between home & office, a proper briefcase now seems less suitable.

    Edit: here's the sort of metal briefcase that caught my fancy. You could use them as a glorified laptop bag, but my work laptop is already too heavy.
    https://www.amazon.com/Halliburton-Pursuit-Aluminum-Hardside-Attach%C3%A9/dp/B084KTD8LQ/ https://www.amazon.com/RoadPro-SPC-931R-Silver-Aluminum-Briefcase/dp/B001DEPOLC/ https://www.amazon.com/Aleon-Premium-Aluminum-Briefcase-Men/dp/B0759QP2C7/
    P.S. I know this is about a suitcase, not a briefcase, but I'm still talking about work-themed luggage. And the TSMC one has a metalic finish (but I'm sure it's made of plastic).
    : )
    Reply