Loose artwork gets bent, creased or lost the moment it leaves a folder. That's the whole job of this case: keep sheets flat and together between school, studio and client meetings.
This guide is for art stores, school suppliers and stationery retailers deciding whether to stock it, which sizes to start with, and what to check before ordering.
Why stock the Upgrade Series?
One product in four sizes covers most portfolio customers, from a student with A4 handouts to a design student carrying A1 boards. Because every size works the same way, the sales pitch doesn't change from one customer to the next.
The Oxford fabric exterior with contrast piping looks a step up from a basic PP case, while staying light enough for daily carrying. That makes it a natural middle option between entry-level folders and heavier rigid cases.
Which size fits which customer?
The Upgrade Series comes in the four European A sizes. Specifications below are from the product page.
| Item no. | Size | Dimensions (mm) | Qty per carton | CBM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP601 | A4 | 350 × 265 × 30 | 24 | 0.0971 |
| SP603 | A3 | 470 × 350 × 30 | 24 | 0.1489 |
| SP605 | A2 | 640 × 455 × 30 | 12 | 0.1273 |
| SP606 | A1 | 890 × 635 × 30 | 12 | 0.2298 |
A1: large-format work
Large drawings, posters, design boards and architecture sheets. Art and design students need this size when nothing smaller will do, and having it on the shelf tells customers you cater to serious portfolio work.
A2: school projects and printed work
A2 gives up some of A1's capacity for easier carrying. It suits illustration work, posters, printed artwork and classroom projects, for customers who carry the case all day.
A3 and A4: everyday presentation
Certificates, printed documents, smaller artwork, photography samples and interview materials. These are the familiar general-retail sizes, and the easiest place to test demand before giving shelf space to the full range.
Need B4, B3 or US sizes?
The Upgrade Series is made in A sizes. If your market uses B4 or B3, our Zipper Drafting Bag Standard Series comes in six sizes: A4, B4, A3, B3, A2 and A1. US sizes can be discussed for OEM orders.
What's inside the case?
The outside protects the work; the inside keeps it organised. Three details do most of that:
- Document pockets hold what isn't the artwork: notes, certificates, application forms, smaller prints.
- Straps hold sheets in place so they don't slide and bend in transit. This matters more as the size goes up; a loose A1 sheet shifts every time the case is lifted.
- A zip-around closure keeps everything inside and opens the case flat, so large sheets come out without being forced past an edge.
Compared with a soft folder, the case holds its shape, which matters for anyone moving between school, studio and meetings in the same day.
If your customers need to present work page by page in sleeves rather than carry loose sheets, a ring binder suits them better. See our guide to the Ring Binder Portfolio Professional Series.
How should art stores and school suppliers sell it?
Sell it as a way to carry and protect artwork, not just as a bag. Where it sits depends on the channel:
- Art supply stores: place it in a portfolio-preparation section next to drawing paper, sketchbooks, cutting mats and presentation books.
- School supply distributors: offer it to art schools, design departments and training centres. Match sizes to each course's requirements, and plan stock ahead of term starts, exhibitions and portfolio review periods.
- Stationery and creative retailers: lead with A3 and A4 for everyday use, and present A1 and A2 as the professional tier. The black exterior suits every age group.
What should buyers check before ordering?
Price is the easy comparison. Whether a case gets reordered depends on how it holds up in use, so check these on a sample:
- Exterior and structure: fabric texture and thickness, edge binding, and how firmly the case keeps its shape when full.
- Handle: an A1 case full of paper is heavy. Lift a loaded sample a few times; a weak handle loses repeat customers fast.
- Zip: it should run smoothly around the corners with the case full.
- Inside layout: pocket position and strap placement should suit how your customers actually use it.
For sampling, lead times and payment terms, see our wholesale buyer's guide.
What can be customised on an OEM order?
Most of the case can be adapted for private label. OEM MOQ is 500 pcs per style and size.
- Size range: start with A3 and A4, or build the full A1–A4 range for a specialist art channel.
- Fabric, colour and piping: black is the standard, and other fabrics, colours and piping can be specified for school, retail or creative markets.
- Inside layout: pocket count, strap position and lining can be adjusted to the target customer.
- Branding and packaging: logo printing, woven labels, hang tags, barcode labels and retail packaging.
More on what can change: OEM & Custom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes does the Upgrade Series come in?
A1, A2, A3 and A4. For B4 and B3, the Zipper Drafting Bag Standard Series is made in six sizes: A4, B4, A3, B3, A2 and A1.
How is this different from a soft portfolio folder?
A soft folder only holds paper. This case adds a structure that keeps its shape, a zip-around closure, and inside pockets and straps, so it protects, organises and carries the work.
Can the inside layout be changed for wholesale orders?
Yes, on OEM orders. Pocket count, strap position and lining can be adjusted. OEM MOQ is 500 pcs per style and size.
Can it be made in other colours?
Black is the standard. Other fabrics, colours and piping can be specified on OEM orders.
Is it suitable for private label?
Yes. Size, fabric, colour, inside layout, logo, labels and packaging can all be customised.
Who usually stocks this case?
Art supply stores, school and institutional suppliers, and stationery or creative retailers.
Key takeaways
The Upgrade Series keeps large sheets, documents and presentation work flat, organised and easy to carry, in four A sizes that share one design.
- Start with A3 and A4 to test demand, then add A2 and A1 for art and design customers.
- Need B sizes? Use the Standard Series.
- Test a loaded sample: handle, zip and inside layout decide reorders.
- Fabric, colour, layout and branding can all be customised from 500 pcs per style and size.
See the Zipper Drafting Bag Upgrade Series, or send us your requirements for a quote.