Everyone has one or more.  The items referred to are cell phones, MP3 players, smart phones, digital cameras or any variation of these small electronics.  But how many of us really think about the quality of the construction in the bag, holder or pouch?  We buy these pouches because they look cool, we think that it will work for the item, or is it the right price at the right time.  The problems begin a few days or weeks later and then the disappointment begins in earnest.  The bags get used and abused and then they break.  What recourse do we have?  Take the item back to the retailer, sent it back to the vendor or exchange it.  If we take the bag back for a refund then we must start looking for the "perfect" bag again, and if we exchange it, then we face the same problems that occurred in the first holder.  The following guidelines will help solve the above dilemma.  Please consider them before your next small electronics bag, pouch, or holder purchase.

Here are some guidelines for buying small electronics bags to limit your replacement costs and disappointment:

1. Look at the material.  Is it what is claims to be?  Is it real leather or a knock off faux material?  Is the cotton heavy (heavy referring to the strength, and durability of the material) enough for use as a bag or is it all interfacing (Interfacing is a strong light weight material that is attached to the top fabric, by adhesive or sewing, and it is used to strengthen, shape or stabilize the fabric) with a light cotton over top.
2. Is the material durable?  Leather is the best, but a good quality heavy material such as cotton, denim, corduroy, canvas or other natural blend material will last longer than silk, rayon, polyester or nylon.
3. Can the material be cleaned?  Most leather, cottons, denim, corduroy, and canvas can be spot cleaned.  A light material such as silk may not be cleaned in any way.
4. Padding?  You spent a lot of money on your electronics. Make sure that there is some padding. Reading the description or feeling the bag will make sure that there is enough protection for your electronics.  Your purchase is for valuable items and padding will protect it from everyday bumps and bangs.
5. Construction.  Look at the stitching.  Every bag, unless plastic, must be sewn.  The stitching should be neat, strong (backstitched, sewn back and forth over top of stitching in the beginning and end of seam, especially, for handcrafted items) and of good quality thread.  Poor quality thread will lead to fraying (fraying is seen on the stitching to be lint or when scratched excessive lint) so beware!  The quality of the tread is as important as the kind and quality of the fabrics.  If the stitching breaks then the piece falls apart.
6. Fasteners.  Does the bag have the appropriate clasp, snap, handle, button, zipper or cording?  Velcro (Hook and Loop Tape) is appropriate for certain areas of the bag, but make sure that it does not hold much weight.  The closure may fail when you least expect it to and cause heartache.  If it is the handle holds most of the weight of the bag make sure that there is an appropriate mechanical closure such as a snap, clasp, button or zipper.
7. Does the holder have enough storage areas?  Don't discount the available storage space.  Think about your accessories (ear pieces, ear buds, batteries, memory cards, lipstick, change, ID's, and cords) and how you will use the bag.  If there are not enough areas for these items do not purchase the holder as it will be a waste of money and never satisfy your needs.
8. Static.  It is VERY important that the material being used in the pouch does not create or hold static electricity.  Electricity in any form will damage sensitive electronics.  Be careful of some material such as polyester, nylon, rayon or other synthetic (manmade) material because of some static problems.

These eight ideas will help you protect your small electronics, your wallet, and your sanity.  Keep them in mind when you next buy a new bag for your valuable cell phone, MP3 player, smart phone or digital camera.