Maybe there can be a cheaper version which is a transparent crate that makes its contents visible to others, versus an opaque/darker crate which has to be opened in order to view the items inside of it. Would be neat if you can label the crates too, for easier identification of what's in it.
What's the main difference between the crates and other storage items such as wallets and briefcases? Mainly size constraints, you can't put big armor or weapons in the briefcases so you have to carry them all on you. These crates are obviously larger and can fit a lot of things, therefore they're expensive, heavy and clunky.