I mapped out a plan to get the Coach Empire Carryall 40 from the US to the Netherlands without the boutique markup
Table of Contents
- Why the Coach Empire Carryall 40 is everywhere right now
- The massive price difference between the US and the Netherlands
- My strategy for shipping from US stores to the Netherlands
- The BuyForMe solution for tricky US retailers
- Budgeting for international shipping and import tax
- My final tips for a smooth delivery
Why the Coach Empire Carryall 40 is everywhere right now
I have been scrolling through my TikTok feed lately, and it seems like everyone in the 'Quiet Luxury' space is talking about one specific bag: the Coach Empire Carryall 40. It is being hailed as the high-quality alternative to the Birkin, offering that same structured, oversized aesthetic without the five-figure price tag. In 2026, the focus has shifted toward heritage brands that offer longevity, and Coach is leading that charge with this specific model.
I love the minimalist branding and the pebble leather finish. It is the perfect work-to-weekend bag, but there is a catch for those of us living in Europe. While it is trending globally, finding stock in local boutiques can be a nightmare, and the prices we see here are often significantly higher than what our friends in the US are paying.
The massive price difference between the US and the Netherlands
When I started comparing prices, I was shocked. Even with the current exchange rates in March 2026, US retail prices for Coach are often 30% to 40% lower than what I found in Amsterdam or Rotterdam. It feels unfair to pay a premium just because of my location. This price gap is exactly why I decided to shop US store options directly rather than waiting for a local restock that might never happen.
My strategy for shipping from US stores to the Netherlands
Since most US retailers don't offer direct or affordable shipping to our corner of the world, I had to find a workaround. My blueprint for this involves using a freight forwarder. By signing up, I managed to get a tax-free US address, which means I don't have to pay US sales tax on my purchase. This alone saves me about 7-10% depending on which state the store is based in.
I sent my Coach Empire Carryall to my suite at comGateway, and from there, they handled the international shipping service. It is a straightforward process that makes the US market feel as accessible as shopping locally.
The BuyForMe solution for tricky US retailers
One hurdle I encountered while trying to buy from certain US outlets was the dreaded "payment declined" screen. I realized that some major US stores like Nike, Sephora, or even Apple often block international credit cards or automatically cancel orders if they see a freight forwarder's address as the destination. This happened to me when I tried using my Dutch bank card on a few luxury sites.
I found the solution through the "BuyForMe" service. Instead of me struggling with the checkout, I just told the comGateway team what I wanted. They used a US domestic credit card to buy the bag on my behalf. This is easily the safest way to guarantee an order doesn't get cancelled by a picky retailer. If you are worried about your Dutch card being rejected, I highly recommend using this proxy shopping method to save yourself the headache.
Budgeting for international shipping and import tax
Before I clicked buy, I wanted to know exactly what I was getting into regarding costs. I used the shipping calculator to get a rough idea of the transit fees. It helps to have the dimensions of the Coach Empire Carryall 40 handy, as it is a larger bag.
When you buy from US ship to Netherlands, you also need to account for the import tax and VAT. In my experience, even after paying these duties and the shipping fees for FedEx international shipping, the total cost was still lower than the retail price in a Dutch boutique. To get more specifics on what to expect at the border, I checked the FAQ section for guidance on Dutch customs procedures.
My final tips for a smooth delivery
If you are planning to follow my lead, make sure you double-check the prohibited items list. While leather bags are generally fine, some exotic skins can have restrictions, so it is better to be safe than sorry. I also suggest opting for package consolidation if you are buying accessories like a matching wallet or some leather cleaner; it helps reduce the overall international shipping cost by putting everything in one box.
I have found that the Netherlands delivery times are quite reliable in 2026, with most of my packages arriving within 5 to 8 business days once they leave the US warehouse. If you want that viral Coach look without the inflated local price, this is definitely the way to do it.
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