Is the Coach Empire Carryall 40 really the 'New Birkin' or just a clever TikTok trend for Dutch fashion lovers?
- Why I kept seeing the Coach Empire Carryall 40 on my feed
- My discovery of the price gap between the US and the Netherlands
- Shipping Estimates for the Carryall 40
- How I handled US store credit card blocks with BuyForMe
- Why I used a freight forwarder for this luxury purchase
- Dealing with Dutch import duties and VAT
Why I kept seeing the Coach Empire Carryall 40 on my feed
I spent most of my week scrolling through TikTok, and it seems like every fashion influencer is talking about the same thing: the Coach Empire Carryall 40. They are calling it the 'new Birkin' because of its oversized, slouchy silhouette and its incredible functionality. As someone living in the Netherlands, I noticed immediately that our local luxury boutiques and UK-based retailers are constantly out of stock. Even when they do have it, the markup is significant.
We see these trends move fast, and by April 2026, the demand for this specific bag has reached a fever pitch. It is not just about the name; it is about the craftsmanship that rivals much more expensive heritage brands. I wanted to see if I could get my hands on one without waiting for a restock that might never come to Europe.
My discovery of the price gap between the US and the Netherlands
I did some digging and found that purchasing the bag directly from a shop us store like the official Coach US website or high-end department stores like Nordstrom is often much cheaper than the retail prices we see in Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The conversion rate, even with shipping, often favors the US buyer. Check our guide on the process: Read more: I mapped out a plan to get the Coach Empire Carryall 40 from the US to the Netherlands without the boutique markup.
Shipping Estimates for the Carryall 40
When I prepare to ship a luxury item, I always look at the logistics first. Since this is a large, structured leather bag, the packaging needs to be substantial to prevent creasing. I used a shipping calculator to get an idea of what I would be paying to get it to my door.
| Factor | Estimate Details |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) including protective packaging and the dust bag. |
| Box Dimensions | Large / Bulky. Typically 18" x 14" x 10" to accommodate the bag's shape. |
| Volumetric Warning | The Carryall 40 is a large item. Even if the bag is relatively light, the box size might trigger volumetric weight pricing. We recommend checking international shipping rates carefully. |
| Battery Check | This item contains no lithium batteries. No special dangerous goods handling is required. |
To get a more precise quote for your specific zip code in the Netherlands, you can estimate shipping cost here.
How I handled US store credit card blocks with BuyForMe
One major hurdle I encountered—and many of you might too—is that some US stores are quite picky. Retailers like Coach, Sephora, or Nike often block international credit cards or simply cancel orders if they see a shipping address that belongs to a freight forwarder. It can be incredibly frustrating to have your order cancelled after you have already found the perfect bag.
I found the solution in comGateway's "BuyForMe" service. Instead of me trying to use my Dutch card, I simply tell them what I want. They use a US domestic credit card to purchase the item on my behalf. This is the most reliable way to ensure the order is processed successfully without being flagged by the store's security system. It removes the stress of wondering if my order will actually ship.
Why I used a freight forwarder for this luxury purchase
By using comGateway, I was able to use a tax-free us address in Oregon. This meant I didn't have to pay US sales tax, which saved me an additional 7% to 10% right off the bat. When shipping luxury goods, these savings add up quickly. I then used their international shipping service to bring the bag home to the Netherlands.
I also appreciate that I can combine multiple purchases. If I bought a pair of shoes from another store, I could wait for both to arrive at my US address and ship them together to save on shipping fees. You can view the full breakdown of international shipping options to see which speed suits your budget.
Dealing with Dutch import duties and VAT
We must remember that shipping from outside the EU means we need to account for import duties and GST/VAT. In the Netherlands, the standard VAT rate is 21%, and luxury leather goods may have additional customs tax depending on the total value. I always factor this into my total budget so there are no surprises when the courier arrives at my house. For a detailed look at how these are calculated, I recommend reading about import tax regulations for 2026. Using a professional shop us ship international provider ensures that all the paperwork is handled correctly, making the customs clearance process much smoother.
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