Why I skipped the NZ waitlist for the Coach Brooklyn 39 and shopped US stores instead

Why I became obsessed with the Coach Brooklyn 39

I first saw the Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 on my TikTok feed back in late 2025, and by early 2026, it became clear that this was the "it" bag of the year. Often called the 'Bella Hadid bag,' its minimalist suede aesthetic is exactly what my wardrobe was missing. Living in New Zealand, I quickly realized that finding this specific 39cm version in local boutiques was nearly impossible. Every time a shipment arrived in Auckland, it was gone before I could even park my car.

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More about shipping to New Zealand

I spent weeks refreshing local pages, only to find the same "Sold Out" banner. That is when I decided to change my strategy. I started looking at US department stores where restocks happen much more frequently. To make this work, I signed up with a freight forwarder to get a tax-free US address, which allowed me to shop like a local.

You might also like to Read more: Sourcing the viral Coach Brooklyn 39 Suede from US retailers for New Zealand delivery.

My discovery of the US stock advantage

While the Asian and Oceania markets seem to struggle with inventory for the Brooklyn 39, US retailers like Nordstrom and the official Coach US site appear to be the primary hubs for restocks. I noticed that while the bag was ghosting me in NZ, it was popping up briefly in the US several times a month. I knew I needed a reliable international shipping service to get it from a warehouse in Oregon to my front door.

I used the shipping calculator to see if the cost of shipping would outweigh the retail price difference. I was surprised to find that even with shipping, I was often coming out ahead compared to the inflated boutique prices we often see here. Check our guide on Read more: US Retailers vs NZ Boutique Prices for the Coach Brooklyn 39: Is it a bag or a heist?

Why I used a proxy to beat store cancellations

My first attempt to buy the bag was a disaster. I tried using my New Zealand credit card on a US retail site, and the order was cancelled within minutes. Many major US brands have strict filters that block international credit cards or flag addresses associated with logistics providers. This is a common hurdle for Kiwi shoppers.

I solved this by using the BuyForMe service. Essentially, I told the team at comGateway what I wanted, and they used a US domestic card to purchase the bag on my behalf. This proxy shopping method is the safest way to guarantee that an order doesn't get flagged. It took the stress out of the process, especially when dealing with a high-demand item that sells out in minutes. I found more details about this in the FAQ section on their site.

My estimated shipping costs for New Zealand

Before I committed, I needed to know exactly what I was getting into regarding the physical package. The Coach Brooklyn 39 is a large tote, and that means the box isn't exactly tiny. Here is what I estimated for my shipment:

A quick warning on Volumetric Weight: Because this is a structured bag, retailers often ship it in a box filled with air paper to keep the suede from creasing. Even though the bag is relatively light, the box might be bulky. Most international shipping providers charge based on whichever is higher: the actual weight or the volumetric weight. I always recommend checking the estimate shipping cost tool with slightly larger dimensions to be safe.

How I handled NZ import taxes and GST

When shopping from the US, I always keep the New Zealand customs threshold in mind. Since 2019, GST is often collected at the point of sale for low-value goods, but for luxury items like a Coach bag, you might encounter import duties depending on the final declared value. I made sure to read the help center articles to understand how my package would be handled when it hit Auckland.

I found that being prepared for the GST/VAT costs ahead of time meant there were no nasty surprises when the courier called. If you want to see how the math works out, Read more: Scoring the Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 from the US for way less than NZ boutique prices.

By the time my bag arrived, it was perfectly packaged and ready for the New Zealand autumn. Skipping the local waitlist and going straight to the source in the US was the only way I could secure this piece in 2026.