“Thanks to Troostwijk’s international network, we sold to more than 10 countries!”

The table saw sold by Willem Schulpen from Ritmeester BV

 

Willem Schulpen, an interior builder from Alblasserdam, had woodworking equipment for sale after handing over his business. Renovation specialist Mattias Vanderstraeten from Opwijk, Flemish Brabant, was looking for such materials. They found each other through Troostwijk Auctions.

 

Ritmeester BV had been a thriving company in interior design for yachting, homes, and offices for 35 years, until this year when owner and managing director Willem Schulpen transferred his business. Through Troostwijk Auctions, he sold the machines and maintenance tools.

“The new owner already had his own machines,” Willem Schulpen explains.

 

“I briefly considered placing an ad or listing on Marktplaats.nl, but then Troostwijk came to mind. I knew of their long-standing reputation, and I’m not fond of advertising, as it tends to attract a mixed bag of responses. Selling to a machine dealer also didn’t seem like an attractive option.”

 

Large Professional Network

Willem Schulpen contacted Troostwijk, and they visited for an interview.

“It was a very positive meeting. They were keen to auction my equipment. They explained the procedure, drafted descriptions of the lots, and set the auction dates. They were incredibly flexible in all of this.”

 

 

International Reach

Before the auction went live, a viewing day was organized at the seller’s location.

Willem Schulpen:

“There were indeed several interested parties who visited. After that, the online bidding began. I noticed that especially toward the end of the final auction day, the bidding became very professional.

I was truly surprised by the strength of the network: Troostwijk has a very large international reach, allowing us to sell in more than 10 countries. That would never have happened through a simple advertisement!”