A business relocation often involves more than just moving desks and boxes. What happens to surplus furniture and equipment that no longer fits the new location? What used to be a pure cost item can now still generate value. Through online auctions organised by Troostwijk-Vavato, complete business inventories are given a second life while also delivering a financial return. Moving company Vervaet Verhuis and its client Febelfin explain how this approach is efficient, sustainable and helps reduce relocation costs.
How companies deal with surplus assets increasingly affects their ESG performance. “Today, our clients expect full service, including a sustainable solution for their inventory,” says Kurt Van Synghel, Commercial Director at Vervaet Verhuis in Aalter. The company deploys multiple teams every day and focuses almost exclusively on professional relocations, ranging from offices and archives to laboratories, hospitals and warehouses. “A move is much more than transporting goods. It involves planning, coordination and logistical support, sometimes over several weeks.”
“Everything was auctioned with zero hassle for us”
When Febelfin, the professional federation of the Belgian financial sector, consolidated two locations into one new site, a large amount of high-quality Vitra furniture could not be taken along. Secretary-General Wien De Geyter explains: “Vervaet Verhuis handled the full clearance via an online auction on Troostwijk-Vavato. Even our own employees could place bids on the platform. It worked surprisingly well.”
An important advantage of auctions is their transparency. Everyone bids under the same conditions, which avoids internal discussions. There is also a clear deadline. Jeroen De Ryck of Troostwijk-Vavato adds: “There are no partial negotiations and all goods leave within a fixed timeframe. That saves the seller a lot of time.”
Surplus inventory still creates value
After relocating, companies often invest in new office furniture. Items left behind frequently end up in expensive waste containers. Donation is rarely feasible due to large volumes or very specific product characteristics. “That’s pure loss,” says Van Synghel. “Selling always creates added value. In fact, we simply deduct the auction proceeds from the moving invoice.”
According to De Ryck, this creates a clear win-win: “The seller recovers value, buyers obtain quality goods at fair prices, and thanks to Vervaet Verhuis’ logistical support, even large volumes can be collected smoothly.” Febelfin confirms this experience. “We didn’t have to deal with the sales process at all, yet still received a return on our inventory,” says De Geyter.
From designer furniture to site equipment
What exactly finds its way to auction? “Pretty much everything,” Van Synghel explains. “From basic drawer units to designer furniture, but also acoustic panels, lighting and even glass walls when buildings are fully stripped.” Buyers often bid on large lots. “If transport is organised for the premium items, they’re happy to take secondary materials as well. Construction companies, for example, buy used chairs for site containers.” As a result, almost nothing ends up as waste, helping companies meet sustainability goals far more effectively than through traditional resellers or classified ads.
Every item finds a new owner
The furniture cleared from Febelfin found new homes with SMEs, offices, private buyers and even schools. “Schools regularly buy locker units via Troostwijk-Vavato,” says De Ryck. “We see the same with auctions from organisations such as Fluvius and AZ Groeninge.” The partnership between Troostwijk-Vavato and Vervaet Verhuis is fully integrated. Goods can be temporarily stored, professionally photographed and described, while Troostwijk-Vavato manages the auction catalogue and sales process. During collection, Troostwijk-Vavato handles administration and export documentation, with Vervaet Verhuis supporting the physical logistics.
International reach makes the difference
Troostwijk-Vavato’s extensive international buyer network is a key factor. Each year, up to 10,000 lots find a new destination. “Try selling a hundred desks or hospital beds in one go without that reach,” says Van Synghel. “No other auction platform offers the same level of service and quality.”
De Ryck concludes: “We often see sellers become buyers themselves. A positive selling experience means companies also think of us when they need to purchase equipment quickly, reliably and cost-effectively. That’s how the circle truly closes.”