Every year, companies pay to get rid of things that still work. Office furniture from a move, IT equipment that has been replaced, restaurant machines from a renovation, tools that are no longer needed. Containers are ordered, cleaning firms are hired and transport to recycling centers is booked. The cost can quickly become higher than expected.
But what if that cost could become income instead? At Budi, we see it happen every day.
Throwing things away costs money
Most companies recognize the situation. A premises must be emptied, perhaps because the lease ends, a department closes or the office is being rebuilt. A restaurant renovating needs to get rid of a whole kitchen. A hotel upgrading its rooms has beds, TVs and furniture that must go. A café changing concept has espresso machines, refrigerated counters and interiors that no longer fit. Suddenly you have large quantities of things that need to be removed:
- Desks, office chairs and conference furniture
- Computers, screens and printers
- Shelving and storage units
- Kitchen equipment from staff areas, restaurants or cafés
- Hotel and conference interiors
- Machines and tools
- Surplus stock and leftover materials
Renting a container costs money. Hiring people to carry everything out costs money. Transporting it to recycling costs money. And if bulky items need dismantling, it costs even more.
The paradox? Much of what you pay to throw away has market value.
Things companies throw away that others want to buy
You may think your old office chairs are worth nothing. But a working office chair from a quality manufacturer is exactly what a startup, association or another organization is looking for.
Here are examples of things that are often thrown away unnecessarily:
Office furniture. Desks, chairs, bookcases and conference tables. Quality furniture lasts for decades and is in demand on the second-hand market.
IT equipment. Computers and screens that are a few years old can be more than enough for office work. Just remember to erase the hard drives first.
Restaurant and kitchen equipment. Combi ovens, refrigerators, espresso machines, dishwashers and workbenches. Whether it comes from a staff kitchen, a restaurant renovation or a closing café, professional equipment often has high second-hand value.
Tools and machines. Hand tools, power tools and lighter machines from brands such as Makita, Festool and Husqvarna often have resale value.
Building materials and interiors. Doors, lighting, flooring and shelving systems left over from renovations.
Hotel and conference interiors. Beds, bedside tables, TVs, curtains, lighting and lobby furniture. Hotels renovating often replace several rooms or entire areas at once.
Vehicles. Company cars and vans that are being replaced.
From red numbers to green numbers
Compare the two alternatives:
Alternative 1: Throw away
- Container rental: cost
- Transport to recycling: cost
- Staff for clearing: cost
- Disposal/tipping: cost
- Result: minus in the income statement
Alternative 2: Sell at auction
- Photography and advertising: handled by Budi
- Bidding: buyers compete on price
- Payment: made before collection
- Collection: buyer collects
- Result: income instead of cost
The difference can be significant. Instead of paying to empty an office, the same office can generate revenue. Exactly how much depends on what you have, but the point is clear: what costs money to throw away can be worth money to sell.
"But we do not have time to sell everything"
It does not have to be complicated. Budi handles most of it:
- You tell us what you have. Send photos and a short description to Budi.
- We make an assessment. What is worth selling? What can be bundled?
- We handle the rest. Photography, advertising, bidding and buyer contact.
- The buyer collects. You avoid transport and container.
- You get paid. Instead of an invoice from a clearance company, you receive a payout.
Three simple steps to get started
1. Start in time. The earlier you plan, the better. If you wait until the last week before moving, stress increases and you risk ending up in "throw everything away" mode.
2. Take photos. Walk around and photograph what needs to go. It does not have to be professional. Phone photos in daylight are enough.
3. Contact Budi. Send the photos to us and tell us what you want to get rid of. We will quickly come back with an assessment of what is worth selling and how the process works.
Good for the environment too
In addition to the financial benefits, you help working equipment continue to be used instead of becoming waste. It does not matter whether it is a desk or a truck. Everything sold on instead of thrown away means lower environmental impact.
Budi helps you turn the cost around
Budi offers free valuation of business equipment. We assess what is worth selling, handle the full process and make sure the buyer collects the objects. You only pay if we succeed in selling. No sale, no cost.
We have helped companies across Sweden move from paying to get rid of things to getting paid for them.