Case Study: How Paula’s Choice Saved €1,750 by Donating Overstock and Gained Customer Goodwill

When faced with unsellable stock, business owners often feel stuck between costly disposal or letting inventory take up valuable warehouse space. Paula’s Choice found a more sustainable solution through Arkive, saving money while enhancing their brand’s reputation through a charitable initiative.

1. The problem: unsellable stock with no budget for disposal

As a business owner, managing products that don’t move in high volume, can’t go to market, and have no allocated end-of-life budget can be overwhelming. You might be tempted to throw out unsellable stock, but this not only wastes valuable resources—it can also cost your business.

2. The Arkive solution: log and repurpose products

Instead of discarding the products, Paula’s Choice turned to Arkive. By logging their unsellable inventory into the platform, they kept a record of the reasons the products couldn’t be sold, while identifying ways to avoid similar situations in the future. Arkive offered a solution: repurpose this overstock by donating it through a meaningful initiative, showcasing social responsibility.

3. The action: Paula’s Choice x Arkive Donation

Paula’s Choice participated in a beauty night organized by Serve the City for refugees housed in COA centers. They donated unsellable stock that would have otherwise cost them around €2,000 to destroy. Through Arkive’s coordination, they only needed to cover shipping and logistics costs of €250 for a one-time delivery within the Netherlands. For international deliveries, prices may vary slightly due to cross-border logistics and the need for additional stock protection.

4. The outcome: financial savings and improved brand image

By using Arkive, Paula’s Choice saved €1,750 in disposal costs. Beyond the financial benefit, they gained significant exposure via social media mentions and collected valuable content for internal communications, further enhancing their brand’s image. Most importantly, they eliminated warehouse overstock that was costing them money, all while contributing to a charitable cause.

Conclusion: What can Arkive do for your business?

If you’re struggling with unsellable stock, Arkive offers a win-win solution. Not only can you avoid costly disposal fees, but you can also demonstrate your brand’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility—just like Paula’s Choice. We’re here to help you turn a potential loss into an opportunity to connect with customers and make a positive impact.