The trading company imported colonial goods like cotton, tea, oils, coffee, cocoa, spices, rubber, and other colonial products from India, exporting soap, paper, matches, watches, textiles, machinery, and other industrial goods in return.

Due to political and economic challenges, frequent changes in leadership, and his declining health, Salomon Volkart withdrew from active business in 1875, remaining a silent partner until his death in 1893.

In 1905, the company built its first administrative building, the Volkart-Haus, near Winterthur's main train station.

The sons of Theodor, Georg, and Werner, later joined the company, continuing their father's philanthropic efforts.

Today, Volkart's website only mentions its various foundations; the former trading giant is no longer active in business, apart from several investments.