Position Overview We are seeking a knowledgeable, organized, and technology-oriented Antique Research, Cataloging & Online Auction Specialist to research, document, price, catalog, and prepare antiques and collectibles for sale through online auction and e-commerce platforms. The primary responsibility of this position will be to examine individual antiques and collectibles and use AI-powered research applications, online databases, auction records, historical resources, and comparable sales information to help identify each item, research its history and provenance, estimate its market value, and prepare it for sale. Every item must be thoroughly cataloged, photographed, researched, documented, priced, and tracked. The ideal candidate will combine practical experience with antiques and collectibles with strong computer skills and an interest in using modern AI technology to improve antique identification, research, valuation, and online sales. Primary Responsibilities Antique Identification & Research Examine antiques, collectibles, artwork, furniture, decorative objects, jewelry, historical items, and other merchandise. Use AI applications and other technology to assist with identifying objects, manufacturers, artists, makers, markings, patterns, materials, periods, and styles. Research maker's marks, signatures, hallmarks, labels, serial numbers, and other identifying characteristics. Research the history and potential provenance of items. Compare AI-generated information against reliable reference materials and other available evidence. Research comparable items and historical auction results. Identify unusual, rare, or potentially high-value items requiring additional research or professional appraisal. Maintain supporting research and references for significant findings. AI-generated information must be treated as a research tool and verified whenever practical rather than automatically accepted as fact. Provenance & Documentation Develop a complete electronic record for every item, including where applicable: Unique inventory/catalog number Item name Detailed description Manufacturer or maker Artist/designer Approximate age or period Country or region of origin Materials Dimensions Markings/signatures Condition Known ownership history Researched provenance Supporting research Comparable sales Estimated market value Recommended selling price Auction reserve when applicable Photographs Storage location Listing status Sale price and date Clearly distinguish between documented provenance, attributed information, and research-based assumptions so that unsupported history is not presented to buyers as established fact. Pricing & Valuation Research Research current market values using appropriate auction and marketplace resources. Review historical sales of comparable items. Consider condition, rarity, maker, provenance, age, demand, and recent market activity. Establish recommended auction estimates, asking prices, and reserves. Document the basis for significant pricing decisions. Monitor selling results and use actual sales data to improve future pricing decisions. Identify items that should be referred to an outside specialist or qualified appraiser before being offered for sale. Cataloging & Inventory Management Assign each item a unique inventory number. Create and maintain accurate electronic catalog records. Photograph items and associate photographs with the correct inventory record. Maintain accurate physical storage locations. Use barcodes, QR codes, labels, or other inventory-control methods when appropriate. Maintain organized electronic research files. Ensure that every item can be traced from initial intake through final sale. Reconcile sold, unsold, returned, transferred, and stored inventory. Maintain exceptional accuracy when entering information. Online Auction & E-Commerce Management Assist with the operation of the company's online antique auction and e-commerce activities.
Responsibilities may include:
Creating online auction listings. Writing accurate and compelling item descriptions. Uploading photographs. Selecting appropriate categories and keywords. Establishing estimates, opening bids, reserves, and fixed prices. Scheduling listings and auctions. Monitoring active listings. Responding to prospective buyer questions. Managing offers. Updating inventory after sales. Coordinating payment, packing, shipping, pickup, and fulfillment. Monitoring unsold inventory and recommending repricing or relisting strategies. Maintaining accurate online inventory. Experience with platforms such as LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable, eBay, Etsy, Shopify, auction-management software, or similar online marketplaces is highly desirable. Photography & Digital Presentation Take clear, detailed photographs of each item. Photograph identifying marks, signatures, labels, damage, repairs, and important details. Organize and name digital images consistently. Select photographs that accurately represent the item. Ensure descriptions and photographs clearly disclose material condition issues. Maintain professional presentation standards across online listings. Technology & AI Technology proficiency is an important component of this position. The successful candidate should be comfortable using or learning: Artificial intelligence research applications Image-recognition tools Online auction databases Historical sales databases Inventory-management systems Spreadsheet/database applications Online auction platforms E-commerce platforms Digital photography and image-management tools Cloud-based document storage Internet research tools Candidates should be curious about emerging technology and capable of learning new applications quickly. Qualifications Prior professional experience working with antiques, collectibles, auction houses, estate sales, antique dealers, galleries, museums, or related businesses is strongly preferred. Working knowledge of antiques and collectible markets. Ability to identify common periods, styles, materials, makers, and manufacturing techniques. Experience researching antique values and comparable sales. Familiarity with provenance research. Experience operating or supporting an online auction, antique store, e-commerce business, or marketplace account strongly preferred. Strong computer and internet research skills. Comfortable learning and utilizing AI technology. Excellent organizational and documentation skills. Strong written communication skills. Ability to write accurate and engaging product descriptions. Strong attention to detail. Basic digital photography skills. Ability to manage a large number of individual items without losing documentation or inventory control.
Pay:
$22.00 - $30.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance