E-Commerce Quality Control Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The Authentication Associate plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity of Goodwill NYNJ’s e-commerce operations. This position is responsible for verifying the authenticity of donated goods—including luxury, designer, and collectible items—prior to being listed for sale. By combining deep product knowledge with hands-on inspection and e-commerce expertise, this role directly protects customer trust, brand reputation, and revenue growth.

This is a physically active, production-floor role that blends authentication expertise with listing execution. The ideal candidate brings strong brand knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to translate authentication decisions into accurate, compelling marketplace listings.

Key Responsibilities

Authentication & Brand Verification

• Inspect donated items—including apparel, footwear, handbags, accessories, jewelry, and collectibles—to determine authenticity prior to listing
• Apply brand-specific authentication criteria across a wide range of luxury and high-demand labels
• Utilize authentication tools such as Entrupy, magnification (loupe), UV lighting, RFID scanning, and reference databases
• Identify counterfeit or misrepresented items and remove them from the listing pipeline, escalating per policy
• Document authentication decisions with clear rationale and supporting evidence
• Stay informed on emerging counterfeit trends and evolving replica quality across categories

E-Commerce Listing & Presentation

• Create accurate, detailed, and compelling listings on ShopGoodwill, eBay, and other platforms
• Photograph items using best practices, capturing key authentication markers (logos, stitching, hardware, serial numbers, etc.)
• Conduct market research using comparable sold listings to determine pricing and starting bids
• Apply correct categories, item specifics, brand details, and condition grading
• Ensure all listing content aligns with platform policies and Goodwill standards

Production Floor Contribution

• Work as part of the e-commerce production team in a warehouse environment
• Assist with sorting, tagging, staging, and prioritizing items for authentication and listing
• Identify high-value items and ensure timely review within production workflows
• Support broader team operations during periods of lower authentication volume

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Identify recurring counterfeit or misclassification trends and provide feedback to improve upstream processes
• Contribute to internal authentication guides and reference materials
• Support training efforts to help staff recognize high-value or suspicious items earlier in the intake process

Qualifications & Requirements

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Demonstrated expertise in authenticating at least one or more categories (e.g., luxury handbags, footwear, apparel, jewelry, or collectibles)
• Strong knowledge of brands, materials, construction methods, and authentication indicators
• Excellent attention to detail and confidence in making defensible authentication decisions
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically active warehouse environment (standing, bending, lifting up to 40 lbs)
• Strong written communication skills for crafting clear and accurate product listings
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professional judgment

Preferred

• Experience with authentication tools such as Entrupy or similar technologies
• Familiarity with e-commerce platforms (eBay, ShopGoodwill, Poshmark, Depop, StockX, etc.)
• Understanding of resale market trends, pricing, and demand cycles
• Experience in luxury resale, consignment, thrift, pawn, or auction environments
• Background in jewelry or gemology (e.g., GIA coursework)

Performance Expectations

This position is performance-driven and evaluated on clear, measurable outcomes:

• Accuracy and consistency of authentication decisions
• Listing quality, completeness, and marketplace compliance
• Revenue performance of authenticated items
• Identification and removal of counterfeit goods
• Contribution to team productivity and production flow

Why This Role Matters

Authentication is a trust function at the core of our e-commerce business. Every verified item strengthens customer confidence, protects organizational reputation, and maximizes the value of donated goods. The accuracy and expertise of this role directly support revenue generation and the mission-driven programs funded by those sales.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Goodwill NYNJ is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.

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