Pokémon Card Market Research Analyst

About the Role
I'm a UK-based Pokémon card trader with an established, profitable operation looking for a detail-oriented Research Analyst to help me scale. I've been trading PSA 10 graded cards and sealed products for a while now with strong returns - this isn't a speculative side project, it's a proven business that I need the right person to help grow.
This is a part-time role to start (a few hours per day) as we build a working relationship and prove the concept together, with scope to increase hours significantly as the project scales.
You'll be searching eBay and other marketplaces to find undervalued PSA 10 graded Pokémon cards and sealed products. Your research will directly drive purchasing decisions, so accuracy and attention to detail are critical.
As we grow, the role has potential to expand beyond card sourcing into broader personal assistant responsibilities - travel booking, scheduling, and general business support. I'm looking for someone who wants to grow with the business long-term, not just fill a task list.
Prior Pokémon card knowledge is a bonus but not required - I'll train you on exactly what to look for.

What You'll Be Doing:
Daily Sourcing

Search eBay for PSA 10 Pokémon cards and sealed packs/products using filters like "ending soonest" to catch undervalued auctions before they close
Focus on vintage cards and modern cards that are at least 2 years old - we avoid anything newer due to price volatility
Primary buying markets: UK and Japan (lower shipping, prices already in £/¥, minimal customs). Occasionally Europe (Belgium, Netherlands, Italy) when the deal is right. US purchases are rare due to import costs
Target price range is typically £100-£5,000, though flag exceptional deals at any price point
PSA 10 graded slabs and sealed packs/products only - no loose or ungraded cards

Research & Analysis

For every potential purchase, check comparable sold prices on eBay (last 90 days), current lowest listings, PriceCharting, and Collectr
Check PSA Population Reports to assess how rare the card is at grade 10
Verify PSA certification numbers on PSA's website to confirm the slab is genuine
Calculate total landed cost: purchase price, shipping, currency conversion, and any import fees
Assess sales velocity - how quickly similar cards actually sell

Auction Bidding

A key part of this role is placing bids and sniping auctions on my behalf while I'm asleep. You'll use Gixen (an auction sniping tool) to queue bids at agreed maximum prices, and in some cases place manual bids on auctions ending during your shift
I need someone I can trust with purchasing decisions within pre-agreed parameters. Over time, as you learn the market, you'll gain more autonomy on what to bid on and at what price

Reporting

Complete a nightly sourcing sheet (template provided) with all findings. Each entry must include: card details, cert number, purchase price, shipping and import costs, comp data, PSA population, estimated profit, seller reputation, and your recommendation (Buy / Snipe / Skip)
Update the sheet with auction outcomes each morning


Working Hours & Communication

Communication is via WhatsApp or email - quick, direct, no formality needed
I'm available from 8:00 AM to midnight UK time (GMT/BST) every day
Ideal working pattern: you work during your daytime hours (which covers UK late evening and overnight), sourcing cards and placing bids on auctions that end while I'm asleep
I review your sourcing sheet each morning and approve purchases within a few hours
For time-sensitive deals or Buy It Now opportunities, message me on WhatsApp and I'll usually respond quickly during my waking hours


Compensation & Growth
Base Pay

$4–$6/hour USD depending on experience (negotiable for strong candidates)
Part-time to start (a few hours per day), with clear path to increased hours as we grow
Paid training period - I'll teach you the market from scratch if needed

Profit Share

10% of net profits on cards you source, paid monthly
This is on top of your hourly rate, not instead of it
If you find a card I buy for £500 and sell for £1,000, you earn $4–6/hr for the time spent PLUS 10% of the profit (£50)
The better you get at spotting deals, the more you earn - your incentives are directly aligned with mine

Co-Investment (Optional)

Once we've built a track record together, you'll have the option to co-invest in cards alongside me
This means putting your own money into cards we both agree are strong holds, and sharing in the upside when they sell
This is entirely optional and subject to mutual agreement - no pressure, but the opportunity is there if you want skin in the game


Requirements
Must Have

Strong English communication skills (written)
Experience with eBay - comfortable with auctions, Buy It Now, seller feedback, and search filters
Excellent attention to detail - one wrong digit on a cert number or missed shipping cost could mean a bad purchase
Proficiency with Google Sheets
Reliable internet connection and ability to work independently
Comfortable making time-sensitive bidding decisions within agreed parameters

Nice to Have

Experience in e-commerce sourcing, online arbitrage, or reselling
Familiarity with Pokémon cards, PSA grading, or collectibles
Experience with Japanese marketplaces (Yahoo Auctions Japan, Mercari Japan)
Interest in the Pokémon or trading card market (you'll learn fast if you're genuinely curious)


How to Apply
To show you have the right research skills, please include the following in your application:

A brief introduction about yourself and your relevant experience
Your available working hours in Philippines time (or your local time zone)
Test Task: Find ONE PSA 10 Pokémon card currently listed on eBay that you believe is underpriced. Present it in this format:

Card name and set
PSA certification number
Listed price (and currency)
Link to listing
2–3 comparable sold prices from eBay
Why you think it's a good buy



This test task should take 15–20 minutes. It tells me far more about your skills than a CV ever could.

Why This Role Is Different
Most remote roles are repetitive data entry. This one is more like being a treasure hunter - you're scanning thousands of listings to find the diamonds in the rough. You'll learn a genuine skill in collectibles valuation, you'll share directly in the profits you generate, and as the business grows, so does your role and your earning potential. There's a clear path from market analyst to a broader right-hand role covering personal assistant and business operations. I'm building something real here and I want someone who's excited to be part of it.