What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Cataloger (Warehouse & Auction Operations) position at Surplus Depot?
Who We Are
Surplus Depot is a founder-led, family-owned returns processing and auction business based in Aurora. We receive retail returns and overstock inventory from major retailers, process them, and sell through online auctions. We’re growing fast and looking for people who want to be part of that growth.
We’re a small team where everyone’s contributions matter. We hold ourselves to high standards and we’re looking for people who do the same. If you take pride in your work and want a place where that’s noticed and rewarded, keep reading.
What You'll Do
Your job is to turn retail returns inventory into clean, accurate auction listings. You’ll be responsible for cataloging a high volume of items quickly and correctly.
Your responsibilities include:
- Scanning and identifying products using internal tools and technology
- Accurately assessing and documenting product condition (damage, missing parts, functionality)
- Unpacking, inspecting, and repacking items
- Photographing items
- Labeling and staging completed inventory
- Using iPads and internal systems to catalog items efficiently
- Maintaining speed and accuracy across a large number of items
- Pitching in wherever needed to keep operations moving
- This role is a mix of physical warehouse work and technology. You’ll be on your feet handling inventory, while also working on an iPad to catalog and organize items in our systems.
What We're Looking For
Requirements:
- Strong attention to detail and organization
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
- Good knowledge of retail products and a natural ability to estimate retail value
- Tech-savvy — able to quickly learn and use iPads, apps, and internal systems
- Ability to lift 40–50 lbs regularly
- Must pass a background check
- Drug-free workplace
Preferred Qualifications (Not Required):
- Experience with retail returns, liquidation, or warehouse operations
- Experience identifying products and determining condition
- Experience using inventory systems, scanners, or cataloging tools
Traits that matter:
- Consistent energy and effort
- You move fast but maintain accuracy
- You catch small details others miss
- You see a problem, you fix it without being told
- Reliable. You show up on time, ready to work.
- Must be fluent in English.
Why This Job
We’re a small, family-owned business. We care about the people we work with and have a close-knit team where everyone pulls their weight.
The work is hands-on and fast-paced. What you catalog is exactly what gets sold, so your work matters every day.
If you’re reliable, detail-oriented, and show up ready to work, you’ll fit in well here. As we grow, there’s room to take on more responsibility over time.
How to Apply
Send us a short message about who you are, what kind of work you've done, and why this role sounds like a fit.
Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Referral program
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Aurora, IL 60502 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $16 - $18