Job overview
Fernwood Marketplace Services is recruiting a remote Product Research Assistant to support product selection for e-commerce stores. You will look for product opportunities, test them against clear criteria, estimate whether they can be profitable, and write up your findings for buyers and sourcing teams. The role suits curious, detail-oriented people who enjoy digging into data and want practical experience in e-commerce. Paid training is provided, so prior product research or e-commerce experience is not required.
This role is about the decision before a product is sold: is this product worth pursuing? It is different from a Product Listing Assistant, who writes and uploads listings for products already chosen, and from an Amazon FBA Virtual Assistant, who typically handles broader day-to-day account operations. A Product Research Assistant focuses on demand, competition, margins, and recommendations.
New to e-commerce? You can still apply
No prior product research or e-commerce experience is required. Strong research and analytical skills, attention to detail, and comfort with spreadsheets are the main prerequisites. Training covers research tools, market analysis, and product criteria. You do not need a degree or certification, and you do not need to have sold anything online.
Employment options, pay structure, and schedule
Full-time roles typically involve about 40 hours per week. Part-time and contract roles are often project-based. Pay is quoted per hour, but some roles may pay per product researched. If a role is paid per product, ask how a "completed" product is defined, the expected time per product, and how often you will be paid before accepting. Exact hours and expectations are discussed during the interview.
What you’ll do
- Research product opportunities for e-commerce stores on marketplaces such as Amazon, Shopify, and Etsy.
- Analyze market demand, competition, and profitability for each candidate product.
- Use research tools such as Helium 10, Jungle Scout, or Keepa to gather sales, pricing, and competition data.
- Apply product criteria such as price, weight, review counts, and competition level to shortlist products.
- Track competitor products and pricing, noting changes over time.
- Monitor trends in assigned categories.
- Read customer reviews to identify pain points and opportunities, and summarize patterns without overstating what a small sample shows.
- Estimate profit margins and sourcing costs using the inputs provided by the team.
- Support product sourcing decisions by presenting findings and flagging risks or missing data.
- Maintain research databases and spreadsheets so past research can be reused.
- Coordinate with buyers and sourcing teams to clarify criteria and follow up on questions.
- Compile product research reports and recommendations, including weekly research reports.
A typical product research cycle
Exact steps vary by team, but the work often follows a repeatable cycle:
For example, a buyer might ask for products in a category within a set price and weight range. You search for candidates, check sales and competition in your research tool, read reviews to spot recurring complaints, and estimate margin using the sourcing costs provided. You then summarize the best options in your weekly report and note any assumptions or gaps.
Tools you’ll use
Depending on the assignment, you may use research tools such as Helium 10, Jungle Scout, or Keepa, along with Excel or Google Sheets for tracking. Training covers the tools, and specific tools and access should be confirmed during the interview. No coding is required.
Required qualifications
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; no degree or certification required.
- Comfort with spreadsheets for research tracking.
- Attention to detail for product metrics and criteria.
- Comfort with product research tools such as Helium 10, Jungle Scout, or Keepa, or willingness to learn.
- Basic understanding of e-commerce economics, such as price, cost, fees, and margin.
- Reliability with research deadlines.
- Reliable internet connection and a quiet workspace.
Preferred qualifications
- Prior e-commerce, sourcing, or product research experience.
- Familiarity with Helium 10, Jungle Scout, Keepa, or AMZScout.
- Understanding of Amazon FBA or dropshipping models.
- Spanish/English bilingual ability.
- Interest in e-commerce, retail, or product.
Pay and benefits
$16–$24 per hour
Pay depends on experience and volume. Entry-level candidates typically start near the lower end. Some roles pay per product researched.
Paid training
Learn research tools, market analysis, and product criteria as part of training.
Remote work
Fully remote for candidates authorized to work in the United States.
Paid time off
Listed for full-time roles; eligibility and terms depend on the assignment.
Career development
Experience can support progression toward Product Researcher, Product Manager, Buyer, or E-commerce Category Manager. Advancement depends on performance and openings.
Confirm terms in writing
For part-time, contract, or per-product roles, confirm the pay basis, tools access, and payment schedule before you start.
Remote-work setup
You will need a reliable computer, stable internet access, and a quiet workspace for focused research and coordination. Access to research tool subscriptions and any assignment-specific tools should be confirmed during the hiring process; do not purchase software or tool subscriptions on the assumption that reimbursement is guaranteed.
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Application process
Apply online
Complete the application form and attach a resume in PDF, DOC, or DOCX format. Mention any research, spreadsheet, selling, or school projects that show your analytical skills.
Initial review
Your information may be reviewed for research ability, attention to detail, remote readiness, and schedule preferences.
Interview
Discuss how product research works, the tools, pay structure, and expected schedule or project volume.
Training and onboarding
If selected, confirm training arrangements, tool access, reporting expectations, and start details with the hiring team.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Amazon or e-commerce experience?
No. Prior product research and e-commerce experience are not required. Paid training covers research tools, market analysis, and product criteria. A basic understanding of e-commerce economics and willingness to learn are expected.
What tools will I use?
Depending on the assignment, tools may include Helium 10, Jungle Scout, or Keepa, along with spreadsheets. Training covers the tools. Confirm which tools and access are provided during the interview.
Is this hourly or paid per product?
The stated range is $16–$24 per hour, based on experience and volume. Some roles may pay per product researched. Ask how pay is calculated, what counts as a completed product, and when you will be paid before accepting an offer.
Do I need to know about sourcing?
No. Sourcing knowledge is not required. You will estimate margins and sourcing costs using inputs from the team and support sourcing decisions, and you will coordinate with buyers and sourcing teams. Basic understanding of e-commerce economics helps.
How is this different from a Product Listing Assistant or Amazon FBA Virtual Assistant?
A Product Research Assistant focuses on finding and evaluating products: demand, competition, reviews, margins, and recommendations. A Product Listing Assistant typically creates listings for products already chosen, and an FBA Virtual Assistant typically covers broader account operations.
Is a college degree or certification required?
No. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. No degree or certification is required, and training covers research tools, market analysis, and product criteria.
What is the career path?
Relevant experience may support progression toward Product Researcher, Product Manager, Buyer, or E-commerce Category Manager. Advancement depends on performance, experience, and available opportunities.
Is the position fully remote, and who can apply?
The role is 100% remote and intended for candidates authorized to work in the United States. Confirm any assignment-specific eligibility and schedule requirements with the hiring team.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. Applying through JobSphereHR is free. Do not pay a recruiter or supposed employer to secure the job.
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