What counts as a lot?

A lot is a single auction item, regardless of how many photos it has. One lot with 10 photos counts the same as one lot with 1 photo.

How does Pay as You Go work?

No monthly fee. Add a payment method and pay $0.15 per lot only when you run descriptions. Perfect for seasonal auctioneers or occasional sales.

What happens if I go over my lot limit?

On subscription plans, additional lots are billed at $0.12 per lot — automatically metered and added to your monthly invoice. No surprises.

Can I change plans at any time?

Yes. Upgrade instantly and we'll prorate the difference. Downgrade at the end of your billing cycle. Switch between Pay as You Go and subscriptions anytime.

How are your descriptions better?

Most tools analyze a single photo. Gavelist examines every photo in the lot — front, back, backstamps, labels, maker marks, detail shots. More photos means more accurate descriptions, correct brand attribution, and fewer misidentifications.

What's a voice profile?

Gavelist learns your description style from examples you provide. The AI then writes new descriptions that sound like you — your vocabulary, your structure, your voice. Available on every plan.

How does Gavelist compare to other cataloging tools?

Most tools charge more for less — single-photo analysis, limited export options, and email-only support. Gavelist gives you proprietary sorting assistance, truly automatic CSV and filename generation, and unbeatable description quality from painstakingly trained AI. Plus, you always have direct access to Ben, the founder.

What is AI auction cataloging?

AI auction cataloging uses artificial intelligence to generate lot descriptions from photos of auction items. Instead of manually typing descriptions for each lot — which takes 4-7 minutes per item — AI cataloging tools like Gavelist analyze photos and produce titles, descriptions, condition assessments, and category assignments in seconds, reducing cataloging time by 80-90%.

Does Gavelist work with HiBid?

Yes. Gavelist exports catalogs in HiBid-compatible CSV format. Process your photos in Gavelist, then export and import directly into your HiBid account. The export includes titles, descriptions, categories, and lot sequencing formatted for HiBid's import requirements.

How do I speed up auction cataloging?

The fastest way to catalog any auction is to use AI-powered cataloging software. Take photos of all items, upload them in bulk to Gavelist, and let AI generate descriptions. This reduces days of manual cataloging to hours. Gavelist processes hundreds of lots per session and exports directly to your auction platform.

What types of items can Gavelist identify?

Gavelist has specialized AI prompts for 18 categories: furniture, jewelry, fine art, ceramics, glassware, tools, collectibles, vintage electronics, toys, textiles, kitchenware, sporting goods, musical instruments, books, coins, stamps, vehicles, and general items. Each category uses domain-specific identification trained on thousands of real auction lots.

What auction platforms does Gavelist export to?

Gavelist exports to all major auction platforms including HiBid, AuctionFlex, LiveAuctioneers, Proxibid, and any platform that accepts CSV or XLS spreadsheet imports. Export formats include lot titles, descriptions, categories, condition notes, and photo references.

Is Gavelist only for estate auctions?

No. Gavelist works for any auction that needs lot descriptions — estate auctions, consignment auctions, business liquidations, charity auctions, government surplus, and more. Any auction with high lot volume benefits most because AI cataloging scales linearly while manual labor does not. Estate auctioneers are our primary users, but the tool works for all auction types.

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AI Cataloging for Textiles & Clothing

Textiles are consistently undercataloged at estate auctions because most auctioneers lack the vocabulary. A 'quilt' could be a machine-stitched polyester bedspread or a hand-pieced, hand-quilted 1880s masterwork worth thousands. Gavelist identifies construction techniques, pattern names, fiber indicators, and era markers, producing descriptions that resonate with quilt collectors, rug dealers, and vintage fashion buyers.

Avg. lots per estate: 5-20Cost: $0.15/lot

Last updated: April 2026

Why Textiles & Clothing Cataloging Is Time-Consuming

Fiber content cannot be confirmed from photos — silk vs polyester satin requires a burn test or label
Quilt patterns have regional names — a 'Drunkard's Path' in one state is a 'Wanderer' in another
Oriental rug identification requires knowledge of knot types, region, and design motifs that overlap significantly
Vintage clothing labels changed frequently — a Union label dates a garment within a decade
Moth damage, staining, and dry rot are common and must be disclosed but may not photograph well

What Gavelist Identifies from Photos

Construction method — hand-quilted, machine-pieced, hand-loomed, power-woven
Pattern identification — Double Wedding Ring, Log Cabin, Lone Star, crazy quilt
Rug origin indicators — Persian, Turkish, Navajo, hooked, braided, machine-made
Clothing era markers — label styles, zipper types, construction details
Designer and brand identification — from labels, tags, and signature details
Visible condition — staining, fading, moth damage, fragile areas

Common Textiles & Clothing in Estate Auctions

Handmade quilts — pieced, appliqued, whole-cloth

Oriental and Persian area rugs

Vintage clothing — coats, dresses, hats, accessories

Crocheted and knitted items — afghans, doilies, table linens

Embroidered samplers and needlework

Fur coats and stoles

Native American textiles and blankets

Vintage handbags — Coach, Louis Vuitton, Dooney & Bourke

Photography Tips for Better AI Results

1Photograph textiles flat and fully spread out — folded items hide pattern, size, and condition
2Capture labels and tags with a close-up — they are the primary dating and identification tool
3For quilts, photograph both front and back — hand-quilting stitches are most visible on the reverse
4Show any damage honestly with close-ups — textile buyers expect wear and want to assess severity

Related Categories

Furniture Collectibles & Memorabilia General Household

Try AI cataloging for textiles & clothing

$0.15 per lot, no monthly commitment. Upload textiles & clothing photos and get descriptions in seconds. Or call Ben at (412) 580-7398

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