Sufficient information provides a clear basis for making a decision
An advert should contain the information other users need in order to understand its content, condition, terms and purpose correctly. Complete and clear information makes it easier to make an informed decision about whether it is worth getting in touch.
Adequate information can:
- reduce misunderstandings about the offer or request,
- avoid unnecessary queries,
- help match the advert to relevant searches,
- make the price, condition and scope of services clear,
- improve safety when making contact and handing over an item,
- make the advert easier to review.
However, a detailed description is no guarantee of approval, a specific search ranking, a high number of views or a successful transaction.
‘Sufficient’ does not mean ‘as long as possible’
A good advert sets out the key facts clearly. Long repetitions, general promotional phrases and lists of irrelevant keywords do not make an advert any more helpful.
Focus on questions that are important for the specific type of advert:
- What is being offered, sought, lost or found?
- What condition is it in?
- Where and when is the matter relevant?
- What quantity or scope is involved?
- What is the price or pricing basis?
- What conditions, restrictions or known defects apply?
- What is included and what is expressly excluded?
- Is the advert still current?
Use short paragraphs and unambiguous terms. Only include additional details if they have a clear benefit for understanding, searching, safety or decision-making.
Basic details for every advert
Regardless of the type, the title, category, situation, location and description should all be consistent with one another. A user should be able to understand what the advert is about simply from the key details.
In particular, check the following:
- a specific and accurate description,
- the correct type and category,
- the actual situation, such as ‘Sell’, ‘Wanted’ or ‘Found’,
- an appropriate location,
- date or time period, where relevant,
- current condition and availability,
- price or cost, where applicable,
- meaningful and permissible images,
- special conditions or restrictions.
The type, category, situation and location cannot be changed after submission for review. Details are explained in ‘Fixed listing details’.
Describe lost and found items
For ‘Lost’ and ‘Found’ adverts, a clear description of the item type, a realistic timeframe and an appropriate location where the item was lost or found are particularly important.
Helpful details may include:
- type, make, model, colour and size,
- distinctive external features,
- date or possible time period,
- approximate location where the item was lost or found,
- condition of the item,
- relevant circumstances of the loss or find,
- information on whether the lost property office, police or another body has already been notified.
Do not publish every unique identifying feature. Withhold at least one feature for later verification of a claim of ownership or possession. Full document, card, serial or identification numbers should not appear in the publicly visible text or on images.
For a found item, the advert does not replace any statutorily required report of found property. For suspected theft, it does not replace any required report to the police.
Describe incidents neutrally and in a verifiable manner
For ‘Incidents’, it should be clear whether you observed something yourself or are seeking witnesses. Describe only facts required to establish the place, time and specific observation for which information is sought.
The following are useful:
- the date and, where possible, a precise timeframe,
- the correct location,
- the nature of the incident,
- a neutral chronological description,
- the specific observation for which information is sought,
- an official file or reference number, where applicable, provided its publication is permitted and useful.
Separate your own observations from assumptions. Do not name or show suspected offenders, vehicle registration plates, faces or private data without adequate legal grounds. An advert must not purport to be an official search notice and does not replace contacting the competent authorities in cases involving crimes, accidents or imminent danger.
Keep Marketplace and Give away adverts specific
When selling, buying, exchanging or giving away items, other users should be able to understand the item and the terms without the need for unnecessary queries.
Important details often include:
- precise description of the item,
- manufacturer, model and version,
- age or length of use, where relevant,
- condition and functionality,
- known defects, repairs or signs of wear,
- quantity and what is included,
- included accessories,
- price or what is wanted in exchange,
- collection or shipping,
- any additional costs actually incurred,
- current availability.
An offer published under ‘Give away’ must not contain a hidden purchase price. Actual shipping or handover costs should be stated clearly and truthfully.
Images supplement the description but do not replace details of defects or missing parts.
Explain the scope and terms of services
For a service, it must be clear what service is being sought or offered. General statements such as ‘I do everything’ or ‘help wanted’ are often insufficient to assess the scope and suitability.
Depending on the case, describe:
- the specific task or service,
- the desired or offered scope,
- the expected result,
- the service area or whether it can be provided online,
- available dates or time slots,
- pricing basis, e.g. per hour, per item, per appointment or for the entire job,
- any potential material, travel or additional costs,
- services that are expressly not included,
- any requirements on the part of the client,
- existing qualifications or authorisations, if relevant to the service.
Only list qualifications, insurance cover and professional experience if these actually exist. A detailed description does not replace any legally required licence or professional qualification.
Describe events fully and keep the information up to date
For an event, details regarding timing and organisation are particularly important. Users should be able to identify when, where and under what conditions the event is taking place.
This may include:
- the nature and purpose of the event,
- the event date,
- the start time and anticipated end time,
- the event location recorded using the designated location field,
- the target audience and any age restrictions,
- participation or admission requirements,
- admission, participation or ticket costs,
- accessibility, where known,
- whether registration is required,
- important rules for visitors,
- information about changes, cancellation or relocation.
Only publish an event if you are authorised to do so. Do not give the impression that suchen.expert is the organiser, co-organiser or official supporter.
State prices and costs transparently
A price must correspond to the offer described. Explain what the amount relates to if this is not clear.
In particular, check the following:
- total price or price per item,
- price per hour, appointment or unit of service,
- actual postage, material or travel costs,
- mandatory additional costs,
- scope of what is included in the price,
- for a wanted advert, the available budget, where useful,
- for a swap, what is wanted in return.
Do not use a misleading zero price if payment is actually required. Unavoidable costs must not be concealed by a conspicuously low starting price. Business providers remain responsible for complying with the applicable statutory price indication and consumer information obligations.
Further guidance can be found in ‘How do I enter the price for my offer correctly on suchen.expert?’
Check the location, date, condition and availability
Incorrect or out-of-date basic details can lead to unnecessary journeys, unsuitable enquiries and misunderstandings.
Make sure that:
- you check the map marker and the location displayed,
- you do not select incorrect locations to gain additional reach,
- you enter incident and event dates correctly,
- you explicitly indicate any uncertainty about a time period,
- you describe the actual condition in full,
- you do not conceal a reservation or lack of availability,
- you promptly update, deactivate or delete completed adverts.
Email addresses, telephone numbers and postal addresses must not be included in an advert’s title or description. Use the designated location and communication functions and observe the General Terms of Use.
Use photos as factual supporting information
Photos help users understand condition, design and scope. They must match the actual item, service or event and must not create a false impression.
If the advert is for an item, also show any relevant defects. Check images for:
- private addresses and delivery labels,
- ID, bank account or card details,
- full serial or IMEI numbers,
- QR codes, barcodes and access codes,
- number plates and recognisable third parties,
- precise location data in metadata,
- content for which you do not hold the necessary rights.
Do not use third-party product images as a substitute for showing the actual condition of an individual second-hand item. Further guidance can be found in ‘How should I format my advert, and what sort of photos can I use?’
Improve findability without lists of keywords
The correct type, appropriate category and natural terms in the title and description help users to categorise the advert. Use terms that an interested person is likely to search for.
The following are not helpful:
- irrelevant brand or product names,
- repeated lists of keywords,
- inaccurate place names,
- hashtags instead of a clear description,
- selecting the wrong category in the hope of a wider reach.
Sufficient information can help users find the advert through relevant searches, but does not guarantee any particular position in the search results. Guidance on search terms can be found under ‘How can I make sure my advert is easy to find in the search results? Can I use hashtags or keywords?’
Omit confidential and unnecessary details
Completeness does not mean publishing as much personal information as possible. Only provide information that is necessary for the advert and suitable for publication.
In particular, do not publish:
- passwords, PINs or TANs,
- one-time and verification codes,
- full activation or reset links,
- bank or card verification details,
- full ID numbers and other document numbers,
- private addresses in the title or description text,
- other people’s personal data without sufficient authorisation.
Even a field that is not publicly displayed but is searchable is not a secure place to store secrets. Share an exact handover address only to the extent required through the designated communication channel.
Update changes promptly
Update an advert if details regarding the same item or service change. This may include price, availability, condition, date, scope of services or delivery terms.
Do not replace an existing advert with a completely different product or service. If the original offer is no longer available, deactivate or delete it and create a separate advert for the new offer.
Check the current status after editing. Do not state categorically that every change necessarily triggers another review or appears publicly immediately.
Possible consequences of insufficient information
Missing, contradictory or out-of-date information may:
- lead to unnecessary enquiries,
- cause misunderstandings regarding price, condition or service,
- make it harder for the advert to be classified correctly in searches and filters,
- delay the review of the advert or contribute to its rejection,
- lead to restrictions or removal in the case of false or misleading information,
- contribute to disputes regarding handover, payment or performance.
Not every brief advert is automatically insufficient, and not every detailed advert is automatically compliant with the rules. What matters is factual accuracy, relevance, up-to-date information and the details required for the specific transaction.
A practical guide to revising content can be found in ‘How can I improve my advert to include all the necessary details of the offer?’
If you are unsure
If you are unsure, contact the support team via the contact form. State the advert type, category and a brief description of your question, but do not include passwords, security codes or complete security links.
