(For Lost, Found and Incident adverts on suchen.expert)
The following is a detailed step-by-step guide to publishing an advert on suchen.expert. This guide is intended specifically for adverts relating to lost or found items, as well as security-relevant incidents and events.
Prerequisites: Create a user account
To place an advert on suchen.expert, you need an active user account. If you are not yet registered, please create an account first and then log in. Once logged in, you can access the "Place an advert" function at any time from the homepage or your user area.
1. Select advert type, category and situation
In the first step, select the main type of your advert. This selection is crucial for the correct classification and later findability of your advert. The following advert types are available:
Lost – if you have lost an item or something else.
Found – if you have found an item and would like to return it.
Incidents – to report incidents or events.
Please select the type that best matches your needs.
1.2 Selecting the right category
In the next step, select a category that matches your advert as closely as possible. Correct categorisation makes it easier for other users to find your advert and improves its relevance in the search results. Use the suggested categories or the frequently searched categories as a guide.
1.3 Selecting the situation
Depending on the advert type, you also select a situation — for example: lost, stolen or missing. This information helps to clearly present the current status of your advert and ensures it reaches the right audience.
Important: The advert type, category, situation and location cannot be changed after publication. Please check these details carefully before proceeding.
2. Select a location
Providing a location is an essential part of your advert, particularly for lost and found items, incidents and events. A clearly defined location increases the relevance of your advert and makes it easier for other users to identify the region. To protect your privacy, we recommend sharing the exact address only after initial contact has been made, especially for personal handovers.
2.2 Using the map function
suchen.expert provides an interactive map function. By placing a marker or entering an address, your advert is geographically positioned and displayed in the map view. This allows other users to search specifically for adverts in certain regions.
3. Add description and details
Choose a concise and factual title that clearly reflects the core of your concern. Avoid exaggerated advertising language or unnecessary exclamation marks, as these may be perceived as spam.
3.2 Specifying the event date
For adverts relating to lost or found items as well as incidents, specifying the event date is of central importance. The date helps other users to narrow down search results by time and significantly increases the accuracy of the search. Selection is conveniently made via an integrated calendar.
3.3 Advert description
In the description, you have the opportunity to describe your advert in detail and clearly. Focus on relevant information and avoid unnecessary embellishments. Prices, contact options and additional notes should be included in the designated description area, not in the title.
3.4 Reward (optional)
For lost or found adverts, you can optionally offer a reward. If you do so, please state it transparently to avoid misunderstandings.
3.5 Secret and sensitive data
Please do not publish sensitive or personal data in the publicly visible part of your advert. Certain details such as serial numbers, special markings or unique identification features can be stored as non-public additional information. These help verify a claim without disclosing sensitive data.
3.6 Phone number and contact
You can optionally provide a phone number to enable direct contact. Alternatively, suchen.expert's internal messaging function allows you to communicate securely without revealing personal contact details.
4. Upload images
High-quality images increase the attention and credibility of your advert. Photos should be sharp, well-lit and taken from multiple angles. Supported formats: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tiff, .jfif, .webp, .avif. Maximum file size per photo: 12 MB. Up to twelve images can be uploaded. Please ensure your images do not show sensitive information such as faces, addresses, phone numbers or serial numbers.
5. Additional options, duration and publication
Optional add-ons are available to increase visibility, including visual highlighting with a coloured border, premium placement at the top of search results, and gallery placement on the homepage. These options can be booked for 7 to 14 days and are entirely voluntary.
5.2 Duration and automatic renewal
An advert is active for 28 days by default. With the optional automatic publication feature, the duration can be extended to up to 56 days. After that, manual renewal is required.
5.3 Review and publication process
After clicking "Publish", your advert will be reviewed. Free adverts are submitted for review immediately. Paid adverts are reviewed after payment is received. In general, activation takes place within a short time on working days. In exceptional cases, the review may take up to two days.
Important legal notice
suchen.expert is not an authority and not an official reporting office. For losses, finds, accidents or security-relevant incidents, please also contact the relevant lost property office, the police or other responsible authorities. The advert on suchen.expert serves as an additional means of information and contact, and does not replace any legally required report.
