Information and frequently asked questions

What is StuffMissing.com?
StuffMissing.com is a new site devoted to the return of missing items. There is nothing to lose by listing on StuffMissing.com. It lists for free, missing items that offer a reward for their return. StuffMissing.com allows for long-term local, national and global exposure. It offers both 'listers' and 'finders' the security of having a third party involved in the reward process.

What is special about StuffMissing.com?
StuffMissing.com is highly 'targeted': it can associate items right down to your place. There are tens of thousands of towns world-wide on our database. In the English speaking areas, most places with a population over 1,000 are listed. Non-English speaking countries typically show towns with populations over 20,000.

StuffMissing.com also only lists items with rewards. This helps to stimulate interest by viewers.

How does it work?
A person or organization lists an item. If it is found, the 'finder' contacts StuffMissing.com and the information is forwarded on to the 'lister'. If the 'lister' is happy that the information supplied is accurate, then they pay the reward to StuffMissing.com. StuffMissing.com then puts the 'finder' and 'lister' in contact with each other. The 'finder' and the 'lister' negotiate to return the item. When it has been returned, StuffMissing.com releases the reward to the 'finder'.



Listing

What types of items can be listed?
Anything you have a serious desire to get back, from stolen artwork, to vehicles, to personal lost property.

Why is there no cost to list a missing item?
StuffMissing.com makes its income from results, by taking a percentage of the reward.

How long can I list my item?
There is no set time limit. StuffMissing.com is developed to be a long-term database of missing items, some of which may not be found for some years. However, because items from some categories are unlikely to be found after extended periods, StuffMissing.com reserves the right to delist items without notice unless there is prior notification from the 'lister'. Items can of course be relisted unlimited times.

How do I list my item?
In order to be contacted when an item is found, StuffMissing.com must know some basic contact details. Only a name, email and password are compulsory. To register these details, go to the 'Register' tab on the menubar and enter your contact information. To list, click the 'List item' tab on the menubar (You will need to be logged in). The actual listing is a four step process. The first step is to identify the category, the second the location. The third step is to enter missing item details and the final step to upload photos.

Do I have to provide a reward?
Yes, this site is for people or organizations that want to have the best chance of recovering their property.

What is the minimum reward?
Although rewards can go up to thousands of dollars, to make it worthwhile people searching the database, the minimum reward needing to be offered by the 'lister' is US$110. StuffMissing.com takes just over 9% commission, so the minimum reward offered to a 'Finder' is US$100.

When deciding on the reward, it helps to think of how the offered reward will be shown on site. As just under 91% of the reward is displayed. If you want to show an even amount; it is helpful to use multiples of 11. For example $110, $550 or $22,000. These give displayed values of $100, $500, and $20,000 respectively.

For other values you may want to use a calculator. For example, divide your reward by 1.1 to get the displayed amount that will be returned to the finder. If you want to display a particular amount, multiply the required display amount by 1.1. Don't panic! There is a calculation button when entering the reward amount so you can check as you proceed.

What reward is a typical amount?
Although there is no set criteria for reward amounts, and personal items will vary considerably, often a reward is around 15% of the value.

Can I return an item and get the reward anonymously?
StuffMissing.com will not intentionally break any laws. Within that framework however, if contact is made regarding an item and the 'finder' wishes to remain anonymous, then that information will be passed to the 'lister'. If the 'lister' decides to provide the reward to StuffMissing.com then confirmation will be given to the 'finder'. If the item is returned, then the reward will be released to the 'finder' as normal. Within the bounds of the law, privacy of the 'finder' will be respected.

What's to stop people saying they have found missing property without the items just to claim rewards?
Using StuffMissing.com prevents this problem. StuffMissing.com provides security benefits for both the 'lister' and the 'finder' by acting as an intermediary until the 'lister' is satisfied that they have their missing stuff returned.

How do I pay the reward?
By credit card: Mastercard or Visa etc. via the security of PayPal, or by PayPal directly. If there special circumstances, then alternative arrangements may be made. Once you are logged in you are able to click 'My listings' that will appear in the menubar. This will take you to a page showing all your listings where buttons beside each item will take you to paypal with the amount pre-filled.

What if my currency is not the $US?
You need to convert the current reward value in $US to your currency and pay that amount. If there are sudden unexpected extra exchange rate costs, then StuffMissing.com will contact you directly.

I can't seem to access PayPal, the page just 'hangs'.
Check you are not using an older version of Explorer, Safari or Firefox. PayPal has said that it will only support browsers with adequate security. IE6, Safari 3 and Firefox 3 are the typical minimum.

How safe is my money?
As well as having the security of PayPal, all pending reward money is held in a trust account, separate from StuffMissing.com operating funds.

Is there any restriction on listing my item in other media?
None at all.

What happens if I am not happy with the condition of the returned item?
In this case a reward will not be given to the 'finder' until there is resolution. StuffMissing.com will not release the reward until email notification from the 'lister'.

What happens if there is no resolution?
In this case the 'lister' must return the item, at their expense, to the 'finder'. The reward will be refunded less a 5% handling fee.

How do I delete a listing?
Once you are logged in click 'Registered users' and go to 'My listings' that appears in the menubar. This takes you to a page showing all your current listings. Buttons beside each listing enable item deletion (and payment of rewards).

Can I edit the item details once my item is posted?
No. To minimize confusion, each unique item ID must be associated with specific details. You can of course delete the item and replace it with another listing.

Can I promote my listing?
Yes. There are two ways this can be done. The listing can be shown on the StuffMissing.com home page for $200 per month. Area listings will be available later next year for $20 per month. Go to the 'Registered users' page (You may need to log in if you haven't already) and click the appropriate button. After payment, website entries are made manually so please email contact@stuffmissing.com.



Finding missing stuff

Do I need to login to search the database?
No, you just need to login if you want to list stuff missing.

If I think I've found something that is listed, what do I do?
Send an email to StuffMissing.com describing the item in as much detail as you can to aid identification and confirmation by the 'lister'. Attach a photograph if possible.

What happens then?
StuffMissing.com will forward the basic details to the 'lister'. If the item appears to be the genuine missing item, the 'lister' will then forward the reward to StuffMissing.com. StuffMissing.com will then provide contact email details to both parties. The 'finder' and the 'lister' will then negotiate between themselves the return of the item.

When will I get my reward?
After successful return of the item, the 'lister' will approve release.

How do I receive my reward?
When you find an item you will need to provide contact details and a PayPal or bank account number for direct deposit. If you need to be paid in a different way, then contact us.

What happens if the 'lister' changes their mind about the reward, or doesn't advise StuffMissing.com that their item has been successfully returned?
If the 'lister' has accepted the item, StuffMissing.com must release the reward to the 'finder'. If they have returned the item, then they will get the reward returned. If no information is received from the 'lister', StuffMissing.com will contact both parties. If there is still dispute after messages from StuffMissing.com to both parties, then the dispute resolution process will begin.

How would that work?
If, after contact from StuffMissing.com, there is one party not communicating, then any money held by StuffMissing.com will be given to the party that does communicate after 28 days. If there is no resolution or communication at all, StuffMissing.com will hold monies until resolution.

What if I have any more questions?
Email contact@stuffmissing.com

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