Wibke on Searching Effectively

VLB-TIX has launched its own advanced research function for complex queries called Suche+ (Search+). This allows bookstores and publishers to set up very precise search queries, save them, and re-run or adjust them at any time as needed. The search results can be transferred directly to watch lists and order lists or exported. This gives users of our platform the opportunity to further optimize their purchasing processes and identify market developments at an early stage.

We asked our colleague Wibke from the VLB-TIX product management team about the special features of Suche+ and its launch.

• What is Suche+?
  
  Suche+ is our new research tool in VLB-TIX. It can be used to create complex search queries for products and promotions, which can be re-run and edited again using the saved searches. This turns a one-time search into a tool for keeping a constant eye on the book market. Researching in VLB-TIX becomes even more effective and efficient by this way.
  
  
• What distinguishes Suche+ from other advanced searches, for example in merchandise management?
  
  Suche+ offers extensive filter options without being complicated to use. What's more, filters can not only be combined in Suche+, but also specifically excluded. So I can say, “Show me everything from this product group – but without a certain product form.” And with batch search, I can even query multiple search terms or ISBNs at the same time. The produces results that are exactly what I'm looking for, across all publishers.
  
  Another great added value is the integration of parameters that are exclusively available in VLB-TIX. These include, for example, the filter criteria “products with marketing graphics” and “products with advertising materials,” but also highlights such as labels for top titles, debuts, or indie tips. This information cannot be found in merchandise management systems.
  
  
• What challenges did you face during development?
  
  One hurdle was usability. We placed a lot of emphasis on fast output with few clicks, easy handling of the different filter types, and clarity in the filter area despite complex search queries. The theme filter alone has an enormous number of features. To reduce the complexity of such filters, we integrated a kind of “search within a search,” which eliminates the need for endless scrolling through criteria trees. Extensive testing was also important to us ensuring that all the wheels mesh properly and the correct results are displayed.
  
  
• What will you take with you for future projects?
  
  First and foremost, the great feeling that we worked together fantastically as a team. Our developers were open to every idea and, with their suggestions and critical questions, ensured that the application turned out even better than we had imagined. And on a practical level, we are incorporating improvements to our usability that will also be used in other areas of our platforms.
  
  
• What's next on your agenda?
  
  In the expansion phase, Suche+ will also include a notification feature that automatically informs users of new results matching their saved search criteria. We will be rolling out this feature in the course of 2026.

PS: The explanatory video and free introductory webinars for bookstores and publishers offer more insight into Search+.

By the way: In 2025, 2,961 book retailers worked with VLB-TIX. 61.3 million euros were spent via shopping cart orders – not including the branches and central purchasing departments of Hugendubel and Thalia. 1,525 premium publishers use VLB-TIX.

• Franziska on Certified Climate-conscious Book Trading
  
• Rahel on Preparing for the Spring Releases
  
• Ricardo on the FIL Guadalajara