Matchmaking Services

Many people are put off by the concept of paying to meet new people.  After all, money can’t buy you love, can it?  Free dating websites such as Plenty of Fish and Ok Cupid are seeing incredible growth as compared to pay sites where the quality is higher.  When it comes to matching making services, the price is much higher than pay sites, jumping to up to tens of thousands of dollars (though some are more modestly priced around $500 to $2000).  What results in this price difference?

Firstly, the services clients receive from a matchmaker are much more personal.  Even if the initial registration and personal test are administered online, the client meets with the matchmaker in person for interviews.  This means that no one is using fake photos and the matchmaker gets a good idea of who each person is and can identify any unique mannerisms they have.  This also means that a matchmaker needs an office in every city they have clients in or that they must stick to a relatively small geographic area.  Unlike dating services, they have to maintain an office appropriate for such meetings.

The fact that fees are so high and that interviews are conducted in person, means that clients are of a higher quality than those on dating websites.  People must be successful and serious about dating to shell out for the fees.  Agencies and matchmakers that don’t charge for women choose female “clients” based on education, charm, charisma, and attractiveness.  Most matchmakers like to keep more female clients than male, with a 3:2 ratio considered ideal.

Most matchmakers screen their clients to ensure that they don’t have criminal backgrounds, aren’t already married, and are looking for marriage or a long-term relationship.  This allows clients to feel much safer when meeting dates.  Also, since the matchmaker arranged the meeting, someone know where and when the two of you will be out and will be concerned if one of you never comes back.

Something online dating services don’t provide is feedback.  Matchmakers will tell you what your date’s concerns about you were, what went well, and what could be improved.  Their reputations rest on you finding the right match, so they will help you brush up on your dating skills.  Many matchmakers act as dating coaches for their clients, since more successful dates means a more new clients as reputation spreads by word of mouth.

Many matchmakers have a free consultation available.  Take advantage of this and if they seem like someone you want in your corner, ask if they’d be willing to set you up.  Read as many reviews about a matchmaker as possible and shop around.  Some have a higher success rate than others.  If you’re a woman, try out the free services first.  You don’t have much to lose.  Matchmaking isn’t for everyone either due to budget constraints or they feel they shouldn’t have to pay for love.  But if you’re willing to put in the time, money, and effort, you’ll likely see results and see them quickly!