Is it Worth Paying for a Matchmaking Service?

Many people have made poor choices in their search for true love. Singles often wonder if they have the financial means to pay for personalized matchmaking services.

It is often the difference in price that drives heated debates about dating websites or apps. Other parameters, such as success rate, time frame, match accuracy, match preferences, security and confidentiality, are some of the reasons why people choose professional matchmaking services in sydney over apps.

The premiums are worth it to catch scammers and catfishers, but people who have used these services tell me that they only measure the value if they actually find their person.

Online Dating Apps

Cost: Low-cost to free

OkCupid is one of the most affordable services on the market. On the market since 2004, this communication-centered experience encourages written responses, as opposed to photo-based experiences like on Tinder.

Both services offer free versions. However, subscriptions provide more advanced features and services. These sites are low-cost and offer advanced matching for a reasonable price. They typically cost less than $20 per month. These sites are similar to Plenty of Fish and Grindr, which rely on technology for initiating introductions that can lead to offline romance.

There is a tiered structure for finances among dating apps. After a free seven-day trial, Match charges $19.99/month for a one-month plan. This is based on the number of months you sign up. Match offers a strong, well-vetted and detailed profile feature. However, it is less popular than other sites. eHarmony is also available in the same category. Both sites are difficult to find and only offer costs if a user gives key information about themselves and the person they wish to meet.

eHarmony offers a free dating website. Scroll down to the bottom of the homepage to see the demographic-focused sites that cater to clients who are Black, LGBTQ, Christian, 50+, or Christian. You may not find the exact cost of your membership even after searching the main site for hours. This is because eHarmony does not share this information with anyone who has registered to the account. Users can upgrade to Premium Membership for as low as $35.90/month or as high at $65.90/month.

Which of these services is worth it? And for whom?

• OkCupid – A great option for those looking for a person-based dating experience
• Tinder – A great tool for casual dating and hookups
• Grindr – A great site for LGBTQIA+ singles looking for casual dating and hookups
• For professionals who are looking for long-lasting relationships, Match is worth it
• eHarmony – A worthwhile option for those looking for a long-term, serious relationship

Dating Coach

Cost: Mid-range

You may find that if you have been chatting on dating sites for some time and are still interested in meeting people, getting a first date isn’t the hardest part. It’s the second or third date that’s the most important. Before you go to a full-scale matchmaking agency, relationship experts and dating coaches may be your best option.

These service providers are part therapist and part coach. They tend to be less concerned with finding your mate than they are about helping you understand how you interact during dates. Are you a fidgety person who is unable to connect with others, prone to boredom, and a bit too assertive for your own good? A coach may be worth the investment.

While most coaches offer one-on-1 sessions, some may offer classes in a group setting or via webinar. Elite Daily reported in 2018 that the prices ranged between $59 and $4,000. Growing Self has coaches with varying levels of experience. Its doctoral-level clinicians charge $160/hour, while newer coaches can charge as low $60/hour. The NY Post reported in 2021 that Amy Nobile (a NYC-based dating coach) offered $2,500 per month if clients wanted to keep working with her after a four month initial contract. P.S. Anchorage, Alaska The $6,000 package included matchmaking and coaching, according to the curators. However, it was suspended by COVID. Online offerings include coaching ($3,000 per package) as well as online support (around $350).

Remember that coaches can be a valuable resource if they are used in conjunction with apps or if you have a plan for meeting potential matches. Many coaches can help you improve your profile, improve your photos, learn non-verbal cues and improve communication skills. Some coaches offer matchmaking services, but not all.

People who can meet many qualified friends but struggle to make a long-term commitment are the most successful candidates for coaches. You should consider how long you are willing to pay for these services so that you can decide if it is possible to afford them. Coaching is considered a win if a long-term relationship develops in less than a year.

Matchmaking

Cost: Very high

Consumer Affairs estimates that matchmaking services cost between $5,000 to $50,000 annually. This service is said to be the most personal and generates the most successful matches. This claim may be misleading though as many users of matchmaking services have exhausted all other options. These could include people who are not looking for serious relationships.

It can be difficult to determine the success rate of matchmakers because many of their clients prefer anonymity and confidentiality. Reputable services do not take all the fish. They screen potential clients and only work with those who they feel are a good match. Most often, only successful clients are open to sharing their stories. To discourage anyone who isn’t convinced, many companies offer partial or full refunds or extended services at reduced rates for clients who haven’t found their love after their package ends.

Canada’s Friend of a Friend, which offers matchmaking and dating coaching services starting at $49, to Canada, uses tech and human-centered information. However, many matchmakers promote the reputation of their lead matchmakers (human). These matchmakers specialize in matching people and claim to know their target audience. Customers who do a targeted search can pay a premium.

LUMA, for example, is a luxurious service geared towards high achievers and high earners. Pink Lobster allows you to join the global database for free. Its advanced matchmaking services are geared towards women who love women. Eli Simone is an exclusive service for women of color. Its coaching programs start at $3,000, and its matchmaking packages start from $9,000.

Review of Matchmaking

Matchmaking websites have lots of positive reviews because company websites are designed to convince. Reddit and Quora also do deep dives on both sides of the coin. However, they share the stories of those who don’t see the value.

Alyson Palmer, an Oakland lawyer, is one of them. I asked her if matchmaking was worth it. She replied, “If you are a Black woman looking to meet a Black man.” For six months, or eight dates, I paid $3,400. Every single match was disappointing.”

Palmer had tried Hinge and Bumble before and was successful so she believed that her investment in a matchmaker would pay off. Although she knew her potential dates were in high-ranking professions, none of them were Black (which Palmer specifically requested). They weren’t as social or confident as she wanted.

She sighed. Although she had hoped the matchmaker would respect her “must haves”, she was disappointed to discover that the service kept asking for her to be open-minded. This meant that she never got to meet the people she wanted to.

Palmer is right when she states that some daters appear to have signed up for the service without their knowledge. Parents and their relatives may pay the bill in cases where arranged marriages are more common or when a bachelorette or bachelorette seems to have poor judgment. Chara Yadav is a Mumbai journalist and press director. She claims her parents won’t tell her how much they paid for her matchmaking services. “My parents decided I wasn’t able to find a suitable husband so they engaged the service for me. However, I believe it was in the range of $9,000.”

She said that even though she didn’t find her mate, the experience was very valuable. She explains that it taught her what she didn’t want in a partner and how to ensure my romantic future.

Yadav didn’t accept the offer of a refund from the matchmaker, although she doesn’t know if it was ever accepted by her parents. Yadav admitted that she was not averse to the service and she did not value it for the price.

Bottom Line

Like love, worth is determined by the individual. Although there are many services that claim they can help you find the right match, their pricing and processes can sometimes be confusing. You will need to price shop in order to get the best value for your money. There are many service providers and packages.

Websites don’t always tell you upfront how much their services are going to cost. This means that by the time you find out the price you are already in the middle a sales funnel. It might feel like you are already committed to the matchmaking process before you hear their costs. If that happens, you may not want to go through the whole vetting process all over again with another service. It is best to get at most three quotes, just like any expensive commitment.

Top tips Top tips: Look for providers that specialize in the profile and demographic of the person you are most attracted to. Be willing to receive coaching and to have the matches you want. Although it can feel like you are to blame for not finding love, that shame could actually prevent you from getting the best value for your money. If you don’t find love, ask for a refund and additional matches.

If you are just tired of the whole process and don’t wish to go on any more dates, Even if you don’t find a long-term relationship, the dating-service process can help you learn a lot about yourself. This, too, can prove to be very valuable.