Dating Services

From LoveToKnow Dating

For someone new to the dating scene or looking for some guidance, dating services are a worthy starting point.

LoveToKnow Dating Tips
Hold that Drink
Be extra careful with your alcohol consumption while dating. When we are nervous we tend to want a little too much to drink to help us relax, but this can quickly lead to intoxication. This can create some embarrassment for you later and possibly put you in a dangerous situation.

General Advice

Dating services are essentially modern day matchmakers. With a large variety of types and costs, the possibilities are truly endless. Take the time to investigate the service before you register. Be sure to consider the following points:

  • Evaluate the individual services the program offers, ensure it is the type you desire.
  • Contact the company and confirm you are comfortable with the people behind the ad.
  • Ask for a specific success rate and referrals.
  • Review in detail their privacy policies and procedures.
  • Peruse all the fees and contracts.

Personal success in potentially discovering an ideal partner will depend on the quality of the dating service, type of searching your utilizing and your requirements for a potential partner. Thoroughly research the dating service before you sign up. With a large variety of specialty matching programs, check the criteria and method of matching, plus where the pool of potential matches is found.

Keep in mind that dating services are profit-making businesses. While they are beneficial for super busy people, they are not charities. Always check references and for complaints with the Better Business Bureau. Compare the costs with the services:

  • How many contacts are you allowed with the standard price?
  • Can you refuse a contact?
  • Can you change your requirements and is there a fee?
  • Is there a refund policy if you are unsatisfied?

Types of Dating Services

Cyber Dating

There has been an explosion of dating services on the Internet. These online options usually charge a fee and provide a variety of high tech services incorporated into virtual communities.

  • Instant Messaging
  • Chat
  • Blind Email
  • Bulletin Boards
  • Speed Dating
  • Video

Cyber dating has the advantage of being fast and inexpensive. The convenience and accessibility to a wide audience is also a positive factor. With these advantages there is also the disadvantages of dishonesty, lack of personal touch and possibility of meeting a person who lives a world away. When evaluating this type of service, ask yourself the following questions:

  • How does it “feel” to use their website?
  • How does the service control the members' actions?
  • What are the specific privacy policies and how do they prevent problems like identity theft?
  • What types of search functions do they offer?
  • Review all the pages of the site before sending any money.

Internet dating services are extremely popular and offer an assortment of specialties. Services that connect individuals of a particular religion, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation are the most common.

Professional Matchmakers

These are traditionally smaller businesses or individuals that act as an old-fashioned marriage broker. Many offer counseling and advice, as well as matchmaking. The costs can be significant with $250 - $5,000 being a common range, but for someone struggling with dating and relationships, the advice and additional services can be invaluable.

Other Types

  • Video Dating – A popular type a few years back, video dating is available at local businesses and online. Good for well spoken attractive individuals, but has a tendency to sway potential partners opinions before they actually meet you.
  • Personal Ads – A service that has stood the test of time, available through most local papers, magazine and online sites.
  • Dining Clubs – Offered as an additional option for some dating services or available independently. Dining with a group of singles offers an opportunity to meet someone in a casual environment.
  • Dating Call Lines – A public chat usually for a certain type of individual or topic, charges by the minute so the cost can quickly add up.

Dating Service Businesses

Internet Based:

Franchised Services:

Final Thoughts

Ultimately a successful dating service experience depends on honesty, both for you and a potential partner. High quality services can be very expensive, so certify that they offer exactly what you need. Avoid restricting yourself to only using a dating service to find a relationship, as the best person for you may be just down the block.


 


Comment on Dating Services



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

 
Dating Categories
LoveToKnow Tools
More Articles