Industry Tips
Dating, Matrimonial and Social Referral Services
There are numerous for-profit organizations which appeal to singles for a variety of reasons. Some offer a social environment only and intend to provide an alternative to the "typical bar scene." Others are geared specifically towards finding mates for their members.
Whatever sort of social club arrangement you may be considering, the BBB suggests you consider:
- What you may reasonably expect from the service balanced against the financial investment you will be making.
- The backgrounds of members, including how thoroughly candidates are prescreened to insure compatibility and whether the attributes you would like in a match are covered in the company's questionnaire.
- The manner in which introductions between singles are made, such as whether there is simply an exchange of phone numbers, addresses, names and statistics, or whether a personal introduction is provided by the company at their offices.
- Visiting the facility where functions are ordinarily held and asking to participate on a trial basis before committing yourself to a contract.
- Your recourse if you are dissatisfied with the services such as whether or not the company will merely extend the duration of its services to you or whether (and on what terms) you will be entitled to a refund of your money.
- How long the company has been in business, and based on its history whether or not it is likely that the company will be in business long enough to honor its membership contract with you. Check the business reliability report of the company you are considering with your local BBB.
In addition to these suggestions, the BBB recommends that you not sign any contract until you have read and understood all of its terms.
