Great Expectations Dating Service Reviews

Jeffrey Ullman originally launched Great Expectations as a video dating service in 1976. As technology evolved, videos were replaced with digital dating profiles. But Ullman's philosophy of using the ABCs—Always Be Courting—never changed.

As Ullman explains, he envisioned Great Expectations as a way for people to use available technology to connect and share information, then ultimately move their relationship offline. It was an innovative concept for its time.

Why Great Expectations Franchises Changed Their Names

But they've faced significant challenges over the years, including multiple lawsuits. These legal issues may be one of the primary reasons none of the franchisees use the name "Great Expectations" anymore.

Instead, individual locations have rebranded with names like:

• Chicagoland Singles
• Columbus Singles
• Mile High Singles
• Phoenix Area Singles
• Real Cleveland Singles
• Real Indianapolis Singles
• Real Minneapolis Singles
• Real Orlando Singles
• Seattle Singles
• The Dallas Dating Company
• The Fort Worth Dating Company

Pro Tip: Before hiring any matchmaking service, ask if the company has ever done business under any other name. Less reputable companies sometimes change their business name to disassociate themselves from negative online reviews or when too many consumers file complaints. 

Understanding what you're actually getting for your money is crucial. Here's what the "matchmaking" process really entails.

How It Actually Works

All of the individual dating services follow the same general formula. Member profiles are created and placed in a database, and either the matchmakers or members can peruse the database to find compatible singles.

When a potential match is found, you send them a message—just like you would on an online dating site. If the other person is interested, they'll respond. If they're not… well, they won't.

Sound familiar? It's the exact format you're likely familiar with from using dating apps like Tinder. This is an important distinction: you're not receiving personalized, vetted introductions from a matchmaker. You're browsing and messaging on your own.

Events and Social Activities

Members can also participate in local and national events, like mixers, wine tastings, vineyard tours, speed dating, singles cruises, and trips to destination cities like Las Vegas. These events provide additional opportunities to meet other members, though they typically come with additional costs.

Signing Up for Great Expectations

The enrollment process reveals much about how this service operates.

Initial Contact and Consultation

Prospective clients can call the matchmaker directly or fill out a short online contact form. A matchmaker will follow up via phone to get some basic information and set up an in-person consultation.

However, multiple sources describe this "consultation" more accurately as a high-pressure sales pitch. That's where you'll discuss everything from your ideal partner criteria and relationship goals to how much the Great Expectations matchmaking service will cost you.

Payment Structure

Members pay a lump sum upfront, then a monthly fee to access the local singles database. You'll also pay for incidentals like any events you attend and professional photos for your profile.

Great Expectations cost can vary dramatically by client, which is why you won't find any prices online with any of the franchised locations. You'll have to come in for a consultation to find out how much their brand of matchmaking will cost you.

Pricing Factors

According to multiple online reviews, factors that affect the cost include (but aren't limited to):

• Your credit history and credit card limit
• Current state of your finances
• How many matches you want
• Length of your contract

Expected price range: $1,500 to $10,000

The Negotiation Game

On the plus side, matchmaking services without pre-determined pricing are often up for negotiation. You may find that simply saying "no" to an offer results in a "last minute" special that's available—but only if you sign on the dotted line today.

On the downside, you'll likely encounter high-pressure sales tactics designed to seal the deal before you walk out. Which brings us to an important topic...

The legal history of Great Expectations is extensive and concerning. Several lawsuits have been filed against the company, including those initiated by the states of Arizona, Wisconsin, and Washington. Complaints from consumers included deceptive marketing and business practices and high-pressure sales tactics.

For example, an undercover reporter for Fox 6 in Wisconsin likened the sales pitch to an “interrogation.” Here is an excerpt:

Wisconsin Investigation and Lawsuit

An undercover reporter for Fox 6 in Wisconsin likened the sales pitch to an "interrogation." The investigation revealed tactics designed to pressure prospects into signing expensive contracts immediately, often by assessing their credit limits and tailoring prices to extract maximum payment.

Fox 6's investigation prompted the Department of Justice to sue Great Expectations after a state investigation launched by the Wisconsin Attorney General's office. At issue was violating the state's "Do Not Call" registry and using "high pressure, oppressive tactics" to get contracts signed.

Outcome: Wisconsin prevailed, and Great Expectations paid fines and restitution amounting to half a million dollars.

Arizona Lawsuit

Arizona also prevailed in their lawsuit against Great Expectations, where the dating service once again had to pay fines and restitution totaling $500,000 in 2008.

Washington State Settlement

In Washington state's lawsuit, Great Expectations settled by agreeing to pay $37,000 in restitution to affected customers. There was also a $5,000 civil penalty and court costs totaling $47,000.

The company also agreed to specific conditions moving forward, including more transparent business practices and restrictions on sales tactics:

What This Means for Consumers

Lawsuits aside, remember that when you're working with one of the rebranded Great Expectations offices, you're dealing with an individual location. So your experience may vary from what you read in other Great Expectations reviews.

However, as with any significant investment of your time, trust, and money, proceed with caution and examine all your options before making a commitment. After all, this is your soulmate we're talking about—you want to hire the best matchmaker you can find.

There's one fundamental drawback to signing up with one of the matchmakers that follows the Great Expectations format: you're still having to log on to a website, look for intriguing profiles, and send icebreakers.

You probably already went down that road before deciding to hire a matchmaking service. If online dating worked for you, you wouldn't be looking for Great Expectations reviews, right?

The value proposition is unclear. Why pay thousands of dollars upfront for essentially the same experience you'd get on a dating app or traditional dating site—just with a smaller pool of potential matches?

The Easiest Way to Finally Meet Your Ideal Partner

Here’s an option you may not have considered yet. Hiring a service like VIDA Select, a modern matchmaking service that handles everything for you.

How VIDA Select Is Different

Not only will our dating experts create an irresistible profile for you, we'll also handle all the back-and-forth messaging with matches you get to pre-approve. You skip straight to the dates with high-quality people you can't wait to meet.

Key advantages over Great Expectations:

• True matchmaking - Professional matchmakers handle screening and messaging instead of you doing it yourself
• Larger database - Access to the world's largest database of singles, not just a limited local pool
• Flexible payment - Month-to-month packages starting at $1,595 instead of large upfront lump sums
• No high-pressure sales - Transparent pricing and process without interrogation-style consultations
• Proven results - Average clients meet someone special within 3 months

VIDA’s matchmakers are able to leverage the world’s largest database of singles. So no matter where you live or where you want to meet your soulmate, we can help you make it happen.