How To Choose The Best Matchmaker

Professional matchmaking is a booming industry, with over 100 new services starting up each year. Matchmakers do all the hard work for you - selecting and screening potential dates based on criteria you provide. If you’re too busy to cruise the singles bars or invest a lot of time in online dating, hiring a good ole’ fashioned matchmaker could be an excellent option for you.

Of course, we do recommend trying our modern alternative to matchmaking at a small fraction of the cost before going down this route. But enough about us… let’s talk about traditional matchmakers.

If you choose your matchmaker wisely, she can significantly increase your chances of finding “The One.” But choosing wisely is key! Why?

Because we’re talking about a highly unregulated industry flooded with shady operations who just want to make a quick buck, and “experts” who really don’t know how to make a match any better than your mom.

Separating the good from the bad is not easy, but keep reading to discover some insider secrets that will make it a whole lot easier. This essential information on choosing the best matchmaker could save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

Here are 5 things you must know before signing a contract with a professional matchmaker:

1. Be prepared to spend some $$$

On average, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $10,000 a year for a membership, with "Elite" matchmakers charging upwards of $20,000.

Decide beforehand what you’re willing to spend, and stick to your budget. Many matchmakers, especially the ones at large agencies, work on commission and have looming sales quotas to meet. They’re running a business, and if they think they can charge you more, they will.

Constant pressure to hand over more money and high pressure sales tactics are a common theme of the negative reviews you’ll find out there. If a matchmaker seems to be dodging all your questions about costs, proceed cautiously. Reputable services have clear pricing and will provide it up front if you ask nicely.

Do your homework before hiring a matchmaker.

Read the online reviews, check out their BBB rating, ask for references, and interview them while they’re interviewing you.

2. Know what you want from your matchmaker.

When you’re making a list of potential services to hire, have specific goals in mind. Are you willing to travel to meet your soulmate, or are you only interested in local services? Are you adamant about dating a fellow doctor or lawyer, or someone with a specific religious affiliation?

If you go with a specialized service, like Chai Expectations for the Jewish community or Mature Singles Only, be patient. The narrower pool of candidates could mean you’ll wait a little longer to meet a match.

Opting for a smaller service rather than a larger, franchised operation might save you money. A portion of your membership fee covers costs like rent, employee salaries and commissions, advertising, and other costs of doing business, and smaller companies generally have lower overhead.

Also consider a service that offers short-term memberships. You’re hoping it won’t take her two years to find your soulmate, right?

3. Be ready to answer her questions.

During the first chat with a potential matchmaker, she’ll ask you a few questions to determine whether or not she’ll be a good fit for you. And if you get pressured to sign up before having this initial conversation, hang up and move on.

Knowing the answers to these common questions will save you time, and having a clear idea of what you’re looking for is essential for a successful and productive relationship with your matchmaker.

Be ready to answer questions like these:

• What are your relationship goals?
• What’s gone wrong in past relationships?
• Why do you want to hire a matchmaker?
• How long have you been single?
• Are you finding it difficult to meet quality people?
• What has worked for you in the past and what hasn't worked for you?
• Have you ever hired a matchmaker before?
• Did something happen recently that made you want to call?
• How important is it to you to find a long term relationship?

4. Ask her the right questions.

It’s not a one-sided interview process. Hiring a matchmaker is no different than hiring any other professional, like your contractor or financial advisor. You want an expert who’s going to provide quality service, and the only way to make sure you’re hiring the right person is to ask a lot of questions up front.

Before signing on the dotted line, get answers to questions like these:

• How long has the company been in business?
• Has the company done business under any other name?
• What are the qualifications of the person I’ll be working with?
• Where does the pool of candidates come from, and how are they screened?
• How many clients are in your database?
• How much does it cost, and does everyone pay the same price?
• Can I suspend my contract if I meet someone?
• Will I see photos of potential matches before I meet them in person?
• What happens if you can't find enough matches that meet my criteria?
• How many times have you had to refund a client's money because you couldn't fulfill your promise?
• Does your company offer other services like image consulting?

Pay attention to the answers, but also note how you feel about how those answers are delivered. Does she put you at ease? Do you like her attitude? Do you feel like she “gets” you? Remember, some matchmakers have genuine ability and want what’s best for you, but others were hired more for their sales skills.

5. Listen to that little voice in your head.

If a service sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t fall for extreme optimism and a file full of beautiful pictures.

Pick a service you have a good feeling about. If that little voice is saying your matchmaker sounded a little sketchy, move on. There’s no shortage of options, and the range in quality is enormous. Hiring a matchmaker is an investment, and you need to treat it accordingly.

Of course, we hope you’d give our alternative to matchmaking the consideration it deserves, but if you think the traditional, offline matchmaker route is the one for you, make sure you read this Free Special Report before you invest a single penny.

The Insider tips in "The 7 Dirty Secrets Matchmakers Don't Want You To Know," by matchmaking industry veteran, Rebecca Teare, will enable you to avoid frustration, save thousands, and find your perfect partner.