How does Selective Search's "hold time" policy work?

Selective Search offers "defined hold periods" that must be negotiated upfront in your contract and used in 30-day increments. Hold time cannot exceed the amount specified in your original contract, requiring clients to estimate their needs in advance. This differs from other services offering up to 13 months of flexible hold time, making Selective Search less adaptable to changing circumstances during lengthy contracts.

What's the difference between Selective Search clients and candidates?

Clients pay $25,000-$500,000 for active matchmaking services and undergo 2-hour interviews plus extensive questionnaires. Candidates join the database for free after passing the same screening process but have no guarantee of ever being contacted, only considered if they fit paying clients' criteria. 70% of paying clients are male, while the candidate pool includes both genders.

How reliable are Selective Search's client reviews?

Reviews show mixed patterns across platforms with ratings from 3-5 stars. Positive reviews often come from female candidates happy with male matches, while negative reviews frequently cite poor match quality relative to high costs. The service has 250,000+ database members but limits active clients to 500 nationwide, suggesting selectivity in both directions affects experiences.

What should I expect from Selective Search's screening process?

Both clients and candidates undergo identical 2-hour interviews plus 15-page questionnaires covering relationship goals, lifestyle, and partner criteria. Background and social media checks are conducted on all database members. The "Benchmarks" document created from this process guides all future match selections, with matchmakers promising only to present candidates meeting full criteria specifications.

How much does Selective Search cost?

Selective Search packages range from $25,000 to $500,000 depending on service level and search scope. Introductory packages start at $25,000 but only certain clients qualify for this entry-level pricing. Standard matchmaking packages typically begin around $75,000 and can reach $500,000 for comprehensive searches. Cost factors include the number of introductions desired, cities included in your search radius, whether you want national coverage, and additional services. All packages require 12-month contracts with full upfront payment, and the service doesn't offer money-back guarantees. "Hold time" for pausing service must be negotiated upfront and used in 30-day increments, adding complexity to contract terms that clients should understand before signing. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them. {banner3:the-right-person-changes-everything-inline}{banner3:the-right-person-changes-everything-inline}

Selective Search Review (Best Chicago Millionaire Matchmaker For You?)

Home Blog Matchmaker Review

Scott Valdez

Updated 10/25/2025

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