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Matchmaking Services vs. Dating Services: What’s the difference?

For the many men and women seeking to find the ideal mate, matchmaking services and dating services are often of tremendous value. Yet, while some people may think of them interchangeably, there are many differences between matchmaking services and dating services: First and foremost, matchmaking services work with you in the selection process, similar to the style of headhunters or search agents, while dating services require that you perform the work and select your own matches.

Matchmakers personally get to know you, and provide you with recommendations and feedback throughout the term of your membership. They develop a feel for individual preferences and personalities, bringing a sense of realism into the process. Dating services, on the other hand, offer information based on what their data sheet or video provides, intentionally not exposing any of the less appealing or compatible characteristics of the potential mates they offer up. As a result, dating services are often nothing more than a glamorized (and more expensive) version of internet dating.

Matchmaking services “choose” who they will work. Since they are being hired as personal search agents, they are aware that they are expected to produce results. Respectable services, therefore, only work with people they know will benefit from the program, and whose needs they are confident they can satisfy based on their clientele.

Matchmakers will only work with singles who are emotionally ready for relationships, and will disqualify anyone involved in a messy divorce, who has unrealistic criteria, or is, by any normal standard, just plain “weird” or “creepy.” Matchmakers also put a great emphasis on acting with a great deal of responsibility and integrity throughout the process. Dating services, on the other hand, often recruit as many people as possible regardless of their marital status, emotional availability, health, professionalism, etc. Dating services expect you to conduct your own search to find individuals in the group whom you like and who are willing to meet you. This means having to sift through anyone and everyone who wants to join their service (emotionally ready or not).

Another difference between matchmakers and some dating services is that matchmakers will guarantee a number of introductions throughout the term of your membership. Matching begins within 10 days of activation and you’ll be out on your first date shortly thereafter. Matchmakers also make it their job to follow up with you, to make sure your dates are progressing positively. They will also provide assistance in checking your schedule against your potential match’s schedule to ease the process of getting together. Many dating services cannot guarantee any actual introductions, nor can they work as personal search agents to make sure all potential introductions follow through to completion. When you join a dating service, you’re basically on your own.

In conclusion, the differences between dating services and matchmaking services are essentially like the differences between playing the lottery and working with a certified financial planner; one of them has long odds against success, and depends wholly on luck; the other comes to you with sound resources and a sound plan. Similarly, while dating services often take a “wing and a prayer” approach, matchmaking services tend to provide a higher level of service, especially for the upscale professional who seeks and values their considerable skills and resources – pre-screening candidates, offering recommendations through experience, making references through feedback, and becoming confidants in making the right romantic connection.