Chapter 2: How Much Does A Matchmaker Cost?
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Fees vary tremendously depending on the matchmaking service you choose. High-end matchmakers that invest more time and resources into your search require a much higher fee, while low-end matchmakers normally spend less time and charge a much lower fee. Furthermore, keep in mind that more experienced matchmakers, such as those established in the 1990s and 2000s, normally have a higher price tag, as they have invested years into building a higher quality database of singles and honed their matchmaking skills.
Different Business Models
There are two major business models in the matchmaking industry. The first model is where men pay a high fee while women are accepted for free. Men can expect to pay between $25,000 and $500,000 for an annual membership. Women, on the other hand, can enter a free database for an unlimited amount of time. However, they are not guaranteed any dates, at all, ever. They will only receive a date when they match the search parameters of one of the company’s male clients.
The second model is where both men and women pay the same membership fee. Annual memberships could start as low as $2,500 and can go all the way up to $150,000. Many men and women prefer this model because these services treat both genders equally, and both men and women are guaranteed a certain number of dates per month. In this model, there are no assumptions that men should be the breadwinners while women don’t have to contribute financially. Furthermore, this type of business model doesn’t attract women who are only searching for rich men, weeding out the “gold-diggers.”
Low-End Matchmakers
Low-end matchmakers normally accept a large number of clients and charge a minimal fee, between $500 and $5,000. This may sound like a good option; a minimal fee for a large client database, however, quality is more important than quantity. These services normally will send you out on a lot of dates, but they may not have the highest quality of candidates.
Mid-Range Matchmakers
Mid-range matchmakers may have a slightly more effective screening process and therefore be slightly more selective in whom they accept as clients. However, normally mid-range companies don’t have years of experience and/or a quality database of singles. They may charge anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000.
High-End Matchmakers
High-end matchmakers are very selective in whom they accept as clients, and may charge anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000. The most established and experienced matchmakers with a proven track record normally fall into this range. This type of matchmaking service is more personalized, exclusive, and well worth the extra money. They only accept a limited amount of clients per year, which allows them to invest time and resources in each client’s search. Because of this, they charge a higher fee. Our company Ambiance Matchmaking falls into this category.
Very High-End Matchmakers
Very high-end matchmakers may only accept a handful of members per year and charge anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000. With this price tag, you should expect a lot of extras and frills, such as date coaching, psychological testing, and image consulting, though some companies charge extra for these services. To pay this amount of money for a very high-end matchmaker is debatable. As we’ll discuss in the following chapters, always do your research and ask the important questions before moving forward.
Geographic Parameters
Prices also differ tremendously based on geographic parameters. Some matchmakers may only focus on a specific state or region, while others offer local, national, or international memberships. International matchmakers almost always have networks of quality singles in North America and Europe, among other regions worldwide.
If you don’t plan on moving outside of your city or state, we recommend sticking with a local membership, as you will save a lot of money. However, if you are open to moving (or having your partner move) at some point, choosing a national or even an international membership may be worth the extra investment. At Ambiance Matchmaking, we've seen many clients meet the love of their life after expanding their geographic perimeters, even just a little.