Bay Area Matchmakers, Professional Matchmaking Services Silicon Valley, Dating Services Bay Area, Executive Matchmakers; San Francisco Matchmakers

Chances are that you are tired of being single, hate dating apps, or are super busy with your life and are eager to find that special someone. You might have heard ads for It’s Just Lunch, seen paid ads for Tawkify or been approached by a matchmaker on Bumble.

The pandemic has made finding a partner more difficult because of isolation, weight gain, regression in social skills, monetization efforts of dating apps, safety concerns, WFH and relocation as well as motivation to go out.

Related read: Why You Shouldn’t Outsource Your Love Life

 

San Francisco Matchmaking Services, Pros, Cons, Reviews; Bay Area, San Jose, Silicon Valley

If you are considering taking the plunge of using dating apps, please keep reading. Many folks sign up for services without reading the fine print, examining Yelp & Google reviews or asking for recommendations from people around them.

It’s a daunting process filled with opaque data, reviews, processes, promises and outcomes.

The NYTimes reached out to me to get my insight into matchmakers given my familiarity with advising folks on their dating lives (deciding between apps vs matchmakers, relocating, grooming advice, image styling and offline coaching for me and women) as well as being hired by individuals on behalf of said matchmakers for their profiles.

Dating Apps vs Matchmakers, Do Professional Matchmakers Work?

San Francisco Matchmaking Services – What To Know Before You Hire One

One thing is for sure is that matchmakers have a reputation for being salespeople and utilizing looks, vague promises, allure of dates without effort and results. I have even been approached by matchmakers to have my likeness appear on their site despite never having worked with them.

Have you even been in an uncomfortable situation where you bought something you wish you hadn’t because you were pressured by salespeople? Imagine that with higher stakes and one’s love life.

Before you agree to any terms, make sure you ask the right questions, do your research and perform a self-evaluation on yourself (realistic expectations, preferences vs. deal-breakers, self-esteem and understanding what you want).

Related read: Are You Ready To Date?

Knowing Your Matchmaker – Dating Agencies, Professional Matchmaker Bay Area

It’s important to know who your matchmaker is. Some matchmakers have more experience than others, while others rely on qualitative measures while ignoring data.

Some rely more on clinical data and theoretical statistics rather than understanding nuance, corner cases and unique situations.

Not all matchmakers have done well for themselves. Some are on dating apps themselves, others have been single for much of their lives, a few rely on other matchmakers for their dating efforts while some are divorced themselves. Understanding one’s experience is key.

Going on a lot of dates or being married doesn’t mean you are a great matchmaker. It’s easy to help out those who have unique advantages over others, like looks, appearance, wealth, or natural charm.

A good matchmaker should not take on a client if he/she believes said client has unrealistic expectations, is not willing to work on themselves or ready to date or isn’t a good fit for others.

Related read: Dating Apps For ENM, Open Relationships, Poly

 

San Francisco Matchmakers – Lack of Data, Information & Testimonials For Matchmakers

If you look at the reviews for matchmakers, they are often self-reported on their site. Very few have public Yelp and Google pages (pro-tip, anyone can make a listing for any business).

It’s not uncommon for reviews to come from non-clients (aka non-paid users who agree to go on dates with paid clients) or from matchmakers themselves. Yes, not all dates are paid clients themselves. Matchmakers routinely scour dating sites for possible dates.

These free users generally agree to go on dates, but lack the ability to provide preferences or deal-breakers. Sure, dates are great but if you never had a realistic chance with the person in the first place, is it really a success? Not all matchmakers operate under this setup, so it is important to understand who you are going on dates with.

Some matchmakers claim to be the best but that means nothing. Having a dozen Yelp or Google reviews doesn’t mean anything. It’s important to ask around and get feedback rather than rely on anonymous reviews by accounts with 1 review only, no photos and vague details.

Getting 5 stars from a user who got free dates will be different from someone dropping $3k, $20k or $100k plus for services. Take the time to read reviews from multiple sources.

Related read: Best Dating Apps in San Francisco

 

Bay Area Matchmaking Services: Lack of Preferences, Dealbreakers With Date Choices 

When it comes to being sent off on dates, it’s important to know who you are going on dates with. Many matchmakers let client select a few deal-breakers i.e. age, education, ethnicity, career etc.

What often ends up happening is that clients are unaware of the questions they should be asking. Ladies – forgot to mention you want someone taller than you, lives close by i.e. within 50 miles or who is single (not separated or going through a divorce) – that might cost you an expensive date.

Men – forget to specify you want to meet a woman without kids or someone who is willing to convert (rather than open to dating other religions) or someone who is conventionally attractive – that might cost you a date or two.

Oftentimes, contacts are based on dates provided, so unless you are clear about deal-breakers, you might waste your time on dates you have no interest in.

With that said, I do believe people need to be more open than they are as it’s natural for people to be more picky online or with matchmakers than they are in person. Using apps or matchmakers tends to curb behavior to the point that people use them like food ordering apps like DoorDash or UberEats.

Some matchmakers rely on blind dates to increase date counts as to not run out based on simple deal-breakers. While it’s important to go on several dates to get practice, it’s also important to not become frustrated with going on many dates that lead no where or go on dates with absolutely nothing in common.

Related read: Where To Meet Single Men, Women In San Francisco

 

Self-Awareness, Realistic Expectations & Results; Matchmaker Pros & Cons

Some matchmakers have zero criteria in accepting new clients – if this is the case, huge red flag. If they don’t screen you well, they are likely not screening others well!

Even the best matchmakers can’t help much if you lie, don’t dress well, lack communication skills, don’t know what you want or lack hobbies, interests and personalities to attract the type of person you seek.

Don’t fool yourself, not everyone is a finished product – most people need some sort of help but not all are willing to work on themselves.

Once you do get presented with a match, ask questions. Don’t just rely on looks (some matchmakers work with photographers that take glamour photos that are unnatural, photoshopped or don’t look like the clients. Ask about how old a photo is.

Ask if the person you are being presented is ok with someone like you (not all dates, especially non-paid clients, are aware made aware of details like age, height, job, politics, religion, kids, marital status).

Anyone can promise dates. If the result or measure for success if guaranteeing a specific date count, that might not help you out. Similarly, be aware of matchmakers that promise ‘unlimited dates’.

Related read: How To Meet People In SF

 

Image Consultant: Wardrobe, Social Skills & Lifestyle

Eddie is an image consultant in San Francisco with clients in NYC, LA, and beyond. He assists clients w/ fashion sense, social skills, hobbies & interests, etiquette, being more approachable around others & making friends.

Should You Hire A Matchmaker, Are Matchmakers Worth It? Pros, Cons Of Matchmaking Services

Matchmakers can be helpful if you know what you want, are flexible, and are ready to date, but these things take time. Most people struggle with effort, prioritization, attitude, confidence, social skills, availability or ability to make compromises.

Don’t use a matchmaker as a quick fix or hack. If you have never dated, are socially awkward, don’t know how to communicate well or are super picky, you might want to reset expectations.

Everyone is different, not everyone has the same intentions, advantages, preferences or is in the same place in life to be ready to date. Matchmakers are not a service meant to outsource your dating life. These should be viewed as partnerships that require effort, work and focus.

If a matchmaker promises you to find the one or claims to be the best, runaway. Matchmaking services are people businesses and there are ebbs and flows with clients in terms of number of available dates, specialization and attentiveness.

Find out if you are going to be working with the main person or a junior associate. Ask about deal-breakers, find out if you can view profiles and photos first rather than go on blind dates. Get everything in writing!

Related readDating In Silicon Valley | Seattle | Austin  | Los Angeles  | NYC

 

Disclaimer – Dating Services San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Bay Area Matchmaking Services

I have no affiliate programs, have no partnerships and don’t have any incentive or referral fees despite many approaches over the years.

Related read: Matchmaking Reviews, Dating Coach Reviews

San Francisco Bay Area Weekly Event Newsletter – Places To Meet Singles In The Bay Area

Weekly curated events email newsletter: food, drink, arts, culture, nature, classes, music, pop-ups, crafts, speaker series, galas and more! No sponsored ads, no commissioned links. One-stop shop to events in San Francisco.

Related read: Where To Meet Singles In SF

Eddie's List - San Francisco Event Calendar, Things To Do In The Bay Area This Week,

 

Bay Area Matchmaking, Speed Dating Reviews (Yelp, Google, Reddit, BBB), Executive Matchmakers 

Ambiance Matchmaking ReviewsAmbiance Matchmaking Yelp Reviews

Bevy Matchmaking ReviewsBevy Matchmaker Yelp Reviews

Cinqe MatchmakingCinque Matchmaking Reviews

Dating By Blaine ReviewsDating By Blaine Yelp Reviews

East Bay Matchmakers Review:  https://sfist.com/2017/05/24/shocker_company_called_silicon_vall/

East Bay Matchmakers Yelp Reviewshttps://www.yelp.com/biz/east-bay-matchmakers-alamo

Elite Connections Reviews: Elite Connections Yelp Reviews (Elite Connections International Reviews)

Elite Singles Review: EliteSingles Dating App Review

Emlovz Reviews: Emyli Lovz Reviews, Emlovz Dating Reviews

Executive Matchmaker Reviews: Executive Matchmaker Yelp Reviews

Exclusive Matchmaking Reviews: Exclusive Matchmaking Yelp Reviews

It’s Just Lunch Yelp Reviews San Francisco– https://www.yelp.com/biz/its-just-lunch-san-francisco-2 (It’s Just Lunch San Francisco)

Introverted Alpha Reviews: Introverted Alpha Yelp Reviews  |  Glassdoor Reviews

 

High End Matchmaking Services San Francisco, Dating Services San Jose, Silicon Valley

Kelleher International San Francisco Reviews: Keller International Reviews, Yelp Reviews

Linx Dating Reviews, Linx Matchmaker Reviews: Linx Dating Yelp Reviews

Linx Dating Refund, Linx Matchmaking Refundshttps://www.bbb.org/us/ca/palo-alto/profile/dating-services/linx-dating-1216-1000006285/complaints

Logan Ury Reviews: https://www.yelp.com/biz/logan-ury-llc-san-francisco (Logan Ury Dating Coach Reviews)

Luma Matchmaking ReviewsLuma Matchmaking Yelp Reviews

Luma Luxury Matchmaking ReviewsLuma Matchmaking Yelp Reviews

Luxury Matchmaking Services Reviews: Luxury Matchmaking Services Yelp Reviews

MyCheekyDate ReviewsYelp Reviews

Next Evolution Matchmaking Reviews: Next Evolution Matchmaking Reviews

Pacific Coast Matchmaker Reviews: Pacific Coast Matchmakers Yelp Reviews

Select Date Society Reviews: Select Date Society Yelp Reviews

Selective Search Matchmaking Reviews: Selective Search Matchmaking Yelp Reviews

Silicon Valley Matchmaker Reviews: Silicon Valley Matchmaker Yelp Reviews

Silicon Valley Matchmaker Lawsuit: Small Claims Lawsuit Story (see also West Coast Matchmakers Review and Sonoma Matchmakers review)

Silicon Valley Matchmaker: Company Called ‘Silicon Valley Matchmaker’ Appears To Be A Pricey Scam

Smart Dating Academy Reviews: Smart Dating Academy Yelp Reviews

Sonoma Matchmaker Yelp Reviews: Sonoma Matchmakers Reviews

SpeedSanFran Dating Reviews: Yelp Reviews

Vida Select BBB Complaints, Refunds: Vida Select BBB Reviews

Vida Select Yelp Reviews: Vida Select Yelp Reviews

West Coast Matchmakers Yelp Reviews: West Coast Matchmaker Reviews

*For more candid reviews/feedback on the above services, contact me directly. Avoid places without any or many reviews online.* These are usually spam farms that change their names after a few bad reviews.

 

Executive Matchmakers San Francisco, High End Matchmaking Services Bay Area

There are lots of companies out there with charming leaders and matchmakers. Some might have solid reviews on Google and Yelp but before you sign a contract, read the reviews. Many of them are from friends, non-paid members or business partners. In some cases, there are reviews by the owners themselves. 

Dating Coach Services

Photos, Profile Reviews, Image Consulting, Date Ideas, Meeting Singles Offline, Social Skills, Screening Profiles, Reading People & More. Clients: Women, Men, Gay & Straight Individuals Seeking Relationships

Indian Matchmaker San Francisco Bay Area, Indian Matchmaker Silicon Valley

About Eddie Hernandez

Eddie is a dating coach for men & women in San Francisco (clients in NYC, LA, Chicago, & beyond ), as seen in the NYT & Bumble). He helps w/ profiles, photos, wardrobe, messaging, date ideas, red flags, lifestyle choices, hobbies, grooming/hygiene, communication, social skills & offline efforts.