[S893]Start A Dating Service

* Select a service that seems likely to attract the type of person you want to meet.
* Know what you can reasonably expect from the service balanced against the investment you will be making. Compare costs, membership lengths and services.
* Inquire whether there are many members in your geographic area and your demographic.
* Keep in mind that quality and quantity don't always go hand-in-hand. Traditional dating services are more likely to screen potential members and cost more. In many cases, anyone with a credit card can post a profile on an online dating site but you may have more members to choose from.
* Ask the company to document the number of active members it has on file, the ratio of men to women and their dating preferences, and the number of clients who meet your specific criteria.
* Know if the service offers two-way matching. If you indicate that you're willing to date someone across the state, but the business only provides potential dates who want to limit their scope to members within a 10-mile radius, your chance of success is much lower.
* Inquire whether the business provides other beneficial services, such as help creating a profile or tips on how to initiate an online conversation.
* As with all businesses, quality and customer service can vary. Check out the company's reputation with the Better Business Bureau and ask for references. You may also be able to research a company's track record by searching online; some Web sites allow consumers to post reviews of dating services.

Try before you buy

* Inquire whether the company offers a free trial period for its service.
* Some online services will let you browse and search profiles at no charge before you sign up, giving you a better indication of the sort of people you may have an opportunity to meet.
* A trial period will also help you determine whether an online site is easy to use and whether its matching or search capabilities are accurate.

Understand the contract terms

* Be sure you understand all terms of the contract before you join. Regardless of whether you choose to use an Internet-based service or a more traditional matchmaking service in which you interact with a company representative, it is important to know exactly what you are paying for. Get all promises in writing.
* Some subscription-based services will automatically renew your membership and charge you unless you cancel by a specified date.
* Check out guarantees and refund policies. Know what your recourse is if you are dissatisfied with the service. If you do meet someone using the service, will you receive a refund for the remaining membership term?
* Pay with a credit card instead of a check or cash so that you have a record of payment and can request a charge-back for services not delivered.

Safety considerations

* Inquire how the company will protect your privacy.
* When considering an online service, choose a site that enforces behavioral standards and provides a respectful and supportive environment. Make sure you have a way to block undesired communication (e-mails, online chats) from individual members.
* Take steps to avoid physical harm, as well as crimes such as identity theft that can result from someone obtaining your personal information.
o Do not reveal any personal information in your online dating profile, personal ads or private emails to other singles. Such information includes your real name, specifics about where you live or any other facts that could be used maliciously.
o Use only the communication tools provided by the dating service and use a unique e-mail alias to communicate with potential dates.
o Be wary of profiles without photos, or photos that aren't clearly visible.
o Always meet in a public place on the first date and make certain your friends know where you are.
o Consider running a background check on potential dates before you meet them.

If you aren't satisfied with the quality of service a dating company provided, you can file a consumer complaint with the Attorney General's Office.