With our economy in shambles, and singles everywhere flocking to the online dating sites to find love, it’s only natural to wonder if these online dating sites are cost effective and worth your time. In order to get the maximum value amount for your dollar, it’s advisable to take a few minutes to run through the following checklist to see how much online dating costs:
1. Determine what you are looking for.
Are you looking for a long lasting, meaningful relationship or are you looking for more of a one night stand? Not all dating sites are the same and you could save yourself a few dollars if you are looking for the latter. Such sites as Adultfriendfinder cater to the “meet up and hook up” type of crowds whereas sites like eHarmony and Chemistry cater to singles looking for long term meaningful relationships. eHarmony and Chemistry cost a little more (depending on how long you choose to subscribe for) than the other online dating sites, but offer in return a matchmaking system that is intended to introduce you to other singles whom you are most compatible with. eHarmony and Chemistry have 2 major differences:
a. Chemistry.com matches singles based upon their chemistry. The underlying attraction that draws two singles together (and keeps them together). Chemistry also allows for homosexual relationships wherein a man can meet a man and a woman can date a woman.
b. eHarmony bases their matches upon “dimensions of compatibility”. These degrees of compatibility include your personality as well as your lifestyle choices. eHarmony does not allow for homosexual matching, but their sister site “Compatible Partners” does. An eHarmony subscription will cost anywhere from $19.95 per month for 12 months to $59.99 for a 1 month subscription, depending on what subscription package you choose.
Sites like Match.com (one of the oldest online dating sites out there) are more of a casual type of dating atmosphere, wherein a good mix of “serious” and “not-so-serious” daters meet and mingle. Chemistry is owned by Match and is constantly upselling on the Match.com website. An average Match.com subscription price runs anywhere from $16.99 per month for 6 months or $34.99 for one month. Depending on the time of year, Match.com does run promotions wherein a cheaper subscription cost can be had.
2. Promotional Code
Does the online dating site you are planning on signing up for offer a promotional code? These coupon codes can be entered at time of checkout to save you money on your monthly subscription. eharmony promotional code and Chemistry.com coupon codes are two popular terms to search for. eHarmony offers promotional code that will save you money. These codes can be entered at time of checkout for instant savings. The bigger discounts are geared towards the 6 and 12 month subscriptions. Chemistry.com on the other hand runs a buy 2 months get 2 months promotion.
3. Free dating sites
While generally speaking you will find the highest quality matches on eHarmony and Chemistry, don’t necessarily discount the free online dating sites such as PlentyofFish and Singlesnet (who was recently acquired by Match.com). These dating sites are completely free (although you can pay to “spruce up” your profile if you so choose). As with anything that is “public” and “free”, you can expect to find people from all walks of life on these dating sites. I have personally spoken with several people who started their online dating experience on the freebie dating sites and within 1 month, switched to a paid dating site. The quality of the singles you meet on the freebie sites (and intent) can be somewhat questionable. That’s not to say you couldn’t find the love of your life on one of the free online dating sites, but rather you would have a much better chance on one of the paid sites. If someone is willing to shell out upwards of $100 for a 6 month subscription to eHarmony or Chemistry.com, you can probably bet that they are intent on finding love or a lasting relationship.
4. Free Communication Weekends
eHarmony and Chemistry (and to some lesser extent PerfectMatch.com) offer free communication weekends. You do not have to sign up for a membership and you will be allowed to contact other members to try out their services. These “free comm” weekends are few and far inbetween, the more notable ones being the Valentines Day and Memorial Day free communication weekends. Generally speaking, the eHarmony free weekends come first, follow closely by Chemistry.com.