Brick And Mortar Chains

Marketdata Enterprises estimates that this segment of the industry was negatively impacted by the dating websites and other competition, and is struggling. The number of offices operated by the largest �bricks and mortar� dating services are declining or flat�not growing. The price of a franchise in this segment has been cut since 2002. Marketing methods are not yielding strong returns. Complaints and actions by local authorities still persist. All these indicators point to a troubled market segment.

The top four chains or brand names in this market segment operated about the same number of offices in 2003 as in 2001�about 218. However, their estimated combined revenues fell about 23% in two years.

A sea change has taken place in the industry�a combination of major competition from low-priced Internet dating services such as Match.com, and a slow economy where debt-ridden consumers are very reluctant to pay the high prices that the �traditional� services charge. In addition, it�s just a lot tougher to get prospects in the door, since the return on direct mail marketing that they use is so abysmal. Furthermore, the major credit card companies have imposed tighter restrictions on dating services.

These chains or franchises represent a middle ground between the least expensive dating services (dating websites) and the most expensive (independent matchmakers). They may be attractive for singles who want a higher level of personal service, and background checking or at least knowing that their matches have been seen in person to verify their weight, height, age, whether the man is bald, etc. If you are willing to part with $3,000 - $4,000, this may be the option for you. Just realize that this segment of the industry has had lots of unscrupulous and aggressive sales reps in the past. Keep your guard up, don�t be forced into contracts that don�t sound right, try to contact unbiased references, and �let the buyer beware�.

Niche Segments

In the category of �other� dating services with physical operations (not just online), we include speed dating outfits and other companies such as: Table For Six Adventures, Dinner for Six, Dinner Dates, Lunchdates, PerfectMatch.com, Renaissance For Singles, and other small operations. In fact, whatever growth occurs in this segment of the market is likely to be driven by niche operators such as speed dating.

The Major Chains

Following are the major identifiable chains that are still operating:

	# of offices 2001	#. of offices: 2003

Great Expectations	54	54
Together	90	70
Matchmakers Intl.	40	29
It�s Just Lunch	30	65
Total:	214	218

Source: company information, Marketdata estimates

Great Expectations

Based on our own research, and conversations with competitors in various segments of the industry, Marketdata believes that GE may be operating the same number of offices as in late 2002. The problem with Great Expectations is that it is no longer a coordinated franchise system with a head office. Each office is individually owned and has its own marketing practices and policies. It appears from the company�s current website that GE still operates about 54 offices nationwide, and that two people own the bulk of them

One can find the locations of these offices by using the website: www.great-expectations.com.

Marketdata estimates that the average customer pays GE $3,000+ for its services. Unfortunately, the company still struggles with bad publicity regarding deceptive and high pressure sales tactics that we thought had been eliminated years ago. Not so, as evidenced by a February 2004 lawsuit against the firm by the Kansas Attorney General.

Together Dating Service

Headquarters:

5026 Dorsey Hall Drive

Suite 205

Ellicott City, MD 21042 (410-730-8866

Websites: www.therightone.com and www.togetherdating.com

Management reports that the dating websites that they compete with have actually helped their firm, increasing awareness and eliminating some of the social stigma of introduction services in general

Together Dating Service was founded in 1974, and is now a Boston-based company called Together Management Group, that�s run by partners Paul Falzone and Bradford Megahan. The company has about 70 franchised locations throughout the United States (compared to 90 in late 2002). The firm operates two separate companies that carry different �brand� names: Together and The Right One. Each of these operates roughly 35 offices.

Matchmakers International

Matchmakers International (Avalanche Advertising)

331 Alberta Drive, Suite 104

Amherst, NY 14226 (716-833-1341)

website: www.matchmakerinternational.com

This company now operates 27 offices, putting it among the top three chains still operating. This is down from 40 in late 2002. The company is still selling franchises, at a total investment cost of $20,000-40,000 (vs. $75,000 in 2002).

Like other off-line dating services, this operation has been hurt by the dating websites, but many customers do say that they�ve tried the online services and ultimately trade up to more personalized, higher priced services such as Matchmakers International. Management claims that the chain at its peak operated 56 offices coast to coast. Now, all offices are located east of the Mississippi, with a high concentration of them in the Midwest. One can view the addresses of all offices at the website.

It's Just Lunch

It�s Just Lunch

919 4^th Ave., Suite 2500

San Diego, CA 92101 (619-234-7200) www.itsjustlunch.com

It's Just Lunch doesn't offer high-tech hook-ups. The matchmaking service sets up busy, professional singles with potential partners for lunch dates based on personal interviews instead of the much maligned introduction videos or online dating pools. The company, which operates some 65 locations across the US, charges singles $1,500 for a 12-month membership. Apparently, this offline dating company has grown since 2002, since it then had only 30 locations.

Information in The Dating Channel comes from the market research performed by Marketdata Enterprises, Inc. (Tampa, FL), which is one of the leading analysts of ALL segments of the dating services market since 1998�online vs. offline services. Its latest study is entitled: The U.S. Dating Services Market: A Consumer Guide (July 2005). This 57�page report can be purchased from Marketdata. Visit MarketdataEnterprises.com or call 813-931-3900 for details.

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