INDIANAPOLIS STAR - Feb 11 - Many people looking for love are now paying
hundreds or thousands for personal matchmakers. The dating industry is
estimated to be worth ~$1 billion in the US. Personal matchmaking
services account for ~$500M of that, according to The Matchmaking
Institute. Its worth has doubled since 2006. Higher divorce rates mean
more people are single. Newly divorced people might feel like they need
coaching after being out of the dating scene for several years. And some
people tire of the bar scene and online dating and want more personal
help. Matchmakers argue that their services are more effective than
other dating methods. They personally screen their clients, so it's
impossible for people to lie about their age or physical appearance, an
oft-parodied danger of online dating. Amy Owens who brands herself as
"The Singles Coach," estimates that ~85% of the couples she sets up want
to go out with each other again. She charges $100 an hour and estimates
that most of her clients spend an average of $400 to $500 total.
by Carrie Ritchie
See full article at USA Today
