OPW INTERVIEW - Feb 28 - If you're considering starting a dating site, you can create your own custom software using a programming outfit and get maximum flexibility, or buy software off the shelf, like SkaDate 9, or if you want to focus on marketing and not touch coding or deal with servers, go with a white label dating service (see list). Here's our interview with Emil Sargonoev, the CEO/Founder of Skalfa Software. - Mark Brooks
SkaDate 9 is now out, and its worth a look-in.
What improvements have you made with the new SkaDate?
We found out that giants like Facebook have significantly changed the way people interact online. Were we surprised? Not really. Users don't want pure matchmaking sites with limited to no social features these days. What they really want is a hybrid website where they could have fun chatting, playing games and sharing media AND look for a spouse. A social aspect keeps a member engaged and entertained even if 'that model-looking chick' never returns a message. Besides, it creates a more casual and relaxed atmosphere for making new acquaintances.
What makes Facebook equally attractive for a company executive, a college student, and a housewife is the social graph. Besides the social graph, it features the most convenient tool to keep track of on-site activity ever - the newsfeed. So we took another step towards 'socializing' our dating software, and developed a Facebook-style newsfeed that is now available in SkaDate 9.
We also developed a native iPhone/iPad SkaDate application in close cooperation with our partners - SOD Technologies. Currently we are also putting finishing touches on an Android app (both for smartphones and tablets). All that goes along with the SkaDate mobile browser version that works with Opera mini, Safari and Internet Explorer. We aim to cover all the popular mobile devices by the end of February.
SkaDate 9 side improvements include adding a classifieds module, coupon codes and tools for automatic search engine optimization, and two new templates (adult-themed 'Fab', and social-networking content-based 'Rainbow'), created with direct input from visitors of SkaDate's website.
How is SkaDate different and better than other dating software providers?
I could make it a long talk, but I'll list our three main advantages instead:
- SkaDate has unencrypted source code. Which means there are no licensed files that can turn site customization into a nightmare. That also means the customer owns each and every part of their website, and is technically independent from the software vendor. Sounds great, doesn't it?
- SkaDate is basically a what-you-see-is-what-you-get solution. It comes packed with the features available on the demo at a fixed one-time cost. So, no headache comparing the product packages, prices, options and such. We do offer a few paid add-ons, but skipping them won't turn your site into an under-featured 'core'.
- We strive for quality and innovation. We are always looking for ways to integrate seemingly simple and obvious features that later become fundamental parts of dating-specific software and industry staple. For example, our Points system? If they User Points boosts member activity and encourage users to come back to the site more often - then why not? This was also the case with the Speed-Dating module, and with the Advanced Newsfeed. Our customers appreciate this approach, they love to see their ideas brought to life in new software builds and versions. In return we get loyalty, as is evidenced by our runner-up spot in the Best Dating Software Provider category at the 2012 iDate Awards.
Why would someone want to use SkaDate over a white label hosted provider?
White label solutions are effectively affiliate systems. Technically they are not software but I'll leave this question to purists.
From business perspective white label solutions are good for marketers who have the budget and know how to use it most efficiently for lead generation. Those leads are then converted using the existing online dating paradigms. But there's one important thing to remember: you don't own a site, you don't own content, you don't own revenue. You only get a share from someone who converts your traffic. That's the definition of affiliate systems.
On the other hand, owning software (like SkaDate) is a cheap and fast way to try out your own ideas. This is how PlentyofFish, OKCupid, Mingle2 and others started. You can tweak your site, you can maximize conversion by various optimization techniques, finally you can pivot and experiment with business models. In the end of the day, you own the site, content, and all revenue. This is the best platform for innovation.
A lot of people were skeptical about selling software and support to online dating startups. If the past 7 years of SkaDate are any indication, our business gets more and more and more resilient. Lately we are getting a lot of white label systems refugees.
Could you point to a list of preferred programmers who can customize SkaDate?
For a while now we have been providing customization and support services in-house. However, we do understand that customers need alternative options. This could be due to a number of reasons, like more flexible schedules, cheaper freelance fees, etc. To create this alternative we have set up a specialized freelance resource, SkaDateCS, where third-party developers provide customization services for SkaDate clients. In addition we have partnered with the aforementioned third-party development company SOD Technologies, who work on modifications and support services at competitive prices.
Who do you recommend for hosting?
Basically, any software provider, whose servers are configured to meet our system requirements, is a good candidate for hosting a SkaDate-powered site. Also, 24/7 support and server status monitoring are highly preferred, as someone should always be around to get the site up and running in case of server downtime. We have listed a few recommended software providers on our website to ease the choice for SkaDate customers.
Emil you are associated with SOD Technologies, check out the attrition level with that company and hw gud is the crisis mananagement. they do local project for petty money with premature guys. a company tht focuz on localized project. hv u ever check hw many ppl r regular in maintaining yr project
Posted by: Shruti Seo | Sep 03, 2012 at 10:32 AM
I'm seriously unhappy that I decided to go ahead and purchase SkaDate Scam Script EVEN AFTER reading all these terrible ratings. I am not one to be deterred by random disgruntled customer/black pr... thought since the "pre-sale" customer service was so good that I'd go ahead and buy it. anyway long story short - a day into buying the product i've already come across a hurdle. installation didn't go through all the way (they blamed it on the hosting company - although i know from past experience and a quick call to my hosting company that it wasn't a problem with hosting).
they are so quick and dismissive once teh sale was done. Now i'm scrambling for help in the forum - trying to figure out all this problem with my site crashing randomly. I have NO CLUE and no help certainly...
and the best part... when i ask for help through the support system - i get offered the wonderful $95/month plan to pay for support... YEAH RIGHT!! i pay for a product i cannot even customize even though they say it can be! moment you step into the backend to customize css, everything falls apart and no documentation to help us out!
This is beyond illegal to scam customers into buying a bugged-out software, with very little to no support (and limited "unique" templates) and then have them scurrying to pay more just to fix YOUR software... we are the customers, we shouldn't be fixing your errors. So if you cannot guarantee a bug-free product - then DON'T charge us for support!!!!
I SINCERELY learned my lesson (although it cost me a grand $400 USD). Never buy from a company with real bad PR... there's truth behind it (after all it cannot all be "fake comments")
and by the way, before you step on this message board telling me to come forward. I'd be glad to.. except i dont' plan on releasing my personal information on the web. simply contact me (I'm unfortunately still stuck being your customer til I find a more reliable software). So reply back to me if you have a remedy for this ridiculous situation! Skadate Scam Script has a lot of complaints all around the web. Try googling Skadate complaints. Report to www.BBB.org if you have your own complaint.
Posted by: John Soars | Mar 15, 2013 at 04:14 PM
Hi Shruti,
Yes, we've received several customer complaints about SOD Tech and raised the issue with the company's management. For a while now we are keeping close attention to the operation and communication aspects to insure better client satisfaction.
To further improve the situation, we are becoming increasingly more engaged in customization and app projects that were handled by our partners. At present we are working on our own in-house app and a new software version, which will allow us dealing with similar issues directly and more competently.
In the interim period, do contact us us directly if you encounter any problems with projects handled by Skalfa partners - we'll do everything possible to resolve all issues in the best way possible asap.
Posted by: Zima Sanfilippo | Jul 11, 2014 at 01:09 AM
I am Zima, the new Product Manager for SkaDate, and even though this “testimonial” is quite old, I think it is my duty to address the issues described here, it’s just very unfortunate this came to my attention this late. I am, however, not sure it was a good idea to request the company to reply to you here while not giving your name. This is likely why this post was ignored for so long, since it is impossible to track the real situation through the system. Nevertheless...
Let’s start with the installation. We do dozens of them daily and while the vast majority of them proceed smoothly, occasional hiccups do happen - there’s just no way around it. Obviously even the most expensive and lauded of software solutions are not protected against it. There are tons of reasons why this can happen, and if our support team said it was due to hosting - it likely was. The software is what it is - the same copy runs on our demo page, so if it’s working there, the problem is not with the script. We have a list of quite mild system requirements (including for the hosting), and in case everything is compatible, there will be no problems with the installation whatsoever. Nevertheless, even if some issues arise, we are always on hand to work it out and resolve it, especially at such an early stage.
Moving on - I am honestly baffled as to why a new client would appeal to a customer forum for help at this early stage, instead of requesting us to just install the software for them and insure everything is set up properly. Especially since the installation is always free with the purchase. Installing the script on their own is totally the client’s own choice.
The claim that the client was offered paid support at this stage is simply not true. A free month of free support ticket system is ALWAYS included in the license purchase deal. It’s not like we switch it on and off - it’s automatic. When customers buy a license and install the software, they immediately get a month of free support. This is done specifically to make sure clients have enough time to learn the script and set up their websites the way they want it. Paid support is completely optional and kicks-in only a month later. We honestly believe this is quite reasonable - a month is usually more than enough to properly get a website up and running. The later support that we provide typically deals with customization issues.
On to the limited unique templates. I honestly don’t understand what is the problem here. There are almost 50 unique templates that are provided to the clients for free. Note that we are not talking about dozens of the same templates that only vary in color. All of them are individually designed to satisfy various needs and niches. Many have been drawn at specific client requests. Moreover these options are not hidden - all templates can be seen on the site openly before the purchase. Custom templates can be ordered from us or our partners at request.
Finally, I feel I need to address the ‘numerous complaints’ point. True, there are negative reviews across the web, but more often than not, they are word-for-word repostings or rephrasing of the same old claims under different names. I’m not saying all negative reviews are fake, but all of the real ones have been addressed and resolved. Luckily, for every negative review, there is a positive one. And I hope we all could live to see the day when a software company, big or small, could brag about having no complaints, criticism or negative reviews.
It is not in our interest to lose clients or multiply unhappy ones. SkaDate is real software, we are on the market for ten years already, have several iDate nominations under our belt, industry professionals communicate with us regularly, we have a portfolio of dozens of operational, successful and profitable sites running on our script. What is in our interest is to continue developing an affordable and accessible business solution. The choice is ultimately yours. If you believe that a budget software for under $500 wont solve your needs (script or support wise), there is always a freelance development route. The costs will likely run into thousands, and the support is not always guaranteed, but at least you’ll have no one to blame for missteps.
Posted by: Zima Sanfilippo | Jul 11, 2014 at 02:06 AM