BANGOR DAILY NEWS -- May 19 -- "You need plumbing work done, you go to a plumber. You're looking for the right person, you go to a matchmaker." The Rochesters opened their doors five years ago www.thematchmakerofmaine.com. The matchmaking process starts with a free, in-depth interview that can last up to two hours. Once the Rochesters find a potential match, they contact both parties and proceed if there's a mutual interest. They'll even go to the initial meeting to help break the ice. The cost ranges from $275 for an introductory membership to $575 for a year of unlimited introductions. Some matchmakers charge $1,000 for their services, while celebrity matchmaker Samantha Daniels, who was the basis for the TV show "Miss Match," charges $10,000. Tom Rochester said their main client base is singles in their 40s, with 30 being the young end of the age group and 60 being the high end. 50% are divorced, most have advanced education degrees and the majority are successful in their careers but aren't interested in the bar scene.
The full article was originally published at Bangor News, but is no longer available.
Mark Brooks: Online dating companies can learn a lot from real world matchmakers. The two worlds need to ally. Bottle the real world services online and you have the makings of a very profitable service.
