Online Personals Watch: News on the Online Dating Industry and Business

For Matchmakers Love Knows No Recession

CRAIN'S NEW YORK - Jan 3 - Revenue at Lisa Clampitt's Manhattan matchmaking firm, VIP Life, which caters exclusively to men, has doubled over the past two years. She charges each client $12K a year and serves 30 men at a time. In New York City, there used to be three or four high-end players in the industry, according to Ms. Clampitt. “Now there are at least 12.” Lisa Ronis, founder of Lisa Ronis Personal Matchmaking in Manhattan, said her business, with three part-time employees, has grown ~10% a year. Her fees start at $15K for a year of service. “Last year was my best year,” said Ms. Ronis. “My clients are well aware of the recession, but they feel vulnerable now and want to connect in a meaningful way”, she said.

by Eilene Zimmerman
See full article at Crain's New York

Mark Brooks: The internet dating industry has warmed up millions of singles to the idea of spending money to get help finding love. 

See all posts on VIP Life

What Millionaires Want: Q&A w/Top NY Matchmakers

NBC NY - Jan 12 - Siggy Flicker is the head matchmaker for Model Quality Introductions in the New York tri-state area. Lisa Clampitt is the president of VIP Life and co-founder of the Matchmaking Institute, a book author and a professional matchmaker since 1999.

Q: Who are your millionaire clients?
Flicker: We have clients that range from celebrities, CEOs, Doctors, Dentists, Attorneys and Inventors.
Clampitt: VIP Life male clients tend to range from late 20’s to mid 50’s, with varied occupations.

Q: What are they looking for?
Flicker: Attractive, fun, polished, intelligent, classy ladies who posses “THE WHOLE PACKAGE” - beauty, brains and a body.
Clampitt: These days, looks alone don't cut it.  Men are looking for it all; looks, style, personality, intellectual compatibility, good nature and in the end; LOVE.

Q: What are some tips on dating and keeping a millionaire?
Flicker: Act like a lady and keep conversations on the first few dates light. Don't talk about failed past relationships or financial problems or politics.
Clampitt: One of the biggest requests VIP Life gets from its male clients is that they want a sweet and genuine woman who is not angry or jaded.

Q: Who are your female clients? What are the chances for an average looking gal to date a millionaire?
Flicker: Age 20-50. The chances are great.
Clampitt: From early 20’s to mid 40’s. They are beautiful and sophisticated.

Q: What are your fees?
Flicker: Men pay $20,000 and up a year.  The women, if accepted pay nothing.
Clampitt: Fees start at $12,500 and up for men and membership is free for exceptional women who qualify to enter the database.
FULL ARTICLE @ NBC NEW YORK

Mark Brooks: Case in point, the internet dating industry is leaving money on the table.