Dating Site Success Rates - Dating Guide

Dating site success rates are better than with matchmaking agencies

Online, millions of people look for contacts, whether for a partner for life or an adventurous flirtation. With matchmaking agencies, membership fees of more than 60 euros (in Germany) make finding a partner expensive. According to Stiftung Warentest, Germany's consumer testing foundation, the chances of success on inexpensive singles sites are in fact considerably higher. For about 20 euros a month, you can set up your profile on a dating site. Where is your money better spent? Some dating sites let you create a profile and search for suitable partners on your own.

Others require a personality test at the start and then suggest suitable partners. Only members who are compatible according to a certain formula can exchange messages. This service is considerably more expensive, but according to Stiftung Warentest, the success rates are not significantly higher.

Dating Site Success Rates - Major Shortcomings

Only just over half of dating site members are satisfied with their provider. Serious flaws showed up in contract terms, customer service and the quality of the partner search itself. Surveyed users named member quality, partner suggestions, the messages they received and a lack of success as the weak points. Prices, membership terms and the options for canceling often led to poor ratings. It is also legitimate to polish your own biography to improve your chances on a dating site. The point is to highlight your strengths clearly and play down your flaws. This isn't cheating; this is how the business of flirting and online dating works. Personality weaknesses are not covered in your profile, in order to boost your own market value. Being tolerant here also means giving yourself a new look at certain stages of life. But you should never overdo it.

When it comes to finding a partner, the success rate is 30 to 40 percent. Forming couples is a compromise, though the opposite is often portrayed. The internet lures people with "love is no coincidence" and promises perfect partners or a long-term relationship. That is unrealistic if people think they just have to sign up and a happy future awaits. For online dating, dating sites only provide the infrastructure. That means users search the databases individually for suitable profiles. These aren't subject to fees from the start, but members are shown targeted offers. Compared with newspaper personal ads, you can of course reach many more potential partners. Still, dating site success rates shouldn't be overrated. Out of 20 people you are interested in, perhaps every second one shares that interest. After the first meeting, maybe two people remain. Even when the search for a dream partner is unsuccessful, interesting contacts or friendships can come out of it.