Love Match

What do dating agencies offer and how much does it cost to join? And just how do you meet your perfect mate? Find out in our handy guide.

It's Just Lunch

20, Raffles Place, Ocean Towers #14-01. Call 65360100.

Targets: High-flying executives. The company has close to 500 members in its database since it opened last June. About 40 per cent are expatriates.

Costs: $1,400 buys you membership for 12 months or 14 dates, whichever comes later.

How guy meets girl: Clients are interviewed for more than an hour by agency staff, who try to form a picture of the ideal mate. They arrange a lunch date or after-work drinks at one of the company's 15 affiliate restaurants and night spots such as Gusto, Hibiki Restaurant and Sake Salon, Ocho Spanish Restaurant & Tapas Bar and Amici Italian
restaurant.

Drinks At Eight

30, Raffles Place, Caltex House #23-00. Call 6233 6863.

Targets: People who enjoy the high life. The newest agency on the block started operations in March and has some 85 members.

Costs: $680 for eight dates of your choice. In addition, enjoy a bottle of 2003 Sauvignon Blanc or 2002 Pinot Noir on the house (for this month only).

How guy meets girl: Clients fill up about 10 pages of forms describing their ideal dates. Agency staff throw in shopping companionship and offer grooming tips to clients for their dates at fine-dining restaurants such as Senso, Fuenti and Le Bistro. There are also wine appreciation yacht cruises.

Two To Tango

30, Robinson Road, Robinson Towers #03-01C. Call 6225 4465.

Targets: Executives, entrepreneurs and expatriates. Launched last June, Two To Tango has more than 500 members.

Costs: $960 for 12 pre-screened dates in a year.

How guy meets girl: Couples are paired off after screening by the agency. Clients get discounts on various activities. Image consultants also give lessons on grooming and etiquette at discounted rates. There is a Pets Dating Programme, where two pet lovers who do not want to leave their pets home alone can double date with pets in tow.

Lunch Actually

24, Raffles Place, Clifford Centre #21-02. Call 6532 0010.

Targets: White-collar professionals. Set up in June last year, 90 per cent of its 600-strong database comes from the professional sector, including lawyers and accountants.

Costs: $850 for annual membership package, including 12 introductions; $580 for half-year membership, including six introductions.

How guy meets girl: Couples are e-matched according to their stated profiles, physical and personality preferences as well as analysis of their handwriting samples.

Red, White And True

Nagarathar Building, 5, Tank Road #02-03. Call 6737 9239.

Targets: Anyone yearning for that special someone. Since its opening in January this year, the agency has registered close to 200 members.

Costs: $55 for each match, no registration fees. From next month, the first date will cost $80 (inclusive of a registration fee of $55), while subsequent dates cost $25 each.

How guy meets girl: After meeting an agency staff for an assessment, a match is found and phone numbers exchanged. When the company has enough people on the database, it is planning to organise Speed Introduction, singles parties, self-help workshops and seminars.

www.gomoviedate.com

Targets: Those in their late 20s to early 40s. Set up in November last year, it has more than 900 members today.

Costs: Free of charge for women. But men have to buy a gold membership at $19.90, $39.90 and $59.90 for three, six and 12 months respectively. The platinum membership costs $39.90, $69.90 and $99.90 for three, six and 12 months respectively. Those who sign up for the platinum membership have higher chances of finding a match.

How guy meets gal: Both parties sign up online and are matched by a computer system. The guy invites the girl to a movie. Tickets are hand-delivered to their homes. The couple simply turn up for the movie. Upcoming plans are for bowling dates, swimming dates, clubbing dates and coffee dates.