Dating Clubs/Matchmakers

Dating Clubs/Matchmakers

When you choose to deal with a dating service, be sure to check:
o from how far away the referrals might come;

o the economic/professional status of dates;

o that dates are club members;

o your ability to review the video/profile/picture, etc. of a
proposed date before your phone number is given or a meeting is
arranged;

o that the information in your file is clear, e.g., wishes,
interests, requirements, "won't accepts;"

o the length of the contract and the number of
dates/introductions promised;

o the cost of any additional fee to extend/renew/continue the
membership;

o any extra costs associated with club functions (parties,
picnics, trips);

o what the club promises to do for the basic fee - there might be
little relationship between the cost and performance of the club;
beware of very high priced companies;

o that all "guarantees" are in writing;

o for figures on its percent of success and the average length of
time needed to locate an acceptable spouse if the club
promises to find you a spouse; and

o the cancellation policy - check with your state or local
consumer agency for your legal rights; contact your consumer agency
or the Better Business Bureau to file a complaint.

Timeshares/Campgrounds

o Prizes and awards might be used in promoting timeshares and
campgrounds. They sometimes are overvalued or misrepresented.
Free awards might "bait" you into driving a long distance to the
property, only to attend a long high-pressure sales pitch to obtain
your prize.

o Be realistic. Make your decision based on how much you will use
it and if it provides the recreational and vacation purposes you
want. Don't decide to purchase based on an investment
possibility. It might be difficult or almost impossible to resell.

o Ask about such additional costs as finance charges, annual fees
and maintenance fees. Maintenance fees can go up yearly. o
Compare your total annual cost with that of hotels or your normal
vacation expenses.

o Ask about availability during your vacation periods. Ask what
other timeshares or campgrounds you may use with your membership.

o Talk to individuals, who already purchased from the company,
about the services, availability, upkeep and reciprocal rights to
use other facilities.

o Get everything in writing and make sure verbal promises are in
the written contract. Have an attorney review any
contracts/documents and make sure there are no blanks on the papers
you sign.

o Do you have cancellation rights? State laws vary. Check with
your local or state consumer agency.

o Check for any complaints against the company, seller,
developer and management company with your consumer agency or the
Better Business Bureau.

o To order a free publication on timeshares and health clubs,
contact the Federal Trade Commission, Public Reference Section, 6th
& Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 130, Washington, DC 20580, (202)
326-2222.