Thursday, March 15, 2007
LifeMates
skip to main skip to sidebarLifeMates: Save Your MoneyThursday, March 15, 2007LifeMates: Save Your Money (A Public Service Announcement, Buyer Beware, Complaints, Ripped Off, Very Expensive, Worst Idea of My Life)http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/services/dating/index.htmlCheck out the link above for a CBC expose article on LifeMates. (it's not just this blogger's sour grapes!)Been burned by LifeMates, too? (reply to this blog or better yet publish your own blog - the more information people put out, the more other people will be warned in the future)If you're thinking of joining LifeMates, please save your money. I wish I did. I paid thousands and got nothing (but an ulcer from the stress). They didn't provide a single match for months and kept making excuses. They also don't return calls. When this happened I did some research (I know, I should have done my research first - if I had, I never would have joined). I was alarmed at what I found: complaints galore (of all kinds: from no service, to bad service...).Other people reported the same. No service. Or if service was provided, seemingly without any thought into the matchmaking. Their standard policy is to take your money and do nothing, but then to set you up, if you complain and want your money back (because in the fine print of the contract, if you accept even 1 single dating referral, you get zero percent refund). If you ask for a refund, they will set you up (finally), so they can give you nothing back. Knowing this, I refused their offers (they'd had months already and now I knew better from doing a bit of research) and just demanded my money back. Having got no service, one would think a 100% refund is reasonable. I was told they would only give 50% back, even if there was no service (once again, read the fine print of the contract.http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/services/dating/index.htmlTo get even the 50% back, I had to call every week, for over 4 months. They'd leave me on hold for ages (even got "disconnected" a few times). After months of calling, I finally got 50% back (almost a year dealing with them in total - not a single date but plenty of grief.So beware, beware...don't make my mistake. There are other ways to meet people. (Speed dating - you can do a lot of speed dating for the same money) and internet dating (Lava Life - pretty cheap, and Plenty of Fish - free!) Life Mates promises a lot, but don't be fooled because they don't deliver (never mind what they promised; most of the time, you can't even get service of any sort). Giving these people money is the same as flushing it down the toilet.I've never in my life dealt with a company like this. I don't know why they're still in business. And I'm certainly not the only one. There's a wonderful expose article by the CBC. Have a look (click on the link for the story at the CBC site, or read here):http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/services/dating/index.htmlMarketplace uses hidden cameras to get a glimpse of the aggressive sales techniques one dating service uses to sign up customers.CBC MARKETPLACE: SERVICES » DATING SERVICESDating agency's sales tactics leave some feeling stungBroadcast: January 23, 2002 Reporter: Jacquie Perrin; Producer: George Prodanou; Researchers: Mike Gordon, Virginia SmartLifeMates says it's the largest relationship company in Canada.Being single today is no picnic. People in some age groups won't admit to being alone - and wanting a partner. So what about a dating service?For a fee and an interview, many such services promise to help you meet a person with the characteristics you want in a partner.LifeMates runs big ads that say it's the largest relationship company in Canada."We're the only company in the industry that has the magnitude of matches," according to company CEO Todd Holley. "We have 800 pre-approved matches a week right now, so we're on track for 40,000 pre-approved matches this year."LifeMates says it has signed 17,000 members, employs 70 people in 10 Canadian cities and is about to open in the United States.Rebecca Hiebert is single and curious - she contacted the Winnipeg branch of LifeMates for an interview. "The big pitch was either sign up now, or you're choosing to be single for the rest of your life," she says.Hiebert told Marketplace that the person conducting the interview "messed with my personal world a lot. I was feeling a little unsettled. She was very hard on me. I felt very down on myself.""We have 800 pre-approved matches a week," says LifeMates' Todd HolleyLike Hiebert, many singles who go to a dating company are at a vulnerable point in their lives. It stands to reason that LifeMates, the "people company," would be sensitive to prospective clients. Not quite. Past members told us LifeMates seemed focused on getting them to sign on the dotted line.We wanted to see for ourselves, so Marketplace called LifeMates simply to ask about the fees charged for its services.They wouldn't tell us over the phone. We got the sales pitch: you have to qualify before you can get a quote - you have to come in for an interview to see if you qualify.Going undercoverMarketplace sent a researcher, Maxine, to LifeMates' Toronto office — with a hidden camera. She was asked to come prepared with two pieces of identification — including a credit card.Rebecca Hiebert fought for a refund from LifeMates."My job is to get to know you, screen and qualify you," the LifeMates' rep told Maxine. "[I'll] get the process started and in getting to introduce you to some very nice men."She went on to ask questions like:Have you ever been married?Who initiated the break-up?How did you feel when it ended?The strategy seemed to be the same in both the Toronto and Winnipeg offices: get the client to reveal their personal life and to pour out their heart about previous relationships.We wanted to see whether LifeMates treated men differently. So, we sent Ian to the phone. Unlike Maxine, he was quoted a price of $800 to $2,500 — depending on the options. He visited LifeMates in Mississauga, Ontario.He was asked questions like:How many long term relationships have you had?Was your partner affectionate, generous?When did the relationship start to break down?What's the average amount in your bank account?The LifeMates representative told Maxine: "If you want us to work together, it's got to work on our terms." Maxine was also asked to commit and sign before the LifeMates' rep revealed the price."… Are you prepared to get this started today?" she was asked. "You're ready to get the process started today? So you're ready to sign a legal agreement for our services?""But I don't know what it's going to cost," Maxine responded."Sure, and I'm going to tell you all about that. But all that in consideration, are you okay about that?" the rep continued."Yeah, if I know what it's going to cost!" Maxine said.LifeMates' Todd Holley later told Marketplace the kind of pressure Maxine was subjected to is not supposed to happen. "We have scripts for everything we do," he said. "The question is 'would you like to be a member?' That's the question."In both of our undercover cases, the LifeMates interview lasted well over two hours before the price was revealed.In Rebecca's case: "I was given a piece of paper with three scenarios. The highest was $3,000-ish, the middle about $2,000. And a one-year special was listed at $1,000. I said 'That's a lot of money for me. I could go to university for a whole year.'"Our hidden camera guy, Ian, responded to the price proposals with: "I'm one of those guys who has to think about it."The LifeMates' rep came back with: "Oh don't even… I never thought you'd be like that. What do you need to think about?"Marketplace researcher Maxine was unable to get an idea of price range over the phone.When Maxine wanted to think about the price, the rep painted this picture: "You are 58 years old. That's a fact, like it or not. If you let fear rule your life you'll turn 68, you may own a house but end up with just four bigger walls then you're staring at right now. Then you'll turn 78 and still be alone. You cannot have fear dictate your life."Analyzing the pitchMarketplace had law professor Iain Ramsay look into the sales pitch. He teaches consumer law at York University in Toronto."I was concerned by the emotional exploitation that seemed to be taking place in the selling practices," Ramsay said. "Where the seller exploits the consumer's vulnerability, that could be regarded as an unconscionable representation.""Unconscionable representation" means the seller misled the consumer or pressured the person into signing the contract. It is grounds to rescind the contract. However, it's easier said than done.The LifeMates sales rep is not supposed to deviate from a prepared script."Problem with that is that you have to go to court," Ramsay explained. "It often is your word against the seller and it's going to be in relation to oral statements which the seller might deny making."Had Maxine or Ian signed their contracts, then changed their minds, they would have been on the hook for half the contract price.Manitoba is the only province with a "cooling off period" that covers dating services. Sign, change your mind and inform the company within seven days -- and you are supposed to get your money back.That's what happened with Rebecca Hiebert, but getting the refund was no easy task."They didn't want to. They wanted to set me up with someone really quick," Hiebert says. "They picked a candidate. 'He's a wonderful man, he's going to be gone quick, he's just come in, you know a fresh person.' That's what they told me. I had read the contract and if I would take a date, they wouldn't have to to give my money back."If Hiebert had accepted the date, she would have lost her right to a refund. She stood her ground:"When I got the cheque, I was ecstatic. Move on with my life. It was great.""I was concerned by the emotional exploitation that seemed to be taking place in the selling practices…"York University law professor Iain RamsayWhat is LifeMates' policy with regards to someone who signs a contract, leaves a deposit, then changes their mind within 24 hours and hasn't received any referrals?"If it is quickly, within 24 hours, we refund all their funds," says LifeMates' Todd Holley. "Until a year ago, we would go by the agreement where you are responsible for half."More safeguards needed: law professorLaw professor Iain Ramsay believes consumer legislation which regulates the dating industry should allow for a cooling off period."The fact that it deals with your emotions, you are likely to make an impulsive choice. Clearly, there's a fair bit of pressure in terms of selling. For both these reasons one needs to pause for breath. A cooling off period would be appropriate."Cooling off period or not, Rebecca Hiebert has a piece of advice for fellow consumers:"Be wary about giving a lot of personal information to someone you don't know very well. Avoid any kind of high pressure sales pitch for dating or for signing up, or told you have to do so now. And don't let yourself get tricked into something you don't feel right about. Don't feel right about it, leave."In other words: when dealing with a dating service, lead with your head and not with a lonely heart.AND HERE ARE SOME COMPLAINTS BY OTHER CONSUMERS:View Full Version : Lifemates Dating Service Sucksfineredwine10-23-2006, 09:55 PMTo all the singles who are toying with the idea of joining Lifemates... Introductory Service.. DO NOT DO IT!!!!After a 4 hour initial meeting of poking and proding and filling out questionaires about various Personal & Psychological wants/needs/dislikes.... they still end up matching referalls with a "Spin the Bottle" approach. I gave very particular critera of what I was looking for in a mate.. and they made me believe that such sorts are involved in the referral pool... whoa and behold I was introduced to....The Drunk/The Indifferent/The Mute/The Meiser/The Invalid.... and Oh yeah the down right Rude!Do yourself a favour... take a singles cruise.. money much better spent!In the hole over $2,500.00 ...meli10-26-2006, 11:52 AMthat sucks about lifemates, may i make a suggetion though, try www.lavalife.com it`s free to join, sure you need credits to talk to ppl but you can reply to men`s instant replies if they are the ones sending you can reply for free. I met my boyfriend there and we`ve been together for 3 yrs now... so good luck keep trying cause it can work :)fineredwine10-27-2006, 08:33 AM....Well, I am in a very nice relationship now.... Cupid was "Online Match Service" of choice and where I have connected . Plenty of Fish is also another good one.I am suprised that there are not more people commenting on Lifemates, and their experiences with them. Its very important that their unethical business tactics are known. Spread the word! Note: Good article on CBC on Lifemates/Vancouver Forumflasheart01-30-2007, 11:39 AMHello,I enjoyed your October post about LifeMates in Ottawa.I sent you a private message, please contact me when read.Regards,FlasheartTKW02-09-2007, 01:50 PMI too had very unsatisfactory experiences with LifeMates, though mine was the opposite. After going through the 'psychocological profiling' routine, I never heard from them again. Absolutely nothing. Some months later, they wrote and said they were unable to reach me, despite 'numerous attempts.' Which was strange, since they had never tried to contact me. I am currently trying to get part of my money back. I suspect, but cannot prove, that the entire organisation is a sham, and they get away with it because most of their customers are ashamed to say they got sucked in by their desperation.mellasaurus8202-26-2007, 02:09 AMi bet that exactly the case. who do you think is going to really want people to know they been screwed over by the company. man that sucks. thanks for the warning though.Posted by Justice at 8:02 PM 0 comments Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)Blog Archive▼ 2007 (1)▼ March (1)Life Mates: Save Your Money (A Public Service Ann...About MeJustice View my complete profile
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Life Mates: Save Your Money (A Public Service Announcement, Buyer Beware, Complaints, Ripped Off, Very Expensive, Worst Idea of My Life)
http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/services/dating/index.htmlCheck out the link above for a CBC expose article on LifeMates. (it's not just this blogger's sour grapes!)Been burned by LifeMates, too? (reply to this blog or better yet publish your own blog - the more information people put out, the more other people will be warned in the future)If you're thinking of joining LifeMates, please save your money. I wish I did. I paid thousands and got nothing (but an ulcer from the stress). They didn't provide a single match for months and kept making excuses. They also don't return calls. When this happened I did some research (I know, I should have done my research first - if I had, I never would have joined). I was alarmed at what I found: complaints galore (of all kinds: from no service, to bad service...).Other people reported the same. No service. Or if service was provided, seemingly without any thought into the matchmaking. Their standard policy is to take your money and do nothing, but then to set you up, if you complain and want your money back (because in the fine print of the contract, if you accept even 1 single dating referral, you get zero percent refund). If you ask for a refund, they will set you up (finally), so they can give you nothing back. Knowing this, I refused their offers (they'd had months already and now I knew better from doing a bit of research) and just demanded my money back. Having got no service, one would think a 100% refund is reasonable. I was told they would only give 50% back, even if there was no service (once again, read the fine print of the contract.http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/services/dating/index.htmlTo get even the 50% back, I had to call every week, for over 4 months. They'd leave me on hold for ages (even got "disconnected" a few times). After months of calling, I finally got 50% back (almost a year dealing with them in total - not a single date but plenty of grief.So beware, beware...don't make my mistake. There are other ways to meet people. (Speed dating - you can do a lot of speed dating for the same money) and internet dating (Lava Life - pretty cheap, and Plenty of Fish - free!) Life Mates promises a lot, but don't be fooled because they don't deliver (never mind what they promised; most of the time, you can't even get service of any sort). Giving these people money is the same as flushing it down the toilet.I've never in my life dealt with a company like this. I don't know why they're still in business. And I'm certainly not the only one. There's a wonderful expose article by the CBC. Have a look (click on the link for the story at the CBC site, or read here):http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/services/dating/index.htmlMarketplace uses hidden cameras to get a glimpse of the aggressive sales techniques one dating service uses to sign up customers.CBC MARKETPLACE: SERVICES » DATING SERVICESDating agency's sales tactics leave some feeling stungBroadcast: January 23, 2002 Reporter: Jacquie Perrin; Producer: George Prodanou; Researchers: Mike Gordon, Virginia SmartLifeMates says it's the largest relationship company in Canada.Being single today is no picnic. People in some age groups won't admit to being alone - and wanting a partner. So what about a dating service?For a fee and an interview, many such services promise to help you meet a person with the characteristics you want in a partner.LifeMates runs big ads that say it's the largest relationship company in Canada."We're the only company in the industry that has the magnitude of matches," according to company CEO Todd Holley. "We have 800 pre-approved matches a week right now, so we're on track for 40,000 pre-approved matches this year."LifeMates says it has signed 17,000 members, employs 70 people in 10 Canadian cities and is about to open in the United States.Rebecca Hiebert is single and curious - she contacted the Winnipeg branch of LifeMates for an interview. "The big pitch was either sign up now, or you're choosing to be single for the rest of your life," she says.Hiebert told Marketplace that the person conducting the interview "messed with my personal world a lot. I was feeling a little unsettled. She was very hard on me. I felt very down on myself.""We have 800 pre-approved matches a week," says LifeMates' Todd HolleyLike Hiebert, many singles who go to a dating company are at a vulnerable point in their lives. It stands to reason that LifeMates, the "people company," would be sensitive to prospective clients. Not quite. Past members told us LifeMates seemed focused on getting them to sign on the dotted line.We wanted to see for ourselves, so Marketplace called LifeMates simply to ask about the fees charged for its services.They wouldn't tell us over the phone. We got the sales pitch: you have to qualify before you can get a quote - you have to come in for an interview to see if you qualify.Going undercoverMarketplace sent a researcher, Maxine, to LifeMates' Toronto office — with a hidden camera. She was asked to come prepared with two pieces of identification — including a credit card.Rebecca Hiebert fought for a refund from LifeMates."My job is to get to know you, screen and qualify you," the LifeMates' rep told Maxine. "[I'll] get the process started and in getting to introduce you to some very nice men."She went on to ask questions like:Have you ever been married?Who initiated the break-up?How did you feel when it ended?The strategy seemed to be the same in both the Toronto and Winnipeg offices: get the client to reveal their personal life and to pour out their heart about previous relationships.We wanted to see whether LifeMates treated men differently. So, we sent Ian to the phone. Unlike Maxine, he was quoted a price of $800 to $2,500 — depending on the options. He visited LifeMates in Mississauga, Ontario.He was asked questions like:How many long term relationships have you had?Was your partner affectionate, generous?When did the relationship start to break down?What's the average amount in your bank account?The LifeMates representative told Maxine: "If you want us to work together, it's got to work on our terms." Maxine was also asked to commit and sign before the LifeMates' rep revealed the price."… Are you prepared to get this started today?" she was asked. "You're ready to get the process started today? So you're ready to sign a legal agreement for our services?""But I don't know what it's going to cost," Maxine responded."Sure, and I'm going to tell you all about that. But all that in consideration, are you okay about that?" the rep continued."Yeah, if I know what it's going to cost!" Maxine said.LifeMates' Todd Holley later told Marketplace the kind of pressure Maxine was subjected to is not supposed to happen. "We have scripts for everything we do," he said. "The question is 'would you like to be a member?' That's the question."In both of our undercover cases, the LifeMates interview lasted well over two hours before the price was revealed.In Rebecca's case: "I was given a piece of paper with three scenarios. The highest was $3,000-ish, the middle about $2,000. And a one-year special was listed at $1,000. I said 'That's a lot of money for me. I could go to university for a whole year.'"Our hidden camera guy, Ian, responded to the price proposals with: "I'm one of those guys who has to think about it."The LifeMates' rep came back with: "Oh don't even… I never thought you'd be like that. What do you need to think about?"Marketplace researcher Maxine was unable to get an idea of price range over the phone.When Maxine wanted to think about the price, the rep painted this picture: "You are 58 years old. That's a fact, like it or not. If you let fear rule your life you'll turn 68, you may own a house but end up with just four bigger walls then you're staring at right now. Then you'll turn 78 and still be alone. You cannot have fear dictate your life."Analyzing the pitchMarketplace had law professor Iain Ramsay look into the sales pitch. He teaches consumer law at York University in Toronto."I was concerned by the emotional exploitation that seemed to be taking place in the selling practices," Ramsay said. "Where the seller exploits the consumer's vulnerability, that could be regarded as an unconscionable representation.""Unconscionable representation" means the seller misled the consumer or pressured the person into signing the contract. It is grounds to rescind the contract. However, it's easier said than done.The LifeMates sales rep is not supposed to deviate from a prepared script."Problem with that is that you have to go to court," Ramsay explained. "It often is your word against the seller and it's going to be in relation to oral statements which the seller might deny making."Had Maxine or Ian signed their contracts, then changed their minds, they would have been on the hook for half the contract price.Manitoba is the only province with a "cooling off period" that covers dating services. Sign, change your mind and inform the company within seven days -- and you are supposed to get your money back.That's what happened with Rebecca Hiebert, but getting the refund was no easy task."They didn't want to. They wanted to set me up with someone really quick," Hiebert says. "They picked a candidate. 'He's a wonderful man, he's going to be gone quick, he's just come in, you know a fresh person.' That's what they told me. I had read the contract and if I would take a date, they wouldn't have to to give my money back."If Hiebert had accepted the date, she would have lost her right to a refund. She stood her ground:"When I got the cheque, I was ecstatic. Move on with my life. It was great.""I was concerned by the emotional exploitation that seemed to be taking place in the selling practices…"York University law professor Iain RamsayWhat is LifeMates' policy with regards to someone who signs a contract, leaves a deposit, then changes their mind within 24 hours and hasn't received any referrals?"If it is quickly, within 24 hours, we refund all their funds," says LifeMates' Todd Holley. "Until a year ago, we would go by the agreement where you are responsible for half."More safeguards needed: law professorLaw professor Iain Ramsay believes consumer legislation which regulates the dating industry should allow for a cooling off period."The fact that it deals with your emotions, you are likely to make an impulsive choice. Clearly, there's a fair bit of pressure in terms of selling. For both these reasons one needs to pause for breath. A cooling off period would be appropriate."Cooling off period or not, Rebecca Hiebert has a piece of advice for fellow consumers:"Be wary about giving a lot of personal information to someone you don't know very well. Avoid any kind of high pressure sales pitch for dating or for signing up, or told you have to do so now. And don't let yourself get tricked into something you don't feel right about. Don't feel right about it, leave."In other words: when dealing with a dating service, lead with your head and not with a lonely heart.AND HERE ARE SOME COMPLAINTS BY OTHER CONSUMERS:View Full Version : Lifemates Dating Service Sucksfineredwine10-23-2006, 09:55 PMTo all the singles who are toying with the idea of joining Lifemates... Introductory Service.. DO NOT DO IT!!!!After a 4 hour initial meeting of poking and proding and filling out questionaires about various Personal & Psychological wants/needs/dislikes.... they still end up matching referalls with a "Spin the Bottle" approach. I gave very particular critera of what I was looking for in a mate.. and they made me believe that such sorts are involved in the referral pool... whoa and behold I was introduced to....The Drunk/The Indifferent/The Mute/The Meiser/The Invalid.... and Oh yeah the down right Rude!Do yourself a favour... take a singles cruise.. money much better spent!In the hole over $2,500.00 ...meli10-26-2006, 11:52 AMthat sucks about lifemates, may i make a suggetion though, try www.lavalife.com it`s free to join, sure you need credits to talk to ppl but you can reply to men`s instant replies if they are the ones sending you can reply for free. I met my boyfriend there and we`ve been together for 3 yrs now... so good luck keep trying cause it can work :)fineredwine10-27-2006, 08:33 AM....Well, I am in a very nice relationship now.... Cupid was "Online Match Service" of choice and where I have connected . Plenty of Fish is also another good one.I am suprised that there are not more people commenting on Lifemates, and their experiences with them. Its very important that their unethical business tactics are known. Spread the word! Note: Good article on CBC on Lifemates/Vancouver Forumflasheart01-30-2007, 11:39 AMHello,I enjoyed your October post about LifeMates in Ottawa.I sent you a private message, please contact me when read.Regards,FlasheartTKW02-09-2007, 01:50 PMI too had very unsatisfactory experiences with LifeMates, though mine was the opposite. After going through the 'psychocological profiling' routine, I never heard from them again. Absolutely nothing. Some months later, they wrote and said they were unable to reach me, despite 'numerous attempts.' Which was strange, since they had never tried to contact me. I am currently trying to get part of my money back. I suspect, but cannot prove, that the entire organisation is a sham, and they get away with it because most of their customers are ashamed to say they got sucked in by their desperation.mellasaurus8202-26-2007, 02:09 AMi bet that exactly the case. who do you think is going to really want people to know they been screwed over by the company. man that sucks. thanks for the warning though.
