CLUB OVER 40's PROFESSIONALS - ALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED

 

 

 

 

 

 

To return to main web site of Club Over 40's  Professionals click here  www.executiveparties.co.uk

FAQ’s EVERY  Question Answered

THE BEST PROFESSIONAL INTRODUCTION AGENCY IN THE U.K. OR YOUR MONEY BACK!

1. WHAT MAKES   Club Over 40's Professionals    SO SPECIAL?

§     Targeted age group of professionals ladies age 40 to 56 men to ealy 60's §         24 years experience §           lifetime membership §           refreshingly honest §           image/lifestyle    consultant §            member of ABIA §            family owned business §           credit /debit card  payments §           try the service for 4 weeks with the right to a full refund towards any other agency in the world §          direct telephone contact to the owner 14hrs a day §           50% REFUND FOR ANY REASON in your first two months, e.g moving, met someone even through us) etc, or THREE MONTHS if you become unemployed.   *   Pay 50% of your fee on joining and 50% after your third date for memberships over £500.

§             FREE to JOIN §             money back       guarantees   §              lower fees §             Make up tuition §             Up to 2hrs hour free       interview §          structured membership §          personal hand     matching §           membership cooling off period §           split payments up to 2 months §          weekly social events in London §          Saturday/Sunday interviews (charged extra) §           Minimum number of introductions in 12 months or a right to a refund §           Your joining interview is  held with the owner so you may benefit from his 24 years of experience

 

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

Many things, firstly it is the reason we started this service. We were very concerned at the high fees and low service some agencies were providing, so we set this organisation to provide an honest service to enable middle aged people to meet each other at a reasonable cost, but with the  safety of a vetted personal introduction agency as opposed to internet dating with all its pitfalls.

It is targeted at ladies aged 40 to 56 so you will not be out of place surrounded by  youngsters at our social events  Most dating agencies survive on the large fees  ladies in their late 40's, 50's and 60's will pay to join.  Unfortunately we must face the basic facts of life – regardless of the fee you may pay to join an introduction agency one basic fact always remains, it is, for successful professional women it is very completive for ladies aged over mid 40’s as there are far more ladies than men available in the U.K. and you don’t need to be told how successful men, can date younger ladies  if they  so chose.  We offer several money back guarantees that even after 24 years no other  |UK introduction agency has been able to match even one.  

For full dating members  joining on the day of their interview  we give these additional benefits:

 A 3 day change your mind cooling off period, a 4 weeks  try the service with the right to have all your  fee returned towards any another personal introduction agency in the World, a guaranteed minimum number of introductions in 18 months with the right for your money to be refunded. We have a selective membership policy  and only accept clients  we feel are up to standard.  All members must be well mannered, articulate, intelligent, successful and UNATTACHED.  We have been about for 24 years and around 50% of our members come from personal recommendation - this attracts exceptionally high quality people and keeps our membership costs lower.  Without this level of recommendation we, like all the newer introduction agencies that emulate us,  would also have to charge fees of  many thousands of pounds. We give you a money back guarantee that you can't join a better introduction agency in the UK regardless of whatever they may charge.  A 50% REFUND FOR ANY REASON, within your first two months with us you may cancel your membership and have a refund of 50% of your total joining fee ( less any free service period).  If you become unemployed we extent this guarantee to THREE MONTHS.  Of the 25 features listed above it would take an exceptional agency to provide any 6 of them and  most agencies would struggle to meet just a few of them -  ask them!

 

2. HOW DOES  THE  SERVICE WORK?
Most unattached professionals have the same problem, where can you go to meet other unattached professionals of the quality you would want meet. Most of your time is spent searching,  we can change that situation by introducing you to the best selection of unattached professionals in the U.K. as well as  attending  social events held in London. Social events are a relaxing  evening out on your own. You will be made to feel most welcome by your fellow guests and your professional host. You will almost certainly make good friends, male and female.

The introduction process is:  We compile a description and have a photograph of each dating member. Members are allocated a personal advisor ( most other agencies only provide this facility to higher levels of membership, usually just passing over written profiles by post,  hoping the other party will respond.  All our  introductions are set up by the advisors acting as an intermediate and is carried out by telephone as it is quicker, more personal and more successful). The personal advisor  selects members they feel would be interesting for you to  meet. We tell you about them (see para 15, for a typical description) you may accept or reject the suggestion. 

Many agencies select the introduction for you and that is your introduction whether you meet or not.  If you say yes to the person we recommend to you, we contact the member by telephone ** and tell them about you.  If they decline, neither of you knows each others first name.  If the member accepts, we pass over a first name to each client with a contact telephone number. Providing our client is contactable, we can get back to you within the hour - your date is on. Whoever initiated the date, calls the other party.  Spend about 10 mins chatting on the phone and arrange to meet at a mutually convenient time and place for coffee.  When a person agrees to accept a date from us they have committed to meet the other party, face to face, for at least 15mins over a coffee.  We get feed back from both parties on the dates, this helps  us to monitor members behaviour and preferences.

 

3. WHERE DO YOUR MEMBERS COME FROM?
In addition to our excellent positioning on the major internet search engines, our marketing sources have included The Saturday Times, The Sunday Times, The Evening Standard, the top financial publications, most quality women’s magazines, commercial radio, specialist magazines such as GQ, Time Out and Tatler, The London Underground, poster sites such as at Clapham Junction, as well as direct mail. Our most successful lead source however, both in quantity and quality (around 50%) is from the recommendation of our previous and existing  members. We also have a steady supply of new members being recommended by other agencies  who are honest enough to advise their clients they would be better served by  approaching  us,  as we are more likely to be successful for them, as we will have the type of clients they wish to meet.  We have also  been selected by a major Gym groups as the only introduction service to be given access to their Gym TV screens in their key London gyms. This campaign starts on May 1st and runs for initially for six months. 

 

4. HOW DO I JOIN?

Social Only members may join by completing the application form on www.executiveparties.co.uk  - "application" by E:mail. Dating members will need to telephone 0207 930 5555, 9am to 9pm so we may check basic details about you. We can then tell you honestly whether our service is likely to work for you or recommend a more appropriate agency to you. If we feel comfortable with each other, we will invite you to attend an interview in London or at your home. Our office hours for new member enquiries are Monday - Fridays 9 am to 9 pm. (you  are welcome to try at weekends we normally take calls- but no promises!). For members our dedicated dating  line is 01323 490666, 7pm to 9pm Mondays Wednesdays and Thursday. Please read para 49 below before contacting us.

 

5. WHO DO YOU NOT INVITE TO SEE YOU?
We must feel proud of you and know that our members would also be proud to meet you. We must believe that you will benefit from our service and you will be comfortable dating our members. We have found from  experience that our service does not work for everybody, and we will be honest enough from the outset to tell you and advise you of other agencies more suitable for your needs We expect all members to be intelligent, articulate, socially skilled and well mannered. If a client’s longest relationship was less than 6 months or they had just come out of a long-term relationship it is unlikely they would be invited for an interview. You are welcome to call and talk to us and we will be able to discuss alternatives for your specific situation.

 

6. WHERE DO YOU INTERVIEW?
Full dating members  are interviewed in London, Brighton or at your home. We spend  1 or 2 hours together in a 'one to one' interview,  ( you may prefer a full 4 or 5 hour coaching interview at a charge of £40) where we endeavour to find out  a lot more about you and what you require from a relationship. This is made up of many factors including your previous relationships in addition to what you need from the future. We pride ourselves on being honest and telling you the truth as it is no glitzy promises followed by disappointment Interviews started during our normal hours between 10.30am or 5pm are free of charge   interviews held by special request outside of these hours incur a charge  (late start in the week £10 for every 30mins started after 5pm, Saturdays PLUS £45, Sundays and Bank holidays PLUS £60).  In all circumstances we take a deposit by debit/credit card when we book an interview, provided you keep the appointment this payment is not processed. If you fail to make the appointment for whatever reason including resetting the appointment to another time or day you will then be charged a £30 non attendance fee, or if you give us less than 3 hours notice the fee is £60 as we will incur costs. This deposit is 'truly magic' it improves your health,  without it, 1 in 10 clients will have an 'emergency' or illness that prevents them attending the interview, yet with the deposit system, only 1 in 35 clients experience  emergencies or  fall ill.  We strongly recommend a two hour interview as it will give you lots of information to improve your dating and what to expect from the service. For ladies we recommend a minimum of 2 hours but think a three or four interview is well wotyh the effort.  The charges for an interview if you decide not to join are 1 hour £35, 2 hour £55, 3hour £75 and 4 hours £100. If you do not agree that the interview was excellent value for money we will donate 50% of the fee to any reasonable charity of your choice.

 

7. HOW MANY MEMBERS DO YOU HAVE?
We have over 3,000 members in total. However total membership figures are very misleading in fact dishonest. We believe many agencies lie about their figures one claiming to have 3,000 members we believe have far less than 200! and if 70% of the members were all ladies aged over 70 or gentlemen under 25 this may not be of any use to you at all.. Some agencies claim membership figures of the total numbers ever to join e.g. 10,000 in our case.  Active members available for dating, are the only members of use to you. When you attend the interview we will tell you how many introductions we can guarantee you and how successful the service is likely to be for you IN WRITING.  Beware of agencies that make all sorts of verbal promises, only to find when you've joined   the small print on the contract doesn't even guarantee 2 dates in a year or indeed during your whole membership period. Ask them to write down the promises they make on the contract.  One agency guarantees just one introduction  within six months for your £12K fee! another promised just two.  Always read the contract thoroughly  before joining,  preferably before attending the interview  or take it home overnight to read carefully BEFORE SIGNING ( see  a copy of our contract at the very bottom of this page.

 

8. CAN I SEE PHOTOGRAPHS?  Usually No. We attract the quality of people we do because of our absolute confidentiality. Do you think top people would join if we showed their photograph to people walking into our office? There are agencies that will show photographs of their members before you join, we will not. However for some of our top clients we hand select members and if appropriate, and have your permission, we  show photographs to them as they are under strict contractual obligations to maintain absolute confidentiality.

 

9. WHAT DATING MEMBERSHIP LEVEL WILL I NEED?
The interview is partly to assess which level of membership  would best suit you.  Joining fees are spent on marketing, to maintain the quality of the members available to you. With all memberships, a monthly service fee extends the membership period indefinitely and covers the administration costs (wages rents etc. - oh! and my profit thank you!).  A guide to which membership level you will require is given in the membership level details see paragraph 10. Our consultant will recommend the membership level.

 

10. WHAT ARE THE LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP?

 

Copies of our contracts and refund guarantees are near the end of this information.

Club Over 40.s Professionals Joining Fees
All prices inclusive  of VAT where appropriate.  We accept Visa, Access & Maestro debit and credit cards   also American Express at +3% fee.  Membership fees, where necessary can be spread over a period of time see para 10K)

10 A   SOCIAL ONLY MEMBERSHIP   This membership allows you to attend all the social events. You are also normally allowed to bring guests with you, if you wish. Cost £125 for a two year membership or £150 for lifetime membership, suitable for people aged 38 upwards. This membership is open to a wider range of people and does not require an interview.  No monthly service fee is required. You may join by E:mail see www.executiveparties.co.uk  then click " Application".

10 B  *PASSIVE MEMBERSHIP ONLY   This membership allows your details to be held by us , you cannot activate dates, but your details will be available to our dating clients who may ask to meet you.  Cost   FREE TO JOIN  although we would recommend you have a one  or two hour interview (charged at £35 or £55) but not compulsory . A monthly service fee of £12.50 keeps your membership open. This membership does not entitle you to attend social events.

10 C  *SOCIAL & PASSIVE MEMBERSHIP ONLY   This membership is as Passive plus you may also attend social events. Cost £125 for a two year membership or £150 for lifetime membership, plus £12.50 per month service fee to hold your dating membership open.  We would recommend you have a one or two hour interview (charged at £35 or £55) but not compulsory

 

 

10 D  FULL PROFESSIONAL DATING MEMBER  This membership is similar or superior  to ALL other U.K. professional introduction agencies who  normally charge in excess of  £1600  ( and some well over £5K) for a  LESSER level of service. We will hand select introductions for you at up to one per month, plus an unlimited number if clients  ask to meet you.  You also become a lifetime member able to attend all th parties. Lifetime membership Cost £650 plus £20 per month ( includes a two hour free interview).

 

 

10 E  PRIORITY MEMBERSHIP

As above except we give you a fast track to date new clients as they join up to 2 introductions a month. as soon as they join.  We are also able to access three other top professonal introduction agencies so we have the option to date you with the best of their clients. Cost £875 (includes a free four hour interview). plus £25 per month

 

NOTE  We are fully aware that many agencies charge many thousands of pounds for a similar or lesser service if you care to call us we will explain why we don’t,  even though we could.

 

10 G. PHASED PAYMENTS pay just 50% now.  If you join any membership costing over £600 on the day of your first interview (it then saves us a second meeting), we will  include these additional benefits:

 i.  An option to pay your membership fee in TWO  parts. On joining 50% of the fee is payable with 50% being paidafter you have received three introductions.

ii.  We will  waive your monthly service fees for one month.  

 iii. You have a three day cooling off period to change your mind and cancel at no cost other that a nominal fee of £30 if you had an interview.

iv.  Should you wish to drop out of membership  during  your first two months with us, FOR ANY REASON eg. you have paired up with  someone (even through us), or you are moving out of the area  etc,. providing no fees are overdue we allow you to drop out without having to pay any further instalments when they fall due (or refund 50% if you paid in full) , however this will also cancel your  lifetime membership. To rejoin at a later date would involve the normal selection process at the appropriate membership fees prevailing at the time. If however you become unemployed, we extend the guarantee to THREE MONTHS, AND allow you to rejoin within 12 months by topping up the full fee again.

 

We accept payment by cheque or credit/debit cards. We will accept American Express  at a plus 3% charge.

 

 

11. HOW DO I CHOOSE MY DATES?
Your personal advisor will recommend members to you. Your advisor will tell you more about the members including their appearance from their photographs, see para 15 for a typical description.. You make the final decision whether you would like to meet them, if so we contact them to tell them of you. ( some agencies choose your introductions regardless of what you may ask for and others may allow you to decline a certain amount after which anyone they offer you is counted as an introduction whether you meet or not).  If the member agrees we’ll call you back with any positive results. When we pass over a members’ telephone number, your ‘date is on’, and you can only talk yourself out of that date. The member has agreed that, on the information they were given, you are the sort of person they would like to meet over a coffee, to see if it could develop further. Remember, if we contact you with a member’s details you are under no pressure to say ‘yes’, but if you do, we expect you to meet, albeit for a 15-minute coffee. We discourage our members requesting people who provisionally accept dates and then decline to meet for a coffee without a very good reason.

 

 

12. HOW DO I MAKE THE ACTUAL DATE?
Telephone your date at a time you think is reasonable for them. We would consider it unreasonable to call before 8 am on weekdays or 9.30 am on weekends or after 10. pm. Ask for your contact, remembering that the person may be our member’s daughter with the same name or the baby-sitter, so always be as discreet.   They, of course, are expecting a call from you and already know your first name. Your date however may be in the middle of a children’s party or with a nosy neighbour, so always ask if it is convenient to talk, if not arrange a more convenient time. In case of difficulty in making contact, call your advisor for help.

 

13. HOW DO I ACT ON MY DATE?
Your first and second date with members is a ‘club 40+ date’, this means that you are our representative and we demand that you act in such a manner that we can be proud of you. Try to relax and don’t talk about your ‘ex’! If any member makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, telephone your advisor, so we can monitor the situation. Keep the conservation positive don't offload your world problems on your date. They are looking for someone to lift them not to  take on your problems. A person the moans and whinges all night then calls us  to say there was no "sparkle" in their date? If a member starts talking about his/her obsession for orange suspenders on a first or second date we would check their previous dates for any problems and we may decline to date that member. We investigate all complaints of poor manners.

 

14. HOW ARE THE MATCHES PRODUCED?
You are allocated a personal advisor who searches for, then recommends members to you. Who you choose to date is always your choice. You are at liberty to decline any person for any reason, although we ask that you tell us why honestly, as it helps member to adapt to get the best from our service.

 

15. WHAT DETAILS DO YOU GIVE OUT TO MEMBERS?
Here is typical description we would give to you.

She lives in the North West area of London she says she’s a H R officer , aged early 50’s, 5ft 5ins tall weighs 10stone 9 pounds dress size 14 with a good figure. We would rate her as attractive with short brown hair,  trendy, with good skin and a  shapely build. She’s well spoken classy and always bubbly to talk to, single never married without children and is a non smoker. If you’re into star signs she’s an Aries. Her personality is kind caring hardworking maybe too hardworking, confident bubbly and fun to be with. She drinks occasionally and is educated to A level.  She enjoys her work and is reasonably well paid but spends it all on clothes and holidays she says. She enjoys trips to the cinema and theatre, occasional concerts from pop to classical, Occasional  days visiting stately homes around the UK. or ady ou at Ascot. She  enjoys the countryside, walks in the country or renting a cottage in the Cotswold's at Christmas. Loves log fires and snow. Enjoys travel been to South America, Canada and the USA would like to explore more of Europe or Scotland. She’s renown for giving dinner parties or just having friends round for good conversation (not about work!) and sharing a good bottle of wine. She would like to meet someone aged up to mid 60's kind intelligent able to tame me as I know I am a little too independent for my own good so willing to learn - and be tamed!.

 

16. DO I ONLY MEET MEMBERS OF THE SAME MEMBERSHIP LEVEL AS MYSELF?
No. You may meet members at all membership levels. The fee you pay is for the level of personal service you receive from us and the ability to access the new members more quickly and in no way affects who you can meet

 

17. WILL PEOPLE ASK TO DATE ME?
Perhaps, tall, interesting gentlemen over 40 years of age often get dated by ladies.  Ladies aged over 40/44 are advised to initiate dates to get the best from the service. Shorter gentlemen  will need to request their own dates to get the best from the service. Shorter gentlemen and ladies over 48 should consider higher membership levels.

 

 18 + 19. WHAT IF I AM SHORT OR OVER WEIGHT?
From previous experience we have found the service works less well, especially so for shorter gentlemen who should normally be at least 5ft 5ins  tall (Tom Cruise you can call us though if you wish). You will be given an indication of any problems associated with height at your interview. Being overweight will reduce how well the service will work, especially  so for ladies (over size 14 will slow the service down a lot). Members outside of the normal range (e.g. lady 5ft 11 tall etc., ) would usually require a higher level of membership

 

20. DOES IT MATTER WHERE I LIVE?
Maybe.  The service works best for people living or working in London or within 20 miles of the M25 or Brighton. However people of a certain calibre living outside of London  ( our members have ranged from Edinburgh, IoM, to The Bahamas) have little option but to travel to London to meet people of the quality they require. It is a condition of membership that all clients will meet initially in central London or Brighton even if they live abroad. 80% of our clients live within 25 miles of central London

 

21. HOW FAR SHOULD I TRAVEL FOR MY DATES?
Generally, the higher the quality of the people you require to meet, the further you should be prepared to travel to meet them. After the first two dates members will often meet you halfway and after all, for that special person  how can anywhere within reason be too far? We have members who fly from Europe for their dates!  ( to comply with the trades descriptions act -  they do use aeroplanes ) Your first two meetings however should be in central London unless you both agree otherwise. Gentlemen we find it rather bad form to ask that a women travels to meet you locally for your first date, so please do not ask.

 

22. HOW MANY INTRODUCTIONS WILL YOU OFFER ME?
That depends to a large extent on who you are and how old you are. After assessing you at the interview we will give you a minimum guarantee in writing.   We are the only dating service in the UK we know of that guarantees you a minimum number of introductions in a specified time period and gives you right to a proportionate refund of your joining fee. See the bottom of this page  for details.

At your interview we will also give you a prediction in writing based on your personal circumstances of how long it will take to get 5 dates, how any dates and in what time period it will take to find someone good enough to go on holiday with/ sexual relationship, with and maybe more. We will arrange up to one or two  introductions at a time provided you have not more than one member still to see.

 

23. WHAT IF I SMOKE?
Over 90% of our members will not date a smoker, so being a smoker will seriously reduce your choice of dates. Do not be tempted to lie about your smoking. Remember, many members have joined us specifically requesting a non-smoker. If you have deceived our members or us, we may ask you to compensate the member for a wasted evening and we will consider removing your membership for being dishonest ( we can't trust you). We insist that you tell us the truth. IF YOU START, OR INCREASE YOUR SMOKING YOU MUST TELL US. If you stop or reduce your smoking, tell us, as it will improve your choice of contacts. (We keep  leaflets at our interview office  for an organisation that guarantees to make you quit smoking or refund your fees).

 

24. DO YOU INTERVIEW ALL MEMBERS?
Usually yes, however  because men are basically lazy about relationships and find it hard to make the time to attend.  We allow some people to join by signing a legally binding statement of truth.  If we have interviewed a client they usually get a better service as people are more comfortable that we have met them first. If we have not personally  interviewed a client face to face, you will ALWAYS be told this when we recommend them to you as an introduction.  We also have reciprocal facilities with other leading agencies to date you with the best of their members if you give us permission to do so.

 

25. DO YOU CHECK ON PEOPLE’S BEHAVIOUR?
Indeed we do. It is a contractual condition upon you  that we expect every member to act in a manner that does not bring discredit to themselves, a fellow member or our organisation. We investigate every complaint. On your first two meetings with a person you are regarded as ‘our representative’ and we expect you to be courteous and well mannered. To stand up a member without good cause will usually result in us terminating your membership without refund. We ask for feedback from both parties after dating ( we log this information on both members file to provide a better service and identify any developing problems - take a bath!) and encourage members to phone and talk to us if they experience anything other than a pleasant time.

 

26. DOES AGE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
It certainly does! There are TWO unattached professional females aged 35 to 50 for every ONE unattached professional male in the UK ( source government census). All professional agencies have this problem but seem reluctant to tell you (unless you are a man of course).  This means that all males over 40 are spoilt for choice, there are likely to be two or three ladies for each man - not good news but a fact of life. We strongly recommend ladies attend a two hour interview so you can make the best use of our service or indeed to attract the right sort of man from any situation. As in line with the national demographics (and all other agencies) will have between to to three ladies for each man.

 

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27. HOW SUCCESSFUL IS THE SERVICE?
This obviously depends on many factors, but be guided by our ‘10’ rule. For every 10 people you choose to meet through our service, experience tells us 2 will be a complete waste of time, 6 out of 10, will be very interesting but without enough in common to take it further. Two out of the ten, you will date several times and they will become good friends maybe even more. . NEVER JUDGE US BY MEETING ONLY TWO OR THREE PEOPLE. Providing you meet members twice, the ‘10’ rule ALWAYS works.

 

28. WILL THE SERVICE DEFINITELY WORK FOR ME?
No. We cannot make people like you. We can only introduce you to a much wider selection of people than you are ever likely to meet without us. We would not however, offer you membership if we did not believe that our service was the best option for you. If you are in doubt, call and talk to us. If you have a nice personality and are presentable then generally the service works very well indeed. It will not work well for people who are mean, unfriendly, cold or closed etc. At your interview we will give you an estimate IN WRITING of the probability of success given your circumstances along with an estimate of how many dates and in what time period you are likely to receive. If we do not honestly believe we are the best service for you, we will, given your circumstances recommend other agencies for you. Why would we do this? – simple if you have a poor experience with us or any another agency, it tarnishes the whole reputation of our industry (as happened to time share). However if an agency is successful for you, then you become our life long ambassadors, recommending our services to your friends. As 50% of our new members come through personal recommendation you can see how important it is, we must avoid failure.

 

29. WHAT HAPPENS IF I TELL A LIE?
We expect every member to be honest with us. If you lie about your age, height, smoking, etc. we will remove your membership without refund as we cannot  trust you, our members deserve better than that. If, for example, you were married and still living with your wife, we would remove your membership AND press for criminal charges to drag you to court for obtaining our services through deception it is a criminal offence. All members have to sign a legal declaration that everything they have told us is the truth and they have not withheld any relevant  information (from nervous breakdowns to sexually transmitted diseases etc.) which may have prejudiced our decision to accept you  as a member or we may impose specific conditions to your  contract to disclose certain information to members after meeting them a number of times. E.g. If a gentleman  knows he has an illness that is life shortening  then on a fourth date with a lady  he will have to tell  her,  - or lose his membership - try asking that one at the bar before dating someone or of internet date!

 

30. WHAT DO WE EXPECT OF YOU?
We expect you to be courteous, well mannered, reliable, respect fellow members and to have integrity. If a cheque is dishonoured when presented to your bank, all our refund guarantees becomes void under those circumstances. We shall insist on the payment being made good. If you join at your interview you have a three day cooling off period to cancel your membership with a full refunf less a 430 fee to cover your interview - providing your payment clears.

 

31.& 32 CAN I SUSPEND MY MEMBERSHIP?
Yes. On all lifetime memberships you may suspend your active membership as often and for as long a you wish. You may  reactivate your membership at anytime by paying the appropriate service fee. On a fixed term membership it will expire at the end of the fixed period.

 

33. HOW SAFE IS YOUR SERVICE?
We personally interview most new dating members, we insist on home addresses and home telephone numbers, we have photographs of every member, and all members are required to sign a legally enforceable statement about themselves.  We log and keep details of all dates for at least three years. We look into any complaints so we can build up ‘intelligence’ on members who could be a problem. We remove membership from people we are not happy with. Remember the ‘floating’ single may be someone we have already declined to accept or removed from membership. To stay a member with us, we have to be proud of you. In twenty four years we have not had one serious problems with any member.

 

34. HOW CONFIDENTIAL IS YOUR SERVICE?
Very. We have had top business people and world famous names, so your confidentiality is essential to us. We never use our trade name on outgoing calls; messages on answer phones are left in such a way that they may be replayed in company and your guests wouldn’t have any idea what it was about. Nosy secretaries? No problem, we won’t even leave our telephone number (B.T. call return service won’t get it either). Some agencies will show your photographs to anyone who comes to their offices, we never do. We consider that to be a serious breach of confidentiality. Even in the event that we were burgled, we do not keep records of your name, address, telephone number or photograph at our London offices. Our London office has 8inch thick soundproofed walls and ceilings so your conversations cannot be overheard  by other people.  All waste paper at our service centre is incinerated on our premises and London’s waste paper is shredded. All members are required to sign a legally binding confidentiality agreement (See a copy at the end of this page.

 

35. IF I WAIT, DOES IT GET CHEAPER?
Never. Special offers! We know of agencies that charge £800.00 to join and then charge people who wouldn’t join straight away the same service for £99 or less! (they’ve gone bust again). Some agencies supposedly drop the price as a pressure to join on the day.  If you are thinking of joining other agencies wait a while after your interview before joining and you may be surprised at the "special discounts" that are offered to you, to join. We never discount our fees to new members as we want the members we introduce you to, to  be decisive and have joined for the right reasons. We treat all members as friends so we give you this promise, no new members pay less than you do.

 

36. WHAT IF I AM NOT HAPPY?
Tell us! Discuss any problems with your advisor. If you are still not happy talk to our owner Alun Jenkins. Our job is to make you happy. We care about the success of our service and always strive for excellence. To be a member of our organisation is a privilege, as it is, to be of service to you. We are “family”. As a last resort you could always make use of our famous refund guarantee, where we will pay the joining fee of any other introduction agency in the world. We do not know of any other agency in the U.K. that will match this offer.

 

37. WHY SERVICE FEES?
Your joining fee is spent on marketing to attract the quality of members we do. This fee is not sufficient to cover the normal staffing and office costs. Active members pay a monthly service fee which is their contribution towards the running costs of the organisation, office rents, postage, salaries, insurance, etc. ( and Alun's wages/profit "thank you" about £5 to £10 a month).  Monthly Service fees are:  Passive and Social Passive  - £12.50,  Full dating member £20, Priority Member £25.

38. DOES NATIONALITY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Yes it can. It is also dependent on your fluency with English, as can your skin colour or religion. If you phone us we will tell you honestly what prejudices exist and how it affects the service to you. About 80% of our members are white skin English with 20% being from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. See para 10E for skin  discounts.

 

39. ARE YOU A MEMBER OF A TRADE ASSOCIATION?
Yes. For your added security we are full members of the Association of British Introduction Agencies (ABIA). We  meet all the standards set by the industries Code of Practice,  a copy of which is given to all members along with this information, although of course we operate to standards far in excess of these minimum standards. Many agencies cannot even meet the minimum standards  set by the ABIA so are refused membership.

 

40. WHAT DEFINES AN INTRODUCTION?
We define an “introduction” as when we have obtained the permission of both members to pass over a telephone number to arrange the meeting. It is a condition of membership that you should meet each other, even if it is for 15 minutes over a coffee. If for some reason you cannot contact each other, call us and we will investigate. If after talking on the telephone the member is reluctant to meet you, call and tell us. If this happens to you more than 1 in 10 occasions it’s likely you are doing something on the telephone to put them off. If this is the case, call your advisor who will assist you and if need be, arrange an appointment with one of our staff to advise you on how to improve your success rate. Remember we cannot make people like you, at the time we told you of each other, you must have both wanted to meet, otherwise we would have stopped the introduction if we felt the member was not keen to meet you. If you are not getting the best from the service call in and make an appointment to meet with Alun.

 

41. WHAT IS THE COMPANY STRUCTURE?
Club 40+ professionals and Executive Parties  are the trading name of a  family owned business and part of The Executive Club of St James’s group. Members of  Club40+ Professionals join the organisation Executive Services and any credit card transactions will show as  ‘E.C. St James’s’ Payment of your joining and any service fees   normally paid by standing order will show as Executive Services.

We have three offices,  a small office in London used only for interviews, a large dating centre in Seaford East Sussex where the dating staff work and an office abroad carrying out IT work.  We employ 5 part time evening dating staff, 4 full time staff and the owner Alun Jenkins.  Alun normally try's to answer all new member enquires and the members emergency hot line  from 8am to 9pm on 0207  930 5555 (the line follows him around so occasionally expect a poor signal as the train dives into a tunnel). Alun  interviews most clients personally -  as he only moans that the quality of people we would accept as members is not good enough!  All matching and administration is carried out by specialist staff  as Alun can't  even remember where he put his glasses down!

 

42. CAN I SEE A COPY OF THE CONTRACT AND CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS I HAVE TO SIGN AND A COPY OF YOUR REFUND GUARANTEE?
Yes of course, see  further down this page

WARNING many members of the public are tempted to join the agency that makes the wildest verbal promises on the phone or at the interview and then  sign a contract  with small print that allows the agency to provide only ONE or TWO introductions in a year, with the agency being able to extend your membership period indefinitely  until you receive  the minimum 5 or 8 introductions promised in the contract, albeit at one or two a year. ( one agencies small print promises a minimum of just two introductions in your entire membership and another states that one date within six  months of joining is reasonable and  that it fulfils its contractual obligations,  for £12K?? ).  If at your interview they make statements about having 3000 members, are equally balanced, or you will only meet certain types of people, or a suggestion that you will get loads of dates -  ask them to include these statements in writing on your contract before signing it.

WARNING Ask for a copy of  a contract to read BEFORE  attending an interview or take it home to read it before signing. If they have nothing to hide they will be pleased to do this. NEVER sign a contract for large sums of money without reading it in detail and preferably take it home  at least overnight to read first, otherwise you may be legally bound to pay £12K or more, even if you change your mind the next morning.

 

43. HOW DO YOUR FEES COMPARE WITH OTHER AGENCIES?
Professional introduction agencies who interview their members are expensive to operate, they have certain overhead cost that have to be met. The main cost of all quality agencies is the marketing costs to attract the right calibre of people. Other costs are office and staff wages to service their clients. Fees of other agencies operating at the "professionals" level similar to our  FULL Dating Membership at   £650  (although they may be for a fixed period of 12 or 15 months unlike ours that provides a lifetime membership ) Drawing Down the Moon at £1650/£3,500, Sara Eden at £1300, Berkeley International FROM £7000, Gray and Farrar at £8800, Fiona Smyth at £1500, (now ceased trading Jan 2009), County Register at £5,875,  Only Lunch £1700 (now ceased trading Mar 2009), Rhodes Harvey from £1500+, Seventy Thirty at £10,000 plus. For the members we choose to accept we guarantee our service is superior to any of these other agencies even at 10x our fees and we  back up this statement  with a money back refund guarantee. We are the only dating organisation  in the U.K. to do so, and have done so since 1985 and this may account for why we can stay so selective and obtain so many members through personal recommendation. The reason our fees are exceptionally low for the service we provide is because all our overheads are already covered by our main introduction agency for the under 40's hence why we are in the unique position to be able to offer you this high level service at such a low cost.

 

44. WOULD A MORE EXPENSIVE AGENCY GIVE ME A BETTER SERVICE?
We doubt it, providing you fall within our criteria for us to offer you membership, we know of no other service even at 10x the  cost that can better our service. Ask any other agency if you can try them for four weeks to check out the quality of their members and have ALL your money refunded towards any other agency in the world without  reason other than you ask for it.  We know of no other agency regardless of cost that offers  EVEN ONE of our refund guarantees let alone the four we are proud to offer our clients, in writing , and have done so for 24 years.

 

45. THE WRITTEN GUARANTEES

a. We will refund your joining fees within 4 weeks of joining ( less a £30 for the interview if taken) towards any other agency in the world should you even think someone else can provide you with a better service.

b. We give every dating member we interview  the minimum number of introductions they will receive in 18 months  in writing or the right to a proportionate refund (others may NOT specify time periods then extend your membership until you reach the minimum number promised – that could add up to two dates a year and you could be on a Zimmer frame before your number of dates are achieved.

c. Members joining at their interview may also have these additional benefits::

 You may change your mind within 3 days of joining and have ALL your membership fee refunded  less a nominal £30 for the cost incurred for the interview .

ii  You may also cancel your membership for ANY REASON within your first two months e.g., moving area , met someone (even through us) and be entitled to a 50% REFUND of your full joining fee. 

iii You may pay just 50% of the joining fee at your interview and the remaining 50% can be paid after we have arranged three dates.

iii   Should you become unemployed we will refund 50% of your joining fee within your first THREE MONTHS and allow you limited use of the service at our discretion.

46. HOW CAN YOU PROVIDE A TOP LEVEL OF SERVICE AT THESE MUCH LOWER FEES?
The reason we can keep our membership costs lower than others is:

a. We have been around since 1985 and have many thousands of happy ex clients recommending our service to their friends hence over 50% of our new members join through personal recommendation. Without this, we would need to treble our membership fees as we would have to spend huge sums on marketing to obtain sufficient new members of the quality we require. To achieve this level of recommendations require an agency to. have been around  long enough to accumulate  thousands of 'happy' ex clients, and to have been perceived by them as value for money thereby making it easy to recommend us to close friends.

b. We only interview clients in London, our main service centre is in Sussex where rent and rates are 75% cheaper than central London and our labour rates are 50% less than London. In addition we are able to cream off really caring employees (with the extra confidentiality advantage that they live 70 miles from London so they are unlikely to know you or your friends).

c. The main overheads of our organisation are fully covered by our younger age group introduction agency The Executive Club of St James’s, rents insurance telephones etc., so it costs us very little to add an over 40’s service.  We are not primary motivated to make lots of money but to provide a service we are proud of  at a reasonable cost and not at a loss.

 

47 WANT EVEN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DATING AND AGENCIES IN GENERAL.

See www.datingagenciesforlondon.co.uk  this site can link you to wealth of knowledge from details about dating agencies to understanding the opposite sex.  For specific tips:

for ladies to understand men see: 

www.datingagencydatingagencies.co.uk  

For information for men to understand women see : www.datingagencydatingagency.co.uk

 

48  FREE IMAGE/LIFESTYLE CONSULTANT

To assist you to get the best from our service,  we have  an independent image / lifestyle consultant to give all full dating members a free  one hour consultation. We also have a top beautician who will train you to make up, to enhance your best features, from a 10minute skin care and everyday make up to a make up for a special occasion.  The cost for a two hour session £80, and we will contribute £10  towards the cost for all full dating memberships.

 

49  SPECIAL NOTE ON INTERVIEWS

We have a range of interviews, from a light fact finding interview lasting one hour, a deeper interview so you can understand what partners are seeking from a relationship, to a what we believe is the most in depth interview in the UK lasting four hours.  Most clients find this 4 hour interview most informative and sometimes even a life changing experience. It is a one to one interview  with the owner Alun Jenkins. We often encourage people to soften their ‘hard shell’ to find someone very special (as opposed to another 'grey'  marriage as many people settle for). We are not trained as, or  attempt to be psychologists, we do however give advice on dating and relationships in general. based on our 24 years experience. Occasionally about 1 in 100 of our female clients find the full 4 hour interview intrusive and not pleasant, unfortunately because of their closed nature we are not able to pick this up at the time and they may get upset with what we have told them, often  a day or so after the interview (one reason we give a 3 day cooling off period), especially so if  we advised them not to join  or  recommend another agency to them instead.  We will always give our time of 4  hours to a client in an attempt to help them, even if we know they are not suitable for our introduction agency. We treat you as though you were our brother/sister we will not flatter you and tell that life is all magic, we tell the truth, the way it is. If you feel uncomfortable at any stage of the interview,  please discuss it with us. In the interests of our members we will not offer membership to anyone that remains closed and secretive. If you are one of the 1in 100 clients this pertains too, we apologise for not being able to sense it, and  please feel free to terminate the interview and leave at any stage.

 

The structure of the full 4 hour interview is.

 

1.      A quick run through of what makes our service different to every other ( we do this at the start, so at the end of the interview we we can’t then ‘gloss it up’ to be just what you're looking for).

 

2.                  You tell us your life story from birth until the present. Your childhood is particularity important to us to understand why you may attract the wrong sort of attention/person. We can advise you of any changes in attitude or behaviour that will improve the situation.

 

3.                  We go on to define “love” so you don’t settle for a poor relationship but have the knowledge to decide what compromises you are prepared to make if any! We explain how the opposite sex thinks and how relationships develop from sexual attraction to becoming the single most important feature of life. We will explain the statistical facts of why for certain groups of people it becomes a very competitive environment and how to 'load the odds' in your favour. We usually give you relationship and dating tips.

 

4.                  We ask you many personal questions which you are free not to answer but the more you tell us the better advise we are able to give you.

 5.                     We then either recommend a more suitable agency or means of meeting people  to you, or tell you which membership level you would need to benefit from our service. If you are offered membership, as we have had several world famous people you are required to sign a strict legally enforceable confidentiality contract (see a copy at the end of this page.     

 

                

6    ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Although you are always welcome to go home after your interview and consider for a few days whether you wish to join  (the joining fees are the same), it then requires us to make a second appointment to complete the paperwork and take photographs which we make a nominal charge of £30

If you join at your first interview, any membership costing £600 or above, then we complete all the documentation and give you these additional benefits:

A THREE DAY PERIOD TO CHANGE YOUR MIND AT NO COST, so we refund all your joining fees less the interview fee if you have had one.

 

4 WEEK TRY THE SERVICE AND HAVE A REFUND GUARANTEE  OPTION 

Try the service for 4 weeks with a right to a  full refund of your membership fee ( less a nominal fee of £30 to cover the costs of your interview) towards the joining cost of any other agency in the world.

 

SPREAD YOUR PAYMENTS

You can pay just 50% of the fee on the day and then pay 50% aftyer we have arranged three introductions. 

 

CANCEL YOUR MEMBERSIP  AND  HAVE A REFUND

If within your first two months of joining  (provided you do not owe us any money) we will allow you to cancel your membership e.g you may move away, have met someone ( even through us) indeed FOR ANY  REASON we will refund 50% of your total joining fee.  If you wish to rejoin at a later date you would need  to re-apply as a new member.

 

LOSE YOUR JOB?  -  HAVE A REFUND ON US

If you are made redundant within three months  of joining and become unemployed  we extend the 50% refund guarantee to THREE MONTHS. We may at our discretion allow you to continue with a reduced service. We will also allow you  to rejoin as a lifetime member within 12 months  by topping up the fee. 

 

 

 

  

 NOTE:  ALL these notes are given for guidance only. We have different membership levels certain factors may not be applicable to every level of membership. If a specific factor contained in these notes is important to you, call and seek our advice before joining. We constantly seek to improve our service, the situations these notes apply to may change and  although these notes are given in good faith as fair, truthful, and honest, these guidelines do not bind us contractually.

CONTACT INFORMATION

HEAD OFFICE & DATING CENTRE
(please send all correspondence  here)

The Club
Data House
Princess Drive
Seaford
East Sussex
BN25 2TZ
E:mail alun@execclub.net

TEL: 01323 490666
Mon Wed and Thu 7pm—9pm

LONDON OFFICE
(Interviews only)

213, 2nd Floor
Portland House
Bressenden Place
London
SW1E 5RS
Tel: 0207 930 5555
New members enquires and urgent calls

 

                           www.executiveparties.co.uk

Contracts, confidentiality agreements and guarantees
at the end of this page

Tips about dating in general and all dating agencies
www.datingagenciesforlondon.co.uk

E:mail alun@execclub.net

Owner
Richard Alun Jenkins

  © Copyright of the Executive Club All rights reserved Links
Telephone: 0207 930 5555 or Email: alun@execclub.net

 

www.executiveparties.co.uk

 

 

Dating agency Professionals, Introduction agencies London,  exclusive introduction agency, exclusive dating agencies, 

 

Exclusive dating agency

updated 7th November  2009

 

 

exclusive introduction agency

 

 

www.thematchmaker.co.uk

 

 

To return to main web site of Club 40+ Professionals click here

www.executiveparties.co.uk

 

LIST OF CONTRACTS AND DOCUMENTS

1. Full Professional Dating and Social Membership Contract

2. Priority Dating and Social membership Contract

3. Customer charter and guarnatees for dating memberships

4. Social & Passive Dating Membership Contract

 

5 Confidentiality Contract (required of all dating members)

 

 

At the end of this page  "The rules governing ABIA registered agencies"

 

 

 

1. FULL  PROFESSIONAL DATING MEMBERSHIP CONTRACT

 

 

 

REGISTRATION FEE £650.00

£20  per month.

 

 

 

EXTENDED MEMBERSHIP. Provided the monthly service is maintained your membership  remains active for life.

 

PERIODS ON HOLD  You are a member for life but may place your membership on hold for indefinite periods and stop your service fee. To restart your membership you back pay two months service fee.

 

 

 INTRODUCTIONS. You are able to activate  up to one introduction each month and  accept unlimited dates from other members requesting to meet you.

 

 

PERSONAL ADVISORS.  You will receive personal attention from our dating advisors at Seaford, they will recommend and help you to select and arrange your  introductions.

 

 

CALL BACK.   We telephone you back with the answer to your request for an introduction as soon as we have the answer. This means you could be talking to your date within minutes of requesting them.

                            

 

SOCIAL EVENTS.     You are entitled to attend social events as listed on our members Social events web site, or we can send you  a list of social events. You may also bring guests along to most events.

                          

 

IMAGE/LIFESTYLE COACH. We pay for a one hour telephone consultation with an independent  consultant

 

MAKE-UP CONSULTANT.

We will give you a £10 voucher towards a 2 hour make up training session with a top U.K. make up artist. (cost £80 less your voucher)                      

 

 

 

 

 You have been accepted as a Full Professional Dating  Member at a cost of £650. plus £20 per month service fee.  The monthly service fee of £14.50  is the members contribution to the running  expenses of  the club, i.e. salaries, telephones rents etc. and the clubs profit), Your membership lasts for life providing you maintain your service fee. You may also pause your membership for indefinite periods and to restart your membership you back pay 2 months service fee . Your service fee shall be collected by standing order commencing ……………. Then on the  …….. of each month.

 

 

 

Our club provides an introduction service by spending members joining fees on marketing to attract new members. You are invited to make contact with those we feel may be suitable for you. We cannot, of course, guarantee in anyway who will join, or their ultimate compatibility. We enable you to meet a  range of members so that you may enlarge your circle of friends allowing you a greater chance of finding someone  special. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE “success” be it falling in love, getting married or otherwise. We cannot make people like you. We can only provide you with the opportunity to meet people. Who you meet is within your control.  However providing you use our service to the full and do not change the specification of the type of person you wish to meet from that given at your joining interview, then providing your conduct does not prejudice our ability to date you we guarantee the following. Within 18 months of joining we guarantee  you at least …….  Introductions. In the unlikely event that we should we fail to meet this minimum number you have the right between 19 and 21 months to terminate your membership and receive a refund of your membership fee proportional to any shortfall in service. E.g. if 10 introductions were promised but only 5 made the refund shall be 50% of your membership fee.

 

 

 

 .

 

You agree to keep details and identities of any member absolutely confidential, to tell any third party information that would identify an individual as belonging to an introduction service or a member of an introduction agency would be a serious breach of confidentiality and of this contract and will result is us refusing to introduce you to any further members without refund. You have signed a separate confidentiality contract and been given a copy. You also undertake to treat our members with courtesy and good manners. To “stand up” a member will after investigation, usually result in us withdrawing membership without refund. You are expected to act in a manner that does not bring discredit to yourself or a fellow member, or to our organisation.     We will remove membership without refund of members whose behaviour does, or is likely to, offend other members. If you have agreed to accept a telephone call from a member you would normally be expected to meet them “face to face” albeit for a “15 minute coffee”. You agree to inform us of any changes to your circumstances.

 

 

 

 

 3.    CUSTOMER CHARTER - FULL    DATING & PRIORTY MEMBERSHIPS

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIDENTIALTY AGREEMENT

 

WARNING    LEGALLY ENFORCABLE AGREEMENT SIGN ONLY IF YOU  AGREE THE TERMS

 

It is a legally binding condition to being shown details of /and/or introduced to any person through the services of Club Over 40's Professionals, The Executive Club or VIP Services that you will maintain absolute confidentiality

You agree you will not inform any other person of the identity of any person  shown  or introduced to you as being a member of, or being introduced through, Club Over 40's Professionals, The Executive Club or VIP Services or indeed an introduction agency.  You  further agree not to pass on information such as selling a story of a relationship to the media etc.

Should you break this confidentiality agreement then for each and every breach  of this agreement you agree that you will donate £500 to a charity chosen by Club Over 40's Professionals  and or its agents or representatives.

You agree  not to profit from such breaches and any monies made by such breaches will be donated to a charity  that Club Over 40's  Professionals chooses and/or its agents are at liberty to pursue such breaches by legal means. Should any part of this agreement be found to be unenforceable then the rest of the agreement shall stand in its own right. I have been given a copy of this agreement.

Should you have membership level that allows you sight of photographs, you agree that no photographs will be shown to any other party, no copies will be made and any aforesaid photograph will be deleted within 48hours of your personal viewing. any breach of this will result in photographs no longer being available and at our discretion  we may also remove your membership rights.

Club Over 40's Professionals also agrees to maintain your confidentiality and only pass over details necessary to appropriate persons with the express purpose of the effective running of an introduction service. Your Surname and or address will never be passed to any persons and no details will be passed to any third party for publicity or commercial purposes. We have a legal duty of care to you to take all reasonable precautions to maintain your confidentiality.  All paperwork relating to you when no longer required will be shredded and or burnt  and always by our own employees

I agree to the above conditions.

 

 

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR INTRODUCTION AGENCIES
A Code drawn up by the Association of British Introduction Agencies

 

 

 

Forward by Council of A.B.I.A.
In October 1981 the Association of British Introduction Agencies was created, at the instigation of the Office of Fair Trading, in response to genuine concern about the conduct of dating and introduction agencies. The ABIA is now recognised generally as the authoritative voice of the introduction industry with its members providing a reputable and ethical service. In the absence, so far, of any official legislation, we strive to create a greater public and media awareness of our service, to raise standards across all of the industry and enhance the image of our industry. Whilst it would be quite wrong to infer that all non-member agencies are questionable, it is a sad fact that many are – not so much through lack of integrity but through a lack of resources and commercial acumen. The industry is plagued by the growth of short-lived agencies whose founders expect rich returns from poorly researched and funded businesses, with many lasting no longer than a few short weeks. The services provided by agencies are particularly personal ones, and it is very helpful that consumers having problems with the services can have access under the code to procedures for resolving the problems, including independent arbitration if necessary. This is an area where consumers have the strongest need for adequate and clear information about the services being offered before any commitment is entered into. The code provisions addressing these are valuable. Consumers need to have confidence that a code of practice will deliver what it promises, and the independent mechanism set up to enforce this code is able to do this.

Association of British Introduction Agencies. Suite 109, 315 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4HH
Tel: 0208 742 0386 www.abia.org.uk

Aims of the Association

1. To monitor, regulate and improve the standard of service offered to members of the public.

2. To act as an intermediary between the industry and the public (including, for example, the media) in respect of agencies’ practice.

3. To represent the industry in dealings with Government.

4. To collect and evaluate information concerning United Kingdom Introduction agencies, whether members or otherwise. This Code of Practice is
designed to further these aims and will be updated as occasion demands. The Principles set out here are not intended to interpret, qualify or supplant
the law of the land. They apply only to transactions with consumers. The Association considers that its members have a duty to accept the Code in
its entirety. If clients feel dissatisfied with their treatment by a member they have a right to take this up with the Association and, if not resolved, to
an independent scheme set up in conjunction with an independent panel of arbitrators.

Standards of Practice
(All members of the Association have accepted these Standards of Practice)

Before any fees are paid or interviews conducted, or any binding commitment entered into, a prospective client shall be given a copy of this Code of Practice, together with a clear and Introduction and Dating Agencies: These agencies must make it clear that their primary objective is simply to facilitate introductions. It must be clearly stated whether or not an interview is to be conducted with the clients and whether or not all clients are

(A) OBJECTIVE AND METHOD OF INTRODUCTION USED
a1. Marriage Bureaux: At the outset, marriage bureaux must make it clear that their primary objective is to help clients find marriage partners. It must
be clearly stated whether or not an interview is to be conducted with the client and whether or not all clients are interviewed.

a2. Introduction and Dating Agencies: These agencies must make it clear that their primary objective is simply to facilitate introductions. It must be
clearly stated whether or not an interview is to be conducted and whether or not all clients are interviewed.

a3. ‘Lists’ Method: this must be described in detail to prospective clients.

(B) ELIGIBILITY FOR MARRIAGE. Bureaux must state whether or not membership is restricted to those current unmarried. Where membership
is so restricted applicants should be asked provide a signed statement that they are legally free to marry

(C) CRITERIA USED FOR MATCHING. The criteria used for matching clients must be fully explained. Clients must be told whether stated
preferences will be fully adhered to or whether they will be treated as general indicators only.

(D) NUMBERS OF INTRODUCTIONS, ETC. Agencies shall give individual applicants, upon request, a realistic indication of the number of
introductions they are likely to be offered during their period of membership, given their particular circumstances and stated preferences. Upon
request, the agency shall tell the client how many people they have available for introduction in the client’s age group and area at any time. If a
bureau offers other services (e.g. social events for single people) a realistic indication of the likely extent of these must be given, subject to
individual agencies terms and conditions listed in their contracts.

(E) FEES CHARGED. All fees charged should be clearly stated, including any additional charges, which might be
made for interviews, further introductions, etc., or upon marriage. It should be made clear whether or not such
fees include VAT

(F) REFUNDS Agencies should offer clients the choice of either a refund proportionate to the amount of service received or an
extension of membership if they are unable to provide the level of service indicated initially. This criteria will apply at the end of the
membership period only.

2. All agencies must have an office set aside for the exclusive use of the agency that clients and other interested members of the public can easily
identify, locate and visit. Each agency must have a listed telephone number that the public can, during normal working hours, use to speak to
someone in authority within that agency.

3. The agency must show to the satisfaction of the Council of the A.B.I.A. that the agency has a client base, which is reasonably balanced in terms of
age and sex to enable them to realistically offer clients an adequate selection of introductions.

4. All information obtained from clients shall be treated in the strictest of confidence and all legal provisions governing the protection of data will be
followed. It is incumbent upon all member agencies to give guidance (and advice) to their clients regarding standards and codes of behaviour. The
lists of names and addresses of clients must remain the property of the member company and must not be sold, lent, hired, or used for any purpose
other than as part of their introduction service. Bureaux shall ensure that clients are removed from their lists of members immediately they so
request

5. All information supplied by the client to the agency shall not be divulged, without the prior consent of the client, to any other person or party except
those of the agency’s members who have agreed beforehand to have their details given to other members of the agency.

6. In the unlikely event of an agency belonging to the Association ceasing to trade, the agency will, with the client’s consent, arrange for the unexpired
portion of any membership to be transferred, free of charge, to another member agency that offers a comparable service.

7. All members shall prominently indicate in their literature that they are a member of the Association and show its address alongside.

Advertising

1. No member shall publish advertisements that are inaccurate, ambiguous, exaggerated or liable to be misconstrued. All advertising by members must comply with the codes and standards set by the Advertising Standards Authority and the ITC and Radio Authority, and with the requirements of any legislation currently in force. It must be realistic and avoid arousing expectations that cannot be fulfilled.

2. Advertisements must not contain the words ‘guarantee’ or ‘guaranteed’ unless the full terms of such undertakings as well as the remedial action open to a customer are either clearly set out in the advertisement or are available to the customer in writing before any monies are paid.

3. The price quoted shall be the price at which the client can participate fully in a member’s services. Members must therefore quote the relevant price for their service, plus any additional charge that may reasonably arise (including VAT). If the quoted price excludes any part of the service, such exclusions must be clearly specified.

Handling Complaints

1. Members of the Association must ensure that effective and immediate action is taken to achieve just settlement of a complaint. To this end there will be an easily identifiable and accessible arrangement for the reception and handling of complaints from clients.

2. All members should maintain an analysis of justified complaints in relation to any of the provisions of the Code of Practice and should take action based on this information to improve their service to the client.

3. When complaints are raised through a third party (e.g. Trading Standards Officer or a Citizens Advice Bureau), willing guidance must be given to that body and every attempt should be made to re-establish direct communication with the complaining client and to reach a satisfactory settlement with them.

4. In the event that a complaint is not resolved, members of the Association must make it clear to clients that they have the right to refer the complaint to the Association.

5. Members will give every assistance to the Association whilst it is investigating a complaint.

6. Where the A.B.I.A. considers the conciliation procedure has failed to resolve the dispute it will give the member company 14 days’ notice of this decision, in which time the company may take steps to resolve the issue. In the absence of its being resolved within that period the A.B.I.A. will inform the client of their right to seek resolution of their complaint under special low-cost arbitration arrangements administered by the independent arbitrators. This independently run scheme, however, is not suitable for more complex disputes; the arbitrators or the A.B.I.A. can advise on whether or not a case is appropriate. Under these arrangements, arbitration will normally be on the basis of documents only. The award of such arbitration is final, legally binding and enforceable. The client will be advised also that they can, alternatively, take legal action through the courts.

Compliance with the Code of Practice

1. Regular random checks are made by Officers of the Association on members to ensure that literature given to the public confirms to the Code
and does not use language or arguments, which might well lead to unrealistic expectations on behalf of the prospective clients.

2. All complaints, or other incidents involving non-compliance with the Code, are recorded and examined by a Sub-Committee of the Council, which
consists of a majority of independent persons co-opted to the Council. They are empowered to censure member agencies for non-compliance, to
direct compliance and, if necessary, to terminate the member agency’s membership of the Association.

3. An analysis of all complaints under the Code shall be made on an annual basis.

 

 

END