Younger singles increasingly approaching dating agencies for matchmaking services
Agencies attribute the rise in demand to more accepting attitudes towards matchmaking services, as well as people pursuing a more curated and reliable approach to meeting a partner.
Aside from a younger clientele, some dating agencies are also seeing an increase at the other end of the spectrum -- those in their 50s to 70s seeking a second chance at love.
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SINGAPORE: Dating agencies in Singapore have been seeing a steady increase in demand for their services as more singles seek professional help to find their other half.
Agencies attributed the rise in demand to more accepting attitudes towards matchmaking services, as well as people pursuing a more curated and reliable approach to meeting “the one”.
Contributing to the surge in clientele is a surprising demographic – those in their early 20s.
One agency has seen a 30 per cent jump in total sign-ups and inquiries over the past two years, with many new members from as young as 21 years old.
Ms Sharon Ng, country lead of GaiGai, the offline platform of local dating app Paktor, said the shift in demographics is an unexpected trend and a “drastic” change.
“Back then, our youngest clientele were aged between 25 to 27. Since last year, we have seen an increase in clients from ages 21 to 24,” she said. “I even asked them: ‘You're still pretty young. Have you tried online dating and why are you here?’”
SHIFT IN CLIENTELE
Dating Agency Lunch Actually is also experiencing a similar shift in its clientele.
The company used to mainly cater to those in their late 20s to 40s but has in recent years seen more early 20s singles come through its doors, many with marriage on the cards.
“The young singles are (mostly) looking for someone serious to get to know better and see if they are (suitable to) settle down,” said Ms Violet Lim, CEO and co-founder of the agency.
Aside from younger clients, another group at the other end of the spectrum is also increasingly seeking such services.
“We are also seeing (more) singles in their 50s, 60s or even 70s. Many are divorcees or widows and widowers looking for a second chance at love,” said Ms Lim.
SEASONAL PEAK PERIOD
The agencies are also seeing an additional boom in business in the past few months leading up to Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.
Lunch Actually said it typically sees a jump of 15 to 20 per cent more sign-ups over the festive period, attributing the boost to holidays being big motivators.
“People are going to start asking about girlfriends, boyfriends and marriage … it just sort of triggers the thought that maybe it's time to start finding a partner,” said Ms Lim.
Crunch time for GaiGai starts about two months before Christmas and lasts until after Feb 14, with a spike in January as people make New Year resolutions.
“Some members told us that they wanted to bring a partner back for their reunion dinner and Chinese New Year visiting,” said Ms Ng. “They asked us: ‘Can you find me someone to bring back home so that I can please all my family members, and stop them from asking questions?’”
WHY IS THE CLIENTELE GETTING YOUNGER
Matchmaking professionals said that while online platforms are making young people more open to dating, disappointing experiences on dating apps have led them to seek expert help in the relationship department.
“They want to work with someone who is going to professionally … curate and arrange the dates for them … they feel that it's just easier and safer for someone to do the legwork and they just need to show up and enjoy the date,” said Ms Lim.
Ms Elaina Low, a senior relationship manager with GaiGai, said: “People come to us looking for compatibility. If you were to date outside, it takes a bit of time. But here, because of the series of questions we ask, we can filter.”
Many also prefer the security of seeing someone who has already been screened, which means less probability of being scammed or lied to, compared to online dating.
“In our contract, it is stated very clearly that at any point of time their information is inaccurate, we have the right to terminate their (membership),” said Ms Ng.
“This helps members feel safe and gives more trust because all the members have been vetted by us, and there’s a protocol in place.”
Some agencies even provide relationship coaching services to guide clients through dating etiquette and personal grooming.
Ms Ng added that while the clientele is getting younger, their mindset is getting more mature.
“They actually pre-plan their dating journey – finding someone, getting BTO (a Build-to-Order flat), then marry and have their own family. They're all well planned out. I will say they are getting more and more mature,” she said.
