In short
The four pricing models matchmakers use, how to choose between them, and what to put in your client agreement.
There's no single right number. What you charge should come from three things:
- how much of your time each client takes,
- how long you expect it to take to find them a match, and
- what your best clients would happily pay for the result.
Most matchmakers I work with use one of four models.
Market rates swing so heavily by firm, by client, and by how hands-on you are that any number I give you would be wrong for half the people reading this. What I can do is walk you through how the models work and how to choose.
The Four Pricing Models
- Membership. The client pays to be in your database for a set period, usually six or twelve months, and you introduce them when a good match comes up. It brings in steady income if you have a large pool. Clients can feel ignored if months pass with no introductions.
- Retainer. The client pays upfront for an active search: a set number of introductions or a set amount of your time. Most full-service firms use this model.
- Success fee. The client pays a smaller amount to start and a larger amount when the relationship works. Define success in writing before you start, for example an exclusive relationship, three months together, or an engagement.
- Tiers. Two or three packages, such as a basic membership, a full search, and a premium search with more of your time. The client chooses their level of service. These may be monthly subscriptions for a set number of introductions or a single tier that prioritizes them in your match searches.
How to Choose
- Start with your time. Count the hours one client takes from the first call to the match, including screening, searching, introductions, date planning and follow-up. Multiply by what an hour of your time is worth. Never price below that.
- Look at who you serve. Busy professionals usually want a retainer and a fast, personal search. Clients new to matchmaking may prefer a membership. Clients who come through referrals usually accept higher prices than clients who find you through ads.
- Pick a price you can say out loud. If you're nervous saying it, your clients will push back on it.
Put It in Writing
Before any work starts, sign a client agreement that covers:
- what's included
- how long it lasts
- what counts as a successful match
- what happens if the client pauses or cancels
In HoneyBee Match, you set up your agreement once under My Firm and send it to each new client, who signs it on their phone. A client who says yes on the call can be signed before they hang up.
Tips
- Raise prices for new clients first. Existing clients keep their rate until they renew.
- Don't discount to win a client you're unsure about.
- Review your pricing every year.
Book a demo to see how agreements work in HoneyBee Match.