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If you’re in the market to outsource your search for a partner, you’ve probably been curious about the matchmaking service Three Day Rule, which caters to singles with busy lives who might not have time to search for and vet potential matches.
Instead of sifting through review after review, just read this one. We’ve done all the research for you, from how Three Day Rule works to what it costs (and if they really follow the three day rule).
Three Day Rule is a matchmaking service that offers singles in 11 cities across the country the chance to find love with the help of a dedicated matchmaker. Matchmakers search Three Day Rule’s database of both paying and free members (as well as external sources, like their own personal networks, dating apps, and beyond) to match clients with compatible partners. In addition to matchmaking, the company provides date coaching and styling advice.
The company’s name “Three Day Rule” comes from a now-outdated dating strategy of waiting three days to contact someone after a date, implying that calling or texting too soon makes people come across as desperate. (We say “outdated” because this strategy isn’t popular anymore, given the fast-moving nature of online dating.) Three Day Rule founder Talia Goldstein thought of the name while writing a dating advice article for a blog.
Yes, Three Day Rule appeared on the television show Shark Tank in 2013, but left without a deal after all five investors said “I’m out.” However, the company still reaped the benefits of Shark Tank publicity, allegedly receiving 10,000 sign-ups the night it aired.
People have shared their experiences with Three Day Rule on various forums and websites. Let’s see what they have to say.
Reddit conversations that mention Three Day Rule are generally positive, with a few negative reviews mixed in. The positive reviews are from people who signed up for the free membership, meaning that they were in the database and passively matched with paying clients. These individuals mention that they liked the opportunity to provide post-date feedback and that the matchmaker interview was refreshing.
Negative reviews are from paying clients, who say that they didn’t feel supported by the Three Day Rule team and thought that they paid for a bad experience. One even mentions that they requested a partial refund and only got it after signing a non-disparagement agreement (which basically means that they can’t say anything negative about the company).
In 2015, two writers from Buzzfeed wrote an article describing their experiences with Three Day Rule (they were apparently approached by Three Day Rule to sign up with the matchmaking service). Both note that one of their matches met most of their criteria but that the matchmakers’ approach wasn’t transparent and that the process felt rushed and forced, where some of the matches had qualities that were the writers’ deal-breakers.
Three Day Rule has a 4.3-star rating on Yelp, with 285 total reviews. Let’s start with the negative reviews: They largely consisted of paid clients complaining about paying a high price for what they believed was low-quality matchmaking. Some noted that matches were underwhelming, the Three Day Rule matchmakers did “the bare minimum,” and finding good matches was easier (and free) on dating apps.
That being said, most of the Yelp reviews are positive. Many people call out specific matchmakers who went above and beyond. Other positive notes mention the high quality of matches, appreciating being able to share feedback and concerns, the relief of having someone search for matches on their behalf, and the incorporation of date coaching into the matchmaking process.
The customer rating on BBB (Better Business Bureau) is 3.89 out of 5 stars, with 18 reviews total. Most of the reviews are positive, with people talking about the thorough process of interviewing and matching candidates, the help that they received with managing expectations on their dating journey, and the impressive follow-through and communication from matchmakers. One reviewer even noted that they’ve been a paid client twice, returning to Three Day Rule after a stint with another matchmaking service.
Negative reviews are similar to those on other sites, with most explaining that they were matched with people who didn’t meet their criteria.
Three Day Rule has a 2.9-star rating on Trustpilot (although, both reviews only give 1 star). The reviews claim that the matchmaking service is a scam and will defraud paying clients.
Yes, Three Day Rule does have 10 complaints filed through the Better Business Bureau; however, nine of them have been resolved. Most of the complaints discuss inadequate matches, with many reviewers discussing being matched with people who didn’t meet their criteria or deal-breakers to being pushed to expand their search location outside of their preferred city.
Three Day Rule seems legit. While some of the negative reviews online claim that the matchmaking service is a scam, the company itself and the services it provides are legitimate.
Three Day Rule’s website doesn’t provide much information about the matchmaking process itself or what clients can expect. It seems that a lot of the important details can only be accessed during a client consultation, so the info here is a mix of what’s found on the website and what we could glean from articles or reviews.
Regardless of whether you’re interested in becoming a paid client or a free member, you’ll first fill out an online form, at which point you will be contacted by a Three Day Rule matchmaker to set up a free consultation. Once you choose your package, your matchmaker will work with you to understand your preferences so that they can begin their search for your romantic partner.
Free members will simply be added to Three Day Rule’s database, where you’ll be one of many potential matches for paid clients. But it also seems—from information gathered through reviews—that Three Day Rule matchmakers also find and reach out to potential matches outside of their database, meaning that clients could be matched with someone who wasn’t in the Three Day Rule pool to begin with. This has caused some concern for paid clients, they can at least rest assured that every potential match is vetted in person.
After every date, you and your match will be able to provide feedback about the date, helping to inform your next match.
Based on the name of the company, you might think that matchmakers encourage their clients to abide by the three day rule strategy, but that’s not the case. Three Day Rule’s approach to matchmaking and dating does not involve any special rules.
No, Three Day Rule does not have a dating app.
We couldn’t find any information about package pricing on Three Day Rule’s website, but the company’s verified business manager on Yelp notes that memberships start at $5,900. Some people who have reviewed their experience with the company have mentioned paying between $6,000 and $9,000 for three months of matchmaking.
Whether Three Day Rule is worth the money is up to you. The largely positive reviews note that, yes, it’s expensive, but also yes, it’s worth it for the dating advice and quality matches. Those with negative experiences are more likely to say that the matchmaking service isn’t worth the cost.
Unfortunately, Three Day Rule does not list a success rate on its website.
Although Three Day Rule isn’t straightforward with need-to-know details on its website, it does seem like it could be a good fit for some singles. Just keep in mind that Three Day Rule matchmakers are currently located in only 11 cities, so if you live outside of these areas, this company might not be the best option.
But no matter where you live, Tawkify matchmakers are here to help you find your person. We have a network of more than 1 million relationship-ready singles, packages affordable for just about any budget, and dedicated matchmakers who can guide you toward long-lasting, meaningful partnerships.