FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Selective Search?
Founded in 2000 by Barbie Adler, Selective Search is the nation’s leading luxury matchmaking firm, with clients and candidates throughout the country.
At 89%, Selective Search has the highest success rates in the industry; a product of the company’s proven Meet Your Future process which combines executive recruiting methodologies with traditional matchmaking intuition. We’ve built a proprietary network of quality candidates. Selective Search has accounted for over 4,000 (and counting) happy, committed couples.
Our goal is to connect you with the love of your life, while you’re busy living your life. Selective Search is the nation’s most trusted matchmaking firm.
How is Selective Search different from its competitors?
In one word, results.
As the nation’s leading boutique matchmaking firm since 2000, we have the highest success rate in the industry at 89%. To date, we are responsible for over 4,000 happy couples — because success means different things to our clients and candidates. Our clients often say the first date feels like the fifth – comfortable, confident, and aligned from the start. We maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau with zero complaints, a perfect 5.0 rating on Consumer Affairs, and a 4.9 out of 5-star Google rating.
How does Selective Search compare to dating apps for executives?
Selective Search is the opposite of a dating app. There is no swiping, no algorithm, and no public profile. A team of human matchmakers conducts a confidential, executive-search-style process to identify, vet, and introduce a small number of compatible candidates. Our 89% success rate reflects the difference between volume-based digital dating and curated, intentional matchmaking.
Why do I need Selective Search?
Many successful individuals find they have everything they could wish for in life except for what matters most: the love of an extraordinary partner. Successful people like you work with countless industry experts in other aspects of your life: be it an attorney, a health and fitness coach, or a wealth advisor.
It’s time to allow Selective Search to find the love of your life; because you’re single and you don’t want to compromise, and you shouldn’t have to. Selective Search honors your preferences and doesn’t judge them. We don’t consider it “picky” to have preferences about age, religion, ethnicity, education, physical appearance, lifestyle, values, personality type, or whatever may be important to you. It’s not a question of if we can find “the one” — it’s simply when would you like to meet them.
Who are typical Selective Search clients?
Selective Search clients are commitment-minded individuals who are ready to invest in their love life with the same intention they bring to the rest of it. They value their time and their privacy, and they recognize the benefit of working with an expert, the same way they would for any other significant professional or personal decision. Discretion and confidentiality are foundational to every engagement.
What is the difference between a Selective Search ‘client’ and ‘candidate’?
Clients are men and women who retain our services through a premium fee-based membership. Much like executive search, pricing is dynamic and considers the scope and complexity of each individual search. Selective Search works with clients through a defined contract. Each contract is for a finite number of introductions over a defined period of time. Introductions may be with other clients, from our candidate network, or recruited specifically for you — because your Matchmaker is never limited to who is already in the system. Our concierge-caliber approach truly demonstrates that results are a function of investment. Selective Search clients don’t have trouble finding dates, they simply do not have the time to waste on dates without long-term potential.
Our Candidate program is designed for high-caliber men and women who are ready for a long-term, committed relationship, but are not yet ready to invest in a client membership. This program is 100% complimentary – no fees to join and no fees to match. Upon completing a confidential profile, candidates are eligible to be matched with Selective Search clients. However, as a candidate, our Matchmakers will only reach out to you when they have identified a two-way fit with one of our clients. While we may not have a match for you right away, we are always working with new clients who may be the perfect match for you. As a Selective Search candidate, you have nothing to lose and the love of your life to gain.
What is the Meet Your Future process?
Meet Your Future is a proven, proprietary, six-step process developed by Barbie Adler, marrying the best of executive search and matchmaking. The process was built from an expansive study of relevant industries such as executive search, psychology, traditional matchmaking, and sociology. We continue to evolve and develop our best-in-class methods.
How long does the matchmaking process usually take?
Every search is unique, and we would never predict when someone will meet their match. What we can say is that a typical Selective Search contract runs 6 to 12 months. During that time, clients receive a defined number of curated introductions on a structured cadence, so they spend their time meeting people rather than searching for them.
What is the typical investment for Selective Search services?
The cost of matchmaking varies greatly. Much like executive recruitment, our contract pricing is dynamic and customized to the specific needs and complexity of each search. A retained search typically ranges from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on scope and criteria. Highly complex searches may reach seven figures. You are investing in a search, not subscribing to a service. For a full breakdown, visit our Matchmaker Pricing page.
What markets does Selective Search cater to?
Selective Search works with quality individuals across the country. Our clients and candidates live in major metropolitan areas as well as more remote locales. We also work with individuals who live abroad, and are looking to meet someone based in the United States.
A lot of thought is put in to pairing you with the right Matchmaker. Your Matchmaker will have a well cultivated knowledge base about the market you are searching within. This includes awareness of geography, local sensibilities, current events, as well as recommendations for restaurants and dates.
How many potential matches do you have in my area?
Selective Search puts a priority on quality over quantity when it comes to introducing you to a match. Every search is unique, as are the preferences of your potential match. We are constantly working with new individuals every day, as well as updating their search preferences. Selective Search takes the time to get to know you and your search before taking you on as client. We don’t take on every prospective search. We want to ensure that we understand the type of person you are looking to meet. Selective Search not only draws from our private candidate network — we actively recruit. When the right person for your search isn’t already in our system, we go find them.
What do you share with me about my matches?
Your Matchmaker will present you with matches that meet the preferences established during your Benchmarks for Success. Before any introduction is made, you’ll receive a comprehensive profile — prepared personally by your Matchmaker — with enough context and insight that your first date feels like anything but a first meeting. You’ll have everything you need to decide how you’d like to proceed, whether that’s moving forward enthusiastically, asking questions, or continuing to refine your search.
Do you screen the clients and candidates who join Selective Search?
We are equally as selective with our clients as we are with our candidates. Selective Search Matchmakers carefully screen and filter each individual before taking on a search or proceeding with a match.
Selective Search prides itself on being safe and thorough. All of our clients and their matches are personally screened, interviewed and have undergone our reputation analysis process. This is a thorough examination of lifestyle and may include: a background check, a social media analysis, identity verification, personal home and/or an office visit to verify authenticity as well as identity.
Is the process really confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is built into every step. Client identities are protected throughout the search; introductions are made only after both sides have been independently vetted; nothing is published online; and the firm has nearly three decades of experience working with high-profile clients who require absolute discretion.
How do matchmaking services maintain client privacy?
Unlike dating apps and mass-market platforms, Selective Search is completely private and personalized. We don’t use public profiles. Instead, all introductions are hand-curated by a dedicated Matchmaker and shared only when there’s mutual compatibility.
Your personal information is protected by strict data security protocols, and all communication is handled with discretion. Our clients choose Selective Search because they want something more exclusive, intentional, and secure than app-based dating. Your privacy—and your time—is always protected.
When do I meet my Matchmaker?
Matchmakers are assigned to individuals once you’ve become a client.
The information gathered during the Benchmark phase of the Meet Your Future process will determine the most appropriate Matchmaker for your search.
A lot of thought is put in to pairing you with the right Matchmaker. Your Matchmaker will have a well cultivated knowledge about the market(s) you are searching within. This includes awareness of geography, local sensibilities, current events, as well as recommendations for restaurants and dates.
They will be your exclusive guide throughout the process.
When is the best time to start my search?
Tomorrow is a promise to no one. The benefits of being in love include being healthier, happier and more successful.
Spend your time falling in love, not searching for it.
It’s time to outsource your love life to the experts.
In Our Clients’ Words
