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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is DatesGalore?
A. DatesGalore is the newest and fastest-growing form of introduction service catering for singles in the North East of England (and rapidly expanding). Up to 25 different 3-minute dates in one fun, friendly & safe speed-dating event! 

Q. So how does it work?
A. A DatesGalore event takes place at a local upmarket bar. Your event coordinator will greet you and give you your name tag (first names only!) and a "Match Card" to indicate your results. Ladies remain seated at tables while gentlemen will move from table to table. A timer begins the date. After 3 minutes, a whistle sounds and it's on to the next table and a new "date" begins! After each mini-date, singles indicate on the Match Card whether they would like to go on another "real" date with that person. After the event your event coordinator will collect your Match Card. Within 48 hours after the event, each participant will receive an e-mail listing how many date matches they received along with contact information to contact each other for a real date. The rest is up to you!

Q. What kind of people go to a DatesGalore event?
A. People just like you! Most speed daters are professional people who want to meet more people. They're generally normal, attractive people who just aren't meeting people through their work or immediate circle of friends. From health-care to law to government workers and business owners and retired professionals.

Q. Is Speed Dating safe?
A. At a Speed Dating event, only first names are used. Further contact details are only given if both parties agree, and the only information given is the first name and email address or telephone number provided for the purpose. Further to this, Dates Galore stresses the importance of taking the usual precautions one would normally take in their dating activities.
See our First Date Safety Tips.

Q. How long does an event last?
A. It depends on the number of participants. There is an intermission halfway through the event to allow for mingling, ordering refreshments, buffet (when available), and bathroom breaks. A typical DatesGalore event lasts around three hours.

Q. How many matches can you get?
A. It varies. Everyone can be a potential match or you may not have any. Matches must be mutually agreed to by both parties. So keep an open mind and you will increase your chances of matching with someone else!

Q. What if I don't get a match?
A. Come back again! As every event is different, we encourage you to register for several events and we will even thank you for doing so, with a discounted fee! 

Q. How do I know if I have a match?
A. For there to be a match, each person must have circled "YES" on their Match Card. This indicates that both parties would be interested in seeing the other again. If only one of the parties circles "YES", it's not a match and no contact information is shared.

Q. What should I wear?
A. There is no mandatory dress code for our events. Sometimes participants arrive straight from work so we often see business or casual attire. We encourage you to dress comfortably as you will be seated for the majority of the evening. Wear what you'd wear on a date!

Q. What do I talk about?
A. Anything and everything! A list of "icebreaker" topics can be found on your Match Card. Just don't ask the other person private information such as their last name, address, etc... And don't ask for a follow-up date. Remember, this is supposed to be a pressure-free, fun party! We encourage you to be yourself and get to know one another naturally.  This is not an interview but rather a date so there is no need to prepare. Simply show up with a smile and you'll find that the conversation will fall into place.

Q. Can I sign up for more than one event?
A. Yes. As every event is different we encourage you to register for several events and we will even thank you for doing so, with a discounted fee! 

Q. Will I meet the same people if I attend a second or third time?
A. We run events frequently so it is unlikely that you will meet the same people again. If there happens to be an individual at an event whom you've met before simply inform our Event Coordinator and they'll try to ensure that you do not meet again.

Q. Can I attend an event that is outside of my age group?
A. DatesGalore does not verify the personal details of the event participants, so the age groups indicated are guidelines for the majority of participants. We know that some people prefer to date people who are older or younger than themselves. However, if you attend an event, the age group of which you are outside, you must accept that other participants may not share the same view and you may not receive any 'matches'. 

Q: What do you get at a DatesGalore event?
A: At a DatesGalore event, you get:

  1. An easy way to meet people who are all interested in meeting someone to date.
  2. A safe and comfortable environment.
  3. Up to 25 first dates.
  4. The opportunity to meet everyone at the event during the intermission.
  5. Practice runs for out in the wide world.
  6. A fun way to spend an evening.
  7. Maybe the love of your life! 

Q. How much does it cost and how do I pay?
A. Most events cost £15-£20, MasterCard and Visa accepted. Early Bird discounts may be available. All events must be paid in advance to reserve a spot. Prepayment is necessary in order to estimate turnout and plan accordingly. Payments can be made online via our Paypal link. Payment by cash is sometimes possible at the venue. Please see the Booking Form, which can be found by clicking here, and then clicking 'Book Now' on the event you are interested in: this will tell you whether cash booking is possible for the particular event.

Q. Is my credit card number safe when I register online?
A. Yes, billing is handled by PayPal on their secure server. A PayPal account is required. It is free and quick to set-up. DatesGalore does not have access to your credit card details.

Q. Can I pay at the door?
A. Unfortunately, due to the sellout nature of these events and the need to ensure fairly equal numbers of ladies and gents, last minute registration at the door cannot be accommodated.

Q. Can I cancel?
A. Yes, we understand that things can come up. To be fair to the people that do make it, we ask that you cancel at least five days prior to an event so that we may find someone to replace you, for a full refund. Less than five days notice you will be charged for the event. Please understand last minute cancellations are disruptive and potentially can leave someone without a date. However, if you provide notice and we can refill your spot last minute, we will issue a credit to be applied to a future event. Contact us at cancel@datesgalore.co.uk

Q. What if DatesGalore cancels - what happens to my payment?
A. Occasionally, a circumstance may arise that requires an event be cancelled or postponed by our organisation. Factors such as insufficient registration, weather, closure of the reserved venue, could force us to cancel a planned event. It is in everyone's best interest to conduct an event that is sufficiently filled and in a fun, safe location. Should factors prohibit the event going ahead, it would be best to postpone. If DatesGalore cancels an event, you will be notified and full refunds will be offered.

 

Copyright © 2003 DatesGalore.co.uk. All rights reserved. 
Revised: November 11, 2003 .