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:
- An easy way to meet
people who are all interested in meeting someone to date.
- A safe and comfortable
environment.
- Up to 25
first dates.
- The opportunity to
meet everyone at the event during the intermission.
- Practice runs for out in the wide world.
- A fun way to spend an
evening.
- 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.
|