Selective Search Matchmaking Reviews (2024): Cost & How it Works

When it comes to your dating life, you want to make an informed decision about if matchmaking is right for you, but you might not have the time to comb through articles, review sites, and even matchmaking sites themselves to get the whole picture. 

If you’ve been curious about Selective Search, you’re in the right place. Here, we cover all you need to know about Selective Search, including its clientele, approach, and if it’s worth the cost. 

What Is Selective Search Matchmaking?

Selective Search is an executive matchmaking service that focuses on matching successful singles, who it defines as entrepreneurs, successful professionals, and distinguished individuals. Selective Search’s focus is on helping accomplished singles, who are often busy maintaining their careers, outsource their search for a partner. 

The company’s matchmaking approach leverages more than 225 “key professional, personal, and social indicators” and goes “beyond the resume” to find compatible matches, prioritizing human intelligence and intuition over algorithms to help people find love. Additionally, while clients will be assigned a dedicated matchmaker, they will also have access to a team of matchmakers, researchers, and other members of the company.

Who Is Barbie Adler? 

Barbie Adler is the founder and president of Selective Search. In 2000, Adler decided to blend the strategies she learned from her career in executive recruiting with her passion for helping people find love, establishing Selective Search as a matchmaking firm.  

What Are Selective Search’s Reviews Like? 

We’ve scoured review sites and articles online to understand what people think of Selective Search. 

Selective Search Reviews on Google

Google reviews of Selective Search are nearly 5 stars, with 34 total reviews. Whether a paid client or a candidate in the free database, reviewers call out the company’s supportive and enthusiastic matchmakers and the unparalleled service. Some even note that they met higher-quality matches than they would have with dating apps.

Selective Search Reviews on Publishers

Here’s how several online publishers have covered Selective Search.

Women’s Health Review

A Women’s Health article from 2017 details one person’s positive experience using Selective Search. They paid more than $50,000 for an expanded search, with more matches and a larger search area, and were matched with a compatible partner within a year. The article, written by someone with a high annual income, recommends Selective Search as a way to find a high-caliber person.

Forbes Review

A Forbes article from 2013 weaves in several stories from Selective Search clients, all of which were eventually matched with great partners. Keep in mind that this article is over 10 years old, so some of the information might be outdated.

Entrepreneur.com Review

If you read the 2023 Entrepreneur.com article about Selective Search, you’ll realize that it’s more of a spotlight on Adler and her company rather than a review. It covers the origin story of Selective Search, discusses its matchmaking approach, and highlights dating tips from Adler for those who can’t afford the service quite yet.

Selective Search Reviews on Yelp 

The matchmaking service’s reviews on Yelp are a mixed bag. There are 24 total reviews, with an average of 3.3 stars.

Let’s start with the positives: Many reviewers thought that Selective Search helped to find them great partners, or at least high-quality matches. Some specifically note that it was nice to outsource their dating life as a busy professional and appreciate the in-depth interview and vetting process. 

The one-star reviews mention that the service is too expensive, provides disappointing matches, and doesn’t have the inventory for older singles. Two reviewers did not appreciate being contacted on LinkedIn by a Selective Search matchmaker, as they felt that the platform is not the place for messages about dating and relationships.

Selective Search Reviews on Consumer Affairs

Similar to the Yelp reviews, Selective Search reviews on Consumer Affairs are either glowing or full of complaints. Half of the 20 reviews are five stars, and half are one star.

Positive reviews mention the impressive level of service and top-notch matches, while negative reviews conversely discuss matches that didn’t meet the client’s criteria or the large expense that they felt wasn’t worth it. (We do want to note that some of the reviews are more than 10 years old.)

Selective Search Reviews on BBB

Reviews of Selective Search on BBB (Better Business Bureau) are undeniably positive, with a five-star average across 76 reviews. All of the reviews—from both paid clients and candidates from the free database—recommend the matchmaking service, noting benefits like how it’s a much better experience over dating apps, the professionalism and dedication of the team, and the good matches they received. 

Does Selective Search Have Any Complaints or Lawsuits? 

No, Selective Search doesn’t have any official complaints through the Better Business Bureau, and we couldn’t find any lawsuits brought against the company.

So is Selective Search Legit or a Scam? 

Selective Search is legit. While many reviews share negative experiences with the matchmaking service, many more reviews are positive. 

How Does Selective Search Work? 

Selective Search uses what it calls the Meet Your Future process, which involves six steps: 

1. The Selective Search team learns about the client through assessments and interviews to understand them on a deeper level.
2. Clients determine their criteria for a match.
3. Matchmakers start their search for potential matches, not only using the Selective Search candidate pool but also seeking out potential matches on LinkedIn, social media, and other networking spaces.
4. After vetting and interviewing candidates, the Selective Search matchmaker shares a “must-meet” profile with the client.
5. The client and their match set up a date, if desired.
6. Both the client and candidate can provide feedback to the matchmaker.

Does Selective Search Have a Minimum Salary Requirement?

The confidential inquiry form on Selective Search’s website requires that people select an annual income range (they can also choose “Prefer Not to Disclose”). The options range from “under $250,000” to “over $500,000,” indicating that an above-average salary is desired.

Alternatively, singles can also become part of the candidate program for free, where they have the opportunity to be matched with paying clients.

How Much Does Selective Search Cost? 

The Selective Search matchmaking costs depend on the time frame, client needs, and the complexity of the search. Its website notes that entry-level packages start at $25,000, and a year-long retained search ranges from $75,000 to $250,000.

Is Selective Search Worth the Money? 

It’s up to you to decide if Selective Search is worth the money. It’s a very expensive service that is most likely reserved for high earners, so if affordability is a concern, Selective Search might not be the best option for your dating needs.

What Is Selective Search’s Success Rate? 

Selective Search claims that one-third of clients fall in love with the first introduction. Its website also notes that the company’s matchmaking approach has an 87% success rate but acknowledges that “success can mean various things to our clients, including marriage, starting a family, blending families, and long-term relationships.”

The Takeaway

Selective Search is a reputable matchmaking service that is well-reviewed online. While it might be a top pick for individuals with high annual salaries, singles with lower budgets will most likely need to look elsewhere.

That’s where Tawkify enters the picture. We offer affordable matchmaking packages starting at $4,900 and take pride in the high-quality matches we provide, all hand-selected from our database of over 1 million relationship-ready singles. Find your person with Tawkify.