Dating Sites: Getting More Bang for the Buck

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Figuratively speaking, that is.

A SmartMoney post is filled with advice for getting the most out of online dating services like Match.com. Among the tips:

Read consumer reviews about a site and review its Better Business Bureau record before signing up, says Jeannette Kopko, a spokeswoman for the BBB in Dallas. One of the most common complaints: subscription charged that continue to show up after you cancel membership. “If you don’t cancel in just the right way, it auto renews your subscription,” she says.

If your goal is to meet someone for a long-term monogamous relationship, you’d probably prefer a month-to-month membership, so that you can quit at any time. But you’ll pay for that option:

At Match.com, for example, you’ll pay $40 per month. Other options include a three-month bundle for $23 per month (save 42%) and a six-month bundle for $20 per month (save 50%).

Also, as with just about anything you pay for online, it’s smart to look for a discount coupon code:

Chemistry.com is currently offering three months for the price of one, a $50 savings. Use coupon code “GEEK” at Match.com and save 25% off membership.

At least for the first date, you might not want to bring up the fact that you only signed up for the dating service because you had a coupon. Also, probably unwise to mention you giggle like Beavis and Butt-Head at things like the awful “bang for the buck” joke in this post’s title.