Are Free Online Dating Sites Really Free?
 

There used to be free dating services in the traditional sense – they were actually free. You can still find these sites, but do you really want to?

Click here for a list of the Top Dating Sites with Free Trials

It boils down to the age-old question of time vs. money.  The free sites may not offer databases to break down your searches by age or interests. 

Some of them are just a bunch of links to personal ads or other web sites.  Some just include pages of advertising that you have to weed through before you get anywhere.

That's why most people prefer the free dating service preview – the option to test a paid site before becoming a member.

Free online dating service "test drives" offer a database filled with potential relationships for you.  It has been described as the "singles bar of the 1990's" and has doubled in size since 1996. 

Free online dating services offer real time chat, emailing, profiling, and telephone access, depending on the clients' choices. In order to access these free online dating services, you must have access to the Internet; be over the age of 18; and register with your chosen dating service provider. 

Usually, when you register with a free online dating service you are asked to pre sign-up by entering your credit card number.   This protects all involved.

The opportunity to preview a site is a feature of free online dating services that makes the system and providers very popular to the potential clients.

A number of online dating sites allow the user to trial a free online dating service version before they are required to pay monthly, quarterly or annual subscription fee. Free online dating functions similar to test driving a new car.  Free online dating services enable you to try the online dating site before making a financial commitment.

Most of the free online dating sites offer similar services. The five most common free online dating services provided by fee-based online dating sites are as follows:

Browse the database of singles
Depending on the online dating site, the free online dating service allows you to enter common search criteria such as age, geography, and whether you’re seeking a man or woman. Enter your criteria, click submit, and a world of potential dates will open to you. (Note:  you may have limited access as a free member).

Submitting photographs
Most free online dating services allow you to submit one or more photos to be displayed to potential matches.

Writing your profile
Most free online dating services help you write your profile by asking key questions such as age, height, gender, location, hobbies, and interests. Some free online dating sites even ask more unique questions such as your idea of a romantic date or whether you’re looking for a casual relationship or marriage.  However, these more personal questions are usually saved for the paid members as they help you get better matches in the database.

Completing an assessment
Most free online dating services have their own unique or trademarked name for assessment. By answering questions about your interests, the free online dating services can improve your chances of finding better matches.

Communicating with prospects
Some free online dating services will let you instant message or post on a forum with your fellow daters. However, this is where free online dating services draw the line. If you want to avail of more then you need to subscribe.

Watch out!  You need to track your time whenever you sign up for a free service.  After your test period is expired, you may be automatically charged for your first month's membership.
 

Totally free sites are likely to cut corners in order to keep operating costs as low as possible. This means that features will be limited. You will also get very little useful information about your prospects. Site improvements will be few and far between if any at all.

The bottom-line still is: you get what you pay for. If you want quality you must be willing to make the commitment. If in doubt get a free trial membership with a reputable dating site, then decide if it is what you want. If so, go with it. If not, move on.

Click here for a list of the Top Dating Sites with Free Trials