Tawkify Review (2023) – Worth the High Price Tag?

1. Matchmaking Services
2. Tawkify Review

Tawkify is an online matchmaking company that has been around for over a decade (since 2012), and has gained some serious traction over the last couple of years. The site claims to be the future of online dating and says that their secret is using humans instead of machines, algorithms, or other technology to create a custom matchmaking system.

Is that really the case? Well, we wanted to get a real, insider look at what Tawkify has to offer users to see if it is worth your time and money. To help you decide whether or not Tawkify is the right fit for you, we’ve reviewed everything from the cost of services, to the brand’s history, included features, customer service, and more.

Let’s dive into it!

Overall Tawkify Review Rating

Is Tawkify Worth It? – The Bottom Line Up Front

First things first, let’s get one thing super clear—Tawkify is a matchmaking service, not a dating app. Is that a good thing? Well, this depends on who you are, what you’re looking for, and how much money you’d like to invest in the process.

Also, Tawkify is by no means inexpensive (especially to get into the tier where you’re actually working with a matchmaking team). We’ll share a few details about the exact pricing in a few, but if you know you’re looking for something a little more affordable that still produces results and does so in a more traditional fashion (not a matchmaker), you may be interested in checking out eharmony.

But if you might be open to spending a bit (or a lot) more to find that special someone, keep reading.

Let’s start with the positives first (and we will get to the drawbacks shortly, so keep reading). Since Tawkify launched a little over a decade ago, they’ve connected over 200,000 matches and have over 1 million singles in their network. We’re not sure how many of those single are still active (as sometimes companies count anyone who didn’t officially cancel), but regardless, it’s a promising number.

Here’s how it works. Tawkify currently offers three client experiences for you to select from.

• A low-cost, $99-a-year option known as being a member that allows you to join their dating pool as a potential match for higher end members. This is referred to as the Romance Rolodex by the company and “inventory” casually by some people. Bear in mind, you are getting no matchmaking services with this level of service. You’re simply an option for their higher-paying clients.
• A more upscale membership (known as being a client) that starts to guarantee you curated matches and dates every month (pricing falls between the $99 level up to around $12,000 with a few additional options for add-ons).
• Their VIP offering that takes the client experience to the next level with many of the perks listed in the table below. (Note, this membership starts with a $10,000 non-refundable “engagement retainer”, but gives you priority status along with the additional features.

Again, it’s worth noting that the $99 Tawkify base membership doesn’t guarantee you anything. It does put you in a pool for “potential matches”, which means if one of the matchmakers thinks you’re a good fit for one of the clients or VIP clients, you’ll get set up on a date.

With all that said, how does it work once you are signed up?

Well, it depends on which level membership you select. If you select the base $99 membership, you’ll share a lot of information about yourself and some photos that will be used to create a private profile for the matchmakers to use. After that, you don’t (and can’t) really do anything. You just wait to see if a matchmaker finds someone they think you’d be a good fit for.

If you select one of the higher tier packages, you’re going to get set up with a team of matchmakers (like in the screenshot below).

Your dedicated team will speak with you, figure out what you’re looking for, and then start looking through the pool of members to find good matches. After the initial search period that may take a week or two, you can expect to go on about one date per month.

Are there drawbacks to Tawkify? Yes, there are some things you’re going to want to be aware of. First, a quick search of the web returns a lot of customer complaints primarily for non-compatible matches and unmet demands for refunds. Second, Tawkify can get quite expensive with membership costs going as high as $70,000. The lower tier options are in the $3k-$10k range, but the higher tier options do go a lot higher.

All in all, Tawkify is certainly not a bad option to try, but it’s not our favorite pick for matchmaking services.

Additional Tawkify Alternatives (With Free Trials)

• Other high end dating app options – If price isn’t the issue but you want a high-end option that takes a different approach (not matchmaker), check out our full list of the best high end dating apps. We already talked a little bit about our top pick (Three Day Rule), but we’ve covered a few other premium options to consider if you’re looking for a more elite crowd of singles.
• eharmony – If quality singles is what is most important to you and you’re open to a non-matchmaker, more traditional style of online dating (where you have some control over the process), eharmony is always a leading option worth considering. It’s an app that, like Tawkify, gets to know you and what you’re looking for, and then helps you to find curated matches based off of that information. The price point also makes it where you don’t have to shell out thousands to start sending messages and getting matches.
• The League – If there is another dating app that closely resembles the mission of Tawkify but still gives you a bit more of that traditional dating app experience, it would be The League. Much like there is a screening process for Tawkify, The League also screens people—just a bit more aggressively. Whereas most people get into Tawkify, only about 20% of people who apply for The League get in! There are more details in our review that you’ll see by clicking the link.

Pros and Cons of Tawkify

Tawkify Review – Table of Contents

• What is Tawkify?
• Tawkify Features Overview
• The Quality of Singles at Tawkify
• How to Sign Up for Tawkify
• Tawkify Pricing
• Tawkify Complaints
• Customer Support Options

What is Tawkify?

Tawkify is a unique online matchmaking website launched in 2012 by Kenneth Shaw (a Stanford grad and the geek of the project) and Elizabeth Carroll (Tawkify’s first matchmaker, who you may know her from her column in Elle “Ask E Jean”). They wanted to create an an online dating experience that would stand out from other apps on the market. And like it or not, they’ve certainly done that.

Though the brand has seen some major changes including some redesigns and the addition of CEO Kellie Ammerman in 2019, the core functionality remains the same. The biggest change we’ve seen over time is that as the brand’s user base and public recognition grew so did the price. It’s almost comical to look back to early coverage of Tawkify when a match only cost $19.

Fast Facts about Tawkify

• Site Name: tawkify.com
• Paid or Free: Paid site with a limited free trial
• Average Sign-Up Time: 2 minutes
• Paid Membership Pricing: Plans starting at several thousand dollars
• Unique Tawkify Facts and Figures:
  • Tawkify has a 4.6 star trust rating through TrustPilot. 
  • Most Tawkify users are between 30 and 65 years old.
  • Around 55% of users on Tawkify are male. 
  • The site sees over 20,000 active weekly users.
  • Tawkify clients can expect one new match per month.

Tawkify Features Overview

Tawkify is a site of surprisingly few features. This is largely because there’s little to nothing for you as the user to do other than make sure your matchmaker has a good grasp on your relationship goals, history, personal values, and match preferences. Once that’s been done you sit back and wait for them to start setting up the blind dates.

Matchmaker Service

The overarching feature on the site, and really the whole idea behind Tawkify, is the matching service (formerly known as Tawkify Concierge). Most of the features we mention in this section are technically a facet of this service, but we thought it is important to touch on them individually to give you a full understanding of the product.

Tawkify’s Matchmaker service is reserved for “clients” who pay for the advanced service. “Members” are kept in the dating pool with the potential of being chosen for the clients, but have no access to other concierge services themselves (or basically any features… sorry members).

The matchmaker works to ensure that they find each client matches so they can go on a monthly blind dates with someone the matchmaker sees as being your “best match on paper”. Personal coaching sessions are also available to help you get the most from these encounters.

Tawkify’s FAQ states that most matched clients find relationship success within the first 12 dates (or approx. between $6,000-$10,000 spent)

VIP Rating Standards

The VIP rating system is used by the Matchmakers to determine if a match is good enough for their client. VIP is an acronym for values, interests, and preferences. These are the three main factors considered when a matchmaker considering possible pairings.

The matchmaker will also personally screen both parties and ask a series of questions to try and gauge compatibility.

Background Checks

We’re covering this as a feature because it’s sold as a feature of Client and VIP membership, but there’s something you need to know.

According to the Tawkify Terms of Use…

“You understand and agree that Tawkify is not obligated to conduct criminal background screenings or identity verification checks on its users or to otherwise inquire into the backgrounds of its users”

They go on to say while they may explore the background of any user at their discretion, “Tawkify makes no representations or warranties regarding the conduct, identity, intentions, legitimacy, or veracity of tawkify’s users”. So who the heck are they background checking (if anyone)?

This it also covered in the terms and it turns out that only users who purchase client subscriptions will be background checked. So, if you’re a clients and your matchmaker matches you with someone who is just a member there is a very good chance that person was never background checked.

Curated Dates

When we said all you have to do is sit back and wait we really weren’t kidding. Along with picking out all the matches all dates are planned by the concierge service. You just have to trust them and show up at the right time.

Some singles find this to be the best way of ensuring their dating life remains active and fulfilling while others are worried about the amount of power being taken from their hands. Still, Tawkify claims this part of the service greatly improves the experience for users because they know the dates are safe, interesting, and curated to their tastes. 

Send a Friend (Referral System)

There is one final Tawkify feature we wanted to mention and this one is actually something you can do. They have implemented a system that allow you to earn credit toward future matches as a reward for referring friends and helping to grow their userbase.

Any of your invited friends that sign up as clients will earn you a $100 credit toward your membership fees. There is no cap on how many people you can refer to the site. That means if you get all 25 singles in your office to sign up, you just earned $2500 dollars off your membership! It’s definitely a great way to take the sting out of the high membership fees if you know someone who may be interested in what Tawkify has to offer.

The Quality of Singles at Tawkify

One of Tawkify’s largest selling points is how incredibly high-quality the matches and pool of singles are. There may be a selection of crummy singles on the site, but since there’s no way to browse of scroll you’d never know it. All the weeding of fake accounts and weirdos is done by the concierge.

You simply lean back and let your dollars pave a way to curated matches and preplanned dates. So in short, if you’re a Client or a VIP the matches are ultimately as good (or as bad) as your matchmaker. If you’re a member then who knows, you might not even get any matches at all.

How to Sign Up for Tawkify

Signing up for Tawkify is a bit different than other dating platforms. At first it starts out pretty standard with gathering your name and basic information. Then it moves to a few basic profile setup questions to help a future matchmaker get acquainted with you (this initial process should take 3 mins or less).

After that you will be taken to a landing page where you can decide whether or not you want to pay for Tawkify. If you decide to pay, there is a phone screening that must be completed for all levels of users, so be prepared for that. If you’re not ready or willing to pay at that time you’ll have to come back because there’s nothing further to do.

Outside of the phone screening, the process is straightforward and takes only 2-3 minutes to complete. If you’d like to give Tawkify a try you can check out the site by simply clicking our link below.

---

Reviewing Tawkify Pricing – How Much Does Tawkify Cost?

---

The pricing table above is based on official prices put out by Tawkify Inc and should serve as a baseline, but there have been many confirmed reports of users paying much more than $3,000 to get a few dates as a Tawkify client. Below we’ve listed some examples from the case of Stanfield v. Tawkify and verified BBB complaints.

• $3,700 for 6 matches
• $10,000 for 12 matches (Later offered 3 dates for $3,000)
• $4,900 for 6 matches
• $2200 for 3 matches
• $3,400 for 6 matches (Actually charged $3,500)
• $3,900 for 6 matches
• … as you can see the true cost of becoming a Tawkify client is variable

Refunds are possible in some instances, but certainly not easy to get. After reading the brand’s 3,093 word cancellation and refund policy we found a few key points we thought you should know:

• $99 membership subscriptions are non-refundable no matter what.
• Any refund amount awarded will only be up to 50% of what you paid.
• For VIP Clients a $10,000 retainer is kept by Tawkify in all circumstances.
• Even if all goes well and you find a match you will get no money back.

Important – As stated in their terms of use, Tawkify subscriptions will automatically renew (for the same amount and duration) unless you make a point to cancel. Keep this in mind to save yourself a ton of stress and money (Refunds don’t apply here either…)

For anyone looking to try Tawkify we also wanted to note that prices are only increasing. At the time of our last review premium Tawkify membership only cost $1,497, $2,694, or $5,088 for 3, 6, and 12 months respectively.

Tawkify Complaints

The best way for us to give a truly unbiased review of Tawkify is to present opinions beyond those of our review staff. To do this we’ve been encouraging readers to contact us with their thoughts and experiences. Below you will find some excerpts from emails we received as well as common issues and complaints we’ve found in other public reviews.

• “Are these Tawkify prices for real? It looks like its 3x as expensive as it was last month for just a 3 month membership. Can this be legit?” – Kimberly L.
• “I actually got approached and asked to be part of their ‘inventory’ where I wasn’t a paying customer but they’d use me on dates with people that were. I told them explicitly a few deal breakers for me and the first date I went on…the exact opposite of what I had told them. I know I wasn’t a paying customer but an awful experience I asked never to repeat.” – Billy P.

In addition to these write ins from our readers we noticed some common trends in user reviews of Tawkify. The most common were users complaining about the value they got for the money, not getting refunds they felt they deserved, or not feeling the matches were compatible. Something we found interesting was that some users reported in person matching being difficult because matchmakers didn’t provide enough information. “All he told me was a first name and described their outfit”.

There was also an abundance of users who paid $99 for membership and didn’t get a single match. And can you really blame them for being upset about that?

Customer Support Options

The entire concept of Tawkify is like having a personal customer support agent helping you find a date at all times. Still, there may be times you need to reach beyond that aid and Tawkify has a typeform for that. 

You can access this support by clicking “contact us” at the bottom of any of the site’s pages. Once there, you will be asked to input your name and choose from a variety of options to help narrow down your issue. 

The page will have you type out your question at the end and it will look like you are going to be connected to customer support, but that isn’t the case. Instead you will give them your email and wait for a customer support agent to get back in touch.

There is no described time frame for these responses, but many reviews on TrustPilot claim they received responses within a few hours.

In addition to this we found a phone number for general questions and found ways to contact Tawkify by email or sending a letter hidden deep in their terms of use:

• Tawkify Phone: (844) 494-7280
• Support Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Tawkify, Inc. 3 Germay Dr, Unit 4 #2488, Wilmington DE 19804

Closing Thoughts on Tawkify

Welp, by now we’ve looked at everything Tawkify has to offer users in 2023. It’s definitely safe to say that this site isn’t going to be for everyone, but we hope that this has helped you in your decision making process.

If you still have any questions about Tawkify, would like help picking a suitable alternative, or would like to share your own experiences with the site we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for reading!

---

---