Frequently | Asked Questions

Please let us know if you have any questions not answered below.

• What is this?
• How does it work?
• Does this really work?
• Is it safe?
• Will I get a match?
• Can I get a refund?
• What if I have a bad date because of speed dating?
• Who are you?
• Why do people go speed dating?
• What age groups are allowed?
• Do you cater for other groups (e.g. older couples, gay or lesbian)?
• How should I dress?
• Are the events private?
• What if I am not interested in a date as soon as I see them?
• What should I write to someone with whom I have had a match?
• Can I come on my own?
• How do I know who my matches are?
• The event is full, what can I do?

What is this?

YourMatchbox Speed Dating is the fun, effective and efficient way to meet interesting and attractive new people for friendship or more.

YourMatchbox Speed Dating avoids uncomfortable ice-breaking and long-silences allowing you to see whether you click with someone in just three short minutes.

How does it work?

Set in a fashionable location, you will meet up to 20 singles in your age group. Your host will give a brief introductory chat (to settle any nerves!) and then seat you with your first date. After three minutes a bell rings and you have your next date. There will be drinks breaks during the evening so you can talk further to people you have met, or chat with friends about who you like!

Mark on a card whether each person you meet is a potential date, a potential friend, or neither. They do the same for you. If they have indicated they would like to see you as well then you are a match. We let you know your matches the next day and from there it’s down to you!

Does this really work?

YES! One of the company founders met his partner through a speed dating event and they are now engaged. We cannot guarantee that speed dating will find you a husband or wife, but we are sure that it will be a rich experience where you will meet interesting people.

Is it Safe?

Yes. No one will be able to contact you after the event if you do not want them to. The venue is in a public place (though an area is cordoned off from the general public for YourMatchbox Speed Dating participants).
We are confident that using YourMatchbox Speed Dating will be a positive experience that will enhance your social circle. However, we do advise that you play it safe until you know a match well. When arranging to meet a match after the event, use common sense. We suggest you do the following, this may seem cautious, but your match should understand:

• Make it public. Arrange future dates in public places (e.g. restaurants, pubs, etc), rather than in your home.
• Keep your details private. Give out your personal details only when you are sure you want the relationship to continue.
• Trust yourself. Don't meet again if you have any doubts.
• Arrange your own transport. When you have your first date after the Speed Dating event, arrange your own transport to and from the date.
• Let someone know. Tell family and/or friends about any dates when meeting someone for the first time.

Will I get a match?

We cannot guarantee this, but we find that most people get one or more matches.

Can I get a refund?

If you tell us at least seven working days before the event we can move you to another event free of charge. Alternatively we will refund you, minus an £8 administration charge. No refunds are possible if the event is less than 7 working days away, but we can move you to another event for a £5 administration fee. Alternatively, you can send a (same sex) friend in your place free of charge. Let us know if you wish to do this so we can update our records. Please do tell us if you cannot attend an event as uneven numbers can diminish the experience for other people.

What if I have a bad date because of speed dating?

We really, really wish we could tell whether a couple would be suited together and live happily ever after. If we could do this no doubt you would see us on Jeremy Kyle, Parkinson and Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. But we can't. What we can do is set you up for a great night of speed dating, tell you who your matches are and let you take it from there.

Who are you?

We are a local company who, from the number of single friends we have, believes that Gloucester needs a speed dating service. Our founders are Chris Sanderson and Greg Wells. Chris’ background is in web design and project management, while Greg’s is in account management. Greg has also just completed a BA in Social Science.

Why do people go speed dating?

We find that with the demands of modern living, meeting new people can often be difficult. These events can be for many types of people. Perhaps you find that while you have a great social circle of friends, it is not getting you that excitement you have from dating someone special. Alternatively you may be new to the area and want to meet people for romance, or for friendship too. Maybe you are a busy professional whose time is valuable, and for you spending an evening assessing 20 prospective dates is much more effective than an evening with one person. Whoever you are, we are sure that you will benefit from speed dating.

What age groups are allowed?

Each event will have an age range, for example 24-34 for men and 22-32 for women. If you are just outside this range and would like to come that is fine. The ranges are guides so you have an idea of the ages of the people you will meet. We do this so that you spend an evening with people you are more likely to find suitable. The absolute minimum age is 21. This is the door policy of our venue. If you are lucky enough to look under 21, proof of age may be required.

Do you cater for other groups (e.g. older couples, gay or lesbian)?

At the moment our events are for heterosexual couples in the age range mentioned above. We plan to expand this very soon, please register for our newsletter to be kept informed of any developments.

How should I dress?

It's really up to you. Smart-casual dress is best and is what most people wear. However if you are more comfortable in a suit, or even jeans and a t-shirt, then you should wear this. Remember, you want to make an impression but you will do this best in clothes which make you comfortable and reflect your personality.

Are the events private?

The bar the event is held in is open to the public. To respect your privacy the speed dating area will be cordoned off from the general public.

What if I am not interested in a date as soon as I see them?

Speed dating can be about making friends as well as finding a partner. If you are not physically attracted to a match, we recommend talking to them because there is always a chance you could have a lot in common and make a very good friend. In this case, tick 'friend' against the person’s name when you fill-in your card.

What should I write to someone with whom I have had a match?

Be friendly and be yourself. Tell them you enjoyed their company and would like to find out more about them. Perhaps tell them some things about yourself which you discussed on your date. Ask them some more things about themselves. When you feel comfortable why not ask them out?

Can I come on my own?

Yes. Speed dating events have a mix of people, some of whom come by themselves, others come in pairs, while others still come in groups of friends. If you come in a group of friends it is best that the group is the same sex, after all you are going to meet new people. That said, if you have a friend of the opposite sex you would like to bring please do – when it is your ‘date’ you can catch-up on who has taken who’s eye.

How do I know who my matches are?

At the end of the night you hand your completed card back to a YourMatchbox host. Your host will enter the details into our system and email you a list of your matches and their email address within 24 hours. You need to sign the form to give us legal permission to pass on your email details to anyone you have indicated. You also need to have an active email address to use the service. Many websites now offer free email accounts such as MSN Hotmail and Google Mail.

The event is full, what can I do?

Occasionally additional places may become available once an event is fully booked. If you would like to be added to the waiting list for a particluar event please email us. Alternatively, you can register to be kept informed of future events via our electronic newsletter. We look forward to seeing you soon.