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It's Just Lunch

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It's Just Lunch

Overall Rating

3.8

154 Customer Reviews

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Summary

It’s Just Lunch is a personalized matchmaking service designed to help business professionals go on dates with others. However, customer reviews indicate many members think the service overcharges for the quality of their matches.

Pros

  • Great way to meet local people without online dating
  • Many people found love
  • You can pause your membership if you click with someone

Cons

  • No refunds
  • Many people shared their matches were nothing like their specifications
  • A small pool of potential dates unless you are willing to go to a major city

It's Just Lunch Review: Is It Worth It?

By Lydia Noyes

Updated on: Aug 6, 2020

For busy professionals struggling to squeeze dating into their already packed agendas, It’s Just Lunch claims to offer a personalized matchmaking service that works behind the scenes to set them up on personal, private, and convenient dates.

Founded in 1991, the company now has over 150 locations around the world where professional matchmakers seek out suitable dates for their clients.

It’s Just Lunch members are interviewed about their lifestyle, relationship goals, and dating preferences by the matchmakers.

These matchmakers then seek out appropriate matches from their pool of members, coordinate the first date, and debrief with them afterward to learn what worked and what needs to change for the future.

Instead of seeing each person as a profile on a website, IJL matchmakers conduct confidential phone interviews to answer any questions about the service as well as discover the personal attributes, previous dating experiences, and life goals of their potential clients.

In this analysis, we take a detailed look at what It’s Just Lunch offers, to help you decide if this service is right for you.

Benefits

As an industry, professional matchmaking services seek to guide the process of finding love for people who are too busy or too disillusioned to set up dates for themselves.

It’s Just Lunch lets you outsource the partner search process, similar to how you might trust your investment decisions to a financial planner.

In this way, the company claims to streamline the modern dating process, so you don’t spend hours endlessly scrolling through online profiles.

Once you sign up, you’re guaranteed to go on dates with hand-selected partners. The company handles every detail of these dates, from the destination to the dinner reservations.

It’s Just Lunch has a customer support team that is available by phone to offer coaching, dating advice, and general service information for their clients.

But this begs a bigger question—is signing up for a matchmaking service a good idea in the first place?

Amber Artis has worked as a professional matchmaker since 1998, and she is the founder and CEO of the boutique matchmaking firm Select Date Society. In her view, working with a matchmaker offers advantages for falling in love you won’t get otherwise.

“Working with a matchmaker is a better strategy for meeting the right partner than using online dating for a number of reasons,” she told us.

“A matchmaker makes it her full-time job to find her clients the one! In my 22 years as a matchmaker, clients often share with me that they make great decisions in every area of their life except when it comes to love.

“A matchmaker is an expert when it comes to dating and can introduce you to the right potentials without wasting your time.”

In other words, working with a matchmaker can be a great way to get some expert insight into your dating life, especially if you don’t have the time or inclination to sort through potential options yourself.

How It’s Just Lunch Works

If you’re intrigued by IJL, the first step is letting the company schedule a free phone-based private interview. This gives them a chance to answer your questions, gather your personal information, and clarify what you are looking for in a match.

The purpose of this interview is for the matchmakers to learn what did and didn’t work in your past relationships, as well as learn about your hobbies, passions, and long-term relationship goals.

Once you complete the interview, you have the option to sign up for your preferred level of membership. After you commit, It’s Just Lunch matchmakers will comb their collection of clients to search for potential matches.

When IJL finds a good fit, a matchmaker will call both parties separately and gauge their interest in each other.

You will only receive each other’s first names, and email addresses; phone numbers, and additional personal information is never disclosed before a first date.

Assuming both parties are interested, a low-pressure date is scheduled for meeting face to face. If sparks fly and you choose to continue seeing each other, you can suspend your It’s Just Lunch membership to see where things lead.

No matter the result of the date, the matchmaking team will debrief with you to get your opinion and start seeking out a different match if necessary.

IJL states that honest feedback is an essential part of the matchmaking process, as it provides the information the matchmakers need to fine-tune future matches and improve your dating experience.

While the company can’t guarantee that you’ll find your soulmate, they do promise that you will go on dates that can open you up to new possibilities for your personal life and renew your enthusiasm for falling in love.

It’s Just Lunch doesn’t perform background checks because it believes that they would provide clients with a false sense of security.

Instead, the company strives to empower clients to use good judgment and take responsibility for their own safety.

Pricing

Signing up for It’s Just Lunch guarantees you’ll go on dates with a variety of matches, personalized attention from your matchmaking team, and further aid and guidance along the way.

The cost of an IJL membership will vary, depending primarily on your location and the number of dates you want to go on. If you’re willing to travel, you can sign up for multi-city packages for a larger pool of prospects.

From our assessment, you can expect to pay around $2,000–$5,000 for a basic membership. You’ll get further information about your personal costs during the interview process.

Analysis of Customer Reviews

Below are our key takeaways from IJL customer reviews on our website as well as other platforms:

Common Compliments:

  • Some users had great experiences with quality matches and professional matchmakers
  • Valuable service for making connections if you don’t want to date online
  • Many members connect with their matchmakers and felt they received great personalized service

Common Complaints:

  • Members pay lots of money for the service, often without ever going on dates
  • Many are matched with people who don’t fit their criteria
  • Many had dates suspiciously cancel at the last minute
  • Difficult to get refunds
  • Low-quality date options
  • Members were often shuffled between different matchmakers
  • Expensive, tedious signup process

Alternatives to It’s Just Lunch

It’s Just Lunch Elite Matchmaking
Premise Work with a matchmaking service to go on dates with quality singles. You’re guaranteed to go on dates. Work with professional matchmakers to be matched with singles in your area for dates. You can pre-approve every match and will receive feedback after every date to improve continuously.
Estimated Cost $2,00–$5,000 (price will depend on your location and term length) $3,000+ (depending on service length)
Locations Cities across Europe, North America, and Oceana, including 40+ US states Locations across California, Florida, Texas, Washington D.C., Boston, and New York.
Money-Back Guarantee No No

These two matchmaking services promise similar things. Both claim to let you outsource your love life to experts so that all you need to do is show up on dates.

They also each promise to improve in value over time, as your matchmaker will use your feedback from every date to guide the search for the next one.

However, each of these services suffers from the same downsides. First, you’ll need to put a lot of money down to start going on dates, with a minimal guarantee that you’ll like who you meet in the process.

Likewise, the pool of potential dates might be limited, depending on where you live. Unless you live in a big city or are willing to travel to one, there’s a decent chance that either matchmaking site is working with just a few hundred potential suitors.

If a large applicant pool is a significant concern for you, we suggest going the direction of It’s Just Lunch. This more-established matchmaking business is available in more US cities, which means you’ll likely have more prospects to consider.

The Bottom Line

It’s Just Lunch claims to offer a dating solution for busy urban professionals who want to find someone to spend their life with. Our research shows that this site seems to be a viable option for anyone looking to go in a different direction with their dating life—so long as you’re willing to pay for it.

While the service is more expensive than online dating, our research looking into the reviews left by hundreds of It’s Just Lunch members shows that customers who are seeking a personalized approach to their dating life often appreciate it.

Besides the initial phone interview, It’s Just Lunch clients report that they liked that they didn’t need to put any effort into finding matches or arranging their dates.

However, customer feedback also shows this service can be limiting. If you want to have some autonomy over the search and planning process of your dating life, you could experience frustration with It’s Just Lunches’ top-level management style.

If you live in a city and struggle to find the time to make meaningful connections with potential dates, then we think It’s Just Lunch might offer you an option for making connections with datable partners, without the initial effort of online dating.

Customer Reviews

3.8 Stars out of 154 Reviews
5 Star:54% 4 Star:16% 3 Star:4% 2 Star:0% 1 Star:23%
73% Recommend This Service
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Posted on Feb 7, 2024

My Experience so Far

By Randy H. , Auburn. AL

Being a Business owner, I just dont have the time to search for a companion to share life with. I joined IJL after hearing a radio ad. I have had a pretty good experience so far. Had 4 Dates and all were very good. havent found that perfect match yet but I am hopeful.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Saves me time

The matches have spent money too

They arrange the dates

The structure is confusing

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Feb 12, 2024

We are so happy to hear this great feedback, we look forward to more great feedback on your dates!

Posted on Feb 7, 2024

Going Well So Far

By Furaha N. , The Midwest, United States

Anita is a great matchmaker because she is extremely attentive, reads written feedback carefully, listens closely, and definitely incorporates feedback as she works with me on dates. I could not ask for someone more committed to figuring me out and finding me the best matches she possibly can, and she’s already found me a great one! I appreciate her expertise!

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Professional Expertise

Professionalism and Prompt Responses

No “cons” were specified in this review

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Feb 12, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with your matchmaker and the process. We are elated to hear you are enjoying the process and look forward to your next date!

Posted on Feb 7, 2024

Lunch meeting

By Elie P. , California

Enjoyed the company and lunch. The conversation was interesting. Enjoyed sharing pictures of family. It was lovely to go out.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Easy to navigate

Met my expectations

Service price reasonable

No issue

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Feb 12, 2024

We are happy to hear you had a great date! Hard at work on the next one; Happy Dating!

Posted on Feb 7, 2024

Tanya, my advisor

By sh h. , New York

Tanya, my "advisor," felt more like an old friend, than someone I just met — She was kind, and funny and made me feel safe to really talk about myself and where I was in life. She definitely has a gift of knowing what her clients are seeking, even if the client can not express it in a nutshell!

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

the staff were professional, reassuring and was genuinely interested in me

that the advisor arranged the venue, and sent details to how it will be, including the split bills etc so there was no anxiety of "what if"s, although my date picked up the bill.

with everyone i spoke with at IJL, everyone had genuine sunny disposition, which made me feel optimistic about my choice to work with them

i only had one date, so i can not say

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Feb 12, 2024

We appreciate the fabulous feedback about your matchmaker and will be sure to share it with our team, thank you for being an IJL client!

Posted on Jan 26, 2024

IJL Experience

By Tony G. , Mystic, Connecticut

Over all it was a good experience. IJL did a good job of matching what I was looking for. The locations we met at were very nice. IJL is definitely worth a try!!

Length of Use: 1–2 years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Staff worked with me to find good matches

I was handed off too many times between the person I was working with

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Feb 2, 2024

Thank you for sharing your experience, we have enjoyed our partnership in dating and look forward to your next fun first date!

Posted on Dec 30, 2023

I have been with IJL and it has been good so far

By John K. , Flushing, MI

I have had only one date and it was quite pleasant. Disappointed that my first date backed out when I was in route to lunch.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

The care in understanding personalities

It is not just a computer match

No “cons” were specified in this review

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Jan 2, 2024

Thank you for the open and honest feedback, we are sorry to hear this happened! Hard at work on your next date now.

Posted on Dec 30, 2023

Matchmaker vs swiping

By Birdy R. , Pennsylvania

Dating today can be challenging, especially for mature daters. I selected IJL because I wanted a more selective experience over swiping. Working with Tanya has been a pleasure. She is getting to know me and with each date, through feedback and conversation, she is fine-tuning my dating experience. I appreciate that and know we are on the right track!

Length of Use: 1–2 years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Jan 2, 2024

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, and we truly appreciate your feedback! We're delighted that you chose IJL for a more selective and personalized approach over the typical swiping experience. We look forward to continuing to provide you with a selective and enjoyable dating experience.

Posted on Dec 28, 2023

Excellent service

By Kazu Y., Washington, Verified Reviewer

Tricia R has been very helpful in navigating through today's very difficult dating environment. She is a great listener. She is swift to execute actions based on my specific demands and needs.

Length of Use: 2+ years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Customized service

Swift response

Professionalism

Frequency of the service

Lack of physical local presence

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Jan 2, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with your matchmaker, we will make sure to share your feedback with our team. Looking forward to your next date.

Posted on Dec 27, 2023

Working with Bryanna has been a joy

By Vincent C., Leawood, KS, Verified Reviewer

Working with Bryanna has been great. I feel like she puts a lot of time and effort into her matches and we always have great collaboration during the feedback after each date and planning the next dates. Thank you.

Length of Use: 6–12 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Having one person to work with

Bryanna's communication skills

The women that went on dates with

No “cons” were specified in this review

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Jan 2, 2024

It's wonderful to know that your matchmaker has dedicated time and effort into making meaningful matches for you. Collaboration and feedback are crucial aspects of our matchmaking process, and we're pleased to hear that the post-date discussions have been productive and helpful. We appreciate your kind words and your recognition of your matchmaker’s commitment to ensuring your satisfaction. Thank you for your partnership in dating!

Posted on Dec 27, 2023

Pleasantly surprised

By Victoria W., DMV, Verified Reviewer

I am satisfied with my experience thus far. My matchmaker, Tanya, has been responsive and encouraging. The quality of my matches with IJL has steadily improved. Tanya listens to and respects my preferences, addresses any concerns I have, and navigates to the best outcome for me. Her coaching after a match has been made is VERY useful. I'm confident that I won't need all of the matches I signed up for.

Length of Use: 1–2 years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Jan 2, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with us! We are delighted to hear that you are satisfied with your journey with IJL and your matchmaker has played a crucial role in making it enjoyable for you. Thank you for choosing IJL, and we look forward to continuing to provide you with a positive and successful matchmaking experience.

Posted on Dec 27, 2023

Matchmaker

By Mary Kay P., Alabaster, AL, Verified Reviewer

The best thing about IJL is their wonderful matchmaker, Anita W. She always listens to know my wants and needs for a perfect match.

Length of Use: 2+ years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Safety

Quality dates

Professional matchmakers

Expensive

Company Response from It's Just Lunch

Jan 2, 2024

We love to hear this, thank you!! We will be sure to share your feedback with our team.

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