They tested “matchmaking”, a new method for finding a soul mate

Marie*, 44, readily admits: single for two years, she “spent time on dating apps” but never really found what she wanted there, regularly having “disappointing” encounters. Behind “interesting discussions”, there are often “misleading photos”, people who lie about their age and their height. And on arrival, “there’s a big gap,” she says. “It’s very time-consuming and causes a lot of frustration.” Not to mention those who engage in “very quickly sexualized” exchanges or men who lose their self-control at the first refusal. “Apps are not my world, I don’t like them,” summarizes the forty-year-old.

This trainer, who lives near Aix-en-Provence, decided at the start of the school year to take the plunge by entering a dating agency. “Not an easy process,” she points out. However, Marie was quickly seduced by the concept of the Begin platform, which presents itself as the first to use “Matchmaking”. A new method that has been emerging for two years in France.

“This involves using software that will cross-reference each client’s data to establish an accounting score, while relying on the expertise of our advisors,” explains Florent Hernandez. The co-founder of the platform is convinced that it was necessary to “dust off” the marriage agency model.

“Climate of trust”

The little extra that “makes the difference” is the “look” of the advisors, called “Matchmakers”. Their mission: to have two interviews – of one hour each – with new clients in order to identify their expectations, establish their centers of interest or their physical criteria, and support them throughout their procedures. “During the second exchange, we give them a questionnaire of 180 questions,” continues Florent Hernandez. “They are very advanced. For some, I wasn’t ready at all,” Marie confirms with a laugh. Sexual practices, religious and political beliefs, diet or astrological beliefs… Nothing is forgotten.

Then, the software is responsible for cross-referencing the data, carrying out a “major sorting” by eliminating “nearly 80%” of possible matches. “Once there are a small number of accounts remaining, the Matchmaker will refine all of this,” explains Florent Hernandez. Thanks to his feelings and his intuition, and as he will have discussed at length beforehand with the clients, it is he who will decide who should meet.” “There is finesse in their approach”, adds Marie, who “felt listened to”. “They have the right distance, know how to create a climate of trust. It took away the fear of running into anyone.”

A financial investment

Paul*, registered on the platform for a few months, wanted to “multiply his meeting opportunities”. However, he did not leave aside the applications. But at 45, this Parisian has “less time” to get lost along the way. “If I turned to this agency, it’s because it offered more advanced services,” he argues, somewhat annoyed by the “questionable or pimped-out profiles” encountered on the applications. “I happened to talk to a robot in the literal sense of the term. Other times, I was approached by people who were seeking to acquire French nationality,” he reveals, specifying that he found in Begin “a guarantee of credibility”. And no matter the price: 289 euros for three meetings, 489 euros for 5 meetings and 889 euros for an unlimited package. “We pay well to have our meals delivered or look after our children. So I have no problem doing it to find love, answers Paul. It’s a worthwhile investment. »

Same story with Marie, who appreciates not “being drowned in the quantity” of compatible profiles, nor “meeting people one after the other”. “I’m a diesel. I need to be in observation. I’m not the type to take off my clothes on the first night, she smiles. Here, I have a sort of protective net. There is something reassuring. » No pressure, in short. The meeting place between the two protagonists, who have never seen each other in photos, is chosen by the advisor who is responsible for organizing everything. “It’s very appreciable,” agrees Paul, who has had a “very positive” first experience, even if he has not yet found the rare gem.

Marie had “a very good surprise” during her second meeting. “It worked out, we decided to meet again and what we do regularly. We both take the time to get to know each other,” she concludes.

* The first names have been changed at the request of our interlocutors.