Match have announced the launch of Delightful, their couples dating service.
It is out of beta today and has been launched on iOS, operating in the San Francisco Bay area with plans to expand next month.
Delightful plans dates for couples, their concierge team helping to find interesting local dates, whether it is reservations at restaurants or hot air balloon rides – without the need to print out vouchers or special offers.
This is Match’s answer to HowAboutWe’s groundbreaking Couples service, which celebrated its one year anniversary yesterday by expanding to LA.
Their $18 per month service has been a huge success, with 500,000 users across 5 cities in the US.
HowAboutWe said their month by month retention is 90%, and the service has an average quarterly growth of 100%.
Match’s competition costs $12 per month after 30 days free, and focuses on completely organising the date – whether it be arranging interval drinks at the theatre, or travel to and from venues.
Co-founder of Delightful, Chris Ling, said: “We heard from singles and couples alike that planning dates was a hassle, so they often end up just doing something familiar.
“Delightful changes that — we handle all of the planning and details, so members can focus on having fun and making memories together.”
Users can look through a library of date ideas, along with personalised recommendations created by interest or tailored by the concierge team.
Delightful also has an on-call concierge team, available 24/7 via text, email and phone if people decide on a whim to do something while out and about.
Head concierge Ryan Salvo said: “We’re here for our members whenever they need us, night or day.
“We can tailor each experience to the couples’ preferences, timeline, and budget.”
Their Build a Date feature lets users input their preferred time, whether they want Drinks or Dinner, Outdoors or Indoors etc, then offers possible dates.
Speaking to Tech Crunch, co-founder Brian Luerssen said that while discounts are offered, and extras like free drinks included, that is not their main focus.
“This isn’t a Groupon.
“We don’t want people to have to print out a voucher, or bring in a coupon. They’re on a date. We want to help them focus on that. We’ll make sure the place knows you’re coming.”
With HowAboutWe’s success, it is no surprise that Match have gone down this path, and although the former has a considerable head start, it will be interesting to see them battle it out for both marketshare and new territories.