It's Just (a) Lunch (Scam)?

Comment by kiki (Guest)

kiki (Guest) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 22:28:59 +0000

Run! Do not join this service! It is a waste of money. I was scheduled for several different dates. I paid over $1000 and never went on one date. I was canceled on 3 different times. There was no follow up with the company until I asked for a refund of my money. On one instance a date was scheduled. I showed up and the restaurant was closed. The company makes their reservations for the dates through open table. I tried making a reservation for the restaurant through open table and could not make one for that restaurant. I do not believe they ever made a reservation at that location. I felt like I was scammed out of my money. I have spoken to 4 different people at the company and been scheduled dates by 2. Two of the people were nice, the other 2 were incompetent. One person was down right rude when I complained about the lack of service. I usually do not write complaints or rate services, but I am hoping to save someone from the ordeal that I went through. Most of the people I dealt with at the company were not local, they were from Florida. No wonder they sent me to a closed restaurant. There is no personalized service or corporate integrity!

Comment by Informed (Guest)

Informed (Guest) — Wed, 08 May 2013 01:21:50 +0000

Guys and women,

Amost everybody seems to be scammed by this company. Why then are they in business and why are so many people out of money.... your voice matters. Do file complaints and get a refund. A few years ago plenty of people got refunds because they complained. Goodluck.

Your best bet in seeking a refund is probably the New York Attorney General's office.

Don't worry_ They are familiar with It's Just Lunch, who they sued in 2007. See:
http://www.everyjoe.com/articles/dating-franchise-its-just-lunch-fined-by-ny-attorney-general/

Comment by Angela (Guest)

Angela (Guest) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 07:45:35 +0000

OMG! I wish I would have read all these complaint blogs before i signed up....It's just lunch is a total joke and rip off scam. Anyone that reads any of these comments and complaints and still signs up is insane! The company sucks!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by victim2913 (Guest)

victim2913 (Guest) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:23:43 +0000

It's Just lunch (IJL) Singapore - A PROFESSIONAL SCAM in SINGAPORE. DO NOT join this service.

I recently closed my case with 'It's just lunch' Singapore (IJL) at the Singapore Subordinate Court. So I just want to share my experience with anyone who might have the intention to join this service; this is my warning to you: DO NOT TRUST THEM AND AVOID THEM IF YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE TROUBLE AND A NIGHTMARE DATING EXPERIENCE - see my case below.

I joined IJL in Nov 2012, paid the full amount of $2,568 for a one year contract with 14 dates. Actually I did not really want to join this service after my face to face meeting with one of their consultants due to so many complaints I found on the internet, however she kept calling to hunt and recruit me. When I raised my concerns regarding my doubts she gave me such confidence and assured me that their database had more than enough suitable matches for my requirements. Moreover she confirmed firmly all of the men on their database were serious about relationships and nice gentlemen. If they are just looking for fun or not qualified they will not take them in as a member and they do verify their profile if they are found out to be lying! She insisted to offer me help and promised to find a match for my specific requirements. I was convinced by her sweet words and after meeting her at least after 2 times in person. She just knew how to play on a woman's psychology so well, her face just looked so sympathetic, trustworthy and she seemed to be a professional match marker. But that trust lead me to the most foolish mistake that I ever made and from there my nightmare dating started.

I went through two dates that were arranged by them and both turned out to be ridiculous, lousy and 'waste of time' dates! The first man came late without informing me; disappointedly he had nothing in common with me. Likely IJL just picked up any random man who was available to date with me! There was no follow up calls from IJL after my date at all. I had to call them and left my name but they did not bother to call me back. This means they just hunt you when you are not yet a member but when you are a paid member they do not care for you because you are just totally in their entrapment!

My second date was a nightmare date. The man did not turn up until I called him. He said he was on bed and not informed of the date with me from IJL that particular day. He turned up 45 minutes late in a scruffy T-shirt. He then told me he is just looking for fun! He was not interested with the service any more but he was rejected for a refund from IJL. He did request that they do not arrange anymore dates for him but the staff of IJL still kept calling to insist that he turn up for some random dates! I am sure if you were in my shoes at that time and heard those words, you would understand how bad I felt. I had to pay a big amount for this service only to be arranged to meet a man looking for fun! It also strongly proves that this company is really unprofessional and unreliable. They do not consider the clients requests. They did not take note of my feedback from my first date, to please arrange a proper 2nd date for me. The fact is they do not have enough suitable men for all their female members, so they just try their best to find any man to show up for a date to fill in the numbers for the contract regardless of matches. Their consultants know nothing about match making, they don't have enough experience about matching and they are just working like sales persons trying to trap as many clients as they can and earn their commission.

It took sometime to bring my case to the Small Claim Tribunal which was found inconclusive, after that I was determined to bring them to the Singapore Subordinate Court. At the court, I called them a professional scam, and when they tried to defend themselves; they said "the behavior of male members is out of their control". Meaning if a man comes late or does not show up, or is looking for fun or bad behavior they can't control it! That also means that we are as paid members to have to carry this risk with their service. If you are lucky enough to meet nice guy or you are in bad luck, you may have a bad date like a man that never shows up or late or misbehaves! These risks are not their fault their problem and not their obligation as a professional match making agent. This is adsolutey not an acceptable answer!

Only when I asked in front of the Judge " so why at the consulting meeting, did the consultant not tell me the truth that I have to take risks when I joined the service and be frank with me by telling me that my date might be late or not turn up or might be looking for fun! Instead she just convinced me that all her clients were nice gentlemen, serious and qualified! They shut up after this comment and the Judge allowed me to claim back a portion of my original investment.

I did a bit of digging around on the net and found many women - just like myself (in Singapore, Thailand, and USA) - who had been ripped off by IJL. I was one of the lucky ones as I got part of my money back, but many more didn't and the company is still operating to this day. There will be a big outcry about this company before long and I want to warn everyone not to get involved with them because if you do, you stand to lose a lot of money only to get back trouble and grief. I knew some other woman like me where the date did not turn and no calls from IJL for a few months, or even they arranged non suitable men for dates. So to all ladies who are thinking of joining this company, I honestly tell u don't waste your hard earned money and your time in this scam. You can use that money for travel or donate it to charity, which is better than supporting this kind of nasty service existing.
Finally, As an ex paid member of IJL in Singapore, and on behalf of all members who were victims of this nasty service I would like to " thank" the owner who established this lousy service. She did a very good job in creating a very professional scam dating agency! Spend some of your time and search how many complaints are pertaining to your company online!

Comment by kathy (Guest)

kathy (Guest) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 19:43:08 +0000

I completely agree that Its just lunch a business that profits from misrepresentation. I noticed that the only time they contact you to set up a date is after your credit card had been charge for the monthly fee. Every person I was matched with stated " who protofilo are they going by" I was not what they wanted and same for me. They match you up with anyone. Their employee lied about location of meeting 1.5 hours for each other with stories told to each of us that was location of jobs.

What I want to know is were is a lawyer that would be willing to take on a class action law suit against Its just lunch for the fraud that they are. A recent suit against Match.com was won for misrepresenting the number of members. IJL is the same for a lot more money.

Any takers in joining is such a suit, plus we need a lawyer with class action experience.

Comment by Hate IJL VANCOUVER BC (Guest)

Hate IJL VANCOUVER BC (Guest) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 00:26:54 +0000

Now I'm not sure if this company is still around since I stopped using them last year as they ripped my off for $3,600. But I've noticed they no longer advertise in the Georgia Straight - probably for good reason.

I see my last comment has disappeared off this site so just to make sure people are aware....one simple word is you consider 'It's Just Lunch' just say NO.

Total rip-off. SCAM. And quite frankly the biggest mistake I have ever made. They are scam artists and full of sheeeeeeeeeeeet.

Move on. Sign up for eHarmony. Call them, they'll give you a great deal of $9.95 per month!

Better that $3,600 for 6 dates that aren't even available or married or just too old.

Comment by Tarek (Guest)

Tarek (Guest) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 12:05:14 +0000

Casey,

I don't believe you. I don't know ONE pretty & slim 25 year old woman who doesn't have 20 men chasing her at any given time and would ever need to use a singles service. I have been to singles events and the vast majority of women are extremely short short (4'11-5'1), unattractive and usually chubby or flat out borderline obese.

Comment by salim (Guest)

salim (Guest) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 13:14:28 +0000

Wanted a widow in her 40�s in Toronto - ha ha ha
I am so sorry and hurt by your tearful, sad, ponzy scheme by which this company It�s Just Lunch has taken your hard earned money.

I suggest, someone, like an attorney, honest in himself, take all the cases in his hand and fight for your valuable money.

My name is on their data base so I get on and off calls with beautiful voice when I am ready to date a lovely girl. Just two days ago, I got a call from them.

Thank you, thank you and thank you to you all for posting your tearful stories and sadness that this company took all your hard earned money.

Now, I will call them that please take my name of off their data bases. I don�t want to do any thing with them.

In the end, I wish that this does not happens to any one else out there.

Good luck fellals and fellies.

salim

Comment by Real (Guest)

Real (Guest) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 09:39:03 +0000

THEY ARE OVERSOLD AND UNDER DELEIVERED. THEY CLAIN THAT THEY DONT TAKE EVERYONE WELL YES THEY DO EVEN IF THERE ARE NO MATCHES FOR A CLIENT. THEN IT TAKES MONTHS TO EVEN GET A RESPONSE. tHEN IT TAKES MONTHS FOR THEM TO GET THEIR MONEY BACK...IF YOU GET IT BACK AT ALL

Comment by Dave L (Guest)

Dave L (Guest) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:08:22 +0000

IJL is a scam. Take it from me, take your money and go to a Casino. More enjoyment at a Casino.

Comment by I worked there (Guest)

I worked there (Guest) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:35:37 +0000

I worked at It's Just Lunch (Houston location) and this company is ran by unscrupulous individuals who pride themselves on duplicity and subterfuge. The same tricks that are used on clients are essentially used on employees, hence the extraordinary high turnover rate with the exception of the the most dubious one, the regional director.

The abuse that you encounter from a franchise owner who promotes chaos, noise, and disorder, along with no benefits, long work hours, no job security, pressure to make quota, minimum compensation, is enough to drive anyone to quit and find better.

The irony is that if the company was ran right there would be higher customer satisfaction, more joins, and less turnover. However "management" is stubborn, blind, unprofessional, uneducated, with the business acumen of a 7 year old. They blatantly lie, and encourage you to lie to get a decent paycheck, and therefore deserves to be sued.

I enjoyed working with my clients, getting to know them and setting them up with successful matches, however I was reprimanded and told not to do so, and that doing so is not the IJL way. IJL would like you to rush through all calls, not listen during in feedback, because in essence you "work in matchmaking" but are not a matchmaker.

My heart goes out to each and every one of you, a company that functions like this should not exist in any civilized society and I support your decisions to sue. We had drawers filled with pending lawsuit, it's better to join together in a class action lawsuit.

All the Best!

Comment by Karma (Guest)

Karma (Guest) — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:15:23 +0000

Wow I must say when I first googled finding single men in Toronto Canada and came across IJL I called almost right away expecting it to cost a few hundred but they quoted a 'PROMOTION' till Oct 31 at $500 OFF Bringing the price down from $2,300 to $1,800 PLUS HST!!!! And that was without them saying anything about the $200 interview fee which makes sense cause the girl i talked to asked very random easy questions and Wouldnt even do the short over the phone interview until i made a payment... that was my first clue...!!!

I'm a single mom tired of asking the now 'age old' question ... 'Where do I meet quality single men who aren't creeps?' !!!!!!!

I'm sorry to hear all these horror stories but would like to say THANK YOU ALL for your comments and reviews cause now I won't get scammed or always wonder 'what if...'

Comment by paula (Guest)

paula (Guest) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 12:12:24 +0000

omg I'm from Ireland and feel such a fool I have the same complaints as most of you above there must be some way of shutting this place down.

Comment by Claudia (Guest)

Claudia (Guest) — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:31:33 +0000

I used the NY dating service IJL in the Fall of 2011 and into the beginning of 2012. If you are
considering this "matchmaking" service, save your money. Like me, you may be thinking that you want to meet quality people,unlike people you have met through the internet.Believe me,your matches through IJL for over $300 per date, will not be any.better than if you had arranged them youreself. One date was nit-picking the wine menu with a waiter, the next was totally disinterested in being on a date, and the 3rd and last date asked me for my phone number and never called. SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!!!

Comment by Bailey (Guest)

Bailey (Guest) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:58:52 +0000

I joined recently and very quickly got a bad vibe.
The person I signed up with over the phone said most clients pay $4,000/
Year and that I was getting a special valentines rate of 2,500
From reading this blog - clearly they scammed me for higher than what most
pay.... Notice how the never tell us their last names just first initial.

What really bothers me is they know my credit card number / the security digits from the back/ my drivers License number and they took a photo of me
Just waiting for my identity to get ripped off next

Comment by Gina0817 (Guest)

Gina0817 (Guest) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:39:23 +0000

Swimmergirl: I'm in Austin too and am suing IJL! Will you email me? gina.lynd@gmail.com. I'd love to swap stories and see if we can get our money back. I'll do all the leg work! :) They got $2700 out of me :(

Comment by Swimmergirl (Guest)

Swimmergirl (Guest) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:33:13 +0000

IJL Austin, Texas is an unbelievably unprofessional service with unethical business practices.

1. IJL does not match you with dates who meet your specific criteria. They match you with anyone of the opposite gender that meets your age requirement, but not the specific criteria you have for meeting a mate. I repeatedly told my coordinator what I was looking for, and I was constantly set up with men who did not meet my personality criteria.
2. Because they are short on quality male members, IJL offers discounts to existing male clients to extend or re-activate their enrollment while continuing to charge women full price ($1,800 year).
3. IJL accesses county divorce records and solicits newly divorced men for membership because they don't have enough quality potential male members who wish to participate in the service.
4. The quality of men is no better than you find on online dating sites or in the bars. Some of the men are decent, but others are unbelievably rude, unsophisticated, and even unemployed (ironic for a dating service for professional people). My first date was with an unemployed man who was sleeping on his buddy's couch until he could find a job. This man was a long-term client of IJL because they continued to give him a greatly discounted membership to continue with the service.
5. IJL offers no refunds because they know they don't offer a quality service. If they were truly exceptional at matching people, they would stand behind their product like many of the elite match-makers found in NYC, Chicago, LA, etc.

In short, this is not an elite match-making service. It's an over-priced below-average service that does not deliver what it promises. IJL lacks a true understanding of the psychology of dating, fail-proof tricks of the dating trade to match compatible people, and the sophistication of a legitimate match-making service to attract quality members.

Ladies (and gentlemen), please don't waste your time or your money. You will live to regret it.

Comment by Dragon (Guest)

Dragon (Guest) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:15:17 +0000

wow... I got a call a couple of nights ago from IJL - I figure they must be desperate for new members (suckers). I had phoned them 5 years ago and decided at that time it wasn't for me. This call was a follow up to see if I was still looking. We talked for a bit and I asked about cost - $3,000!!!!! but this was a special for 18 months instead of 12! Sorry - still not for me, especially after reading through the above. I tried Lifemates 3 years ago and my experience there was as much a farce as the people who have had bad experiences with IJL. it appears that if you are isngle and don't want to hook up at bars that these people think you are an easy mark - and apparently I was when I tried Lifemates - I sure as hell am not going to give my money away again unless it is to a good charity...

Comment by Lilie (Guest)

Lilie (Guest) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 01:20:18 +0000

I joined ITL in Orange county California in May 2011, reading all the reviews, I know, I got doubly ripped off. $3000.00 to join for a year!!! When I went for the interview I was told about three matches that were already available. So far I had 4 dates, that went from bad to worst!! only one was half OK and he didn't seem to want anything serious.
By far worst experience I had was dealing with the date coordinator, who lives in Florida! Never returns phone calls, or emails.
If anyone is taking this company to court, please contact me at lukylil7@yahoo.com. Also has anyone else paid this much for a year?

Comment by Derek L (Guest)

Derek L (Guest) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:12:29 +0000

They have no mention of price at all on their website, I honestly had no idea it would cost so much for their service! 1500/year is insane!

For those who are single in Toronto, please check out my new matchmaking service at www.endlessorange.com. It's MUCH better than IJL I promise! We're all about the customer experience. And its just $30 for men, $20 for women, and includes food and drinks already!

Please check out my site, we are 1000x better than IJL!

Derek Lau
Endless Orange Matchmaking
Toronto, ON, Canada
www.endlessorange.com

Comment by Its Just Lunch DC (Guest)

Its Just Lunch DC (Guest) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 13:45:21 +0000

Due to the highly confidential nature of our service it is challenging to respond to reviews. Please watch this video containing our Social Media Policy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15PyGy5QYNU We thank you!

It's Just Lunch Metro DC Staff & MGMT

Comment by dee (Guest)

dee (Guest) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 18:30:14 +0000

just an update as follow up to my May comment, don't think its a scam, so far, cus had a chance got to know my date, it was real. So if you are positive person, have right attitue, ITL could be a way to speed things up for you

Comment by Greg M (Guest)

Greg M (Guest) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:29:49 +0000

I just walked away after 3 months. I am still a competitive athlete at 56 (bicycle racing, masters division) thus a very active lifestyle, and I kept getting matched with sedentary couch potato types. And each successive date was progressively worse, as if the staff was going in the opposite direction of my feedback.

BTW, the particular franchise is in Minneapolis, MN.

Another place to stay away from is Together. I got all sorts of hell for having an "abnormal" lifestyle for my age. Staying fit at 56 is abnormal. Riiiight!

Comment by Mary Glen (Guest)

Mary Glen (Guest) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:48:48 +0000

I have had only 2 dates in 6 months! Never a personal interview. My credit card AMEX is of no help and not sure if I can go after them in small claims court. Anyone have a suggestion on how to recoup the money.

Comment by Simon (Guest)

Simon (Guest) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 02:19:22 +0000

Sounded great, and I'd totally pay $100 per introduction to meet high quality women.

However, the fact that their office door is locked, the founder's name is mysteriously not included on the website, and I couldn't meet anyone when I dropped by their office to "check out the operation and ask some presales questions," is enough information for me.

They have a locked door to their office, and were freaked out when I pleasantly stuck my head in after a meeting a few blocks away, for one reason — because they need security to keep angry customers away when they refuse a refund.

I don't want to give my money to people who have no integrity.

Their contract says "no refunds". They also charged my credit card before I signed their agreement, thankfully, which allows me to get a chargeback.

I had hoped that it was just a few bad franchisees, but nobody would buy an IJL franchise — given how disreputable it is — unless they were slimy as well.

Comment by jmd2467 (Guest)

jmd2467 (Guest) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:06:39 +0000

PLEASE beleive all of these complaints. they are true and accurate. This "business" is a completee scam. Their customer service skills are non-existent. The staff is so rude and insulting (after, of course, you give them your money). I also find it interesting that everytime I call there is a completely different roster of employees. apparently no can stand to work there either. I truly regret joining. it is a complete waste of time (and money). DONT DO IT! Im seriously considering sueing them for breach of contract.

Comment by Dee (Guest)

Dee (Guest) — Thu, 19 May 2011 20:26:29 +0000

I signed up with ITL in March, and have specified what type of men I am looking for. much as others, I don't have the time. I am 5'5 and 135 , curvy . 36 professional. I had spent over 2k for signing up with ITL. So far, I have had 2 dates, got another one coming up. Just starting to wonder if ITL is a scam, because all both dates seem very interested, text me the same nite, but the next day or two, when I texted back, no more responses.

Just seemed fishy.. what should I do? The ITL i signed up is in Toronto, #8 King St. Downtown.
Can anyone tell me if they had any similar experiences in ITL Toronto? I can be reached via msn:
difei@live.ca

Comment by eli (Guest)

eli (Guest) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 10:32:38 +0000

Every time I hear one of IJL's ads on the radio, I want to yell "lie, lie, lie." To say that there's a disconnect between what IJL promises and what they deliver is a total and complete understatement. Start with the fact that they don't tell you when signing up that "no one wants to have lunch," so your dates will be in the evening. The whole attraction of IJL for me was that lunch was a limited time period, and you could enjoy meeting different people without making a huge time commitment. Then, if it "clicked," you could get together at other times. Well, that never happened, and every date I had was after work. Then, of course, comes all of the representations about how careful IJL is in matching you with the perfect mate. Baloney!! My dog could have matched me up better with someone I'd be interested in. It's almost as if they reduced my many interests in a potential mate to someone who was "male and breathing." Otherwise, there was no indication that they spent any time coming up with good matches. So, after six frustrating dates, I called it quits. I should have demanded my money back, but wanted out so badly that I let IJL keep it. Suffice it to say that I wholeheartedly recommend spending your money on anything other than IJL.

Comment by JB in CA (Guest)

JB in CA (Guest) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 17:07:06 +0000

Its Just Lunch matched me up with a woman that was a very bad match for my requested profile. I called them the next day and stated that XXXXX was not even close to what I was looking for. I even asked, "Why did you set me up with her!" Before they could answer I stated - THANK YOU!! In that encounter I realized that I was searching for the wrong woman. A year later we married and have had 5 wonderful years together.

My thoughts are:
1. Be open to new experiences
2.Seperately, I think it is clear why some of you that are complaining did not find a match.

Comment by mark67rocher (Guest)

mark67rocher (Guest) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:30:35 +0000

Love this! Great article, love your blog!

Comment by MrRight (Guest)

MrRight (Guest) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:16:14 +0000

wanted to write a review because this is a case of a general attitude of people to vocalize only when they are dissatisfied and I am generally delighted with the IJL experience.

I can start by telling you why IJL is perfect for me:

I just do not have the time to deal with the mathematics of time of match.com and other sites, basically you need to send hundreds of emails to get a few responses and then need to communicate with these people several email before you see them. Once you see them, most times, they are not (either physically, life accomplishments, etc) what they advertised to be so it is a lot of work for small yields (yields defined as meeting people). IJL is straight forward and their contract assures you a number of dates a month.

I just cannot afford to have a girl that works for my company or a client to find a picture of me smiling from a sunset and saying that I like long walks on the beach, to later be sent to all my colleagues/peers.

Although I am an Executive for a fortune 500 company, have 2 masters degrees, my friends describe me as good looking, I have a very athletic slender body and are very sociable and have the ability to make friends, I am only 5'7". Which means that I am left out of 99% of searches and filters on most online sites, turns out, girls prefer an out-of-work, moderately obese, unmotivated average looking guy who is 5'9" and willing to tell a few "white" lies on a dating profile over me, or do they? At least that is what their search criteria says. IJL is able to match people more on their own scale (whatever that is).

The logistics of dating are a brand new concept for me, I either need a full time coach or have somebody like IJL arrange the meetings/times with sensitivity, it is like having a dating secretary!

Now to the experience, over a one month and a half period IJL has matched me with 5 ladies, and although I am not necessarily attracted to every single one of them I can tell you that these girls are top notch in their own way. They are all fit, incredibly accomplished, educated and the list goes on. Why am I not attracted to all of them? That is the problem that it is not IJL's fault.

Some very accomplished, good looking Gal or Guy willing to shell thousands to meet people is looking for something that does not exist! (including myself), It is not IJL's fault that all these girls will not "settle" for anything less than a guy that looks like Ashton Kutcher, is a Harvard Lawyer, has 40 mil in the bank and is currently on a mission to cure AIDS in Africa! All IJL is doing is matching two people who in everybody else's eyes are at a comparable rating or close. If some guy/girl is say a 5 and will not settle for anything less than a 10, no dating service is going to convince a 10 to date a 5, especially if he/she is shelling out a lot of cash.

And yes, the people of IJL are extremely busy, hard to get a hold of and will not return calls unless they are about logistics of your dates. They are not therapists; they do not get into why somebody does not like you, etc. They are a referral service, not a life coaching service.
So if you want somebody who is completely out of your leage, IJL is not going to make it happen. If you are real about meeting people with YOUR criteria and are serious about giving them a chance, gather some cash and give them a chance.

Comment by MT (Guest)

MT (Guest) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:30:16 +0000

I joined IJL in Seattle/Bellevue WA in ~2005-06. I was told at time of sign up that "they wouldn't even take my money unless they had 6 matches for me right now." She said she had more than that amount ready for me to meet. Wow, I thought I was going to have quite the social whirl in the next few months. I didn't get set up for a few weeks. In 6 months I had 3 dates. One of them wasn't a bad match - I would have gone out with him again but he met someone else. One was still married with 3 small children and lived on an island with boat access only. The other was an aging hippie living on a commune who wanted a wife to live on the commune with him. One would think that was an important detail that was overlooked when setting him up with me. I'm a single professional who owns my own home and definitely not the commune type. But the main issue is that they lied from the beginning and have continued to lie. I don't know how the employees sleep at night. My guess is that they had hardly any men in their database. One of the men I met said he had 2-3 dates per week and that he was certain there were few men and stated they also didn't match people at all. But for him it worked because he was a guy. For me, they misrepresented the volume of dates from the get-go. I stopped participated as it was clear my year would be up way before I'd get to 14 dates. After all, I had just 3 dates in 6 months. Ironically, they keep calling me - even 5-6 years later even though I've asked them repeatedly to take me out of their database. They call my cell phone early in the morning - in fact, just called me today with another offer. I again asked them to take my number out of my system. The company has bad business practices and no integrity. They are dishonest about their clientele. I didn't expect to meet a husband, but I did expect to have the number of dates they promised and that I paid for. They simply can't deliver. While $1800 is a lot of money - it's not really about that, it's about the dishonesty.

Comment by figgy (Guest)

figgy (Guest) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:50:29 +0000

Have been sitting on the fence re joining IJL in Toronto, and really trying to decide in the next few days (New Year's resolutions etc). Surely there must be more positive experiences? Resultant marriages?
After all, this thread is now over five years old (!) and they're still around.

(btw, if anyone's interested in a nice professional family oriented thirty something male of south asian origin...figicecream@hotmail.com)

Comment by Missy (Guest)

Missy (Guest) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 16:57:21 +0000

I joined IJL in July and have been trying for the last 5 months to get a refund. My experience with them echo all of the negative things that I have been reading. IN 6 months I've had 3 dates, none of which met my criteria and when I can get someone to either pick up the phone when I call or to call me back, when I bring up the subject of wanting a refund mostly due to their lack of poor customer service and business practices, they suddenly have a date set up for me which usually has something come up at the last minute and cancels. Which means there were really no dates scheduled and that was just a way to get me off of the subject of a full refund. I have filed a complaint with the BBB and my credit card company but there was nothing they could do to get my money back. If anyone knows of a class action lawsuit or has any idea of a way that this can be brought to a public forum who will take notice count me in. We all deserve a refund from these scammers plus they need to be put out of business. I BET THERE ARE MORE OF US THAN THERE ARE THEM!!! If we all work together there has got to be something we can do to bring restitution. I left them a message a few weeks ago ( and haven't heard anything back) that if they didn't get on the ball, they still owe me 5 more dates in the next 6 months, according to the "contract" that I signed, that they would be in breach of contract, and would owe me damages, etc. LET'S ALL WORK TOGETHER AND GET OUR MONEY BACK AND PUT IJL OUT OF BUSINESS!!

Comment by Kim (Guest)

Kim (Guest) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 23:10:27 +0000

Oh my goodness. This is all so disappointing. I just signed up in July. I was very excited about this program but I lost my job and I didn't want to spend gas money driving back and forth to expensive downtown restaurants and paying ridiculous valet and parking fees while slowly draining my savings account. In three months, I was only matched up with two guys (which didn't really bother me, I figured I'd make up the other dates later on). Besides, the two guys were pretty cool--just no chemistry. Any way, I'm on hold right now and reading all these reviews is terrifying. Did I just throw my money away? At the time, I justified the expense by comparing the experience to my summer vacation. I spent well over 3,000 on my summer vacation and that lasted only one week. This costs 1,900 and it would last a whole year. I figured I would do this instead of vacationing next summer (silly, huh?) Anyway, I appreciate all of these reviews and it's too late to get my money back, but when I start dating again I plan on going in to the office and making my needs clear and reintroducing myself to these people. It's true what people are saying: The person you interview with is not the person who matches you, and that's not fair. Good luck to you all. I will definitely be back this summer to report my experiences.

Comment by Mona (Guest)

Mona (Guest) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:50:48 +0000

I just called by a representative of It's Just Lunch. There'll be an interview over skype. You said that there's an interview fee cost (200 USD). So, it means that if I go on with the interview later, then they will charge me? I had better not take the interview then. Thanks for the info.

Yes, seems that you're on to something. Can't wait!

Comment by displeased (Guest)

displeased (Guest) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:25:01 +0000

I joined IJL in April of 2009. In 6 months, I had only been matched with 3 dates, and the staff members were not answering or returning my phone calls. I called the "main office" in California, and no one ever returned those calls either. When I could not get email or phone responses, I ended up sending an email to cancel my membership, so that it would be documented, as I was wanted to cancel my membership for 3 months prior to that. I continued to get monthly fees and no dates after the cancellation email. I used a credit card to pay the monthly fees, so when no one from IJL answered my attempts to reach them, I contacted my credit card company. The credit card company was able to refund 3 months worth of charges, but the nothing beyond 90 days. That was the card's policy. Once my credit card company was involved, I began getting phone calls from IJL management. They told me that I was not entitled to a refund for the months that they did not meet their contractual agreement, and that they would just have me go on additional dates. My experience with the dates is the same as previous reviewers have noted. Dates with people who had desires that I specifically stated I would not want to date. I told them that I was not satisfied and wanted a refund, but the manager refused and refused to allow me to speak to anyone above her. In total, I was out $300, a lot less than some others, but only because I got my credit card company involved, so I recommend that. About 4 months ago, which was about 4 months short of a year after I cancelled my membership in writing, I got a call from and IJL rep who was attempting to get me to go on another date. I told her that I had cancelled my membership 8 months ago (no one called in that time period before the day I am speaking of) and had not interest in going on any other IJL dates. She sent me an email the same day stating that she was placing my membership on hold. I responded that as I had told her on the phone, I cancelled my membership and did not want to go on any other dates. I never received anymore correspondence from IJL... until 2 days ago. In an interesting twist of fate, I received a check in the mail for $200 from IJL two days ago. It says "refund" as the reason on the check stub. I am wondering what prompted this check to be sent to me now. Is there a class action law suit pending that they are trying to minimize by refunding people over a year later?

Comment by Jill (Guest)

Jill (Guest) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:58:53 +0000

Has anyone managed to be successful in their lawsuit or small claims court, I believe that is where I am headed in order to get a refund for all the lies they told me. firstmatefazer@hotmail.com

Comment by Beth (Guest)

Beth (Guest) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:05:59 +0000

I want to add my voice to the list of complaints about It's Just Lunch. I joined in 2008 through the Greenville, SC franchise which has subsequently been closed and is now being managed by the same Florida folks mentioned in others' complaints. Same old story: Few dates with highly incompatible gentlemen, lack of response from IJL personnel, refusal to provide a prorated refund despite the "contract". My advice: Professional Singles Beware! Save and invest your hard-earned money! You will do better looking for a relationship on your own. You might even try the old-fashioned idea of telling all your family and friends that you are open to new relationship possibilities and trust their judgment in setting you up. I am going to contact the attorney mentioned in the class action lawsuit, and I'd advise others to do the same.

Comment by Linda Mall (Guest)

Linda Mall (Guest) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:59:29 +0000

I am beyond disappointed with IJL. I realize chemistry is a strange animal that cannot be predicted. But I am only being matched up with people because they are in my age range. There has been no throught put into whether I had ANYTHING in common with these men. One guy told me he had been on about 60 dates with IJL! None of the qualities I was looking for has been apparent in my so called "matches." I have complained in a nice and constructive manner, but feel it all falls on deaf ears. The staff has changed completely at least twice in the few months I was a member. I would do anything to get my money back, it was a complete waste and has made me so gun shy about any kind of fix-up, as it's been a miserable experience.

Don't join the IJL in Cincinnati!

Comment by Annonymous (Guest)

Annonymous (Guest) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:55:47 +0000

Everyone please READ THIS BEFORE YOU WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!! I currently work for IJL and I HATE it! It is the biggest scam Ive ever seen. First off they will take anyone that has the money, even if they aren't "professional". Put it on a credit card or five, they don't care if you even have a job! They take people that they knowingly cannot match simply to get their money and there are NO REFUNDS, EVER! Plus they treat their workers like crap! They make us lie, manipulate and basically steal to get what they want. $$$. This is a nightmare. I took the job because I thought I would help people and it would be fun. NO WAY! Trust me when I say that if the BBB knew all the lies this place would have to be shut down. They even make us take people engaged or married or living hundreds of miles away from our office. There aren't enough words to say how awful this place is. I would rather risk meeting someone at a bar or the freakin gas station, its safer honestly. Oh and THERE ARE NO BACKGROUND CHECKS, no checks of any kind, ie the guy you're at lunch with may have a long criminal record or may be married or even on probation. BEWARE of IJL and goodluck.

Comment by andrea (Guest)

andrea (Guest) — Sun, 23 May 2010 15:55:52 +0000

OMIGOD my mom signed me up. I'm so pissed at these assholes. Had my first date today. The guy was disabled. Horrible!! I called today to tell her I want my money back, did research and WOW. I'm livid right now. They have my mom's money. And now I'm fucked. Lets all get together and file a class action law suit. Andreaghiassi@yahoo.com.. Contact me.

Comment by ASLOWM3Victim (Guest)

ASLOWM3Victim (Guest) — Wed, 05 May 2010 20:25:12 +0000

Thankfully I did not pay the ridiculous fees involved with this scam of a service, however I discovered that my boyfriend that I live with is a member of Its Just Lunch and has been going on 1 to 2 dates per month the entire length of our relationship. I called IJL to tell them we live together and that he is in what I thought was a serious relationship. They told me they were going to cancel his membership as when he signed their agreement, he was agreeing he was single. Now, a month later he is going on more dates. We are in a lease together for another year and he refuses to leave. He can not be on our lease by himself due to his credit situation so they will not take me off the lease. He coursed me into working things out after the first issue and I trusted him. It is my fault that I am in the situation that I am in, but I want the world to know that IJL is introducing men that they clearly know are in relationships to their other clients. I have read other horror stories from women who were introduced to married men. Great way to start something new. Beware IJL members!!

Comment by Teresa2 (Guest)

Teresa2 (Guest) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:46:32 +0000

I had an EXCELLENT experience with It's Just Lunch in Fort Lauderdale and met my now live-in boyfriend through them and we JUST GOT ENGAGED!!!!!!!!:) I feel they did a nice job matching me because the dates before my boyfriend were all nice interesting men but we did not click as well. Dating is a numbers game and It's Just Lunch did provide me nice matches before me and Dan clicked!

My dating director was super nice and really listened to what I wanted. They nailed it and I am soooo happy. At the time, was super busy and did not have time to meet men and they coordinated my schedule well!

Some people I see have had a bad experience with them because they probally are expecting the bachelor or bachlerette when they sign up and are not all that and a gold trophy knock out themselves. You can't just but your perfect dream girl or dream man. Again, It is a numbers game but It's Just Lunch helps a ton in doing all the initial work so I had to do was show up.

I HIGHLY RECOMMED THEM!!!

Comment by Donna Marie (Guest)

Donna Marie (Guest) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:43:41 +0000

Wow, I wish I would have read this before I signed up

I signed up with the Cleveland IJL back in 2006 and finished my 1 year contract this past February 2010. Yes, it's taken over 3 years and they never found a match for me even though they claimed that "this is the one".
The person setting up the date builds up this perfect guy only to have you introduced to a person that is nowhere close to the description you were given. What a waste of time.

FYI: The reason I was able to prolong my contract: I put my account on "hold" for a few months in between a date or two (you were given 14 dates or 1 year membership).

I have been trying to get a story to radio stations and TV news, but it seems that they would rather get the billing for advertising this dating service instead of warning men and women of this business.

I noticed that some of you are looking for a "free" dating web site. My best friend found her husband through plentyoffish.com. I haven't had luck yet, but I am hopeful. Good luck in your search!

Comment by Amanda (Guest)

Amanda (Guest) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:43:51 +0000

Ladies, beware. There is a lack of male members - to the extreme. My friend David stated that he could have dated almost every night of the week - on the other hand, the women he dated complained that they were lucky if they got one date a month. Best of luck.

Comment by Charlene (Guest)

Charlene (Guest) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:44:55 +0000

Hi,

My name is Charlene Collazo and I am a freelance reporter for the South Florida News Service which works with all three major South Florida newspapers (Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach). I am currently working on a story on in-person dating services and It's Just Lunch seems to be the only franchise and one of the fewest in-person dating services in South Florida. I am looking for sources to help me with my story to talk about their experiences and if they liked it or not. My email is ccollazo427@gmail.com and any info and quotes would help tremendously. I'm looking for people who used the services in the South Florida area only.

Thank you all!
- Charlene

Comment by Alex (Guest)

Alex (Guest) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:41:03 +0000

I recently caught my boyfriend of 18 months on a "IJL" date. This was in Chicago, Illinois.
I let IJL know and even sent them a copy of the email he sent to me that very day and how he was "going to his grandmother's nursing home" and to meet him later in the evening and how he "loved" me. What did IJL do? Set him up with more dates.
I understand that IJL was not privy to the fact he had a girlfriend. There are reasons they shouldn't have taken him on as a client (and reflects I should have dropped him as a boyfriend). But you'd think after IJL finds out abut this guy and the fact that he is such an alcoholic that he can not even set foot at Ralph Lauren (because of a drunk incident there without the help of anyone but himself) that they would drop him - instead they are setting up up with women left and right. I was told that IJL is short on men - so they will take about anyone. But - for the women out there thinking about trying the program - ask yourself who they really are helping by introducing you to guys like this despite knowing his current life?
Again, for me good riddance. But to the other optimistic women out there - just be careful. There is no need for us to pay $125 to go out with someone. IJL knows nothing about someone besides the fact that they have a business card and we can do that on our own. They do no credit checks or anything. So, they are no less in the dark than we are when we meet a guy in a grocery store!
Keep your money! Try a different service - or just ask your friends to set you up. IJL is NO GOOD!

Comment by V Rod (Guest)

V Rod (Guest) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:16:14 +0000

For the amount of money it's not worth it. Worse Service Ever!!!
If your are thinking about it, don't do it. If you are already fooled cancel it. It'll save you a headache in the long run. The explanation of the terms and what it actually say on their contract are not even close. "On hold" only means that you still pay them for the service that you do not receive, even at the initial term. You might as well go out on the street and throw money in the air and you'll meet nicer people. Afterall, the most dates you'll get with this service is 2 per month even though they say they have "100's" available for you.
Don't do it! there are better ways to meet people for less money!

Comment by Denny (Guest)

Denny (Guest) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:55:12 +0000

I think someone needs to stop this scam. I too was set up with someone I was told was divorced and was not. They certainly do not set you up with your profile requirements- in fact- your profile is only a "parameter" for them- and therefore- toss you out on dates to fill their quota. Too bad- the concept it great- but in the end- just another company screwing their customers.

It's Just (a) Lunch (Scam)?

Ken — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 01:07:00 +0000

So, continuing my dating service research: I've been looking into the heavily advertised "It's Just Lunch" service.