It's Just Lunch

• Selective Membership Base
• Signature Dating Process
• Coaching Service 
• No Online Profile Setup

Selective Membership Base

Not everyone who signs up for IJL will be selected to join the dating pool. The signup process starts by asking you to fill out a form with personal contact information. You will then be contacted for a phone interview where an IJL matchmaker will explain the matchmaking process and potential costs. 

If you pass this step, the matchmaker will ask you to connect for an interview over Skype. After the conversation, the matchmaker will make a final decision about your membership. You can also speed up the application process by calling the company from the number on its website.

The process for joining It’s Just Lunch requires preparation and time. IJL probably figures that most of its target audience is familiar with the interview process. However, the interview process can cause anxiety and hinder individuals from joining the service. 

The selective membership base is helpful for a busy professional who doesn't have the time to vet through potential matches. The dating service already selects better quality people who are serious about finding a partner. 

Signature Dating Process

An It's Just Lunch matchmaker will take care of planning and setting up all your dates. You won’t have to worry about setting up the time and place. The professional matchmaker will call you and your date to confirm the details. Your job is just to show up and help pay for the date. The matching process can take anywhere from a week to a month depending on how quickly your matchmaker can find you a good match. 

After the date, the matchmaker will call to get feedback on how the date went. If it went well, the matchmaker can set up a second date. The matchmaker will continue to set you up on other first-dates unless you tell him or her not to. Your feedback will help the matchmaker better understand your dating preferences for future dates.

Coaching Service

As a member of It’s Just Lunch, you have access to a personalized coaching service. Coaches offer dating advice to help you achieve your relationship goals. Dating coaches also act as the customer support team. You can contact this group via phone if you have any questions about your membership contract. 

No Online Profile Setup

It’s Just Lunch focuses on getting matches to meet face-to-face. The company believes that meeting in-person is the best way to gauge attraction and interest. Many users spend hours on online dating sites messaging to find the perfect time to bring up going on a date. These individuals often face rejection, ghosting, or no-shows. IJL skips all the games and website profile setup by having its certified matchmakers do all the pre-date work. 

You won’t need to set up a website profile for IJL. Your matchmaker will set up a profile that will be used to compare matches. The profile will be based on your dating preferences as mentioned during the interview process. Without the online dating element, your personal information stays secure in the IJL database. You don’t have to worry about hundreds to thousands of individuals seeing your personal details. 

• Low Volume of Members
• Expensive Service 
• Limited Location Availability
• No Guarantees 

Low Volume of Members 

IJL has about 45,000 members in total from the United States. Most dating services have well over a million members. Members have fewer options when working with the IJL matchmaking service. However, other members tend to be in a similar situation pursuing professional careers. If this is what you are looking for in a potential partner, It’s Just Lunch might be right for you. 

Expensive Service

It’s Just Lunch costs much more than a traditional dating site. This is because a professional matchmaker is working on each case separately. You are getting personalized help to find a suitable match.

Most members will pay between $2,000–$4,000 for the service. Cost is based on location, contract length, and the number of guaranteed dates. IJL does not cover the cost of the dates, so you should also factor in those additional costs. 

Limited Location Availability

It’s Just Lunch does not operate in all cities and countries. Dating services are available in the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. It’s Just Lunch is available in most major cities within the United States. 

Matchmaking services are not available in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. If you live outside one of the operating cities, you can choose to travel for dates. However, this can quickly add up after paying for the membership and travel arrangements. 

Few Guarantees 

It’s Just Lunch does not offer a guarantee in finding a long-term partner. The company only promises to set you up on dates. The outcome is dependent on your connection with the selected dates. 

Previous customers have complained about the low-quality dates set up by Its Just Lunch matchmakers. One woman in Tampa, Florida sued IJL for the price of her membership, arguing that her dates were less than respectable and not at all compatible. The company does not offer any current refund policy.