Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does speed dating work?

There is always a very high rate for the number matches at our events. This translates simply to the fact that after an event you are very likely to have at least one date, and very possibly more.

We have some great success stories from people who have met and are dating or also from people that are now living together. Also, some very good friendships have been formed from the events we have run.

At the very least, you will have met a whole lot of new people and had a fun night out..

2. How much does it cost?

Event costs vary because of where the venue is, the age group, and what is included.  This detail can be seen by clicking on the event on teh home page. You will be taken to a page which shows you all of teh detail for that particular event. Please do read the detail carefully.

3. Who goes to events?

The majority of people who attend events are professional people. Mostly people come to SMARTdate events because it's an alternative to picking up or being picked up at a club. In addition to that, most people are very busy and don't engage in sports clubs etc that would allow you to meet new people. In general we have a lot of members who in the financial services industry and advertising industries. One of the most frequent comments we receive is that people are surprised at the great quality of people at an event. If you're looking to attend an event, other people just like you are too!

4. What questions should I ask?

You have 5 minutes – use it well.

Decide before you arrive: What matters? What kind of person would you like to spend more time with?

Ask questions that you feel will you give insight into a person’s character. Where a person works is not necessarily who they are. Keep the “where do you work” type questions for your first date.  Aim to generate conversation with the person rather than fire questions at them. It's as important for the person you meet to know something about you as it is for you to know about them.

You only have 5 minutes. The aim is merely to work out whom you would like to spend more time talking to.

5. How many people do I meet?

The numbers at each event are determined by the venue, the type of event and the age group.  Each event has a prescribed minimum, at which level we believe you will see value for your money. The maximum number of people you meet will be 15, and our most successful events have been where there have been 7 or 8 people to meet.

However, in general, the number of people there should not affect your evening. If the right people are there for you, that’s what counts.

Parties - parties are always very well attended. Generally our venues hold 80-120 people, and that's what we aim for.

SMARTdate events are designed to ensure you get quality meetings during the night, and experience suggests that an increase in size of the event decreases the quality of the time spent with each person.

6. Will there be different race groups at the event?

Yes, there is a good possibility that there will be people from all races at an event. No event is exclusive to any race.  Events take place at various venues and the typical clientèle at that venue will indicate the predominant race group at an event. At all events you have the chance to meet everyone. Event match levels are always high, which indicates that this mix is successful.

We have recently started running events at Primi Piatti branches. These events are designed, so that if you want to meet black men or women, then this is your best bet. However, please remember that all events have a mix of races, and no event will ever be exclusive.

7. Will I have to meet people older than myself?

The age group indicated on the website indicates the general age of people you will meet. Without a doubt you will meet people older and younger than yourself. Your choice about whom to match with remains your choice at the end of the night. The age categories are designed to be the most typically appropriate groups.

If you are a women at the top edge of an age group, you may want to go to an event with an older age group, likewise if you are a man at the lower end of the event in the older category, you may want to go to an event with a younger age group.  If this is the case, please contact info@smartdate.co.za

8. Can I go on more than one SMARTdate?

Yes! Above all else SMARTdate events are fun. We call people who go on more than one SMARTdate event “serial daters”. We all want to be one! It takes practice to work out the best questions and to learn how to put your best foot forward. The more events you attend, the more dating you do, and the more people you meet.

9. I don’t have a credit card, how can I arrange payment?

You can arrange to make payment directly into our bank account before the event. Select bank transfer as the payment option when booking.  Please ensure your deposit is made two days prior to an event.

10. Can I pay when I arrive?

No, payment must be made prior to the event, either by credit card, cash deposit or bank transfer.  If you don't pay in advance, we have no guarantee you will show up, and we can’t plan the event properly!

11. I want to make a booking and payment for more than one of us.

Once you click on the "Book" link, you will be taken to a page, where you can add each friend. Dpon't worry if you don't have all of their details, we can collect that at the event. We will however need payment for your group before you arrive.

12. I don’t want to receive e-mail from SMARTdate at my current e-mail address, how can I receive my matches?

You can either set up a free personal email address at www.yahoo.com or www.hotmail.com or we can arrange to give you’re the match detail over the phone.

13. Are there always an equal number of men and women?

We aim to have equal numbers, and our booking facility ensures this is as far as possible the case. However, this is very rarely the case. When you attend and event you will see that at an event that despite more men or more women it works out well.  If this happens you will have the chance to meet members of the same sex, and if you’ve come along alone, this is a great way to build freindships.

14. I have a friend who doesn't have internet access, how can he/she book?

Please e-mail info@smartdate.co.za , to make an arrangement to attend the event. You can use your cell phone number to register instead, and matching is done by the host on your behalf. You can also call 072 464 4253 and we can complete the registration on your / their behalf.

15. Do you hold gay and lesbian events?

Yes, we arrange dinners for gay men and lesbian women. All of the parties we run are open and attended by everyone, gay and straight.

16. Can I attend on my own?

Yes, of course. Lots of people attend on their own; the idea is that you meet new people. Our hosts are trained to make sure that you have someone to chat to as soon as you arrive. There are always people who come by themselves, so you won’t be the only one.

17. What if there are more girls than guys or vice versa?

It's impossible to ensure there are equal numbers, however we do try to keep the numbers reasonably balanced. The extra men and women will wait in a waiting area and usually chat to each other in the time they are not dating. This gives you the chance to catch your breath or get some other conversation in! 

18. When I view my matches the site says I have 6 matches and yet only 3 names are listed, why is this?

This is because 3 people have ticked you whom you didn't select. You will only see the details for those people who you tick and who tick you. 

19. Telephone number?

072 464 4253 Please feel free to call this number with any questions you have. We answer the phone between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. It is likely you will need to leave a message, and your call will be returned.