It's Just Lunch [IJL]
Reviews and Complaints

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Wow! I cannot believe this! I received a call from Marylnn in Florida on 06.27.2013 and she sounded so perky and so exciting. She extended an invitation to join for FREE! She said all I need to do was to sign an electrocnic contract and submit some photos. I hesitated on the contract piece. What threw me off was that the electronic contract stated that "I agree to make the payment" --however at the bottom of the contract stated I need not pay nothing? so I just decided to look for reviews and experirences. Do they lie and then try to get money? Or are they just trying to find dates for other singles so I can be paired with them? If you work there and know of the tactic used on me, please advise!

I am a current employee of IJL and I could not agree more. They only match by age and location, which is sometimes hours away. The management lie and its hard to believe at first because they seem so perky and amazing. The numbers they send out for sales in the emails are lies, if you are friends with enough of the dating specialists you can flat out ask them and they will tell you the truth, its all fluff to try and keep morale high. They also don't count the number of cancels which a large majority do after just a couple days. If you listen carefully in the conference calls you can see the difference between the stuff being stated as fact now and the stuff stated to you in training trying to sell you on the job. The few people that do believe in IJL are disillusioned due to their paychecks, those are the people who because they have some money in their pocket rationalize with the process and turn a blind eye to the fact that 95% of what we were told in training is a lie. Those are the people who don't care about the clients they are speaking with, are only in it for the money. I feel guilty and dirty every night when I get off work and go home. If I had any other option, believe me I would take it. I wish I could quit with my head held high, but when I do quit, or get fired, which is inevitable, they have training twice a month with large training groups, but the number of employees never actually goes up, anyways when I do quit or get fired, it will not be with my head held high. I am embarrassed to have IJL on my resume, because of the hundreds upon hundreds of reviews from IJL employees, ex-employees, clients and ex-clients, that were brave enough to post about what a scam this company really is.

I TOTALLY DISAGREE. With all due respect, you're bitter and over emotional. Working for IJL is a blast. I've been a dating specialist for under a year and love it. The company is great-- it's not a scam- give me a break. We receive emails all week from successful clients, including their wedding photos. Management -- including MaryLynn and Sandra, are super supportive and encouraging. They're incredible motivators! It's by far the most positive, high energy team I've worked for. If you're positive, passionate, and can close a sale, you can make six figures. Great company to work for. Great clientele. Our job is to find people love-- what better job is there?!

TOTALLY DISAGREE. Here's the facts. IJL is not a scam. It's a legit matchmaking co. with successful, busy, educated clients on board. I've been a dating specialist for a few months and have had great success so far. The company is amazing to work for. Managment is super positive and supportive. If you succeed, they email the whole team. The whole team then sends you a huge CONGRATS! I love the good energy. IJL is super generous with pay as well. Many specialists make six figures or more. If you're enthusiastic, passionate about help

I wish I did more research before taking a job as a Dating Director. I went through four interviews for this job. I gave notice at my other job. I worked out of my home office. I agree with EVERYTHING that you said. I finally up and quit today. I will not scam a 71 year old woman out of her retirement. If you are considering working with It's Just Lunch, they pay minimum wage and promise hot leads. I spent three weeks speaking to pissed off people who had been contacted numerous times before. I quit with my head held high. I have ten years of sales background. I you are okay with learning how to sales used, worthless cars over the phone then It's just lunch would be a great job for you. WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY! I quit today... AMEN!

It's Just Lunch Scam Artist Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE

Its Just Lunch Complaint

I had a terrible experience with It's Just Lunch in Wilmington, Delaware, Just Lunch Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Just Lunch, New York, NY. I advise to everyone, that your money is better spent at Match.com or any other dating site, your chances are better and it will only cost you less than $30.00. Take yourself on vacation or throw it out the window... either will benefit you more, even going to a bar may be a better choice.

I was talked into joining IJL(it’s just lunch) by a woman who promised she had the women of my dreams in her "file." They were just waiting to meet me; all I had to do was pay $2, 700. She called and called, and made me feel like if I passed this up, I would be alone and lonely forever. As soon as I paid, I never heard from her again.

Had several interviews over the phone and in person, and by the way, they don’t have a physical location, I met a lady in a hotel, the company is managed by few very rude ladies and one guy, Anton J., Marlene B., Lisa M., and Tameka M. from New York, Delaware, Pensylvania, anyway... they wanted to make sure they knew everything about me so they can match me well, however; the first few matches were so fat, their arms were bigger than mine, I specifically asked for skinny girls, this individuals don’t have a clue about dating, they are nothing but scam, .

I went on three dates?. The first was with an uninterested girl, who acted like he was being paid to be there, she was so ugly, and her teeth were spread apart, it was disgusting to even talk to her|. The 2nd date with a fat, ugly, divorced woman, that her arms were bigger than mine|. After, they put my membership on hold, without asking me, because it was going so poorly, they started to be rude, to a point that they started to hang up on me and play games.

After a few months, I wanted to get a refund:. I called IJL and they informed me that my membership was on hold and they could not give me a refund. I made several calls and sent emails and now they are playing games, all I want is my money back, and I will go my way.

If you're reading this, you might assume I'm an ugly, uninteresting person, and you'll be different. NOT TRUE. I thought that too when I read reviews, before signing up (about other people/bad reviews). On the contrary I am in mid age, handsome, slim, well off - I'm just saying. If you think the bad reviews are only from un-datable people, think again, this company is nothing but scam.

Just Lunch Wilmington, DE, Just Lunch Philadelphia, PA, Just Lunch New York, NY, dating service, dating, couples dating

You chicks need to use your noggins - here's some tips for meetin fellas (just to get ya started):
1. Get control of that food concession at the entrance to Home Depot and make sure you're behind that counter on weekday mornings - hair in place tight jeans and makeup to kill.
2. Hang out at Borders after work. Wear your prettiest dress. No pantsuits.
3. Go out to a bowling alley and just hang out with your (plainer) friends on mens bowling league nite.
4. Go to church - nah, on second thought, forget that one.
5. Take up square dancing...yeah that one works.
...and to think I didn't even ask for your credit card.

I am having the exact same experience except they aren't even able to find me a date AND they charged me $2800, not $1800. Consider yourself lucky there. I am furious. They are rude, condescending and extremely deceitful.

I actually signed up through a company called Matchbox in Petaluma. When I did a Google search it was fine. I signed the contract for Its Just Lunch not realizing it was a bait and switch. I can understand why they are hiding their name. Had I known the real name and been able to search first I would have NEVER signed up.

They make a lot of promises. All Lies. Save your money girls.

Lisa

You did kind of limit yourself with the practicing religion stuff. Really shouldn't be that important. But overall point taken

Well, you did kind of make it difficult with the practicing religion stuff, but point taken.

Ditto. I was lost in "their shuffle" - they are completely disorganized and dysfunctional. A complete waste of money. Underwhelming.

I just went through the exact same experience. This company is a scam. We can not let them continue to be in business.

Just wanted to add one more person to the list of people who got taken by IJL. Had I read the reviews prior to going in I would have never signed up! Don't even think about it if you have been considering plunking down the money - it will be totally wasted. Nothing new here that hasn't already been said. I am an attractive professional woman and asked to be matched with the same. I wanted men who were near my age, but looked and acted younger, like myself. All I got was men who were old school in their thinking and out of shape and none of them were attractive. And the worst of them, had a nervous habit and told me they had contacted him for the date.

I just joined It's Just Lunch a week ago. I felt in my gut that it was a scam, but I decided to try it out anyway. The poor customer service I've received over the week and now reading ALL of these complaints obviously confirms my worst suspicions. The somewhat humorous thing is--I think I am the kind of person that the person who made today's comment wants to meet--I am a smart, easy on the eyes NYker who is very much employed in the arts. Did this scam just bring us together?

Would anyone want to join in on a class action suit against It's Just Lucnh dating service? The company did not match me according to what I stated in the interview. in fact, they matched me with two men that were exactly what I said was NOT acceptable. They did nothing that they promised to do. Their cutomer service is very por. It took me a month to get a call from corportae.

I agree these ITS clowns are scammers and con artists!

This site is just a venue for your boyfriend to do what he would have done anyway. For you to contact the company and tell them your personal problems is sort of baffling. I'm sure they got a laugh out of it, because after all he's a paying customer and like all businesses, they need to make money. They don't care if he's a cheater, or if he's married, or if he's a criminal or anything else. Do you think match.com gives credit and background checks to everyone who signs up? Of course not, they assume people can decide for themselves if they want to meet someone.

I joined IJL months ago with the promise of dates. To this date I have had one, very unexceptionable, date with a man who was a filthy mouthed pig.
I have requested at least a partial refund, we will see.
Does any one know how I can be part of the class action suit against IJL that is going on now ?
Please be smarter that I was & DO NOT join.

Nothing else left to say, I am just another person who got ripped off by them.

I could not agree more! It's just Lunch is nothing more than 'it's just a waste of money!" The claim that they take time to match you with those with similar interests is a complete lie. They match you up with those who have been unsuccessful in the past, but they owe them dates. You revive the bottom of the barrel every time.

These people are master crooks and con artists. The "Counseling service" is nothing more than telling you that you are on the brink of a break-through, which is impossible with the low-ball individuals that they set you up with.

I made the mistake once, believing that the $3, 500.00 I paid was for a year rather than six dates. Not one was appropriate even though I went in with a positive and hopeful attitude. They just do not have a quality clientele, even with their outrageous prices.Unfortunately, money which one might expect to be a deterrent to low class scum balls makes no difference whatsoever. Most of the men I was introduced to were clearly going through the mothions and several indicated that they had been paid extra to go on "one last date"

If there is ever a class action suit or other legal ways to help put this fraudulent people out of business, I am all in. I would rather pay $4000.00 to see them pay their dues than accept one more of their carefully chosen matches.

Join a meet-up group with those who share your interests, or just hang tight until the right person comes your way. To pay to meet someone who is likely to leave you discouraged and frustrated is a true crime.

I actually called local Denver channel 32 (The Crime Stoppers) to report this organization but asit turns out there were so many complaints that they ran several segments on it before and were not willing to revisit it. Buyer Beware was the message I received. Therefore that is all I have to pass on to other folks. If you have to pay several thousands of dollars to meet others who you have no interest in, nor nothing in common, join and interest group and at least have a good time at that.

Dear Abby:
I am writing to cancel my membership with “It’s Just Lunch.” It might be more aptly called, “It’s Just Les.”
I am horrified to finally find out the truth regarding at the way you run your business. Your lack of honesty, integrity and professionalism is beyond anything I have ever experienced.
I very much enjoyed my time with Wayne. He was the most kind, fun-loving, and attractive man I have met in years. He is also the only one with even one of these attributes, I have been introduced to since joining “It’s Just Lunch.”
There was only one major problem. He explained to me that he too, works with you as a matchmaker, and made if perfectly clear that this was to be his last date with “It’s Just Lunch.”
He told you that he was looking to move to Arizona, if not permanently, then at least half year going forward. He also travels extensively, and has little if any interest in dating anyone in the foreseeable future.
Although you were notified of this, you convinced him to go on this date with me. Worst of all, you kept this information from me. This is a lie by omission at the very least. The worst part is that I trusted you.
How incredibly unfair and unethical of you to match me or anyone, with an individual you know is not going to be available, nor has any interest in utilizing your service in the future.
This seems particularly irresponsible and downright cruel. Particularly when you are well aware of how unhappy I have been with my matches to date. I made every effort to remain positive, and cooperative only to be duped, by your blatant lack of honesty.
There is a legal name for the act of purposely withholding information from those who pay you in good faith to provide the services advertised. It is Fraud!
I will not pursue any attempts to receive a refund of the thousands of dollars I spent in the belief that you had my satisfaction at the forefront of your attempts to find suitable matches. Nothing could have been further from the truth. If your approach to legal natters is anything like your slip-shod manner in producing positive dating experiences, it would simply be a further waste of my time, money and energy.
You can be assured that I will be actively searching for avenues to put a stop to such corrupt business practices. Social media will only be the beginning.
Please do not look at this as a threat. It is a promise.
Do not contact me regarding this matter. I have lost complete trust, faith and confidence in both the staff, including yourself, and the business practices of “it’s Just Lunch.”
Good Luck,
-E- Denver

I signed up with Just for lunch (JFL) on December 15, 2010 for a 14 month/14 date matchmaking service. To date, I have been scammed, embarrassed, lied to, and left hanging by unprofessional and non-responsive staff members who could not care less about whom they set you up with or whether that person ever shows for the scheduled date. Specifically:

1) At my initial consultation with I was enticed into joining on the misrepresentation that they had the perfect match for me, a lovely 35yr old Jewish girl name Mira. Upon joining I soon learned that Mira either didn't exist or was not longer available. What a scam.

2) First date scheduled and confirmed for December 7th, 2010 was canceled by the other party 1 hour before the scheduled date.

3) Second date scheduled and confirmed for January 12th, 2011 was a no show by the other party. Three hours of my day wasted not to mention the embarrassment of sitting in a restaurant by yourself for 45 minutes and having to walkout with your tail between your legs.

4) Third date scheduled and confirmed for the evening of January 12th, 2011 was a total mismatch. We had nothing in common and the young lady seemed totally burnt out on the JFL process. I can only assume they use her for every available male match since JFL bench strength must be very limited. .

5) Fourth date scheduled and confirmed for Friday January 28, was canceled by the other party 1 hour before the scheduled date.

6) Fifth date scheduled and confirmed for February 2th, 2011 was a no show by the other party. Three hours of my day wasted not to mention the embarrassment of sitting in a restaurant by yourself for 45 minutes and having to walk out with your tail between your legs. I was later told by my dating coordinator that the other party had never confirmed the date. When asked why I was still sent two emails asking for me to confirm, which I did, wasn't the date wasn't postponed or me notified by JFL that the other party hadn't confirmed. I was told by Marcela the South Florida Dating coordinator that this is Standard Operating Procedure and that they send people out on dates all the time even when both parties haven't confirmed and that their clientele often get stood up.

My outrage with the service and my bad experiences generated absolutely no concern or apology on the part of Marcela the South Florida Dating coordinator for JFL and my emails and calls to the salesperson who signed me up, Carrie, have gone unreturned to this point, which for me was insult to injury. How could a service firm care so little about the service they provide or their clients.

In conclusion, my request to terminate the agreement and refund my money, for non performance, has gone ignored.

It is a fraud.. In January 2016 I had relocated to Hilton Head SC. I called IJL Mike F took my call. I was vulnerable. He In no time he signed me up to the tune of 2, 800. with a no refund policy. I knew that it had to be a con when he referred to me as a "catch" so unprofessional. I have reported it to numerous authorities. It should be shut down. A few days later a lady called me from Savannah for a meeting.. When I arrived she pretended to not be affilliated with IHL. She had already told me too much information. She told me IJL in Hilton Head did not have enough men for women and that Mike F knew that. The whole thing is a fraud. It should be closed and not allowed to continue the sham. I A class action as well as criminal charges should be considered.

Every word of this review i second and i strongly advise people to stay clear off this scam of a biz ! I have had similar experience.. They simply do not have any matches and they fake matches all along ...to lure people into signing up and then there is no going back because i guess their sole purpose is to take your money and not provide any service at all ! Someone should report them and i hope that the day arrives when they are made to return money for every person they have failed to deliver along the promises. No one is expecting marriage as a definite outcome but providing matches which are as per the choice is what the services are all about and we must get what we paid for !

I paid 2000 and every male I was "matched" with got a big discount and because of that, none of them were of the caliber of what I was promised. I actually got set up with the same man twice. UGH! Almost everything that happened to the others in the complaints listed above happened to me. I am now in a dispute as they claim that my membership has expired. They still owe me a match, but they say they do not. I am sure that if they do match me with someone it will be awful.
IJL is LOUSY IN LOUISVILLE! There is currently a class action lawsuit against them, I have inquired to see if I can join it.

I was a sucker and also joined IJL. Do not join this so called "dating service". SCAM to the max... I tried to get my money back but failed, I will take them to court. I have had two dates in almost one years time. Both were definitely not at all like anyone I am looking for. I was told they have a report regarding my likes and dislikes. I asked for a copy of this, I have been told they can't give me a copy of the report because it is confidential. If they have this so called "REPORT", it should have my words, not confidential. No notes were taken during my so called "interview", which lasted about 30 minutes. This is a total scam and I have also experienced the other comments. Look on the BBB website, but they still exist...How can they?

Wow! I wish we could create a class action lawsuit against this horrible scam of a company. Every single employee I've interacted with seems to have a low IQ and be completely oblivious to social differences or basic communication skills. I paid $ 2200 for my 1 year contract after being told how many amazing matches they had for me. The matches (2 so far in 6 months) have been so far off the mark to almost be funny if I weren't so mad about wasting my money. For example, I'm a Ph.D., independent income, world traveler, and they matched me with a truck driver who likes stock racing and RVing. Perfectly fine interests, but not a match! I do want my money back. Any ideas?

I have been scam by this company, I paid $2, 400 only had 1 date in 6months...I want my money back! Do you know if anyone is filing an class action suit?

My experience with It's Just Lunch is a huge disappointment and I discovered I paid more than most people, over $5, 000. In 4 months I have been on 4 dates.
Their responses to email and phone calls is they are in a meeting or they use a script from the company as to what to say.
I joined It's Just Lunch because I have a busy career and don't have time to filter through on line dating portfolios.. The reality is I have spent a lot of time monitoring and reminding It's Just Lunch San Francisco staff what my "must haves" are. Their response is that they don't go by that because when they introduce us to a match, we are willing to accept dates outside of our requirements. My dates have been "geographically undesirable, " or " unable to do physical activities due to illness and obesity.". They also say they are getting to know me and will make a note of my requirements. I, of course, informed them of these "must haves" from the beginning.
Nothing is done by database. They cannot do a search for any specific geographic area, age group, etc. They tell me they take notes and have meetings and do the matches. I have asked for a refund several times and was told no.

My friend googled complaints against It's Just Lunch. A bunch of information came up.. A class action suit was successfully won in New York. I would like to gather a group of San Francisco It's Just Lunch members to do the same.

I don't mind paying for good service, but object to paying for "no service."
If you are interested in pursuing a class action suit, please call [protected] and ask for Suzanne.

Long story below on It's Just Lunch lawsuit and their dishonest sales tactics and business practices. Short story: If you mention the IJL Yelp reviews, Sarah (spelling may be “Sara”) and Kelly may try to distort the reviews and blame them on unhappy people. I fell for this trick. Don't believe them! Based on my experience, all of these reviews are probably true! And their other big sales tactic is mentioning how many years they've been in business and how much experience they have. Don't fall for this! They have been sued multiple times and are now being sued again. They prey on people's hopes, don't provide the matches you ask for, and have no remorse about it that I can see. Who knows, maybe their worldviews are so warped that they ignore the fact that many of their customers are unsatisfied.

I've never written a scathing review of anything, and I like to give people the benefit of the doubt and not sweat the small stuff in life. So the reason I'm writing this review is because this is a BIG deal to me. This company is misrepresenting its services, taking advantage of people, and has NO intention of changing its business practices. A class action lawsuit is currently in progress against them. Please message me for information on how to join if you have paid for this service and are in a similar situation. You can join the lawsuit FOR FREE.

DISHONEST SALES TACTICS. I signed up for more information on the It's Just Lunch website and the next day I got a call from Kelly. We ended up setting a time to meet in person on 3/23/12. I went into her office and went through the IJL interview. She asked me about myself and what I was looking for in a match. I told her I wanted a girl who was (in order of priority):
1) Within ~3 years of my age
2) Fit, athletic, and thin
3) Positive and optimistic
4) Intelligent
5) Adventurous
6) A good lifestyle fit: lived on the peninsula, college educated, etc.

Then Kelly said something that later on proved to be ironic. She asked me if that was all I wanted, as if she wanted me to be more stringent in my criteria! I told her we could start off with this criteria and get more stringent if necessary. Kelly told me she had about 300 girls who met that criteria. That's right. 3-0-0. I had read the Yelp reviews so I flat out told her that I was skeptical of the service because the reviews were so bad. She said that all of the people who wrote these reviews were unhappy people who either gave up on the service or basically were rejected by other IJL people on their dates. She said this is common in the matchmaking industry, and showed me other reviews of Table for Six and Events and Adventures. She added that all of the people who had success were too busy falling in love and being happy to write reviews. I asked if I could talk to one of these happy customers. She said no because it would violate their privacy, which I understood. She showed me a stack of at least 10 handwritten testimonials and some wedding photos I think, which looked legitimate. I figured hey, I could see how someone could get upset if they don't find their soulmate/whatever. There is a human element involved, so maybe all the Yelp reviews are just bitter people. Oh there's a bad human element involved all right. Here's a hint...it's not the fault of the people paying for IJL. So, not knowing what I was getting into, I signed up. I didn't take the time to do more research because honestly, the main reason I signed up was because I want to use my time most efficiently and a matchmaking service seemed much more efficient and cost effective than cruising the bars. I was excited though. Kelly said I should expect 2-3 dates per month. And I had about 300 girls in my dating pool, so how could I possibly not find some great matches?

First date was on 4/13/12. Marissa, the coordinator, forgot to make our reservation at the bar. Luckily I got there early and got us a seat. My match fit most of my criteria...except #2 and #3. Which are for sure deal breakers. I couldn't believe it! Especially because #2 is a reasonably objective criteria. If you go to a doctor, they can determine if you are underweight, overweight, or fit. I called Kelly the next day as she had told me to, and said that I was upset with my match and wanted to cancel my service. She said that finding the right match was a process, and that she thought my match was fit. She mentioned that perhaps my match had gained weight since her initial interview. I was shocked, but Kelly seemed to feel so strongly that the girl was fit. It's true that there are some gray areas between overweight and fit. I've been athletic and fit my whole life and I'm attracted to girls like me, but maybe Kelly wasn't aware how strict my standards were. So I decided to give it another shot, but made it very clear to Kelly that I was very unsatisfied with my match because I did not consider her fit. And that if this next match didn't meet this most basic criteria, I was leaving.

After weeks with no dates and finally calling Kelly when I flat out didn't hear from her for a week (I won't go into details here because that would be another page) I was set up with my second date on 5/31/12. My second match met criteria #2 even less than my first. NOTICEABLY less. So I called Kelly to cancel and cut my losses. She then told me that she thought that my second match had been fit. It seemed at this point that either 1) Kelly had a warped view of what “fit” meant that she was not willing to change to make a client happy, or 2) IJL had no matches that met my criteria and were not telling the truth to me. Kelly suggested that I email her pictures of girls I had dated, so that we could finally get on the same page.

I couldn't believe how off the matches had been. But even more, I was puzzled by how unapologetic Kelly was. It was like being in a Twilight Zone episode. Because she was so unapologetic, it really seemed like her perspective was truly different from mine. Why would she lie? I have to give Kelly credit; she is very persuasive. So I agreed initially to sending the pictures on 6/4/12. Then I thought about the situation a little more. Neither scenario 1 nor 2 was a promising one. I needed a show of good faith on their part before I wasted my time on another date because they could not meet this most basic criterion. So I asked to see a picture of my next match to make sure that we were finally on the right track. Kelly said that was not possible, and that it was a $10, 000 level membership. So I told her it definitely wasn't going to work out.

Then Sarah, the Bay Area director, called me. I told her my concerns that either scenario 1 or 2 was happening, and asked for a one-time view of my next match's picture, or a refund. She first tried to argue that my second match was what I had asked for. I FINALLY GOT HER TO ADMIT THAT MY SECOND MATCH WAS OVERWEIGHT. But not obese, she countered. Hilariously, she hypothesized that this girl had also changed in appearance since her initial IJL interview. So Sarah refused both of my options, and tried to get me to resume my membership. I expressed my disappointment at being told that I would have 2-3 dates per month who were great matches, and instead going on 2 dates over 2 months with girls who were not good matches. Then she accused me of not trying hard enough. Which she will probably reiterate if she writes a response to this review. I told her to call me if she changed her mind about the refund or the pre-date picture. She said she would put my membership on hold. Ha!

To wrap things up, I am trying to figure out how this company has been in business for so long, and what we can do to stop them. This experience wasted time and money, and that sucks. What sucks more is that this company is still in business. And still taking advantage of people. Both girls I went on dates with mentioned that they were unhappy with their membership as well, but were resigned to finishing it out. And judging by the reviews I've found on the internet, most people feel the same. Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and class action lawsuits may help, but may not be enough. This company should be put out of business.

What is this ' that I am seeing threw out my review?

I find it very interesting that most of the comments about It's Just Lunch have disappeared. They were all negative reviews on this company, one of which was mine. I complained to the BBB and they did nothing. I complained to the city of San Francisco and they just recently got back to me. I sent my complaint two years ago. So now I am rehashing and regathering all of my documents proving that this company is operating illegal business practices and basically stole money from me.

The only way that I can see that someone would have any luck or good results with this company would be a big stroke of luck or if you are just the type of person that is very simple and would be happy with just whom ever. In that case why spend this kind of money? This company dose not do background checks on anyone and they do not show you any photos. This company preys on desperate people.

I know that I am a complex person and very attractive on top of that. This dose make it harder for me to find someone. I am very open and used to date a lot. I just wasn't finding anyone that was a good fit for me. The men that I was finding online that would be a good fit for me did not even live in this country. So I searched out other options and ways to find Mr. Right. That is when I found this company. I thought I would give it a try. When I got to their office they seemed professional and nice. I did find it a little odd that they don't show you a picture of the person that they are going to set you up with before hand but then I thought, OK sometimes people don't look like their photo anyway. I made a very strong point to the woman that interviewed me exactly what I was looking for and what I didn't want. I even brought pictures of some past boyfriends and men that I am attracted to so she could have an idea of what my taste are. Right away she told me that they had several men that fit what I was looking for. I said "Really!? You have a lot of attractive men that are not conservative but also not way out there and men that are into the outdoors and the city life and that like a wide rage of music?" She said yes. So I thought great! I don't know how they have managed to find these men because I felt like I had been looking every where.
I didn't feel comfortable giving them that kind of money all up front so we worked out a payment plan. I did not want to pay with a credit card or my bank card so I said I would feel more comfortable sending them a check. They pressured me to pay with my bank card for the first payment since I didn't have my checkbook with me. I said I could pay the first payment with that only if they would not keep that information and would not charge my card again. They assured me they would not keep the information and would only charge my card this one time.
Within a few days they called and said they had a match for me. They described him and he just didn't sound like my type. I've been out with enough men that I can spot things right away if it will be a match or not. I reluctantly agreed to go out with this person. They set up the date on a Monday holiday. That weekend my plans with my friends changed and I would have to push the date back by an hour to make it. I called the office on Sunday and left them a message. I also tried to call the restaurant but they did not give me the phone number and when I called information they could not find the phone number either. So now I had no way to get ahold of this guy to let him know the only way I could make it is if we pushed it back an hour. I called it's just lunch again Monday morning and no one was there to call me back or to call the person I was suppose to meet because they were closed for the holiday. This stressed me out. I went to the restaurant anyway hoping by chance he might still be there. At fist the hostess didn't know what I was talking about but then another person that worked there came up and told me I just missed him. I called again on Tuesday and they tried to make me feel guilty that I missed the date. I said well you claimed before I signed on to this that if I was ever running late or needed to reschedule it would be easy to call the office and then you could call the date and let them know. I said maybe from now on only set up dates that are on days and times that your office is open. So they agreed. Then they tried to set me up with another man that by their description did not sound like a match for me. They claimed he was really cute and sweet. I should give him a chance. So I said ok. But then they wanted to set up our date on a Sunday. I said after the last experience I only want to go on dates that are times when our office is open. They told me, well this is the only time we could fit your schedules together and then they tried again to guilt trip me about the date I missed. So again I reluctantly agreed to meet this person. When I got to the restaurant there was almost no one there. There was a very conservative looking unattractive man at the bar. I thought this better not be who they are setting me up with. It was. I wanted to turn and run out of there. The bartender was more my type and I felt mortified that the wait staff knew that I was there threw this expensive company to meet this guy. I felt like all eyes were on me. I felt so embarrassed. I thought ok lets make the best of this. I asked this guy what he was looking for and the type of women they were setting him up with. I was shocked. They clearly were not setting him up with anyone that would even remotely be a match for him. He said he was just happy to be going on a date. I said yes but you are paying all this money they could at least set you up appropriately. This guy was really into skiing. I know several women that ski. Why would this service set this man up with anyone that dose not ski? After talking to this guy I got a very clear picture of how this company works. So I called the next day and said I need to cancel my membership. They did not call me back. I called several times and got the run around. Then I insisted on talking to the manager. She was incredibly rude and tried to use bulldozer tactics on me. I hate people like this! They are bullies. This company clearly dose not care about their customers. They only care about taking your money and reducing you to a pea. They prey on people with low self-esteem. Right away I sent them a letter stating that I wanted my membership canceled. They refused to cancel it. By law any and all contracts can be broken within 30 days. This had only been two weeks. I filed a complaint with BBB right away. And then It's Just Lunch charged my card another $255. I called my bank right away and said I did not authorize this. No where in my contract dose it say anything about them charging my card or me authorizing them to charge my card. It also dose not specify any where in the contract that I can not cancel my member ship at any time. It dose say that there will be a prorated rate. That's fine. Pro rate it for two weeks. My bank Wells Fargo allowed them to take my money. This is also illegal on the part on my bank. Needless to say I don't bank with Wells Fargo anymore. I found other banks that give you a better rate and do a better job at protecting your money.
So what has transpired from all this? I payed over $500 for one horrible date, BBB did nothing, and two years later finally the city of San Francisco is addressing this. We'll see what happens. I had also tried out Great Expectations and even tho I ended up not using their service I liked that they did extensive background checks on their members and before you signup with them they do an hour interview and look threw their data base to see who if anyone they have to set you up with. They only had one person that came close but I was not attracted. I appreciated their honesty and care. Then I found Ok Cupid. It is free and I have had the most luck with that site.
My advice: What ever you do, DO NOT THROW YOUR MONEY AWAY on "It's Just Lunch" Or should I say "It's Just Your Pocketbook"

Slowly I slide my finger atop a tall stack of crisp, new one-dollar bills. I draw the first one into my palm and crush it into a small wad, as if it were a soiled Kleenex. I toss the crumpled greenback into an eagerly waiting toilet bowl. Flush. I crouch and watch with great enthusiasm as the whirlpool swirls and sucks it down. I grip the next one, crumple, crush and repeat the process again, and again, and again… two --- thousand --- six --- hundred --- times.

This fantasy is vivid in my mind. Living out this daydream would have given me more joy and satisfaction than the six-month contractual agreement I just completed with It’s Just Lunch (IJL).

I signed up for IJL upon the urging of my good friend in Seattle, who has membership there. In Seattle, IJL customers average one date a week and sometimes more. I thought this was what I was buying.

I gave them a month to get under way before letting them know I wasn’t getting my weekly date. My matchmaker did all she could not to laugh – at which point I revealed my expectations that the two IJL offices act similarly. To this day, no one at the San Francisco IJL office will admit customers have an expectation that chains or franchises operate in a similar fashion – you know, like a Big Mac in Seattle is the same as a Big Mac in San Francisco? When I tried to make this point to the General Manager, she treated me like I was a crazy person for having that point of view, and thought my expectation of chains being similar was outrageous. Huh!

People of the Bay Area, if you think the online dating sites are a waste of your time, and you’re considering It’s Just Lunch, consider this:

With IJL, a six-month membership is $2, 600 and you go on five dates. That’s $520 a date.

A Match.com six-month membership is $119.94. If you’re like me and average five or six dates a month, it’s roughly $3.63 per date.

But we all know the price isn’t the problem. When spending our hard-earned money, we consider the value of the product or service, the patient and responsive customer care, and the skills and expertise of the professionals servicing us. In a matchmaking service, we hope for one that deeply understands our needs and works with us in partnership to help us find a desirable and compatible match. IJL failed miserably in all categories.

I’m not a high-maintenance woman. I originally had three requirements:
1) His age range be between 2-11 years older than me
2) His location be within 30 minutes from my house
3) His height be at least 6’ (since I’m tall and I like wearing heels)

Week 1: Nothing – crickets.

Week 2: They call with my first “match.” He’s 13 years my senior, lives 120 minutes from my house, he’s 6’ tall – um, no. I pass.

Week 3: Next Match – 6 years younger than me, lives 90 minutes from my house, and he’s 5’10”. Nope.

Week 4: Next match – same age as me, lives 115 minutes from my house, and he’s 5’10”.

I reiterate my three needs at this time, at which point I’m told that even though I stated my preferences up front, they don’t match by height. Great.

A few days later, I get another call. My next match is 14 years my senior, and lives 60 minutes away. I cave – I give up – I have them set up the date. He was the worst match ever.

After this failed date, a month after I joined, I knew I was had. I wanted to be released from the contract so I made the General Manager of IJL a very generous proposal. I offered the company $600 as compensation for the first date if they would let me go. Of course they declined. No refunds. No guarantees. No satisfaction.

IJL touts that they have professional matchmakers looking out for you. Don’t believe it! My matchmaker, while a nice person, was absent, and certainly not matching to my personality, preferences or needs. The coordinators that “take care” of clients were usually unavailable and often remiss in returning calls.

Women of the Bay Area, don’t do it – don’t be suckered in. If you’re unconvinced, and you crave more details, you can read the blow-by-blow of every date, along with a detailed scenario of dealing with this company firsthand, on my dating blog, WendyDates.blogspot.com.

For a demonstration of their less than stellar customer service, be sure to read the post “It’s just a drag” (April 17, 2011).

The five IJL dates, for quick reference, are:

Date #89 - April 17, 2011
Date #90 - April 27, 2011
Date #95 - June 2, 2011
Date #99 – August 2, 2011
Date #100 – October 20, 2011

Over the past few years, I have been on exactly 100 first dates. Three out of five of my IJL dates were literally, and without exaggeration, the worst three dates of my life.

The IJL dates couldn’t have been more of a mismatch if a troop of blind, half-crazed monkeys went out into the streets to find my man. While on an IJL date, I often wondered if I was secretly appearing on an MTV dating reality show.

So, my readers, if you’re single and looking for your mate, good luck out there. I don’t know what the answer is; I’m still gathering data, but I can certainly testify that it’s not It’s Just Lunch!

I have been very happy with this service. I understand that some of their members are going to be frustrated if they don't meet the "one"; but there is no way they are a scam. They return all of my calls promptly, listen attentively to my feedback and offer great dating tips. I haven't liked all of my matches, but I can see why they were made for me. I'm a small business owner too, so it really upsets me when I read outrageous, false accusations. I would give them a 4 out of 5 star rating. By the way, I'm a member of the San Francisco office.

I have been super happy with this service. I've been a member for about 6 months and have gone out on 9 dates. 7 out of the 9 were really good. I've gone out on 2 or more dates with 5 of them. 2 were duds, but I wasn't upset. This is a more effective way for me to meet people, then doing online dating. Now, that's scary.

It's Just Lunch (IJL) in Atlanta presented a match to me in June 2008. They told me he was divorced and described him. Our first date was June 27, 2008. Long story short, I just obtained a copy of his divorce decree from Cobb County, GA Superior Court (issued last week, by the way!) . It shows that he was NOT divorced at all the entire time we dated. He was separated on or about January 22, 2008. His first date with me -- at which he and IJL represented him to me as a divorced man -- again, was June 27, 2008. The divorce decree shows that he filed for divorce July 21, 2008, and that his divorce was final ABOUT A WEEK AGO: August 14, 2009. He told me that he had dated other women IJL set him up with before he met me, too. For more details visit http://dontdatehimgirl.com/posts/231349/ . The good news is that I learned it is relatively easy and inexpensive to check court files and backgrounds on people you date. So why sign up with IJL?

I loved this service, and I was fortunate enough to find my husband there. We have been married for 2 years and we have a beautiful 1 year old baby. I've recommended this service to several friends, who are currently dating through them and having a great time. One friend told me that she's gone out with a couple of people who didn't like the service. She said they were very negative and probably had unrealistic expectations of who they should be dating anyway.

Scam, Scam, Scam!

1. Interviewed me in California and moved the operation to Florida! Called me every few months with some random resume from an old interview. No one gave personal introductions. Totally random people.
2. Two of the guys were complete wackos!
3. Way overpriced ($1200) and they didn't give me the agreed upon number of dates for the year.
4. Save your money and go online. You can weed out yourself and you have a bigger choice.