Certain dating applications like OkCupid offer lengthy personality tests, though still allow users to start swiping even before filling out the test. Elite Singles on the other hand requires that their timely test is filled out in full before a user can start navigating through the website.
After the 15 or so minutes it took to answer the personality test we finally had access to potential matches, kind of. As we mentioned before, pictures were censored. Despite this we thought that maybe we still needed to fill out another section of the profile before it was truly complete. We were misled to this belief because of claims like the one below. At this point after having divulged personal information and invested time into the application the user might almost feel the need to sign up for the membership. This is the foot-in-the-door technique at its finest.
Is Elite Singles Free? Misleading Wording
In the banner below you’ll see that premium members have access to all photos. “Access all photos” implies that free members at least have access to one photo. In reality this isn’t the case. The wording seen throughout the website implies free but is grossly misleading. As discussed previously, users are only able to see a single blurred photo of matches.
Once a user clicks the blurred image of a match they’re led to the pricing options list below. The price list also makes an appearance after you’ve filled out the personality profile. As you can see, not only is Elite Singles not free, but it’s fairly costly. Look closely and you’ll note that for a one-month membership users are asked to cough-up $. To put this cost into perspective, a one month Tinder Gold membership will run you $. A one month Hinge membership would set you back just $.
After about 2-3 days after we had signed up, we were emailed a link to Elite Singles price breakdown. There was no mention as to the benefits of a free membership. Throughout our usage of the website we were constantly reminded of the nearly absent capabilities of a free membership. Any attempt to use the application or website in a meaningful way was halted by the need to purchase a premium membership.
Users are also forwarded to the page above when they try to contact fellow matches. We thought that a free membership would at least grant us the ability to both see photos and send messages to matches. However, neither of these options are available to users that refuse to part ways with their money.
So, Is Elite Singles Free?
The whole profile set-up is structured around forcing new users to pay for a membership. Using the website in a free manner relegates the user to a window shopper. You’ll be able to see blurred photo matches only, and be able to send them smiles. But any significant form of interaction is withheld until you part ways https://datingranking.net/nl/farmersonly-overzicht/ with some cash.
Our test user reported that he received an enormous amount of emails from Elite Singles after he registered. He did not report receiving a coupon or promo code. But exactly 7 days after he signed up, he received an email with a gift box in the subject line along with the following text: “Congratulations, We have a Special Offer just for you!”
Take a look below and you’ll see a nice reduction in their 3 month “classic” package (which seems to be their best overall offer). You can save a total of $24 just by waiting a week to sign up.
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