Offline dating is whereby a website administrator interacts with members when they request through a private, secure online application. The application can have a configuration that allows the administrator to manually approve or reject each application. That way, if admins feel that the member doesn't meet the criteria of what other offline dating members are looking for, they will be denied access and notified via email. Offline dating can build a private community based on your mission statement and be more selective. This can result in more specific searches and a higher percentage of matches with fewer members.
Online appointments are those in which there are no administrators interacting with members when they request. Anyone can complete an application and become a member. Online dating is an open community and by using algorithms, you search for your match. This can result in less specific searches and a lower percentage of matches with a higher number of members.
The advantages of offline dating are that you can meet a member in person at an event in your city. Offline dating companies often host Mixers in different cities for their members and many Mixers do not charge a fee to attend. There is a cash bar and members are encouraged to purchase a drink that is kept on site. This arrangement allows the offline dating company to host free Mixers. The member does not pay to attend, the offline dating company does not pay for the space to host the Mixer, and the venue makes money from the cash bar.
The advantages of online dating are that members do not face rejection on Live Mixers. Initially, they contact each other and establish a virtual relationship that may or may not lead to an in-person meeting. The goal is to meet offline and after a period of time establishing a virtual relationship, a level of comfort and trust is established. This can make the first live meeting less stressful.
The costs of offline appointments can be higher because attending some events can cost more. Some events are free, such as attending a 2-hour cash bar event at a restaurant. Some events, such as a destination trip, ski trip, or cruise, will cost more.