ComplaintsforIt's Just Lunch-Chicago

• Initial Complaint

  07/21/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I joined April 19, 2023, with a 3-month contract for $3300.00 I had a terribly disappointing experience. None of the 4 matches were appropriate, and none matched my stated preferences. It's a very expensive service (average $875 per date), and unlike professional matchmaking services, they only match with their existing clients. They refuse to share key details about the in individuals(i.e., where they live) They can (and do) throw whomever they want together and consider their contractual obligation completed. The information conveyed to me was often inaccurate, and dishonest. I spoke to them several times about my concerns, to no avail. Toward the end of the contract, I wrote to them about my disappointment and concerns, and none of the 4 addressees (including the president and local office manager) bothered to reach out to me. I then called the woman assigned to me as the representative and the result was very unsatisfactoryI offered several options for reslolution. I should have trusted my gut and not joined, but the salesperson was very persuasive.

  

  Business response

  07/27/2023

  
  We are writing in response to the complaint made by ************************  Mr. **********;became an Its Just Lunch (IJL) client and signed a non-refundable contract with us on 4/19/2023.  Mr. ************;membership included 3 months of active dating time, 3 months of hold and a minimum of 3 date introductions.  A copy of his signed contract is attached.
  
  
  ************** did send an email to multiple team members on 7/6/23 at 5:03 PM. Some of the individuals he included on the email are not involved with the day to day operations at IJL and were not the appropriate person to address ****************** concerns.  *******, who is a Senior Advisor and Matchmaker with the ******* team followed up with ************** the very next day (7/7/23) to review his concerns and go over the membership.   During this conversation ******* told ************** about a new match which would have been his 5th introduction  When she explained this would be the last match on his membership, he declined to provide availability.  
  
  
  ****************** complaint stated we so not share key details with clients about their matches, which is absolutely false.  We share important details such as profession, marital status, parental status, hobbies and interests.  In addition to this we share a physical description of the client.  ************** is correct that we do not share the clients address or city they live in.  This policy is intended to protect clients privacy and confidentiality.  
  
  
  
  We are a professional Matchmaking service.  We have been in business for over 32 years and have had great success.  Time and thought are put into every match we make.  That being said, we can't always predict chemistry.  That's one reason we use both the feedback a client gives us and the feedback we receive on our clients in our matching process.  
  
  
  ****************** membership was serviced appropriately and is now expired.  We enjoyed having him as a client and wish him the very best.  

  Customer response

  07/27/2023

   
  Complaint: 20350136
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  The answer supplied by the business inaccurate and misleading.  To wit:

  1.  The business writes: "*******, who is a Senior Advisor and Matchmaker with the ******* team followed up with ************** the very next day (7/7/23) to review his concerns and go over the membership."  This is not true.  After not hearing from the business after I sent my note, I called *******, she did not reach out to me.  She did not call me nor did she review my concerns.  This was not thde first time I elucidated my concerns to the business; in all cases my concerns wsere not address.  In the call i made to *******, I offered some solutions, all of which were rejected by her.

   

  2.  The business writed: "During this conversation ******* told ************** about a new match which would have been his 5th introduction...When she explained this would be the last match on his membership, he declined to provide availability."  In the course of the conversation, ******* did mention another "potential " match.  One problem, though, The potential match was taller than me...I said I would be uncomfortable with that, and it was not one of my stated preferences.  ******* said "Well Super models date shorter me."  I did not decline availability.  This is another example of the company's carelessness in finding suitable matches.

   

  3.  *********** writes:  "****************** complaint stated we so not share key details with clients about their matches, which is absolutely false."  *********** does share some details.  When i asked approximately where the person lived, they refused to supply that information.  In fact, two of the individucals lived in distant suburbs, and stated that they will not come into the city, where I live.  I asked that some of MY details be shared with prospects, such as religion, where I lived, etc, and the company refused.

   

  4.  *********** writes:  "That's one reason we use both the feedback a client gives us and the feedback we receive on our clients in our matching process."  My feedback was totaly disregarded.  My preferences were ignored.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************

  

  Business response

  07/28/2023

  Our original response said that  ****************** email was followed up on and a conversation occurred on 7/7/23 between ******* and **************,  Which is correct.  ************** called our *************** number at 12:46 PM.  ******* followed up and called him back at 1:16 PM.  They went on to have a 23 minute conversation.  In this conversation  ************** voiced his concerns and requested a refund.  ******* explained to him that membership fees are non-refundable.  We understand  ************** may not have liked our response to his refund request but we did respond and address his request appropriately.  The other suggestion ************** made was that we extend his membership at no cost.  As much as we enjoy working with **************, we are a business and we do require our members to pay a membership enrollment fee.  

  
  Our first response already addressed that we do not share the clients address or city they live in.  This policy is intended to protect clients privacy and confidentiality. 

  
  We do take each clients feedback and preferences into consideration while matching.  Our original response stated, 
  "That's one reason we use both the feedback a client gives us and the feedback we receive on our clients in our matching process. "   
  This means that when we are matching we have to take into consideration the feedback we receive on our clients from their matches, as well as the feedback that the client is providing.  It is not one sided.  

  
  ****************** membership was serviced appropriately and is now expired.  We enjoyed having him as a client and wish him the best.  

• Initial Complaint

  07/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This Company misrepresents itself by promising a compatible match but ignore the Physical aspect. They listen and say yes but then do the opposite. After 5 "dates" with nice people I complained about each one after the date because they were not even close to matching on a Physical attraction basis. Then they try a "Bait and Switch" technique try to extort more money out of you for a "Better" result. This has also been the opinion of 4 out of 5 of the "dates" I was on. They related similar techniques and bad results. They take your money and just throw "Old Inventory" at you to pacify their unhappy Female Clients. I hope others who are considering this Company will read this and be forewarned.

  

  Business response

  07/18/2023

  We are writing in response to the complaint made by *************************** Mr. ***********;became an Its Just Lunch (IJL) client and signed a non-refundable contract with us on 4/10/2023.  Mr. ************;membership includes 9 months of active dating time, 6 months of hold and a minimum of 9 date introductions.  A copy of his signed contract is attached.
  In addition to his current membership with us, **************** previously was a client in 2015.  He is a returning client and this is his second membership with It's Just Lunch.  
  

  Membership fees are nonrefundable.  This is explicitly outlined in the contract **************** signed.  
  
  When it comes to compatibility and chemistry, we know that physical attraction is important.  That being said, physical attraction and chemistry is not something that we or any other dating service or matchmaker can guarantee.   The contract **************** signed references this, 
  
  "Client recognizes that matchmaking is not a science, and the purpose of a date is to determine if there is chemistry between two IJL members. IJL makes no guarantees regarding compatibility between the Client and any other IJL member."  
  
  We are disappointed to hear **************** refer to the female clients he has met as "Old Inventory."  We believe in our clients and our philosophy is, there is a lid to every pot. We stand behind our service and the clients who date with us. Per his request ******************** membership has been placed on hold.  We look forward to continuing matching **************** once he is ready. 

• Initial Complaint

  07/12/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have been utterly disappointed by this business's exaggerated claims to sell their service. Nothing that I was told has come true and their pool of clients have lacked professionalism, integrity and respect. Their exorbitant fee is a complete WASTE of MONEY. I signed up for IJL on June 15, 2023. The lead match-maker, described this service as a great way to meet professional and respectful men who were looking for a relationship that could lead to a commitment. She claimed her company had a large pool of men who met my preferences of ********* values, interests, professionalism, and lifestyle. She stated her current clients were successful in finding men who matched their preferences. Once the matchmaker found a suitable match according to your preferences, the meet-up location would be an equal distance apart and the food/drink bill would be equally shared. I discovered that the things I was initially told about IJL were proven COMPLETELY FALSE after being matched to two different men. I was surprised to find out that after having 3 detailed conversations with my initial matchmake, I would be transferred to a different matchmaker who set up two disastrous matches. The first match spent 1.5 hours solely talking about himself, not exhibiting any common interests with me while traveling a shorter distance than myself. The second match expected me to pay for his drinks, drove 8 miles to our meet-up locations while I drove 30 miles, and he stated that he would never drive the distance to my hometown. This business did not uphold the criteria I was told during our discussions before I signed-up for their service. 1) both parties would drive equal distances - not true, 2) clients were looking for relationships - these men were not suitable for a relationship 3) food/drink bill was to be equally shared. IJL does not screen their clients to determine if they are suitable for a relationship.I have asked for a refund twice and have been denied

  

  Business response

  07/13/2023

  We are writing in response to the complaint made by Ms. ************************ Ms. ***********;became an Its Just Lunch (IJL) client and signed a non-refundable contract with us on 6/15/2023.  Ms. ***********;membership includes 3 months of active dating time, 3 months of hold and a minimum of 3 date introductions.  A copy of her signed contract is attached.  
  
  
  It is correct that we do our best to set clients up at a convenient location for both parties but occasionally one party may travel a little further.  It is also correct that the clients who invest in a membership with us tend to be serious about finding a relationship.  That being said, the chemistry and connection has to be there and be mutual for interest in a relationship. 
  
  
  
  We do request restaurants split the check for our clients and most of the time they make this accommodation.  Occasionally a restaurant misses this step.  In the event this happens, we ask our clients to simply verbally request the server split the bill appropriately.  
  
  
  
  **************** is very early on in her membership.  She joined less than a month ago and has had two dates.  While we encouraged **************** to give the process a chance and continue to date, she has opted to place her membership on hold for now.  We look forward to working with **************** when she is ready.

  Customer response

  07/14/2023

   
  Complaint: 20311572
  
  I am rejecting this response because the agency made exaggerated claims about the matchmaking process and pool of clients.  The matches I have received were not suitable for me and did not meet the criteria I was told.   
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  

  Business response

  07/18/2023

  We did not make exaggerated claims about our pool of clients or our matchmaking process.  
  As our original response stated.**************** is very early on in her membership.  She joined less than a month ago and has had two dates.  Again, we encourage **************** to give the process a chance and continue to date.  For now, **************** membership is on hold as she requested.  

  Customer response

  07/19/2023

   
  Complaint: 20311572
   
  I am rejecting this response because I was not satisfied with the service provided
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  05/16/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was told by IJL (Its Just Lunch) that they were able to introduce me to men in the same age category of the same religion in the ***************. After I paid their exorbitant fee for their service, they introduced me to one man who was actually married. I asked for my money back and said I felt they were not what they claimed to be. I said They should be screening better and they said I was one week past the date of getting a refund. They were not able to deliver what they promised. They originally claimed to have 20 men of similar age and of the same religion. When I asked who they had in mind for a Second date, they said they had no one available to introduce to me of same religion. I was upset because they lied!I would like the $5200 that I paid them for 5 dates back!

  

  Business response

  05/20/2022

  *********************** joined IJL on 2.20.22 with a nonrefundable membership that includes 6 months of active dating, 6 months of hold time and a minimum of 6 dates.  The terms of Mrs. Feigelman's membership as well as our refund policy is clearly outlined in the contract she signed. Please see the copy of the contract attached.  Unfortunately, Mrs. ********* religious preferences have been inconsistent.  We have made numerous attempts to connect with Mrs. ********* to discuss her membership and any concerns she may have and she has been unresponsive.  
  Mrs. ********* only went on 1 date prior to filing a dispute with her bank.  The match she is referencing in her review was separated, which was disclosed to her and she agreed to prior to us scheduling the date.  We would like the opportunity to connect with Mrs. ********* and discuss her membership when she is available for a conversation.  

  Customer response

  05/23/2022

   
  Complaint: 17206069
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Before I paid this service $5200 I was told by someone on the phone that they had 20 eligible men in ******* who were of my same religion.

  I was clear to the original person that was who I would like to be introduced to.  She stated they had 20 men to fix me up on dates with.  That is why I paid the exorbitant fee.  I never would have agreed to join this service if they had been honest and up front with me.  The one date that I had was still married and talked to his wife a few times while I was on the date with him!

  When they called to schedule a second date I asked some questions about the fellow

  And they said he was not the same religion.  I said I want my same religion.  They said we dont have anyone at the current time!  WHAT?  You mean the other supposedly 19 men of the same religion are killed longer available?  They lied to get my money and then there was no such availability!  Shame on me for not reading their ****** reviews and their Yelp reviews!  They lie to everyone!  I wish that they had been honest from the start.  I never would have given them my hard earned money!

  Miraculously they went from 20 eligible Jewish men to one!

  I am sorry that this business thinks they can lie to people take their money and then change their story.  That is a shame!  I would like my $5200 back.  I wish that others would not be fooled as well!

  
  

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  

  Business response

  05/26/2022

  Mrs. *************************** is for 6 months of active dating and guarantees her 6 dates.  In all fairness, *********************** has not given IJL a chance to service her membership. She was less than a month into her membership when she cut off all communication and filed a dispute with her bank. The one date *********************** did have, was with a man of her same religion.  *********************** then told our staff she would be open to men of other religions as well.  We have made several attempts to connect with *********************** and continue the conversation regarding her religious preferences and she has been unresponsive.   
  *************************** contract clearly states membership fees are nonrefundable. We encourage *********************** to give the process a chance and would like to have a conversation when she is ready.

  Customer response

  05/27/2022

   
  Complaint: 17206069
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  I have heard terrible things about Its Just Lunch, and have read awful reviews on both Yelp and Google.

   

  They have a very dishonest business, and do not feel that they have my interest at heart.

  I had one date with one man.  He was married and actually took calls from his wife while we were on our date.

  They charge different fees for different people.  I would like my membership refunded.

  This business is extremely unethical!

   

  Please read their reviews!

   

   

  The people that join this service are being ripped off, and they should be looked in to.  

  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩