Meeting people online and through dating sites used to be something that was rather vilified. Alright, that might be an exaggeration, but it has always been a slightly contentious issue that would draw judgemental stares if you told the world about it. But not so much these days. With the advent of Tinder, everyone seems to be online swiping left and right. Despite being the world’s most popular dating service, Tinder’s algorithms doesn’t prioritise you finding the “right” one, just well, maybe “someone”, this is where DateTix seeks to fill in the gaps.
Credits: FinFeed
So what is DateTix? Let’s find out from the founder of DateTix, Michael Ye, the man himself.
1. What is DateTix all about?
DateTix is a social networking app that is encouraging Singaporeans to spend less time swiping and talking online, and more time meeting each other! It’s an app that’s designed to make it simpler for you to meet your potential life partner, and have a good old-fashioned date face-to-face. We believe that if you want to find that special someone, you have to go past the online chatter, and be open to getting know them in real life.
2. How do you think DateTix fares against its competitors like Tinder, OkCupid and perhaps LunchClick?
I’ve personally tested out several apps in the market and found it hard to arrange for face-to-face meet ups, with most of the conversation limited on the app itself. The real life encounter was a key missing piece, which I felt is a key component in the dating world that is lacking today.
Upon realising that, I decided to start DateTix, which makes it easy for someone to arrange a date immediately. When a person swipes right on another, it doesn’t say “like” or “yes”, it says “date him/her”, meaning a person on DateTix will acknowledge they are swiping right on this person beyond their looks and the message on their profile, but that they would like to date them in person.
Furthermore, we also recently acquired Lovestruck because we wanted to have a Singapore-specific dating expert on our team. As the top online dating site in Singapore, we’re aiming to use their expertise to fine-tune our app according to the preferences of locals.
3. Why do you think online dating is such a huge thing nowadays?
Singapore has one of the highest penetration of Internet users in the World, and people love spending a lot of time on their phones here, especially since there’s such a high-speed 4G connectivity throughout the city. I myself am no stranger to spending a lot of time on my mobile phone, constantly checking my emails and doing work on my mobile while I’m out and about, therefore it’s only natural for such a cosmopolitan society like that of Singapore’s, to get so used to online dating apps.
When online dating first started, it gave people the opportunity to suss out their dates, and allowed them to get used to chatting with someone first before meeting them. However these days, people have become so used to communicating behind their screens, and swiping on dating apps. Due to the fast-paced nature of life here, it’s no surprise that people have become so accustomed to relying on dating apps hence making it such a huge thing nowadays.
4. Is it better to meet people online as opposed to meeting people through social gatherings?
There is no one best way, when it comes to finding love, don’t you think?
Of course when you meet people through social gatherings, you tend to meet more people at one go. However as there are more people in a social gathering, it makes it tough to have quality one-on-one time with the person you’re interested in. Through an online platform, you are able to get to know more about a person on a one-to-one basis, before taking the plunge in meeting up in person to establish a concrete connection face-to-face.
Personally, I think a combination of both online and offline platforms is the best way to meet someone in the 21st century, and I encourage everyone to try it out too!
5. How will DateTix seek to bring in revenue and profits for itself?
Credit: Business Insider
DateTix adopts a “freemium” business model by offering core basic services for free and only charge for optional premium services that provide enhanced functionality and additional benefits. There are many ways for DateTix to generate revenues and profits, including:
• Virtual items: Members purchase virtual items that can be used in the app to post featured date listings, buy virtual gifts, and other products and services
• Premium subscriptions: Members purchase recurring premium subscriptions to enjoy enhanced functionality and additional benefits
• Advertising: Advertisers such as local merchants purchase contextually-relevant advertising space to get featured on the DateTix app
• Social commerce: Members purchase coupons and vouchers that can be used at selected local merchant partners
• Matchmaking: Members purchase personalized matchmaking packages that include professional consultation and guaranteed one-on-one dates
• Events: Members purchase tickets to fun social events held regularly at local venues
What do you think about DateTix, are you willing to give it a go, and head out to a concert with your new date?
About the Aut
hor
A Dentist-To-Be Dabbling in Tech Journalism:
Zayne is a writer who reports for VR-Zone, Stuff Singapore and The New Paper on all things tech-related. Follow this geek on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!
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