24th May – INTRO Matchmaking, Ireland’s largest and most successful Matchmaking Agency, has announced its international expansion with the launch of a new franchise model in the wake of a spike in demand as single people who have put their romantic lives on hold during lockdown seek out long term relationships. While continuing to grow the business throughout the pandemic, INTRO has seen a 60% increase in enquiries in April as people prepare for a summer of dating. The success of the company’s business model has also seen INTRO establish international franchising opportunities, with a new office opening in Austria and plans to expand into other markets.
INTRO is celebrating its 10th anniversary as a business and is seeking to capitalise on demand for matchmaking services, with people looking to jumpstart their romantic lives with arranged dates with prospective partners given that the ability to meet people spontaneously has plummeted due to remote working and Covid-19 restrictions in pubs. The matchmaking agency is also seeing an uplift in clients, who are pivoting from dating apps, with people looking to connect with others looking for genuine long-term relationships.
In contrast to alternatives, INTRO engages personally with all clients to establish their needs and wants in a prospective partner, as well as verifying their identification, to ensure that all potential dates have been screened and the agency also arranges logistics so people can meet in a trusted environment.
The successful approach has led INTRO to develop its international franchise model, which enables franchisees to leverage a trademarked brand, prescribed business model and processes, bespoke localised website and CRM system, comprehensive library of marketing assets, training and operational support.
Commenting on their expansion, INTRO Co-Founder Feargal Harrington said: “In much the same way as we saw queues outside Penneys, people are looking to kickstart their love lives now that Covid-19 restrictions are being gradually wound down. This is not unique to Ireland and after international interest in our business, we have established a franchise model with Austria the first market we have entered so far. We offer franchisees that are looking for the freedom that comes with owning their own company the short-cut to a successful turnkey business that has proven to be pandemic and recession-resilient.
“We are about to witness the summer of love, but dating will fundamentally be different. People are looking to skip inane chatter on dating apps and want meaningful relationships, rather than a fling. At the same time our clients are looking for bespoke introductions to prospective partners given that they’re less likely to meet in a pub or while socialising after work due to remote working, the move to e-learning and ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. Given our reputation for playing Cupid for so many happy couples over the past decade, we’ve seen a spike in demand for our services and are looking forward to playing a role in establishing many more happy relationships in Ireland and beyond.”
Commenting on the launch of INTRO Austria, cofounders Anne Murray and Pierre Bernet said: “Despite only recently launching, our business is thriving thanks to INTRO’s simple, yet effective business model and the operational support provided. The franchise model has been ideal for us with the opportunity to leverage an established brand, as well as being able to learn from industry experts, which means that we have been able to hit the ground running. Similar to Ireland, there is a lot of people in Austria who have had to put their lives on hold and are eager to use a matchmaking service in order to find a long term relationship, so love is definitely already blossoming for our clients.”
To explore international franchise opportunities with INTRO, please learn more at https://www.intro.ie/franchise/
