Terms & Conditions

1. What we do – Our service

Shortlist Dating is a curated matchmaking service. We personally review every applicant and introduce what we believe to be like-minded singles through blind dates.

Matching vs. Introductions — what's the difference?

Match Profile: When we identify someone on our books we think could be a good fit for you, we share a Match Profile with you — a curated summary with enough detail for you to decide if you're interested, without exchanging identifying contact details.

Introduction: An Introduction happens once both you and the other client have said yes to a shared Match Profile. At that point, we facilitate the connection by exchanging agreed contact details so you can arrange your date directly.

Only Introductions count toward our Fee Promise — Match Profiles are the curated groundwork that gets you there, and reflect the bulk of the time and care we put into your matching.

‘By Request’ Introductions: for particular situations — for example, where there is a suitable one-off match (for smaller regions, particular requirements) — we offer a By Request Introduction for a one-off fee, separate from a Package. This sits outside the standard Match Profile allocation and is non-refundable.

We don’t guarantee the availability, suitability, or compatibility of any match and we don’t guarantee relationships or specific outcomes — love can’t be forced. What we do promise is a thoughtful, human approach to matching and complete discretion.

We may decline services if we feel we don’t have suitable matches for you on our list. It’s not personal — we’d rather be upfront than waste your time.

We do a basic identity check via video call. We don’t run criminal background checks. You are responsible for your own safety and behaviour before, during, and after any introduction or date. Shortlist Dating is not liable for any loss, injury, or damage suffered by you or anyone else arising from or connected with an introduction, meeting, or relationship. You always accept full responsibility for your own conduct and safety. 

2. Being a good fit for Shortlist – Expectations 

To keep the Shortlist database safe, respectful, and enjoyable, you agree that:

• You’ll provide true, honest and accurate information in all forms and conversations with us.

• You’re single, available, and genuinely open to meeting someone.

• You'll let us know if your circumstances or availability changes (e.g. you start a new relationship, including one resulting from a Shortlist Introduction).

• You’ll be respectful and kind to those you’re introduced to — we don’t do ghosting, stand-ups, or abusive behaviour here, and safe, positive interactions are our top priority. That includes a zero-tolerance for any behaviour that could be considered threatening, controlling, or domestic violence.

• You have no criminal record or reason we should not offer you our services.

• You’re happy to provide ID so we know you are who you say you are.

If these expectations aren’t met, or there is a breach of these terms, we may pause or end services (with no refund). Respect and kindness are non-negotiable.

3. Privacy & Confidentiality

We take privacy seriously. You can expect:

• We’ll never share your full name, photo, or personal details without your consent, except where required by law.

• Matches are introduced with minimal, non-identifying details until both sides agree to a blind date.

• We take reasonable steps to keep all information you share with us confidential and only disclose it to staff, or service providers who need it to deliver our service.

• We never sell data to third parties.

  In return, you agree not to publicly share details about your matches where they don’t proceed to a relationship, or our processes to any third party (including on social media) without our written consent.

4. Payments & Refunds

• Once you’re accepted onto Shortlist, you’ll be invited to purchase a paid Package.

• Payments are upfront, via a secure third-party provider (e.g. Emerge). Their terms also apply.

Package pricing is available here on our website and may be updated from time to time.

Refunds

Our fee promise: if we can't make an introduction within 12 months, we'll refund 50% of your Package fee.

An "introduction" means when we've identified and facilitated a genuine opportunity to connect you with another client on Shortlist.

Any remaining introductions in your Package don't expire — we'll continue working to find you a suitable match — but we can't guarantee a specific timeframe or that all introductions will ultimately be delivered.

"By Request" Introductions — a one-off fee, purchased separately from a Package, for particular situations such as introducing you to a specific person. If a match doesn't turn into an introduction post-phone call, we will refund 50% of the fee charged.

Refund Conditions (applies to all refunds):

• You must reasonably and genuinely consider the Match Profiles offered – refunds don't apply if you decline Match Profiles unreasonably, without genuine consideration, or if you step away from the service by choice.

• If you use your full Match Profile allocation within the 12-month period without reaching an Introduction, the Fee Promise is considered fulfilled — we've delivered the curated matching work the Package promises, even where a mutual connection doesn't result.

• Refunds aren't available if you meet someone outside Shortlist, or if we end services due to a breach of terms.

• If you confirm via email that you've entered into a relationship with someone introduced to you through Shortlist, and that relationship is ongoing, any remaining balance of your Package becomes non-refundable, as the purpose of your Package has been fulfilled.

• If we're unable to reach you for confirmation of your status after two reasonable attempts over a six-week period, your file will be closed on the refund terms otherwise applicable at that time.

Other than the above, fees are non-refundable once services have started.

You may cancel your package at any time; however, no refunds will be provided for unused Introductions.

5. What’s Included

Your Package includes:

• Personal vetting via our application form and discovery call.

• Hand-selected Match Profiles, shared for your consideration, up to the following limits per Package across the Package lifetime (12 months):
  Intro Package: up to 6* Match Profiles
  *These limits are at the Match-maker’s discretion; our goal is to provide successful Introductions.

• Match Profiles are shared based on our assessment of compatibility, and count toward your Package limit whether or not you or the other client choose to proceed to an Introduction — this reflects the significant time, vetting, and care that goes into preparing every Match Profile, which is the value of what we do.

• Introductions occur once mutual interest is confirmed on a shared Match Profile, via exchange of agreed contact details so you can arrange your date directly. We are not responsible for the conduct of either party once contact details have been exchanged.

• Post-date follow-up and feedback to refine future matches. Feedback will remain confidential and may be summarised to the other party only with your consent.

6. Disclaimers

• We don’t guarantee successful outcomes of dates, or promise love, chemistry, or compatibility — those sparks are up to you.

• We’re not liable for what happens before, during or after Introductions. You’re responsible for your own safety and choices.

• You agree to hold Shortlist Dating harmless against any claims, losses, damages, or expenses arising from your participation in the service, including your communications or meetings with matches. Our total liability to you will not exceed the total amount paid and payable by you to us for the services.

• We may update these terms at any time – the latest version will always be available on our website.

7. Intellectual property

All material on our website, branding, logos, text, graphics and communications belong to Shortlist Dating. Please don’t copy or misuse them.

If you have questions about these terms & conditions, get in touch: hello@shortlistdating.co.nz.