The Do's and Don'ts of Choosing an Introduction Agency
When developing the Kingdom of Hearts™ Kate (“Queen of Hearts”) and Clare (“Queen of Logistics”) decided from the very beginning that our introduction agency would be the industry standard bearer; that we would start and run the Kingdom of Hearts™ as a professional, branded and responsible agency.
To this end, we did months of research – and what seems like a simple concept is far from it. After all, this is a people business and people are anything but simple. We also realised that we needed more than bookwork and managed to get training and mentorship from the Association of British Introduction Agencies (A.B.I.A) which necessitated a trip to England for extensive training. We also managed to maximise our time there by meeting and interviewing other relevant people of influence. It was an amazing and eye opening trip.
At this present moment, South Africa does not have an umbrella body for introduction agencies which would serve the purpose of regulating the industry. The Kingdom of Hearts™ plans to change that within the next year.
Until then, we would like to educate people about what to expect and what to avoid; these guidelines are drawn up by the Association of British Introduction Agencies (A.B.I.A) which was set up in the U.K in 1981. Obviously this cannot conform precisely to South Africa however the principles are sound and stand the test of both time and distance.
When looking to join an introduction agency, it's useful to have a list of do's and don'ts to avoid making mistakes.
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Do...
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As written by the ABIA
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How the Kingdom of Hearts™ conforms to this
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- Always check that they are a member of the ABIA. Only ABIA agencies are bound to comply with their stringent code of practice.
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- We obviously cannot join the ABIA as it being a U.K trade body – however we have done training through them and continue to be mentored by them. This means that we have an encyclopaedia of knowledge behind us.
- Until we manage to set up a similar umbrella body to regulate the industry here in South Africa – we will abide by the ABIA’s code of conduct.
- To see a copy of the ABIA code of conduct – click here.
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- Ask how many introductions you can reasonably expect to be given within your selected age range and area.
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- We have a variety of membership options with different numbers of guaranteed introductions. We also sign an agreement with each client which binds us to this guarantee.
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- Use your membership sensibly. You must communicate with your agency to maximise your chances of enjoying a successful membership.
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- Absolutely – honest communication is key. If we are to find you a match, we need to know you. This is why we spend a lot of time at the interview process, getting to know you.
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- Persevere with your membership - success doesn't always happen overnight. If you are unhappy about the way things are going, tell the agency as soon as possible to give them a chance to rectify the situation.
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- Look, we don’t need to tell you that life is not a fairy story – despite the number of frogs out there! The reality is that for you to meet only one person and it to be the person of the dreams.... well it’s not likely. But the more people you meet; well now, your chances are improving.
- If you are unhappy – please let us know about it. Again, honest communication is vital.
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Don't...
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As written by the ABIA
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What we at the Kingdom of Hearts™ say about this
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- Join an agency using a PO Box number.
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- We do have a P.O Box (a necessity for actually getting your post in South Africa – although sadly not a guarantee!)
- However, we also have a physical address where you can find us (please make an appointment first) when we are not visiting premier clients. We are a reputable business, properly registered and with a very proper address.
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- Join an agency using a premium rate telephone number.
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- We have both landline numbers and cell phone numbers for you to contact us on. At normal service provider costs – which in South Africa (compared to abroad) are premium – but that’s the reality of the telecoms in SA!
- But the crux of this point is that calls are not charged at R10 per minutes with small print that you can’t read.
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- Join an agency which is not prepared to give you details of their fees on the phone or in their literature.
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- We offer a personal and exclusive service and we do charge for that. Our rates are not cheap but you do get what you pay for! Our rates vary according to the membership option selected and are available for perusal in the membership options page.
- So no surprises or hard sell – we want you to make a fully informed decision before you decide to join us.
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- Part with any membership fee without having been given the opportunity to visit the agency
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- We love having clients (prospective or otherwise) come to visit us (please make an appointment first).
- We can deliver a more professional service if we have fixed location offices and a team of people to render the services required.
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