Pros and cons of Flirt.com
A brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages of Flirt.com
Advantages
- +Free registration
- +User-friendly design
- +Good customer support
Disadvantages
- –No mobile app
- –Expensive premium membership
- –Automatic renewals
- –Mixed user feedback
- –Persistent subscription offer
Table of contents
Introduction
Flirt.com is a dating platform, designed for people looking for casual, fun, and flirty online interactions. The site is accessible to users aged 18 and above, and it offers free registration. Additionally, the platform has a user-friendly interface and promises users the opportunity to meet someone for great dates, according to my review.
However, potential members should carefully weigh the pros and cons of the platform before signing up. One major downside mentioned in the site’s Terms and Conditions is the use of automated message sending. These messages are designed to encourage users to sign up for a subscription by increasing activity in their inbox. Unaware users might quickly end up subscribing to a service they did not intend to. For this reason, I am signing up on the dating site in order to write a detailed report.
Usability and design
First impression
The homepage design is very impressive. The operator uses a dark background with an image of a woman, which makes her stand out beautifully. The white text contrasts well and fits seamlessly into the overall design. At first glance, the page doesn’t provide a lot of information, but the attractive layout makes me want to sign up. If I need more details, I can easily find them on the homepage as well. The platform seems legit, and I decide to register.
Navigation
Navigation is only available on the desktop version. There are different tabs to choose from. The platform is easy to use, and I can navigate it very well. I can browse dating categories, learn about the company, access my profile, and check my inbox for new messages. There is also a search function I can use. By clicking on the profile picture, I can access additional features and edit my settings. Overall, it is a very clear and user-friendly platform.
Registration process
People can register for free on this site. They simply provide a few details, like sexual preference, age, location, email address, and password. They must also agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, by checking the boxes provided. After providing these details, new users can access their accounts and decide whether to add more details to their profiles. Users can confirm their email by clicking the link sent to their registered email. The option to upgrade to a paid subscription is also available. Overall, there were no technical issues with registration, and the process was simple and straightforward, making it a legit way to get started.
General Terms and Conditions
From the terms and conditions, I can see that automated messages are sent to encourage users to subscribe to the paid membership. They are intended to create the impression of activity in my inbox. It is stated that contact is made automatically, and if I want to reply or view the message, I am encouraged and prompted to purchase a paid subscription.
Excerpt from the GTC
To boost interaction between our members and in order to notify them of newly registered matches and their activity (i.e. registration, photo upload etc.), we may, from time to time, use an automatic pop-up notification system and other communication channels e.g. inbox or instant messages to send Activity Notifications to you. Activity Notifications will be marked in your inbox with a specific icon, and some auto generated Activity Notifications may require an upgraded Paid Membership in order to see the content of message and reply to it. You may unsubscribe from receiving Activity Notifications, or you may refine the types of Activity Notifications you receive through your account settings under the menu for “Notifications”. All users accept and understand that in order to boost their profile amongst users, such notifications about their registration and account update activity (such as new photos) may be broadcast by us, on that user’s behalf, and users consent to such distribution amongst members automatically by our system, from time to time.
Functions and tools
Main functions
Messages are the main feature on this platform. It acts as the storage for texts exchanged between the user and other profiles. The search feature grants users access to the member area, where they can view the available profiles. Users can apply the extensive range of filters to refine their searches and get the most desirable results.
It is also possible to like profiles by clicking the heart emoji, which is located at the bottom of each profile in the member area. Apart from likes, users can also send other emojis. Adding profiles to your favorites list, and seeing who liked and viewed your profile, is also possible.
Communication tools
Chatting is the main way to communicate with other profiles on this platform. You can start a conversation by clicking the chat button below any profile picture in the member area. You can also continue previous conversations by accessing your saved chats in the messages section.
The chat feature allows users to upload and send photos and videos. It’s also possible to spice up conversations with emojis and GIFs. Additionally, there is the option to “like” profiles. Some messages have a timer function and can only be viewed with a paid subscription. If I don’t subscribe within the active timer, I lose the opportunity to read the message, which puts pressure on me.
Security and data protection
Privacy policy
This platform uses cookies to collect user information for marketing purposes and to improve the user experience. The operator has several other sites affiliated with this platform. By signing up on the platform, users automatically authorize the operator to reproduce and broadcast information contained in their profiles, throughout some of the affiliate sites.
Security measures
The operator does not guarantee the security of the data transmitted to the site. Still, they take several measures to ensure data security. For instance, they use SSL software to encrypt personal information which users provide. All stored information is also encrypted and secured behind firewalls, which are designed to block access from outside the platform’s network.
Target group analysis and matching quality
Demography
The platform has many categories and does not specialize in a particular niche. Single men and women, as well as gay people, are welcome to mingle on this platform. There is also mature dating, which is a category for older people. People of all races are also welcome to try their luck. Users must be at least 18 years of age. The platform does not tolerate the use of the platform by minors. People who love chatting for online entertainment, and those who prefer arranging physical meetings, can all use the site, according to my review.
Matchmaking algorithm
The matchmaking algorithm matches two people who “like” each other’s profiles. When you “like” a profile, they get a notification in their “likes gallery.” They can then opt to “like” back, after which, the two of you become matched. You can also “like” profiles that have liked you, by visiting the “like gallery.” This can increase your number of matches.
Costs and price-performance ratio
Free vs. paid functions
Registering for an account on this platform is free. Non-paying users can view all the features and use some of the basic functions. For example, users can search through profiles and apply search filters, to narrow down their results. It is also possible to send unlimited likes, even with a free account. Moreover, you can see members who visited your profile, and those who liked, or added you, to their favorites list.
However, those not on a subscription plan cannot read or send messages on the platform. Members who upgrade, can enjoy unlimited chats, view photos, and receive premium support. They can also conduct extended searches.
Price structure
All paid subscriptions renew automatically for the period and price the user signed up for. Users can avoid these recurring charges by canceling their subscriptions. However, they must do so at least three days before the renewal date. Users who purchased their subscriptions through iTunes accounts, are advised to check the cancellation period on their iTunes Account Terms of Use, and to cancel their subscription there. The platform operates a subscription-based payment model with the following payment structure:
Premium Membership 1:1 day for $0.99
Premium Membership 2:1 week for $5.99
Premium Membership 3:1 month for $59.99
Premium Membership 4:3 months for $79.99
Premium users can pay for their subscriptions using their card or PayPal account. Once the trial period ends, the membership automatically renews into a one-month subscription, and the charges continue, until you cancel. So, it is up to users to ensure that they cancel their subscription.
Contact details and customer service
Operator
Apricot Digitals LLC, 83-85 James Bourchier, Sofia, 1407, Bulgaria
Company registration
Registration number: 205682852, VAT number: BG205682852
Mail address
Telephone
1 888 887 4887
Support
Users who have encountered challenges when using the platform can contact customer service directly through the provided email address. Alternatively, they can fill out the contact form, or try resolving the issues themselves, by reading the FAQ section of the landing page.
Customer support email: [email protected]
FAQ page: Available on the landing page
Contact form: https://www.flirt.com/support/contactUs
Conclusion and recommendations
Flirt.com is a social platform where users can chat, flirt, and potentially meet like-minded people. The platform is open to people of all ages, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. Creating an account is free, and some features can be used without payment. However, full access to all functions is only available with a premium membership. Users can become premium members by subscribing to one of the available payment plans, according to my review.
Subscriptions renew automatically, and recurring charges can only be avoided by canceling the subscription within the required time frame. This can make cancellation more difficult. What I find problematic is the strong push to purchase a subscription. I receive automated messages that simulate activity and strongly encourage me to sign up for an expensive paid membership. Considering the pros and cons, future users should carefully consider whether they want to register
User experiences and ratings
User feedback
In my review of this platform, I found user feedback. Some members reported success in finding a date and establishing a relationship, after meeting someone on this site.
Reviews on the Internet
According to these reviews, some users reported enjoying their experience on the site, while others expressed their dissatisfaction with the use of virtual profiles.
SiteJabber – Flirt reviews: The platform has 762 reviews on Sitejabber.com. There is mixed feedback from users, and the platform averaged a 3.6-star rating.
http://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/flirt.com
TrustPilot – Flirt reviews: The platform received a rating of 1.4 on TrustPilot. There were a total of 183 reviews, with 78% of them being negative.
http://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.flirt.com
Top10 – Flirt review: This is an article which reviews the platform by looking at its key features, pricing plans, and other details, which users may need to know before joining the platform.
http://www.top10.com/dating/reviews/flirt
BeyondAges – Flirt review: The site tells us to avoid this platform.
http://www.beyondagesacom/flirt-review/
ScamAdviser – Flirt review: The site gives a trust score of 90.
http://www.scamadviser.com/check-website/flirt.com
Appendix
Sources:
Flirt.com
Methodology:
This report is based on an analysis of publicly available information on the website of Flirt.com