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Smooches

All Your Questions Answered

Getting Started
Questionnaire
Verification
My Profile
Matches
Billing
Privacy
Getting Started

How do I get started?

To get started with our dating app, all you need to do is register on our website. Just fill in your name, email address and profile name. You will then be directed to to make payment for your joining fee by uploading your credit card details.
Should you have a promotional discount coupon, add it before proceeding. Once payment is confirmed (Approve with banking app or SMS)
The next step is completing the  questionnaire  followed by uploading your ID or Passport, profile pictures . In order to view the detail of your matches, an online ZOHO meeting needs to be scheduled for you to be verified.  It's a simple and quick process that will get you started in no time!

What is the age of the audience targeted by Smooches?

Smooches is designed for single individuals between the ages of 24 and 70 who are serious about finding the right person for a long-term relationship. 

Is Smooches specifically for professional people?

Smooches is for a wide range of individuals, including professionals as well as those who work for salaries/wages or are self-employed. Our matching algorithm takes into account your selection and determines the category in which your match will fall.

Is Smooches an international dating platform?

No, Smooches was developed by South-Africans for the South-African market only. This platform is not affiliated or linked with any other dating platform or site. They need to live in South Africa but can have different passport 

Is Smooches for all ethnic groups?

Absolutely. Smooches welcomes all individuals regardless of their ethnic background. Our platform caters to a wide range of ethnic groups, including Black, Asian, White, Indian, and Coloured. Our algorithm is designed to allow you to select matches based on specific ethnic groups, if that is important to you.

Questionnaire

Why do I need to complete a questionnaire?

At Smooches, we believe that finding a compatible match requires a thorough understanding of your preferences and personality. This is why we ask our users to complete a comprehensive questionnaire that covers categories such as language, ethnicity, age, religion, income, qualifications, habits, interests, physical appearance, personality, and desirability. Our experts have developed an algorithm that matches your answers to 'Who and I?" and "What do I want?" with those of potential partners to find the most compatible matches for you. It's essential to be honest when answering the questionnaire, as matches with a 50% or higher compatibility score are considered significant. So, by taking the time to fill out the questionnaire accurately and honestly, you increase your chances of finding your ideal match on Smooches. 
You also have an option to apply  Deal Breakers on "who do I want" where you can select   attributes of a partner that you view as non negotiable ensuring you are matched to the perfect partner for you .

What can I expect after completing the questionnaire but before I pay the joining fee?

At Smooches, we take privacy seriously, which is why we limit the information displayed on your profile until you complete payment and verification. Once you've completed the questionnaire, you will need to complete payment and the verification process. This process ensures the safety and privacy of our users and helps us maintain a high-quality dating experience for everyone. So, complete your payment and verification to unlock all the features and start connecting with your matches on Smooches!

Why is it important to be truthful when answering profile questions?

At Smooches, we value transparency and honesty in all aspects of our dating app, including when completing your profile questions. Building trust is essential for any relationship, and it begins with being truthful and authentic in how you present yourself. The questions we ask are carefully designed to gather detailed information about your preferences and personality, which is crucial in finding your perfect match. There are no right or wrong answers, and you don't need to impress anyone. By providing an honest account of yourself and what you're looking for in a partner, you increase the likelihood of finding a compatible match on Smooches. So, please take the time to answer the questions truthfully, and let us help you find the perfect partner for you.

How should I answer the questions on Smooches' profile questionnaire?

Answer the questions honestly and swiftly, without overthinking or trying to impress anyone. Smooches values transparency and has designed the questions to elicit detailed information, so being honest and specific will increase your chances of being matched with your perfect partner. Avoid selecting the "no preference" option, as Smooches needs to know your specific preferences to make the best match. Remember that your answers are confidential and only used in the algorithm to find your best match. 

What happens if the power goes off while I'm completing my profile questions?

If the power goes off while you are completing your profile questions, your progress will be saved up until the last completed question. When you log back in, you can continue from where you left off and complete the remaining questions.

Does Smooches cater to people of all orientations?

Yes, Smooches offers two different options for individuals of different orientations. 

Option 1, called "Smooches," is tailored towards straight males and females seeking relationships.
 
Option 2, called "Smooches LGBTQIA," is designed specifically for members of the LGBTQIA community.

At Smooches, we believe that everyone deserves to find love and happiness, regardless of their orientation, and we strive to provide a safe and inclusive space for all individuals to connect and build meaningful relationships.

May I change my answers to the questionnaire after submitting?

Yes, you may change your answers and deal-breakers  as many times as you want before you are verified for free . After you have been verified , you can change your answers and Deal-breakers once a month only, at a cost of R500.  However, with regards to the “Who Am I” section, we recommend that you only redo the questionnaire after a period of 3 months from being registered at Smooches. The reason being that the algorithm needs some time to find your perfect match. Also, we do not want you to make yourself seem more attractive or desirable, or pretend that you are not who you really are. One of our core values is transparency. The more honestly you portray yourself, the more successful your chances of creating a successful relationship with your match. However, at Smooches we do acknowledge that certain life events, as well as in-depth therapy and an intense focus on self-development can change who we are and how we express our being in this world. 

Pertaining to the ‘What do I want’ part of the carefully constructed questionnaire, we do acknowledge that as we are exposed to what we think we want, we may realise with time that some aspects are more important, and others are less important than what we initially thought. You may also find yourself in a space where you want to increase your matches, realising that your requirements may have been unreasonably high. Changing this part of the questionnaire is permitted only once a month at a cost of R500.  Just bear in mind that any changes to any part of the questionnaire will result in past matches automatically being deleted due to the dynamic matching system.
Verification

What is verification and how does it work?

At Smooches, we value trust and safety, which is why we have a thorough verification process. The verification process is designed to protect all users and ensure that your matches are genuine. For this reason, every online ZOHO meeting is recorded and stored on a 64 bit encrypted ZOHO data base. The system will prompt you to schedule an online booking for a verification session with an approved Smooches consultant. The consultant will confirm your scheduled appointment for an online Zoom session to verify your 10 profile photos, short video and ID documents. This process helps us confirm that you are who you say you are and that your profile is accurate. 

How do I get verified?

Getting verified on Smooches is easy. Once you have completed the joining fee transaction, you need to proceed to the calendar and request an appointment in the booking section. A Smooches consultant will then confirm the appointment with you. During the 10-minute online ZOHO meeting, the consultant will ask you specific questions regarding your uploaded documents and verify whether you look like your uploaded photos and short intro video. You will also be requested to stand up and turn around, so please make sure that you position your device in such a way that the consultant can see your front, side, and back profile. Once you have completed the verification process, you'll be able to access all the features on Smooches and start finding your perfect match.

What do I do if my verification is unsuccessful?

Unsuccessful verification is when the Smooches consultant declines any of your uploads. This includes incorrect or blurred  ID or Passport documents, as well as  profile photos and intro video not matching reality or that are not in line with our terms and conditions. You will be notified during the meeting session and also receive an email explaining the process to rectify your verification status. Only after all uploads are approved, will your profile be active.

How do I verify new images?

To verify new images on Smooches, follow these steps:

  1. Go to your profile settings and select "upload new images."
  2. Complete the payment process to unlock the ability to upload new photos.
  3. Once payment is successful, upload your new photos.
  4. Set up a new ZOHO meeting under the booking section for verification. 
  5. The photos will be reviewed and verified by our team before they are displayed on your profile. 

It's important to follow these steps to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of your profile pictures. This helps us maintain a high level of trust and integrity on our platform.

My Profile

Is it possible to create multiple profiles on Smooches with different gender identities or orientations?


Only one profile is allowed per user.


Smooches offers 2 separate options: 


Smooches Straight is for straight people only. Should you join Smooches Straight, you will not be able to cross over to Smooches LGBTQIA, which is for the LGBTQIA community exclusively. Likewise, if you join Smooches LGBTQIA, you will not be able to cross over to Smooches Straight. 


However, when joining Smooches LGBTQIA, it is possible to select multiple identities and orientations that you relate to, under one profile.


You cannot have a profile on Smooches Straight and Smooches LGBTQIA at the same time. It is important to note that creating multiple profiles is a violation of Smooches' terms of service and may result in account suspension or termination.

How many photos may I upload?

You can upload a maximum of 10 photos on your Smooches profile. Your profile picture counts as one, your side profile counts as the second, and the picture of your back counts as the third. These 3 photos are compulsory.  The 7 remaining photos are voluntary. While pictures in bikinis and costumes are allowed, photos with nudity or lingerie are not permitted.

May I upload more photos or change my existing photos? 

Yes, you can upload more photos or replace your existing ones on Smooches, but they must be verified first. You can upload a maximum of 10 photos, and they must all be respectable. Photos in costumes or bikinis are allowed, but nude photos and photos in lingerie are not permissible. Please note that there is an administration fee of R500 to change photos on your profile. These photos will only be displayed once they have been verified.

How do I choose the perfect profile picture for my Smooches profile?

Your profile picture is the first impression others will have of you on Smooches, and it can greatly influence whether or not they decide to connect with you. To ensure you make a positive impression, we recommend choosing a photo that accurately reflects your personality and provides a clear view of you. Avoid using photos with busy or distracting backgrounds, and instead opt for a simple, well-lit shot that showcases your best features. For tips on how to take the perfect profile picture, check out this helpful guide: https://withmyladies.com/poseperfect/

How do I change my profile name?

Once you have selected your profile name on Smooches, it cannot be changed. It is important to choose a profile name that you are happy with and reflects who you are.

How do I upload my documents and photos?

Once you have answered all the questions and completed payment , the platform will prompt you to go to the next section where you will be able to upload the files from either your pc, tablet or cellphone. It will also be possible to take a selfie via your webcam or cellphone and upload.

What happens to my info when I delete my profile?

When you delete your profile, all your personal information, including your profile picture, messages, and any other data associated with your account, will be permanently deleted from our system. This means that your information will no longer be available to you or to anyone else using the Smooches platform. If you decide to return to Smooches at a later time, you will need to create a new account and start the registration process from scratch.

Will other Smoochers be able to view my profile if I activate the "snooze" feature?

No, your profile will be hidden from other Smoochers, and you will not be able to view other profiles while your account is snoozed. However, please note that you will still be responsible for paying your monthly subscription fee even if you have snoozed your profile.

I've forgotten my password. What do I do?

Click on log-in details, followed by clicking on “I have forgotten my password”, to reset it. An email will be sent to you to reset your password. Please check your junk mail for the e-mail.

When would I use the ''snooze'' button?

The "snooze" button can be used when you need to take a break from using Smooches or when you have met someone with whom you want to explore a serious relationship. By "snoozing" your profile, you can temporarily hide it from other users while still maintaining your subscription. This can save you the cost of re-joining Smooches in the future if you decide to reactivate your profile. However, please note that even if your profile is "snoozed," your monthly subscription fee will still apply.

What happens to my profile information if I snooze or hide my profile?

If you snooze or hide your profile, your information will not be visible to other matching Smoochers. However, it will still remain on the platform, but hidden from other users. If you decide to unsnooze or unhide your profile, it will become visible to matching Smoochers once again.

I can't log in. What do I do?

Please check your account details under your profile. Check whether your credit card details have expired, if so, update. Should this fail, please contact support support@smooches.co.za
Matches

Why can't I view photos or details of my matches on Smooches?

To access other Smoochers' profiles and details, you must complete the joining fee and verification process. This step ensures that all Smoochers are committed to building meaningful relationships, and it upholds our values of integrity, trust, and transparency. Additionally, it prevents sneak peaking and maintains the privacy of our members.

What is the algorithm that Smooches is based on?

Smooches uses a detailed algorithm to match you with the perfect partner based on various factors such as language, ethnicity, age, religion, income, qualifications, habits, interests, physical appearance, personality, and desirability. The algorithm is designed to ask carefully constructed questions to obtain detailed information from you, allowing Smooches to find your perfect match. The algorithm is based on matching "Who am I ?" to "Who do I want? ". You have an option to apply 10 deal breakers on "who do I want" where you can select 10 attributes of a partner that you view as non-negotiable. A significant match is considered to be 50 % or above.

How can I contact a match?

Once you have completed the joining fee and verification process and can view the details of your matches, you can communicate with them via our secure web platform. Direct contact details are not available on the platform. You can start conversations with text or voice notes, allowing you to get to know your match better before deciding to meet in person.

How do I delete my matches?

You cannot delete your matches on Smooches. However, you do have the option to block chats with a match that you no longer wish to communicate with. They will no longer be able to communicate with you ,however ,the match will remain dormant on your profile .

What can I do to increase my number of matches?

To increase your chances of finding a match, we recommend being patient and waiting for high percentage matches 50% and above. If you are not getting enough matches, it may be helpful to review your original preferences and requirements that you provided in the "What do I want" section of the questionnaire. Consider adjusting your requirements to be more reasonable, which can be done by retaking the questionnaire after one month from your initial registration with Smooches. These changes can only be actioned once a month at a cost of R500.

Billing

What are the costs of using Smooches?

There is a once-off joining fee of R1111 and a monthly subscription fee of R270. Once you have created your profile, completed the questionnaire and made an online payment, you will need to complete a verification process. The monthly subscription fee will only be payable once you have your first match. If you do not have a match within 6 months of joining Smooches, we offer a low-risk option where we refund 50% of your joining fee. Terms and conditions will apply and include that you have completed the verification process.

What discounts or coupons does Smooches offer?

At Smooches we often have deals  offering a  coupon  discount  on joining fees. Our dating site is new and exclusively for the South African market. 

What payment methods are accepted by Smooches?

At Smooches, we use the Peach Payment gateway to accept various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers (EFTSecure and StitchEFT), Masterpass, Visa, M-pesa, Mobicred, Zeropay, Payflex, Applepay, 1 Voucher, PayPal, and Aplus.

If I cancel my subscription, do I need to pay another joining fee?

If you cancel your subscription, you will not need to pay another joining fee if you reactivate your profile within 3 months. No verification will be required during this period. If you reactivate your profile between 3 and 6 months after cancelling, you will receive a 50% discount on the joining fee, but you will need to be verified again. If you re-join Smooches after 6 months, you will receive a 20% discount on the joining fee, and you will need to be verified again. Once you have a match, the monthly subscription fee will activate.

Why is there a joining fee with Smooches?

The joining fee is necessary to maintain the exclusivity of Smooches and to cover the costs of the development and verification process. This ensures that only serious individuals who are committed to finding a compatible partner become members of our community. This policy also secures your privacy in general. 

When does my monthly subscription fee start?

You will only start paying your monthly subscription fee once you have received your first  match. The fee will continue to be charged until you choose to cancel your subscription with Smooches.

How does Smooches show up on my bank statement?

'Smooches subscription' will be the descriptor on your bank statement.

Can I cancel my subscription at any time?

Yes, you can cancel your subscription at any time with 30 days' calendar notice. Simply go to the "manage billing" section under your profile and cancel. This will ensure that future payments are not deducted after the 30-day calendar notification. If you cancel, you will continue to have access to your profile until the end of your current billing cycle.

What is Smooches' refund policy?

At Smooches, we offer a 50% refund on your joining fee if you have not been matched with anyone after 6 months. However, please note that the monthly subscription fee is non-refundable once it has been paid. Terms and conditions will apply and include that you have completed the verification process. If you have any regrets or issues within the first 48 hours of joining, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our best to assist you.
Privacy

Can other Smoochers see my personal details?

Smooches highly values your privacy. Other Smoochers will not be able to see any details, not even your profile name. Only your matches will be able to see your profile name, match details and photos. The match details that you and your match will be able to see of each other, include the percentage of how well you match in the different categories, as well as your overall match percentage. You will also be able to see each other’s age, gender identity, orientation, home language, marital status, ethnic group, province of residence, as well as whether you have children or not.

How secure is Smooches?

Smooches takes security very seriously. All servers used by Smooches are encrypted with the AES-256 algorithm, which is a highly secure symmetric encryption algorithm that uses 128-bit blocks and 256-bit keys. The Data Encryption Key (DEK) is used to convert data from plain text to cipher text. Additionally, all Smoochers' profile photos and IDs are verified via Zoom meetings to ensure that only genuine individuals are using the platform.

Will my personal information be shared with other dating sites?

Smooches values your privacy and personal information. We will never share your personal information with any other dating sites. You can trust that your information is safe and secure with us.

How do I report a concern?

At Smooches, we take all concerns seriously. If you have any issues or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at support@smooches.co.za. 

How can I block a user or report a stalker on Smooches?

You can temporarily snooze any matching Smoocher and reactivate at a later stage, or permanently block and report a nuisance Smoocher.  A blocked Smoocher cannot be reactivated again.

Are the messages between Smoochers private?

Yes, absolutely. No other Smoochers will be able to see these messages.

Can messages between Smoochers be deleted?

No, the messages remain visible to both parties.

What happens to my messages if I block a Smoocher?

The messages remain visible to both parties.

What is Smooches Code of Ethics?

Honesty and integrity are the core values of Smooches. Honesty and integrity refer to moral correctness, not being deceitful, being honourable, portraying a true version of yourself, telling the truth, being transparent and open and honourable. The following behaviours do not have honesty and integrity at their core, and will therefore not be tolerated by Smooches: stalking, verbal abusive language, mental and psychological abuse, physical abuse, any false portrayal of the self, scamming, phishing, conning, cyber-bullying or any criminality. Any of these behaviours should be reported immediately to admin@smooches.co.za. Smooches reserves all rights.