Posted on June 04th, 2003 06:31 PM by admin

Submitted By RWG Staff

We have divided this section into two parts:
1. Minimum requirements for an agency
2. Simple steps to selecting an agency

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR AN AGENCY

The girls should be screened for marital and criminal background. Most (not all) of the services obtain their women in the same method: taking out ads in local newspapers and magazines in Russia. Some services obtain women from a more direct method such as referrals. However, what separates the good agencies from the bad is their next step, that involves screenings the women that apply. Good services will screen for marital status and criminal background, while some cheaper services do not.

It is important to realize that even if an agency screens the women that apply, no system is foolproof. Scam artists are experts at finding ways past screening processes, such as through the use of a false passport. Regardless, some security is better than none at all.

The agency should have operations in the United States or Western Europe. If something goes wrong (assuming it isn't your fault), you want a local operation that must answer for it. Many foreign dating agencies have offices in the United States, and therefore theoretically strive to make their American customers happy. Obviously, this no guarantee that you won't experience problems, but it is simply a matter of common sense. If you are scammed by a foreign agency, you will have almost no recourse.

The agency should have operations in Eastern Europe as well.
Another common sense idea. How could an agency be an expert on dating foreign women without an office overseas? Granted, some agencies may not need an overseas office, but we recommend that you deal with one that truly knows the former Soviet Union.

The agency should accept credit cards.
Credit cards are a great form of buyer protection, even though many consumers fail to realize this value. If you have problems with an agency, charges can be disputed and thus the agencies have an incentive to treat you fairly and honestly. Agencies with frequent charge disputes may even be denied acceptance by Visa / Mastercard / American Express.

The agency should offer a wide variety of "support services".
Support services are additional services to help your process. Examples include letter translation, mailing, visa processing, and travel assistance. Even if you don't need any of these services, the agencies that offer them tend to be better organized and more concerned with your success.

If the agency offers "tours" and/or "socials", then the agency should offer a video for sale for a nominal fee. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is worth a million. The video will give you a much more detailed look at the agency's tour/social than a description could possibly describe. Before you invest thousands of dollars in a tour, buy a video.

CHECKING OUT AN AGENCY

Step 1. Select the agencies that match your desired level of service. Do you just want to "explore the waters"? Do you plan to write letters in advance of a possible trip? Do you plan to take a tour through socials? Do you prefer a more personalized search through a consultant? Do you prefer women from urban or rural areas?

Step 2. Make sure the agency meets our "minimum requirements" (screening of applicants, offices domestic and abroad, credit card acceptance, support services).

Step 3. View our "feedback" pages for each agency which you are interested.

Step 4. Ask questions about the agencies to other men in our chat room and message board.

Step 5. View the webpages of each agency to read what the agency's own sales pitch, to review prices, and to make sure the women that signed up match what you are looking for.

Step 6. If you haven't made up your mind, call the agencies and speak to a live person.

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