Niche dating sites are trendy in the international dating world. So many individuals are looking for their perfect match using international dating sites or considering them a viable option.
This is what makes it so important for users to know if the sites they choose to use are legitimate, as most online dating platforms require a subscription service of some kind or require the user to pay for specific services.
During my journey reviewing international and niche dating sites, I’ve come across many that should instead be avoided, and that’s why I’m giving ChinaLove.com a thorough look around. ( Note: the site is now called ZenDate.com)
Reputable dating sites should have features that make them safe for users like you and me and keep out scammers.
Is this the case with ChinaLove.com? Let’s find out if you can use this dating platform with peace of mind.
Why Trust Doves-of-Love
- Faithfully reviewed over 1000 International online dating and matchmaking services.
- Experienced & dedicated team of dating bloggers and writers.
- Author of dating ebooks, including ‘International Dating Digest For Men: Finding Love Overseas’.
- Contributed in many publications including Notsalmon.com, Marriage.com, or Medium.com.
About The Company
SOL Networks Limited owns ChinaLove; however, you’ll only find this detail in the small print on the site.
SOL Networks Limited is based in Malta and is a big name in the online dating industry. SOL Ltd. owns many niche dating sites but does not always get the best feedback.
The Signup Process at ChinaLove.com: This Looks Familiar
Like various other dating sites I’ve reviewed recently, the ChinaLove.com landing page has a specific look to it. It contains a widget that allows you to choose your own gender, the gender of your ideal partner, the age range, and then a button saying “Take a chance.”
This design format is the same as dating sites, including AnastasiaDate.com, Dating.com or RussianBrides.com, where you can start your online dating journey by making these choices on the landing page.
Once you’ve made your choices, you’re taken to a sign-up page that contains no signs of any new member verification activity — you only need to provide your email and create a password!
Then, completing your profile is optional, so I left it blank to see if the empty profile attracts any attention.
In summary, signing up and creating an account is way too easy, and there don’t seem to be any security or verification checks you need to pass to become part of the online community.
Moments after successfully signing in, I was invited to video chats by two profiles, and I received a message from another profile.
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Can I Try ChinaLove.com For Free?
Even though you get requests to video chat, they are definitely not free. Once you click on the request, a banner appears, prompting you to purchase credits, and the site even gives you the option to use the card you regularly use for online purchases using that specific browser.
I was allowed to answer one message for free, and that’s about the scope of your free activity on ChinaLove.com. When the profile replied, I was prompted to purchase credits for sending messages again.
I think we got the message here — the only thing that’s for free is reading the first messages from profiles and viewing profiles. Thus, it’s not a case of what you have to pay for, but how much. Let’s take a look.
ChinaLove.com Costs: Subscription Options
There is a “subscribe now” sign on my profile, which led me to the same page I saw when I attempted to enter the video chat.
ChinaLove.com basically offers a monthly subscription service with different premiums where you’ll get credits in return for use on the dating site.
The site doesn’t outright tell you that your subscription will be automatically renewed either — this information is hidden in the fine print at the very bottom of the page.
Here are the subscription options:
- 27 USD for 150 credits for one month. After that, you get 150 credits for 67 USD per month.
- 203 USD for 600 credits
- 405 USD for 1500 credits.
To put the pricing into perspective, I looked for a section on the site that provides all the details for using credits.
There was no information in the Help Center about pricing or features on the dating site when I accessed it. The fact that the site wants you to purchase credits but doesn’t provide any pricing information about its services in the Help Section is definitely suspect.
The closest thing I found to a price list was a “how to reduce costs” article, which cites emails as being ten credits an email, live chat as one credit per minute, and sending a picture as 15 credits.
Compared to other sites that use credits and charge in USD, these prices appear to be very steep.
Is ChinaLove.com Easy To Use?
This site is very cluttered when it comes to usability, and there are too many options and functions on one page. It’s almost as if the developers wanted the user to have everything at their fingertips, but instead of providing links to other pages, everything is crammed into one page.
There is also a mobile app available; however, if the main site is this cluttered, then using the app may be even more difficult.
Review of The Female Profiles at ChinaLove.com
The profiles mostly look natural, and when an attempted video chat request comes up, you get a glimpse of the individual on the other side waiting to start the chat.
The women are mainly from Asia with completed profiles that offer all kinds of information, photos, private photos, and videos.
I just find it difficult to understand why more and more profiles will start requesting a video chat or send a message with a blank profile — the more time you spend on the site, the more profiles contact you.
And, of course, every time you attempt to respond, you are prompted to purchase credits.
Does that sound a bit off to you too?
Customer Service at ChinaLove in Our Review
Good customer service is crucial for a site like this one, especially if you’re purchasing a recurring subscription that you can only stop by canceling using the site’s customer service.
Unfortunately, there are not many good things to say here. The site has the familiar green “live support” option at the bottom that you can click on that says “Welcome to ChinaLove.com Customer Support. Let us know how we can help you.” However, it is impossible to type in the chat box, making this a complete dud.
This is a huge red flag as no other customer service contact information is available.
ChinaLove User Experience: What Users Say?
Users on SiteJabber.com and TrustPilot.com appear very conflicted with their experience on ChinaLove.com.
The dating site’s rating on the two sites are like the North and South Pole as on SiteJabber, ChinaLove.com appears to be a resounding success with an overall rating of 4.2 stars, while TrustPilot gives the site an abysmal 1.4 stars.
With reviewers calling the site a “money vacuum machine” versus recommending it because it is “super great,” it seems that negative reviews are more specific than positive ones, which is very telling indeed.
The Verdict: Too Many Red Flags
After looking at ChinaLove.com, which looked like a respectable and above-board site before I started my reviewing journey, it’s pretty scary to see how things can suddenly go wrong once you’re a member.
Imagine spending money on the most expensive subscription plan, only to find out there’s no good customer service option where you can cancel it!
This site has too many red flags and is a no-go for any avid online dater.
Alternatives to ChinaLove
Consider these alternatives that may offer you the services you are looking for without the stress.
ChinaLoveCupid.com
ChinaLoveCupid.com is a fun dating site for Chinese singles looking for their match in life. This site has Premium features and the opportunity to try out the site for free (read more: ChinaLoveCupid.com Review: How reliable and serious is ChinaLoveCupid?).
There are various messaging features available to make communicating with other members interesting and exciting. Additionally, if you don’t speak the same language, a translation service is available.
Premium members can access an exclusive VIP profile highlighting feature that improves their profile’s visibility.
You have the option of choosing between two paid subscription plans — Gold or Platinum. A month Gold membership will cost you 29.98 USD, while the Platinum option is 34.99 USD.
BeHappy2Day.com
BeHappy2Day.com is a dating platform for any single individual who wants to meet and date someone from Asia, Latin America and Russia.
There’s an app available so you can always chat to your bride. The site works on a credit system instead of subscriptions, and different credit price tiers are used to access various services.
The site has responsive customer support and is really easy and fun to use. The profiles provide lots of helpful information and are comprehensive, so you get a good idea of who you’re talking to or reaching out to.
AsianDating.com
AsianDating.com is a site for those singles looking for a serious or long-term relationship (read more: AsianDating.com Review: How reliable and serious is AsianDating?).
A great feature of this dating site is the translation tools that enable non-Asians to join in on the conversation and find their perfect match.
There are also advanced search tools and filters, and members can choose between a Gold and Platinum membership.
The Gold membership starts at 29.98 USD for a month and Platinum at 34.99 USD. Features for subscribers include live chat, IM, anonymous browsing, advanced matching abilities, and translation services.
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