We created Shuffle because we believe that meeting people shouldn't feel like a chore or a swipe game. In a world full of endless scrolling and ghosted messages, real-life interaction is refreshing.
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    Rules

    What is your cancellation & no-show policy?

    Due to the nature of our events, every turnout is critical to the success and experience for all participants. We do not provide refunds.Cancellations are non-refundable.

    However, in rare cases of severe emergencies that are clearly outside your control—such as a sudden hospitalization, serious accident, or the death of an immediate family member—we may consider issuing a refund as an exception.

    To be eligible for this exception, the situation must be communicated to us at least 72 hours before the start of the event.

    If you need to cancel your ticket for any reason, you must notify us. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the event are not eligible for a refund under any circumstances.

    No-shows are extremely detrimental to the quality of our events. If you do not show up without any notice or reasoning, you will be charged an additional $50 and may be permanently banned from participating in all future events. Again, we take this extremely seriously as the quality of our events rely on healthy turnout.

    Leaving in the middle of an event is considered a no-show and incurs the $50 fee automatically. Cancelling within three hours of the start of the event is also considered a no-show and incurs the fee. Please register only for events that will not conflict with your schedule!

    What are the ground rules? (safety, matching, and disclaimer)

    Safety

    The safety of our participants is our number one priority. As our events do not have any physical host present, we coordinate with the venue and their staff to help facilitate an environment that ensures safety and confidence among all participants. Please read below for what is expected of you (as the participant) during our event:

    1. You are expected to interact with other participants respectfully while maintaining appropriate boundaries. You will NOT share, ask for, or provoke personally sensitive information (contact, address, etc). You will NOT engage with other participants in a way that harms them or makes them feel uncomfortable in any way. If you are made to feel uncomfortable by any participant, you will have the ability to report them to us immediately.

    2. If the event is held at a venue that serves alcohol, you are expected to moderate your alcohol intake so that you can participate in our event without any complication to the other participants, staff, or anyone else at the venue.

    Failure to comply with these ground rules will result in a permanent ban from all future events, and both Shuffle and the coordinating venue will take appropriate further action as necessary.

    Matching

    Your contact information will not be shared with any participants at our events UNLESS you have a successful match. In the case of a successful match or Friend Match (you and the other participant indicate "M" or "F" for each other), then we will share your phone number via email ONLY with each other after the event. Shuffle is not responsible for any interactions beyond or outside of our events.

    DISCLAIMER OF RESPONSIBILITY

    We view the risk profile of attending an event similar to that of going to a restaurant, bar, or cafe for a drink or a meal. We do not own or operate the venues where our events are located, and we do not have Shuffle staff on site during events.

    While Shuffle coordinates to maintain a safe environment to the best of our ability, the company cannot guarantee 100% safety when using its service. By using Shuffle, you will interact with other participants face-to-face, interact with 3rd party venues and its staff, and potentially interact with non-participants. The company does not conduct a background check on its participants.

    Under no circumstances will Shuffle or its affiliates be liable for any damages or harm that may occur to the participant through its services or by any associated activity, such as driving to the venue, etc. Shuffle assumes no responsibilities whatsoever for any damages caused to Participants, Non-Participants, Staff, or any Affiliate, of or by any product or service provided by Shuffle. You attend events and participate in conversations with others completely at your own risk, just as you would visit the venue without Shuffle hosting an event there.

    Do I need to keep my phone on the entire time?

    We highly encourage you to keep your phone out and accessible, as it's how we moderate the entire event. Your remote host will be in contact via text message, and our web link will display a timer and key logistical information about your dates. Please keep the screen on and open, face-up on the table in front of you, with notifications, vibration, and sound enabled. This will help you navigate the event smoothly and respond to updates in a timely manner.

    (As long as you keep your focus on the person in front of you during your conversations, it shouldn't be too distracting—thank you for your understanding!)

    If you're experiencing issues with your phone—such as a dead battery, poor reception, or any other technical concern—please reach out to your host as early as possible, ideally before the event begins. The sooner we're aware, the more effectively we can assist and provide alternative solutions.

    When should I show up? What happens if I'm late?

    Please arrive 15 minutes early. This gives you time to buy a drink, get settled, and be ready to begin on time. During that window, our remote event host is actively confirming arrivals and finalizing pairings for the dating rounds. Because venues often close shortly after our two-hour events, we must begin exactly at the scheduled start time. We strongly encourage you to leave earlier than you think you need to, in case of traffic or difficulty finding street parking.

    Arriving late can negatively impact the experience of other participants, as someone may be left without a date during the first round. To help ensure a smooth and fair experience for everyone, please make every effort to arrive on time—or early.

    If you arrive late, we will not be able to wait for you, and we cannot add participants after the event has started. If you do not notify us in advance that you're running behind, you will be marked as a no-show, not allowed to participate, and charged the $50 fee.

    If you cannot make it or anticipate being late, please let us know as far in advance as possible. We may be able to coordinate or adjust depending on the situation, but only if we're informed ahead of time.

    I want to register for another event. What if a person I have previously gone on a date with also signs up to the same event?

    We take repeat pairings very seriously and always aim to inform you as far in advance as possible if someone you've previously dated through Shuffle is also attending your upcoming event. When we detect a repeat match at least 4 days in advance, we typically offer three options: date as usual, skip that round, or cancel your participation for a refund.

    If you do not receive an email from us, it means you do not have any known repeat pairings at the time of our review. However, please note that we occasionally receive last-minute signups, and in rare cases, these may result in an unexpected repeat. If that happens, we will notify you as soon as we become aware, which could be as late as the day of the event.

    If you're ever unsure or simply want to confirm, just email us— we're happy to double-check for you.

    How long do rounds last for?

    Unlike typical speed-dating with short rounds, our rounds last a bit longer, around 8 to 10 minutes, so you have plenty of time for a real conversation. There's also a 4-5 minute break between rounds to relax, take notes, and get ready for your next date.

    What are prompts?

    We want every date to feel meaningful and enjoyable. That's why we provide conversation prompts for each round—These prompts are designed to spark engaging, and thoughtful conversations quickly, so you can make the most of your time with each match.

    If a prompt no longer feels relevant or the conversation naturally wraps up, you can request a new prompt directly through your event weblink— it's quick and seamless. This ensures the experience stays smooth and relaxed throughout the event.

    Of course, you're also welcome to follow your own conversational path. Feel free to explore topics that come up naturally—just be genuine, stay curious, and most importantly, have fun while shuffling with us!

    What happens if there is an uneven number of participants?

    Most events are fully booked by the day of the event, but sometimes last-minute cancellations or no-shows create an imbalance in the number of participants. When that happens, we introduce "break rounds" to fill in for any missing dating rounds. If there's more than one participant on a break, feel free to use the friend button to chat with others who are also on break.

    If 3 or more dates are missing from one side, we offer a partial refund to make up for the missed dates. Usually, our no-show policy keeps things on track, so it's rare to have more than 1 or 2 no-shows in a Shuffle event.

    In the unlikely case of a big imbalance, like 7 men and only 2 women, we might have to cancel the event ahead of time. This rarely happens, but if it does, we always provide fair refunds and keep participants informed as soon as possible.

    Does Shuffle have a partnership with the venues they work with?

    Yes! We're in close contact with all our venues and always get their permission to use the space for our events. We stay in regular communication to coordinate scheduling and gather feedback.

    All our venues are aware of our events, and they always do their best to offer a great experience. We work together to make sure everything runs smoothly so you can enjoy your time with Shuffle Dating.

    I'm 30 years-old but would rather register for the 31-41 bracket. Am I allowed to?

    We allow a flexibility of up to 2 years outside the listed age bracket. For example, if you're 29 and want to join a 31–41 event, you're welcome to register. The same goes if you're 43 and interested in that bracket.

    If you're unsure whether you're eligible for a specific event, feel free to reach out, we're happy to help!

    We stick to this policy to ensure a great experience for everyone. Please double-check the age bracket before registering. If someone registers and falls outside the allowed range, we'll cancel the registration and issue a full refund.

    How long do events typically last?

    Events typically last around 2 hours and include a short intermission mid event so everyone can take a breather.

    We start right on time, so please plan to arrive about 15 minutes early to find parking and settle in without feeling rushed. You don't want to miss your first date because of traffic or parking delays!

    Are there breaks in-between dates?

    You'll get a few minutes between each date to relax, make some notes, or take a breather. You'll also have a couple of minutes to find your next date before the next round starts. These breaks between dates are usually around 4–5 minutes.

    Midway through the event, there's a 10-minute intermission where you can grab a drink, use the restroom, or just enjoy the space.

    If someone isn't respecting the break times and continues chatting past their date, feel free to politely remind them to keep conversations within the 10-minute round, or just send a quick text to your remote host, and they'll handle it from there.

    I can't find my date. Did they leave? What should I do?

    Sometimes your date might just be in the restroom or grabbing a drink. If you can't find them, please text or call us right away so we can help sort it out. If we're unable to locate them in time, that round will become a short break for you. Most participants keep an eye on their phones, so they'll usually see any updates quickly.

    Feel free to reach out to your remote host for anything you need. We're always keeping an eye on things to make sure the event runs as smoothly as possible.

    I wasn't able to get a match.

    Finding a successful match is a highly individual and selective process so please don't be discouraged! We have had some events where nobody matches at all, and other events where everyone leaves with at least one match. There's a lot of variance in the participant pool.

    That said, we believe in the value of face-to-face interactions so we hope you still had a fun time and gained valuable experience chatting with new people.

    We also hope it made for a fun night out, regardless of the outcome. If you felt comfortable with the format, we'd love to see you at another Shuffle. Every event brings a new group and new possibilities!

    So I give someone a Match! [M]. Now what?

    Your dates will never see your responses. If you and another guest both indicate a match (either romantic or friend), and you both select the same type of match, we'll consider it successful.

    Within 24 hours of the event, we'll email both of you with each other's phone numbers, along with the short description each of you wrote for the event. The email will also specify whether it was a romantic match or a friend match. You will also get an email notifying you if you did not get any matches.

    How does the friend match work?

    If you and someone else both choose "Friend", it's a Platonic Friend Match! You'll receive an email within 24 hours with each other's phone numbers and the short descriptions you shared at the event. It's perfect if you had a great conversation, felt a good vibe, and want to stay in touch, without the romantic pressure. Whether you're new in town or just looking to expand your circle, friend matches are a great way to build real-life connections.

    What if I select both "Friends" and "Match"?

    If you choose both "Friend" and "Match," it means you're open to either a friendship or a romantic connection. Here's how it works:

    If the other person selects Match, you'll get a Romantic Match.

    If the other person selects Friend, you'll get a Platonic Friend Match.

    This way, you stay flexible and open to whatever kind of connection feels right. It's a great option if you had a good conversation and want to see where things could go—as friends or something more.

    Will my phone automatically subscribe to Shuffle?

    When you sign up to a Shuffle, we will ask for your permission to send you text notifications leading up to and throughout the event. However, once the event is over, you will no longer receive notifications from us.

    How much does it cost?

    We charge $24.99 per ticket, with all service fees ($5) and payment processing included. Prices are subject to change as we experiment for best results. You are also expected to purchase at least one beverage upon arrival, since the venue is providing their space. Thanks for generously supporting the venue and their staff!

    NOTICE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC AND MEDIA RECORDING

    Shuffle events may be photographed and/or filmed. By attending this event, you consent to the use of photography and video from the event in marketing and promotional materials. Images will not be identified using any personal identifying information. If you have any concerns about this, please feel free to discuss them directly with the virtual host or contact us.