Side Hustle: Matchmaking

Key Point 1: There is no formal self-regulation for marriage matchmaking. Any practice of matchmaking for profit is not protected by law and may be subject to court-ordered restitution of illicit gains.

Key Point 2: Matchmaking fees follow an established convention—the groom's family typically pays double what the bride's family pays. For example, with a dowry of over 300,000 yuan, the matchmaking fee is 10,000 yuan from the groom's side and 5,000 yuan from the bride's side; with a dowry of over 500,000 yuan, the respective fees are 20,000 yuan and 10,000 yuan. This resembles how real estate agents take a commission from both sides, with a total rate of 5%–10%.

Key Point 3: Those with strong social networks are best suited to work as matchmakers—such as high school and university teachers, who tend to have the largest circles of young people.

White-collar wages can't keep up with matchmaking fees in small counties