The guidance price index, issued by the self-regulated association which was created by 46 licensed matchmaking agencies last month, stipulates the tariff range for various matchmaking services.

For instance, under a membership system, an agency can charge each member between 300 yuan (US$36) to 600 yuan for one year's service, during which, it should organize at least six activities for each member.

For a separate one-to-one meeting, the charge can range from 40 yuan to 80 yuan, while a group activity, such as chatting, singing and buffet, should be priced at 5 yuan to 50 yuan.

"Those violating the guidance price will be warned, and even kicked out of the association," said Lin Kewu, association director.

"The move aims to rebuild the industry's reputation, which has been tarnished due to rampant cheating by illegal matchmaking agencies," said Yu Jian, manager of the Good Luck Matchmaking Agency, an association member.

The Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau shut some 200 illegal agencies and stopped granting new licenses this year. "Under stricter supervision and a better market order, we will begin to issue licenses next year," said Zhou Jixiang of the bureau.

(eastday.com December 4, 2002)