If you asked me a year ago, I would have given HurryDate.com 1 star out of 5. However, I have changed my opinion and here is why.

I participated in two HurryDate events, once in 2007 and again in 2008. I had a major complaint about the 2007 event. This was in September 2007. I signed up myself and three friends online. However, the registrations didn't go through for two of them, so I did them again online. When we got to the event, one of them wasn't on the registration list, so we had to pay in cash for him to attend that night.

Then I found out my credit card had been charged six times, for four registrations. Combined with the cash payment we made at the event, I was charged a total of three extra registrations, over $100!

I started contacting the company to inquire about refunds. The event hostess had given me an email address to contact. I got no response. So I went to their Web site, and couldn't find a phone number. But they put one down for media contacts ... I thought okay they are willing to talk to people they think will give them press coverage. So I called that number, left messages, never got a call back. I shelved it for a while, and periodically sent emails following up over the next two years. In late 2009 I sent another email message saying it was my fourth email attempt to contact them after numerous phone messages were left.

At this point, I wasn't really expecting much. But I kept the paperwork handy at my desk and figured I would periodically try to get my money back.

Then in January, I thought I'd try again. I forwarded the previous message that I had sent, said it was at least my fifth email attempt, and requested a refund.

To my surprise, within hours, I received a message back from "Karen" in Customer Support who asked for more information to investigate. She said that it was the first time they had heard from me. Well, I don't believe that at all, since I have proof of all the emails I sent to them, but I was pleased that I finally got a response. I scanned in copies of my bank and credit card statements proving the extra charges, and after verifying the info, I was informed I would get my refund check within 15 business days.

And two days ago, the check arrived. I was refunded everything I was due.

I don't know if they have new staff now that is more capable of doing their jobs, or maybe they have a new business model, or maybe new management that knows how to run a business.

But whatever the reason, in my case, it took them over two years but my issue was finally resolved and I am going to give them the benefit of the doubt with my 3-star review and hope that they continue to provide adequate customer service to their customers.

(And as for the actual events ... it was a lot of fun, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much during the night, I had a great time. Didn't make any connections the first time but met a bunch of great guys the second time ... first location was kind of out of the way and icky, second location was downtown and hip, maybe that has to do with the kind of people that will turn up for the event ...)