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Hi all:

I'm just about to get into this agency and correspondence business
so I'm wondering if you have any advice you can offer. Specifically,
I'm interested: how many women do you think I should initially write;
response rate; snailmail, telephone or e-mail; how is their
English/your Spanish; do you use translation services; any other
advice you think is helpful.

BTW, I'm in my mis 20s, good looking, stable, sensitive, and so on,
and I'm interested in Brazilian and Colombian ladies (although have
been warming up to Peruvian women, too, lately). Any agency
recommendations?

Thanks a million and then some,
Best wishes,
Michael

... in response to Newbie needs help!, posted by tzion on Jan 12, 2005

I used amigos.com and corresponded with many women from Mexico, Peru, the DR, and Colombia. It was how I met my wife. If their English is good, write them in English but if they don't, write in Spanish no matter how bad your Spanish is - you'll go a lot further. Also, be absolutely honest and true to yourself instead of trying to be all things to all women. My life on a ranch in Texas with horses and cattle separated me from from the hundreds of other emails that my wife received. She's always had a thing for cowboys!

... in response to Newbie needs help!, posted by tzion on Jan 12, 2005

As you can see, you will get as many advise as there are people here.

My suggestion based mostly on logic rather than experience (I am planning to make my first trip in about 1.5 months), is to think this whole adventure through and decide if you want to do it or not. After that, where you want to go. Basically, you can visit each city in Colombia and South America if you want to, but that will cost you astronomically in terms of time and money. Focus on one country and one city first; I chose Cali for various reasons. Basically, if you fly to Colombia it will cost you several hundered $, then hotel, dates, etc. Then if you fly to, say, Brazil, twice more. And so on. Why waste time and money? Also if you fly from Europe, each time you come back you will have a hard time adjusting to time change, so you will minimize that by minimizing the extent of your search (from what I understand, you are in Spain, so this will be minimal, but nonetheless it's something you should keep in mind. BTW, if you live in Spain, you probably already know Spanish I assume, and this will give you a big bonus).

Once I decided on going ahead with this adventure and where I will concentrate, I purchased a number of addresses from various sources, spent around $200, although it could be done for less. Sent e-mails to these ladies, got OVERWHELMING response (not 99%, but still surprisingly high), and frankly will have my days in Cali booked without any agencies. Basically, if you know Spanish or Portuguese, DO it. If you don't - DON'T bother, it will be a waste of time.

Then fly to Colombia or Brazil or whichever country you will decide on, and have a good time! There are a couple of guys whose business is to introduce foreigners to local women in clubs, malls, etc; their numbers were posted on the forum earlier. I would use an agency only if you totally don't know any Spanish, need a translator, and feel like wasting money (in the latter case, I would suggest that you just forward it to my account instead ;) - j/k - and, as one poster said - you need 'extreme hand-holding' - whatever that means. If you decide to use an agency, keep in mind that they may promise more than they deliver. A lot of guys found that the dates they were promised did not materialize after they paid their fees (ladies did not show up, were unavailable, etc). Hotel rates are ridiculously low - especially in comparison to Europe (Inter-Continental is like US$65/night), so this makes using agencies even a bigger waste of money than they appear to be at first site.

Just my two cents. Good luck!

... in response to Newbie needs help!, posted by tzion on Jan 12, 2005

In my own experience, I do not feel E-mail writing is " a
waste of time" But I do feel it depends on the city. While
on this search, I never received many replys from women from
Cali, but I did receive many replys from the women at LAI in
Bogota.

Before going to Lima, Peru in December of 2003, I wrote to
seven or eight women, I talked to them on the phone, and got
to know a little about them before arriving in Lima and
having dates with them. My finance who will arrive here in
six months was one of the women I first made contact with
E-mail.

Jimmy from St Louis who also posts here met his soon to be
wife in Lima first through E-mail as well.

... in response to Newbie needs help!, posted by tzion on Jan 12, 2005

Welcome to PL! I'd suggest you do a Latin Forum Search and look some of the agencies often mentioned here: LE, Latin-Internet, CaliVIP and ACG in Cali, CSH in Medellin, LAI in Bogota and Engage the Exotic in Baranquilla. These are the agencies that I would suggest. Focus on one or two and start planning your trip. Although I'm optimisitic, I still think that to make something work, this will be the first of many trips to Colombia for you.

I go back and forth on whether e-mailing women is worth it. I think LAI has the most efficient e-mail service. I like CSH's deal of buying 20 e-mails for $100 and getting a free night at CSH (worth $75). If I were interested in Peru, I'd try matchingsys.com . Brazil? Try LatinEuro since there aren't that many choices. From personal experience, stay away from A Foreign Affair out of Cartagena. Right now I'm excited at the results I've obtained from using match.com international. You could literally e-mail hundreds of women at a minimal cost. Definetely, forget snailmail, e-mail is the way to go. How many? Response rate? Anyone's guess. There are too many variables weighing in on the outcomes.

I'd suggest you focus on a single country. Looks like Colombia is your first choice; if not, I think you should consider it as such. Why would you be asking for translation services information if you're from Spain? If you were talking about Portuguese, I suggest "Com Licenca" Brazilian Portuguese for Spanish Speakers by Antonio R. M. Simoes. If you speak Spanish, basic Portuguese shouldn't be too challenging.

Good luck! If you need anything, just ask.

... in response to Re: Newbie needs help!, posted by Seeker on Jan 12, 2005

Michael,

Just a few comments concerning the value of emailing women prior to a trip. Although you might get lucky and contact a few women via this method I personally found it a waste of time. There is nothing better than meeting these wonderful LW in person. Ten minutes of one-on-one time is better than months of sending letters. If you are using an agency don't waste your money on their email service. I think the agencies use it just to increase their bottom line.

If you do go that route though in Brasil (as there aren't many introduction agencies there) for goodness sake don't throw your money away on LatinEuro. They have many tempting photos at their site but they are not a reputable address selling agency. Use LatinSocialNetworks instead.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Newbie needs help!, posted by soltero on Jan 12, 2005

Even if you are fluent in Spanish I'm not sure if that would increase your response rate. Many of the attractive ladies at address selling sites get hundreds, if not thousands of emails from would be suitors. Not to mention that many of the addresses are old, etc.

What I was trying to convey is that if you do establish an email correspondence with a LW it doesn't tell you much about her personality, or if there is any chemistry between you, and after spending a short time with her in person you might regret a large letter writing campaign via the internet.

IMO there is NO comparison between being here in person getting to know the ladies rather than trying it via email. To each his own.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Newbie needs help!, posted by pablo on Jan 12, 2005

I agree with you, Pablo. Nothing beats going down there and simply meeting them face-to-face the way that you are doing it. For many guys who can't manage that, email can work to lay a foundation. I would suggest following up a promising email relationship with live chat using webcams. It's one more level of interaction that allows you to develop a relationship. I sent my wife the money for a web cam early on in our relationship and I never regretted it. I did have another email and web cam relationship with a Mexican woman and when I met her in person, even though she was very attractive, the chemistry just was not right. On the other hand, when I met my wife in person for the first time, she blew me away totally. The chemistry was unbelieveable - stronger than with anyone I had ever met in my life. So, the ultimate test is the personal meeting.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Newbie needs help!, posted by utopiacowboy on Jan 14, 2005

Quote:

"The chemistry was unbelievable - stronger than with anyone I had ever met in my life."

Cowboy,

Are you sure you didn't have a little cow dookey stuck on those boots of yours partner? ;-)

I agree with you also. Not many guys can cash their chips in to spend an extended amount of time in SA. It's just that I got so burned out and cross eyed looking at so many blasted web site photos of beautiful LW, sending out many emails, with I might add, a fair amount of success, getting my hopes up when an email relationship would develop, thinking I was getting to know them as a person, only to be surprised a few times when an eventual meeting occurred.

I might add a piece of advice though regarding emailing these lovely LW. Don't start too early before you plan on making the trip. At the most, four to six months out before getting on that plane. Many guys that write never go and what woman wants to hear from a guy that he will be probably coming down in a year or two. If you find a few potentials via the internet get down ASAP taking the relationship to the next level. I think many LW don’t take you seriously until you do show up as they have been told many promises by many would be suitors. I'd also advise that it not be a WOVO (write one, visit one) trip in case there isn't a mutual chemistry once the meeting does occur. Always have some sort of a back up plan.

Now I have to get ready for my evening cita with a new interest in my life. UC, wait to you see this gal! I was walking the other day when I heard my name being called out by a lovely amiga I know who was sitting at an outdoor cafe. Being the sociable guy I am and noticing that she was with another beautiful lady, I eagerly joined them at their table. As it turned out, the other beauty queen is her older sister and to make a long story short, we are going out to dinner tonight. Dios mio, she is drop dead gorgeous and I'm not bragging here folks. I could only dream of dating a gal like this back in the States even though she blows away any AW. I asked them why they didn't have novios and all they said was, "there aren't any men in Medellin". Needless to say, I didn't try to convince them otherwise but did mention I knew one available Gringo. Which begs the question, what are all you guys who haven’t come to SA waiting for?

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Newbie needs hel..., posted by pablo on Jan 14, 2005

I may have had some cow dung on my boots but it's true. My wife was meant to be my wife - I have no doubt about that - it was like we had always known each other. We have a blast together going dancing and exercising together - she is my best friend and a wonderful companion. Not to mention some other things....

You are absolutely right about getting on the plane within a short time frame. I went to see my wife two months after we started corresponding. I wanted to show her I was serious.

Damm, dude, what happened to Monica Belluci? And, yes, what are they waiting for? You're living a fantasy here and the rest of them are sitting at home watching television.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Newbie needs..., posted by utopiacowboy on Jan 14, 2005

Cowboy,

I've always enjoyed reading about your success in finding a special Latina and just wanted to let you know that you've been an inspiration to me and I'm sure others. Your wife sure sounds like one special lady and I'm very happy you found each other.

Ah yes, Monica. She had to move permanently to Bogotá with her family last week. I will keep in touch with her but I don't care much for the capital when there is a place called Medellin. I was feeling a little down and out until I met this other lady recently. There really is a boatload of beautiful women here and many options.

Speaking of beautiful women, what ever happened to Catherine Zeta-Jones! I saw her in Ocean's Eleven the other day and was aghast to see that she had cut her hair and put on weight.

Pablo

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Hiccups!, posted by pablo on Jan 14, 2005

Well, I am sorry to hear that Monica had to pack up and go to Bogota. I like Bogota but I much prefer Medellin so I'm with you on that one. That's the thing about Medellin. How long would it have taken you to bounce back from this in the US? But in Medellin, beautiful women are like buses - there's always another one coming down the street! You're right. A woman's cutting her hair is never a good thing. The tip of my wife's hair reaches her waist and between her hair and what's below it, ay caramba!

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Newbie needs help!, posted by pablo on Jan 12, 2005

I agree, there is no comparison with a face to face meeting, but I have had pretty good success with emails. Out of 10 I write to, usually 8 respond. Now out of the 8, 7 give me their cell phone/home number in the first reply, and we start talking from there. After that, I will go to meet them if they are interesting enough. I have just never been interested in the whole agency cattle call way of doing it. I can see the positives to it, but it just isn't my thing. I don't write for long, because I agree with you again, writing for a long time without meeting the person gives you too much leeway to fill in the blanks. Write, talk on the phone, narrow it down to the one you are really vibing with (and her two closest competitors as plan B and C), and get on the plane. Once you are there, you can always meet other people, just go to the mall or where ever. All I am saying is that the emails can work, but eventually, you do have to get off the fence and go.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Newbie needs help!, posted by pablo on Jan 12, 2005

I agree first of all, that meeting a lady in person is worth a thousand e-mails; however, they are a relatively cheap and efficient way to meet ladies. And writing in Spanish DOES make a difference, which should be logical.

Here is an excrept from an e-mail I got two days ago, actually:

ERES A UNA DE LAS POCAS PERSONAS Q' LE RESPONDO PUES ME DOY CUENTA Q' HABLAS Y ENTIENDES EL ESPAÑOL, ES BUENO PORQ' LA MAYORIA Q' ME ESCRIBEN NO HABLAN NI ENTIENDEN MUCHO EL ESPAÑOL, AUNQ'
ESO NO ES TAN IMPORTANTE PORQ' LOGRO ENTENDERME CON ELLOS... PUES HABLO Y ENTIENDO UN POCO EL INGLES

Even if a girl does know some English, it is still much easier for her to converse in Spanish, and improves your chances many-manyfold.

There are those who can't or don't want to learn Spanish for various reasons, and if that works for them - fine with me. I would not say that my response rate was 99%, but it is quite quite high, much higer than I originally anticipated. I guess everyone's experience is different.

... in response to knowing spanish DOES make a difference, posted by thunderbolt on Jan 12, 2005

I could show you many emails that were almost verbatim. As many emails as they are receiving, the ones in English are probably thrown right in the trash. What would you do if someone sent you an email in Chinese? For all the guys that say the emails are useless and aren't studying spanish every chance they get, I want to thank you also...None of this is directed at you, Pablo, it's just the emails are a great way to pass the time and get to know the people while you are stuck here, but they need to be in Spanish to show any real returns.

... in response to Thanks, posted by soltero on Jan 12, 2005

I have to agree with you Soltero. The e-mail campaign has to eventually turn into phone calls and then followed up with a trip. I don't think anyone is saying that e-mailing by itself will achieve anything, but it can be a critical piece of the puzzle.
I believe guys who write in Spanish and who can say they've been to the country before will be more successful with this method. I think it adds credibility when you write a woman from Medellin, and can tell her you were impressed with their metro, etc. I'll be calling one of these e-mail contacts from Medellin tomorrow for the first time and I'm really looking forward to it.
Pablo, I recommend LatinEuro because I've used them before and my response rate was around 40%. My advice to Michael would be to only write the women from the 500 most recent profiles. I'm thinking that should make the entries no older than 6 months. The further back you go in the archives, the less successful you'll be.

... in response to Newbie needs help!, posted by tzion on Jan 12, 2005

Follow a simple plan:

1/ choose a country and the city. Focus on it.

2/ Learn Spanish/Portuguese until you are self-sufficient.

3/ Find 1-3 respectable agencies that have good selection in that place (see #1).

4/ Writing emails is a waste of time. Dont do it.

5/ Go to one of the agencies in #1, select the ladies, and go from there.

... in response to Newbie needs help!, posted by tzion on Jan 12, 2005

I would suggest, LAI in Bogota. You can follow my advice and get some letters on the way before you go there.

I would also suggest Odee Int, in Bogota if you want and a desire a very professional lady from Colombia.

As for Brazil. I have heard that the LatinSocialnewwork is pretty good.

LatinEuro is there but I seldom hear of anyone that has had a good experience with them in terms of finding a wife. I used them before I visited Brazil. The bad thing with them is you don't know where the lady lives until you've purchased the address. Ideally you would want to line up a few ladies to meet in the same city. If you like to travel and want to visit several cities on one trip, then going the Latineuro route could be a good thing. you can get a brazil pass pretty cheap and fly all over brazil for a few hundred dollars after you arrive there.

I have heard that Latin BEst in Cali is a good place. I have never visted Cali but I was to go there, I would try them.

I have heard that ColombianSweethearts in medellin is also a good place. I have not visited there either, so again this is just word of mouth from some friends of mine.

best of luck

... in response to Re: Newbie needs help!, posted by Avispa on Jan 12, 2005

Thanks to everyone for the input. I'm not prepared to just sit on
the plane, land in eg. Bogotá... - and then what? I'm not the
clubs/discos person--or at least don't want to meet the partying
kind of girl. So I think it would be much more prudent to
establish a contact with a few I feel hold a lot of prospect and
THEN make the trip.

Incidentally, yes, i DO plan to come. In fact, I'm going to be
quitting Europe for either Colombia or the Dominican Republic in
a few months' time.

Any more advice/experiences please?

... in response to Re: Newbie needs help!, posted by Avispa on Jan 12, 2005

Well I disagree somewhat.. I think letter writing is a good way to go as long as you have a trip planned. That is decide when to go and begin your letters. It helps build some level of understanding before you meet them.
granted, nothing replaces the face the face but it does help to know if you are on the same page with the women.

That is try to figure out the ladies opinion on family, work etc.. the things that you important to you. You can sometimes cancel out some ladies that don't fit.

So again, nothing beats face to face, but dropping a letter or two some ladies that you are interested in before you get there, can be a good thing. I would recommend a month or two before you get there.

one

... in response to Re: Re: Newbie needs help!, posted by Onephd on Jan 12, 2005

I agree too... If you are getting ready for a trip it will help to get your foot
in the door.. if you are sitting on the fence forget it alot of these girls get men
that write them with the promise they are coming to Colombia and never show
up. My wife had in the year before I met her 2 or 3 men promise they were
coming to Colombia and come up with any number of excuses why they could
not come. That was good for me but not for them, I met the woman of my
dreams and they are still looking...

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GoodWife / Planet-Love Archives => Threads started in 2005 => Topic started by: tzion on January 12, 2005, 05:00:00 AM