There are five main ways to find a sugar daddy: sugar daddy apps, dedicated services with screening processes, social media, bulletin boards, and dating clubs.
To put it simply, the best balance between safety and ease of finding a match is a dedicated service where men undergo identity verification and screening.
In fact,A survey conducted by PATOLO among 1,093 female members.Of the women who had previously met a "sugar daddy," 42.8% had done so through a "sugar daddy dating app," significantly more than those who used free bulletin boards or social media.
- "I don't know where to look for a safe and good daddy."
- "I'm worried about whether it's okay to recruit through social media or message boards."
I think many people feel that way.
This article compares five recruitment methods in terms of safety, cost, and likelihood of finding a match, and also provides guidance on how to write recruitment messages that do not violate any terms of service, all in a way that beginners can put into practice starting today.
Airi
Hi everyone! I'm Airi, 28 years old, and I've been involved in "sugar dating" for 5 years. I've met about 25 different men and earned a total of 400 million yen. Currently, I earn an average of 10 to 15 yen per month, and I share my experiences and insights about sugar dating.
In this article, I will share my findings on "how to choose a safe platform for meeting people," based on both data and personal experience, drawing on my own trials and experiments.
For those who want to know the basic steps of sugar dating beforehand, we have systematically compiled information from registration to meeting in person.Explanation of how to do sugar datingReading this in conjunction with the following will make it easier to understand what follows.
This media outlet is operated by UNIVERSE GROUP and provides information to help women considering or engaging in "sugar dating" make safe and satisfying choices. The content is based on actual user reviews and our own research, and we prioritize an unbiased perspective that includes not only the benefits but also the risks and points to be aware of.
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There are mainly 5 ways to find or recruit sugar daddies | A comparison of safety, advantages, and disadvantages

Each method for finding a sugar daddy has its own advantages, disadvantages, and risks. Let's start by looking at the five main methods from the perspectives of safety, cost, and ease of finding a match.
Five ways to find or recruit a sugar daddy (apps/dedicated services/SNS/bulletin boards/dating clubs)
The methods for finding a sugar daddy can be categorized into the following five types:
- Sugar daddy dating app (general-purpose matching app)
- This is a screening-based service (men are required to undergo an interview and identity verification).
- SNS (X, Instagram)
- Bulletin board (free recruitment bulletin board)
- Dating clubs (membership-based, with intermediaries)
General-purpose sugar daddy apps are characterized by their ease of use, requiring only a smartphone. Dedicated services with a screening process require men to undergo interviews and submit documents before registration, which tends to ensure a more stable quality of potential partners.
While social media and online forums are free to use, they have a fundamental weakness: you can't verify the other person's identity. Dating clubs, on the other hand, cost money, but you receive support from intermediary staff.
The advantages, disadvantages, safety, and cost of the five methods are summarized in a comparison table.
We compared five recruitment methods based on four key factors that women find important.
| Recruitment method | Safety | Cost (for women) | Ease of meeting someone | Key points to note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dad activity app | 中 | Mostly free | high | Photo fraud and professional scammers can sometimes be found among the scammers. |
| A service with an application process | high | Mostly free | Medium to high | Because there is a screening process for male registration, there will be regional differences. |
| SNS (X, Instagram) | Low | Free | 中 | High risk of identity being unknown, fraud, or being exposed. |
| Bulletin board | Low | Free | Low to medium | Businesses, violations of terms and conditions, and other troubles are particularly common. |
| Dating club | high | Free to membership fee applies. | 中 | Some clubs require women to pay a membership fee. |
A common mistake many beginners make is choosing a message board or social media platform simply because it's free and convenient.
While it may seem cost-free at first glance, the lack of identity verification increases the likelihood of falling victim to photo scams and financial troubles, ultimately leading to wasted time and money.
Remember that ease of use and safety are often inversely proportional.
The first thing beginners should choose is a "dedicated service that requires identity verification."
For those just starting out with "sugar dating," the first thing I recommend is using a service that verifies and screens the identity of the men involved. The reason is that the clearer the other person's identity is, the lower the chance of encountering a scammer or a dangerous individual.
In the case of PATOLO, approximately 6% of male members have an annual income of 2,000 million yen or more, and the service employs a strict screening process that includes interviews. Annual income is verified through documents rather than self-reporting, which is a key feature of the service, ensuring the credibility of the profiles.
Source:PATOLO official website
Airi
In the beginning, I also had an embarrassing experience with a photo scam using a general-purpose app, but after switching to a service with a screening process, I found that many people were calmer from the messaging stage, and I was able to use the service with peace of mind.
[Exclusive Survey] Recruitment Platforms Where You're Likely to Find a Partner, Based on the Feedback of 38,000 People

"Where is the best place to meet someone?" PATOLO's unique research data will answer this question. The data reveals that the ease of finding a match isn't simply determined by the number of members, but rather by the quality and safety of potential partners.
42.8% of those with experience met through an app | Survey of 1,093 people
A survey conducted by PATOLO among 1,093 female members revealed how women who have previously met a "sugar daddy" met them.
| How I met my dad in the past | Proportion |
|---|---|
| Dad activity app | 42.8 % |
| Dating site | 14.6 % |
| bars and clubs | 12.3 % |
The most common method was sugar daddy apps, far surpassing dating sites and the sex industry. This indicates that the majority of women are meeting people specifically for sugar daddy relationships through apps and services that cater to people seeking sugar daddy arrangements, rather than through free bulletin boards or social media.
The same survey also showed that 37.4% of women who started "sugar dating" had no prior experience, indicating that it's not uncommon for people to start looking for sugar daddies without any prior experience.
The key to finding a match is the "quality of the men" | Common characteristics of highly-rated recruitment sites
The survey also revealed what women prioritize when choosing a job.
According to a survey by PATOLO, when choosing a sugar daddy service, 67.6% of respondents cited "quality of the men (financial stability)" (34.0%) and "quality of the men (reliability)" (33.6%) as the most important factors.
This significantly outweighs "ease of earning money" (5.7%) and "large number of male members" (4.7%), clearly indicating a preference for quality over quantity.
Source:PATOLO Female Member Survey
The "quality of men" varies significantly depending on the type of job posting.
In a survey conducted by PATOLO targeting over 38,000 men and women, when asked on a 5-point scale whether men found many trustworthy people, dating clubs received 3.08 to 3.67 stars, sugar daddy apps received 2.39 to 2.69 stars, and dating apps received 1.68 to 2.19 stars, showing a difference of three levels.
Source:We surveyed 38,000 men and women about their reviews and opinions on sugar daddy dating apps.
This recruitment service is only available to men who have passed an interview-based screening process. As mentioned earlier, it clearly shows that it is easier to meet trustworthy partners.
In the same survey, 97.8% of the 36,739 dates arranged through PATOLO resulted in participants successfully meeting their date. The average satisfaction level after the date was 4.05 stars, and the cancellation rate was only about 2%.
The process doesn't end with posting a job opening; whether you're satisfied after actually meeting the candidate is also an important factor in choosing a recruitment site.
Trends in "free bulletin boards and social networking services" that received low ratings
On the other hand, free bulletin boards and dating sites tend to receive lower ratings based on the data.
The "reliability of men" on dating sites was the lowest overall, ranging from 1.68 to 2.19 stars, and reviews frequently mentioned "the compensation is too low" and "there are many people with motives other than sugar dating."
In places where anyone can post for free, it's easy for people who don't understand "sugar dating" or even scammers to infiltrate. While the number of potential matches may seem large at first glance, considering the effort and risks involved in discerning quality, it's not necessarily efficient.
From the data so far, it's clear that the quickest way to meet people safely is to choose a platform that requires identity verification.
PATOLO allows you to confirm the allowance and relationship type before meeting, and also guarantees travel expenses for the initial meeting, so even first-timers can take the first step with peace of mind.
How to find a sugar daddy using apps and dedicated services [The classic method]

This guide explains the specific steps involved in using apps and dedicated services, the most common recruitment methods. Understanding the process from preparation to the initial meeting will allow you to proceed confidently, even if it's your first time.
Preparations before starting recruitment, and the basic steps from registration to meeting.
Before you start recruiting through the app, there are some essential preparations you should make.
- Profile picture (a natural light photo, not overly edited)
- Self-introduction (content that conveys your purpose for sugar dating and your personality)
- Desired allowance guideline
- Settings to prevent your identity from being revealed (avoiding your real name and workplace)
When choosing a profile picture, avoid over-editing it, as this can create an awkward situation on the day of your first meeting. Instead, opt for a natural-looking photo that gives a good impression.
The amount of compensation varies depending on the region and age group. The median desired amount by type of relationship was 42,324 yen for meals-centered relationships and 63,275 yen for relationships with a deeper connection, a difference of about 1.5 times. By age group, those in their 30s and 40s had the highest rate at 61,212 yen.
Airi
The misconception that "you can't make money unless you're young" has been disproven by data.
Once you're ready, the process from registration to meeting in person will proceed as follows: The basic steps are: register on the app, set up your profile, search for a partner, exchange messages, and then proceed to meet in person.
For detailed instructions on each step, see below.An article explaining the process of "sugar dating" in 7 steps.It's all summarized here.
The three key elements to include first in your profile (job posting).
Your profile is essentially your "recruitment message." Including the following three elements will increase your chances of attracting sincere daddies.
- The purpose of "sugar dating" (positive reasons such as self-investment and saving money)
- A word that conveys your hobbies and personality
- Desired relationship (meals only, regular, etc.)
Airi
My initial profile was also very brief, just saying "Nice to meet you," but simply adding specific details about my purpose and hobbies significantly increased the number of people who contacted me.
Men feel more secure with someone they can imagine spending time with.
Tips for efficiently finding a good dad through searching and applying
It's more efficient to narrow down your options based on specific criteria rather than applying blindly.
Avoid those with poorly crafted profiles or those who immediately suggest a sexual relationship. Focus your approach on honest daddies who have clearly stated their occupation and position.
One important point to understand here is that "sugar dating" is not suitable for those looking to "earn a large sum of money immediately." Many men are looking for long-term relationships, and the more carefully you communicate and meet in person, the more stable both the allowance and the relationship will become.
Rather than rushing into meeting someone with unsuitable qualities, taking the time to build trust will ultimately be a more efficient path to success.
Recruitment methods on social media and message boards, and the risks you can't overlook.

While social media and online forums are options for recruiting, it's crucial to understand the potential risks involved.
The most common tactic used in this method is to lure people in by making the conditions seem attractive.How to spot when favorable conditions are a trapSo, I'm organizing a list of things I can check before meeting someone.
This article explains how to use it in detail and the pitfalls you should avoid.
The process of finding a sugar daddy on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
On X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, some people use hashtags and profiles to find sugar daddy partners.
The typical process involves assessing the other person's character based on their posts and then contacting them via direct message.
However, in places where people can post anonymously, their true nature is more likely to come out, making it difficult to discern who is trustworthy.
The actual methods and tips for finding someone on social media are:How to search on social media and things to keep in mindWe explain this in more detail there. To use it safely, you need the ability to carefully verify the other person's account.
The difference between in-app bulletin boards and SNS-type bulletin boards
Even though they're all called "bulletin boards," their nature is completely different. Bulletin boards within apps can only be used by members who have completed identity verification, so a certain level of security is maintained.
On the other hand, free message boards where anyone can post anonymously lack identity verification, making them susceptible to posts from businesses and those violating the terms of service.
Even with the same "recruiting on a bulletin board" method, the level of risk can vary greatly depending on whether or not there is monitoring by the administrators.
Why free, anonymous message boards and direct recruitment on social media are dangerous.
I especially don't recommend using free, anonymous message boards or social media to find partners directly, especially for beginners. The reason is that you don't know the other person's identity, which makes you more susceptible to dangers such as photo scams, financial troubles, and having your identity revealed.
What is often overlooked here is that it's not just women who are wary of danger. Men are also wary of honeytraps and scammers.
That's why honest men tend to choose places where users' identities are verified, rather than free message boards where their identities are unknown.
Airi
In other words, anonymous message boards have a structural problem in that they tend to attract more people who are aware of the risks involved.
A common tactic in these scams is to contact victims through social media or apps, then pretend to meet them in person to demand money. If you feel even the slightest bit uneasy, deciding not to meet or continue the conversation is the best way to protect yourself.
Rules for using recruitment keywords to avoid violating terms of service and account suspension.
Surprisingly, many people don't know this, but your account can be frozen depending on how you write your recruitment post. Many platforms prohibit direct monetary transactions and sexual content in their terms of service.
To avoid account suspension, please refrain from using direct language such as the following:
- A way of writing that explicitly states the amount
- Expressions that directly seek sexual relations
- An attempt to immediately exchange contact information
The job posting should be positive and convey your purpose and personality, while details about money and relationship conditions should be handled safely within a service that verifies identity.
To prevent your identity from being revealed, you should avoid writing your real name, workplace, or school name.
How to find a high-quality sugar daddy through a dating club

While it does incur costs, dating clubs are a viable option for those seeking high-quality partners with comprehensive support. This article explains their mechanisms and how to use them in conjunction with dating apps.
The registration and matching system of dating clubs
A dating club is a completely membership-based service that facilitates encounters between men and women who have passed a screening process. Also known as a dating club, its main feature is that a concierge acts as an intermediary to set up the first date.
Unlike apps where you search for a partner yourself, this system uses an intermediary to facilitate encounters, providing peace of mind knowing you can consult with staff in case of problems.
For details on the mechanism and market price,An article explaining what a dating club is, from the perspective of an industry professional.It's all summarized here.
How to use dating apps and dating clubs effectively
It's best to use both dating apps and dating clubs depending on your purpose, rather than choosing one over the other.
A simple way to understand this is to choose an app if you prioritize convenience and the number of people you can meet, or a dating club if you prioritize support and the quality of your partner.
Actually, PATOLO combines the best of both worlds. It maintains the ease of use of an app while offering the same rigorous screening process and member support as a dating club.
A survey by PATOLO also found that among women who used multiple services, the one they ultimately chose as their main service was a dating club-type service, with 50.3% of women citing Universe Club.
How to write a safe and effective recruitment message: [Examples for different cases]

Your job posting is a crucial element that can determine whether or not you find a good dad. This article introduces a trustworthy basic structure and ready-to-use example sentences for various situations.
The basic structure of a trustworthy job posting (4 steps)
To create a job posting that resonates with sincere dads, try structuring it in the following four order.
- Greetings and a brief self-introduction
- The positive reasons for starting sugar dating
- Episodes that reveal hobbies and personality
- Desired relationship (meals only, regular, etc.)
Rather than focusing on money, it's more effective to convey "what kind of time we can spend together" to make a better impression.
Airi
When I first wrote only about the amount of money I wanted, it didn't work out. After I rewrote it to focus on my purpose and personality, I was able to meet a calm and reliable sugar daddy.
Sample recruitment messages for different situations (initial meeting / regular / meals only)
Depending on your purpose, you can use the following writing styles:
If you would like to meet in person, you can express your desire to start with a casual meeting, such as, "Hello. I registered because I want to save money for obtaining a qualification. I enjoy visiting cafes, so I would love to chat over tea first."
If you're looking for a regular relationship, you can gently express your preference for frequency by saying something like, "I'm looking for someone I can have a stable relationship with. Ideally, we'd like to have meals together a few times a month."
If you only want meals, it's important to make that clear from the start.
Write something like, "I'm looking for someone to enjoy meals or tea with," to avoid misunderstandings later. When considering a reasonable compensation,An article summarizing market prices based on different conditions.Will be helpful.
Expressions to avoid in job postings
Conversely, avoid the following expressions:
- A way of writing that emphasizes only the amount.
- Expressions that directly describe sexual content
- Personal information such as real name, workplace, and school name
These actions can lead to violations of the terms of service or attract dangerous individuals.
A survey by PATOLO also showed that the top things men appreciated about women after a date were cleanliness (41.5%), proactiveness in conversation (29.8%), and kindness (28.1%), indicating that communication and personality were valued more than physical appearance.
In job postings, focusing on conveying your personality rather than just money will ultimately lead to better matches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about how to find a sugar daddy
Finally, we will answer some frequently asked questions regarding the application process.
Is it illegal to advertise for "sugar daddy" relationships?
There is no law that directly prohibits the act of receiving payment for enjoying meals or dates.
However, sexual acts involving payment may violate the Prostitution Prevention Act, and if the other party is under 18 years old, it becomes a crime in violation of the Child Prostitution Punishment Act, the Child Welfare Act, or the youth protection and upbringing ordinances of each prefecture.
According to the National Police Agency's "Status of Juvenile Delinquency and Child Sexual Abuse in 6," the number of children under 18 who become victims of sexual abuse through social media remains high, and the number of arrests for child prostitution and other related offenses has not decreased.
Source:National Police Agency
It's important to choose safe services that verify age and to participate within the rules.
Is there a way to find a sugar daddy for free?
Many sugar daddy apps and services with screening processes are available for free for women. PATOLO is also free for women to register and use.
While social media and message boards are free, the lack of identity verification increases the risk. Don't choose them solely based on the word "free"; consider safety as well.
What should I do if I can't find a dad even after posting an ad?
If you're having trouble finding matches, it's effective to review your profile and the places you're posting. Making small changes, such as changing your photos to ones taken in natural light or adding your goals and hobbies to your self-introduction, can significantly improve your response rate.
If that still proves difficult, consider switching to a higher-quality service that verifies the applicant's identity.
If you live in a rural area, there may be fewer active men in your region, so choosing a service that covers the entire country will increase your chances of finding a match.
What is the minimum age for applications?
Only those 18 years of age or older can engage in "sugar dating" (papakatsu), and high school students are not eligible. Reputable services like PATOLO do not allow registration for those under 18 and require age verification.
Engaging in "sugar dating" with minors under 18 is a crime that can result in serious charges against the adult involved, and should absolutely never be done.
What should you do if they ask for your personal information during the application process?
Avoid easily disclosing your real name, workplace, or school name.
According to a survey by PATOLO, the top pieces of information women are comfortable sharing with men are their LINE contact information (69.8%) and their place of residence (64.5%), while only 6.9% are willing to share their workplace or school name. This indicates that many women are building a healthy level of trust while still protecting their privacy.
It is safest to exchange contact information within a service that is monitored by the platform's administrators.
Summary | Choose a safe recruitment method and start sugar dating wisely.
This article reviews methods for finding a sugar daddy and key points for meeting safely.
- There are five ways to recruit: apps, dedicated services with screening processes, social media, bulletin boards, and dating clubs.
- A good balance between safety and ease of finding a match is found in dedicated services that require identity verification.
- 42.8% of those with experience met through apps, and free bulletin boards and social media are considered high-risk.
- The job posting should focus on conveying the applicant's purpose and personality rather than the salary, and should not include their real name or workplace.
- Those under 18 are not eligible, and it is essential to choose a service that requires age verification.
Free message boards and social media platforms may seem convenient at first glance, but the lack of identity verification increases the risk of photo scams and financial troubles.
If you want to meet a good daddy safely and efficiently, the quickest way is to choose a service that screens and verifies the identity of the men.
PATOLO operates on a strict screening system, allowing you to confirm compensation and relationship type before meeting, and includes features such as guaranteed travel expenses for initial meetings and confidentiality. Registration is free for women, so why not give it a try?
