Personally I would say p411 is the better service, but I was recently invited to date-check and I happily maintain both services.

If you are going to hobby at this level you will spend alot of money, the least of your concerns should be the cost of the verification service.

Last word is that not all ladies use both, so each service has a special pool of unique providers.

I am a fan of p411. Once on board, it makes it very easy to find providers in the area and make appointments. The message service is a very nice communication tool as well. Look for newbie friendly providers to start, then build your OKAY list. Having multiple okays /references on either site builds your credibility with the ladies. I find it helpful when traveling, although other services such as RS2K are more popular in the midwest. I tend to have less success with the date-check site, and the provider responses aren't as consistent. Both do tend to have different populations of providers.

  As stated in multiple places on TER, the newbie FAQ's are required reading. Sticking with well reviewed, experienced providers at the beginning will ease you into the hobby. Get a hobby email and a hobby phone before you try for verification - makes it seemless. They are discrete when they verify (p411), but you can be invited onto date-check by a provider, so no "work verification" is needed. Enjoy your foray into the hobby world.

Just renewed mine this morning.  Feel like I am at a point where I never have an issue seeing the women I want to see so I almost let it lapse, but not a bad thing to have in your back pocket if needed.