I am an utterly new "newbie". When I see the rates or fees charged, are those a starting point, or are they "all inclusive" i.e. the rate seen is an averaged total rate?
Check out the girls reviews 
Most often it is all inclusive if you are searching for independents thru their websites..
Newspapers and services and the ones you have to watch out for that..
Ok-
First,my apologies at being so naive. My only experiences (two) were in Vegas and Denver, both times with an "appearance" fee, followed by negotiations on tips...am I understanding that it doesn't have to be this way?
Ladies and agencies exist that charge a low fee initially then attempt to get as much cash out of you as they can by pricing extras. As others pointed out, check for reviews first. By basing your decisions on review information, you will avoid ripoffs and upsellers and are more likely to enjoy sessions with providers. Once you have more experience you can try newbie providers that do not have reviews, but you need to understand what you are looking for and understand signs that a lady give that she may be luring you into a trap.
Do not ever be concerned about asking newbie questions, all hobbyists were newbies once.
You should ask this question on your local board.
Most TER hobbiers would not even think of dealing
with a provider (agency or independent) that did
upselling (what you term "starting point").
But I am aware this may be standard operating
procedure for some providers in certain locales.
For instance, I've heard this is true for
agencies in Las Vegas.
Many providers will post rates for specific services
such as Greek, Massage only with hand or french, etc. etc. etc. Be thorough in reading past reviews and looking a websites... if you are left with a feeling you do not have info needed, PASS ON THAT PROVIDER... there are a lot of good ladies out there, and no reason for you to get flammed.
You truly are a "Newbie". You are going to get some jaded, smart-ass answers, but there is a good chance that you won't learn anything usefull. I went through that not too long ago.If you really want to get the 411, call me, Nina @312-933-8128
Some of us insult new members that ask honest questions. For my $0.02, I would like to see everyone that answer questions focus on the question, regardless of how naive. There are sometimes posters that try one's nerves, but most newbies simply want to know more about a topic that they have little or no information on.
Be sure to do your research. Check the person's web site. They will often say that it is all inclusive.
Stay AWAY from LV agencies. They are notorious!
of the more thoughtful members did not check the site during the times that you had your issues. The board moderator is very good, but he seems to mostly stay out of the discussions that happen.
A sizeable proportion of TER members in San Diego go out of their way to be rude and smart-mouthed. I got tired of reading rude smarth-mouth responses, so I posted that I was willing to help anyone with a legitimate question, particularly newbies to the hobby and newbies to SD. Guess what? The rude smart-mouthed TER group posted rude smart-mouthed comments about my offer of help post! I've even been posting more on the National Board, particularly when of San Diego's rude smart mouth escorts pops up there... just my small attempt to give San Diego the much better reputation it deserves.
S
-- Modified on 5/15/2005 2:19:15 PM
use forum to belittle questioners & bounce inside jokes among themselves rather than answer questions. Others hijack thread, not answering at all. I've often thought of posting this observation so say "Amen" to Nina. This is a great forum on the whole but, at times, too many answers as she describes.
some of you were more offended by the feedback than I was, but I appreciate each and every one of you weighing in, and posting some comments on common courtesy towards a newcomer. Regardless of it being to this board, or one on bicycle maintenance...to a newbie, there is no such thing as a stupid question. OK,maybe there are, but not from me
At any rate, thanks again.
The only stupid question is the one you do not ask.
Thank you