Hi everyone! I am a brand new provider in the Baltimore area(still at the point of trying to set up my site!) and I am having trouble settling on rates.
I have been pouring over the boards the last few days, but I have not found a good answer for my question. Now, I am not the skinniest nor youngest of girls, so I am not trying to shoot for the moon, but I am not at the bottom of the barrel either. My intention is to lowball at least initially, in the $ range for GFE. What I have gathered, though, is that most men don't trust providers who charge too little, especially with no reviews...I don't want to be relegated to CL, so I am stuck not knowing what to do.
I don't want to overcharge and end up with disappointed clients, but I don't want to undercharge and scare away anyone either.
Thank you for any advice you can offer.
LOL when I started, my initial rate was astoundingly low. Of course, not having ANY idea what the hell I was doing, I had no idea that I had set a rate at roughly 1/4 what is considered average. Gee, I kept wondering why guys were hanging up on me 
I recommended to another lady who was just getting started to set her rate fairly reasonable, and phrase it something along the lines of "introductory rate" to let gents know they could expect to see an increase in the future as she becomes more established. Your idea of $-$$ is pretty much par for the course. Not too high, not too low. Give it some time at that rate, and you shouldn't have any problems getting some attention.
As far as disappointed clients though - that is really more about you than anything. No matter how high or how low you set your rate, if you will simply be yourself, enjoy yourself, and let him know that making sure he enjoys himself is a priority, they won't be disappointed.
That's my two cents. Good luck to you!
Thank you for the advice! I started thinking about that disappointed remark as soon as I posted it- I figured it is all about the effort I put forth. My fault for lurking around CL for so long and seeing all the complaints and arguing constantly posted over there; looking there I figured it was normal for clients to end up feeling ripped off. It's good to find a place like this where people are actually interested in helping.
Lurking or otherwise…… unless that streetwalker type behavior and mannerisms is what you are positioning for (*you stated you didn’t want to be relegated to C/L, so I am of the impression you are desiring to enter the hobby as a Provider*)
Just my experience, (*however limited it might be*) that any association with C/L will define your image and dictate your clientele as well as direct your reputation.
I think it can not be stressed enough that when getting into the biz, providers and hobbyists alike need to decide what level of integrity you are expecting. Believe it or not…. There was a time when C/L was not even considered a topic of discussion worthy of time to discuss in the hobby.
Besides, if that is the level of prostitution and activity anyone is interested in why waste the electricity and time to utilize the internet???? You can find the same assortment and activity on any back alley in America. If you are unfamiliar with the location in any major City for this type of activity just check the crime report, it can be used effectively to direct an individual to this type behavior.
Just my thoughts….. Happy Hobbying
Know your provider….. and her reputation ~T
Welcome from a hobbyist. Search TER for ladies in the Baltimore area. See what their rates are and go from there. "Introductory Rate" is a great way to start. FYI, most ladies grandfather a rate with a hobbyist once they have seen him.
take a good look at rates others are charging in your area - be honest with yourself and set the price accordingly. $$$$ does not necessarily mean a provider is good at her trade - I have found that over the years in this hobby, many of the regulars I see have competative rates, particularly since I have been grandfathered into their rate structure - while I get a lower rate than some newbies for them, I am a source of steady income so we both benefit. Right now, I am seeing two providers in the Chi-town area who are no longer active on the boards but have kept regulars they established over the years.
-- Modified on 8/24/2006 1:27:57 AM
and I really don't trust the ones with high rates and no reviews. They sometimes upsell or rip you off even with the high rates. I TOFTT with a prety $$$ girl and hope to never make that mistake again.
It's important for you to value yourself. To me, attitude trumps anything else, even looks. Some guys care only about looks. What type of guys are going after? And don't forget about free market forces and how much volume you are going for. Lower rates tend to attract more calls, and most hobbyists don't even know TER reviews exist.
Someone on your local board may be willing to see you and write your first review if you talk on there and build trust.
Good luck and let us know when your website is ready. I go to Baltimore once in a while. Who knows what may happen between two consenting adults if we ever meet!
Thank you all so much for your comments! You have all been extremely helpful and I appreciate it.
I saw posts about a provider who advertised a lower rate in exchange for HONEST reviews. I thought this was a very sharp idea. I saw a provider who was in her late 30s... still attractive but her body was not that of a 22 yo... boy was she a great experience, totally GFE... sure made up for age with her passion. I think it is a fair price at $$ 1/2 for writing an ad
Advertising a discounted rate in exchange for reviews is a VERY bad idea.
It is a great way to discredit both the reviewer and the provider's resulting reviews, as they will likely be viewed by other TER members as being 'purchased' rather than actually earned.
Regardless of the provider's intent, public perception is everything in this business. Although it is not against TER policy per se, offering discounts for reviews is just not a very wise business practice.
However, simply offering a discount to 'all TER members' or to 'TER reviewers' does not carry the same stigma or pose the negative implication of 'discounts for reviews'.
I think both of these are good marketing practices, and I advise newcomers to consider those advertising approaches instead of offering discounts for reviews.
- atl_mgr
Hi Tikah!
I'm a little late joining this thread, but I appreciate your taking time to carefully consider your clients' needs. I'm relatively new to the hobby (perhaps 6 mos), so I am still learning myself. I can tell you that one of the most important things I look for in a provider is that she is easy to get ahold of. I'm not suggesting you answer your phone in session (had that one-muy bad), just check every hour and return calls. As a client, my respect level and confidence in a provider go up very quickly when there is good communication. Also, try taking time to interview or correspond ahead of time to learn a little more about any common interests you may have, it will ensure your time conversing in person is more pleasurable for both of you (plus, phone time or emails from a provider before the session set the mood and can be very enticing - almost like free samples, mmm). Don't be too worried about your appearance; keep in the best shape you can and learn how to flaunt your strengths, but remember that men are mostly interested in girls who are attracted to them. It's not that different than women really- you need to connect with their mind (it's just on a different channel than most girls LOL). Lastly, in marketing you should realize that your rate determines your clients. Aim high, and you'll have better experiences.
Good luck, and stay safe. K