In a thread below about the "300 Club" (ladies on TER with at least 300 reviews), some posters got into a discussion about how much money providers can earn. Well, we'll never be able to peg it down to an exact amount, but some people don't seem to like the idea of a provider making lots of money. Why? What difference does it make? A few weeks ago, I posted my thoughts on the subject of how much money providers can make, and I got several responses expressing disagreement.
For some reason, many hobbyists seem to want to believe that providers aren't well-compensated. Some of us subscribe to the archaic notion that the women in this business are poor and down-trodden, and they need a white knight with $$$.50 to come along and help them pay their bills.
This mythology makes sense, if you think about it, because people would rather give their money away to a poor person than a well-off person. Giving to the poor makes us feel like saviors, ennobling an act that would otherwise seem morally ambiguous; while giving to the not-so-poor makes us feel like victims and suckers, or slaves to our weakness.
Well, I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but many of these women are quite well-paid and well-heeled. Note that I didn't say "rich," because that would be inaccurate, but most providers are comfortably in the upper-middle income range. We're not talking about truck-stop street-walkers here. I'm convinced that the average provider earns more money than the average hobbyist.
Let's put it conservatively: with some effort, a provider with average or slightly above-average looks could probably make about $100,000 in a year. That ain't bad. But it's nothing compared to what some of our reigning champions here on TER can earn if they try. And, of course, we're forgetting about the handful of elite $1,000/hour-and-up companions who probably earn millions. According to the article below, originally posted by FavorTheBold on 9/16, some providers can earn up to $2,000/day... on Craigslist! I know this isn't the best source of information, but they have little reason to lie. If they were going to lie, their cause would be better served by claiming that the women were virtual sex slaves, earning almost nothing.
it's the American way and I'll tell you this very frankly - if I was a good looking woman and had to go to bed with ME.....there ain't enough money for that! 
Like I tell my provider friends....I ain't much in bed but I've got a cute way of hopping on and off!
(Oh, and I CAN hit a one iron!)
I've been told that if I'm ever on a golf course when a lightning storm comes up, hold a one iron over my head because not even God can hit a one iron.
8o)
Once, in conversation, a provider mentioned "...my sailbaot." Another mentioned "...my house in Spain" [to be sure, she was born in Spain, but you get the point]. Yet another mentioned "...some land I own in France." That clinched the argument right there.
Apart from unfortunate crack whores and 19-year olds just starting out, i've never met a provider whose standard of living was lower than my own. In spite of some impressive "overhead" costs for providers.
Interesting. I can't say I've met any providers in that league just yet, but then again, I don't usually get into full financial disclosure with them LOL. One thing I do notice is how much they all seem to LOVE to travel, which is something I frankly can't afford much (for both time and money reasons). I know one who enjoys trips to Kenya, and another who regularly visits the Caribbean, Mexico, and Australia.
Of the 3, only the sailboat-owning provider could be considered a VIP/centerfold type. The other 2 were mature types, way closer to the end than to the beginning. Perhaps they just managed their finances really well? All 3 of these things were mentioned in an offhanded, casual manner. The Spanish-homeowner even extended an open invitation to stay there "the next time you visit Spain" [like that's going to happen anytime in the immediate future, or the offer was in any way sincere. Just part of those little social hypocracies and white lies which are essential to civilized life.
You are dead right about the travel. Advantages of a flexible, self-set schedule. But they always send me postcards and bring me souvenirs of the "trinket" variety. Ah, it's the thought that countts.
A good living can be made. I know a few who are doing very well, and investing.
I don't think the majority of providers are wealthy by any means. Traveling ladies have expenses, such as hotels, food, and transportation, which they may have to see several guys just to break even. With cancellations, which seem common, I don't think every trip is a windfall.
The 300 club, however may be doing better then average. Just like any other job, money management is key.
-- Modified on 9/19/2007 6:11:24 AM
1) are careful money managers.
2) selective with clientelle.
3) prefer multi hour "dates" which assures maximal income over a specified period of time.
4) Plan financially for retirement
5) Have either a full life out of the hobby, or a "day job"
6) View the hobby "work" as a way for them to meet interesting a capable men for their compaionship as well (NOT looking to marry, but rather a lot of dudes to have fun with).
7) are intelligent.
To not expect a person with the above attributes to make money would be foolish.... But alas, some do not have those attributes and I know those as well... much as in ANY profession, some are better with money than others. So it is not what they earn, but the discipline to manage the money that seems to make a bigger difference in wealth.
-- Modified on 9/19/2007 4:52:49 AM
After reading several blogs, it looks like providers fall into as many financial levels as the clients. Success hopefully follows those providers who really stand out and allows them to continue to enjoy the hobby or go on to greater ventures. As said previously, money managment is key...
I've noticed on many occasions that they generally have extravagant tastes in vehicles. Hey, somebody has to help them out with those payments, might as well be me. The homeless, on the other hand, fuck em - nothing from me.
Speaking of taste in vehicles, I've had 2 different ladies ask to buy my car...this is the first time I've had one to sell that people asked to buy it before I got the for sale sign out.
During conversation with a provider just the other day I was gasping at how much she paid for a pair of shoes. She says that she makes $30K a month escorting so it's not a big deal. (She's a 7 looks, 7 performance type girl too, not exactly creme of the crop. And her primary source of advertising is CL of all places). I've had other providers drop some dollar figures on occasion too. One girl was a part timer and pulled in $150K/year. Full timers were $250K/year and up type money.
But none of them impressed me in terms of being financially savvy. They might have owned a house and/or been putting some money away, but they were all living high flying lifestyles, splurged on expensive cars, ridiculously expensive shopping sprees, etc.. Trust fund brat type behavior IMO - not having any genuine respect for that kind of money because it came so easily.
Frankly, I couldn't care less how much a provider makes. But I've worked too hard and long to get where I am, and seeing people not have respect for that kind of money bugs me a bit.
When I was a newbie, besides the donation, I usually brought a gift like thigh highs and garter belts. So, being stupid on this concept of money management, I bought her Quicken software and prepared a personal financial plan. Not exactly what she was looking for or needing. Five years later, she owns the European hotel, and I'm still a middle class schlub. Who's smarter?