I had my first experience 6 years ago. I found out about an agency and checked out their web site. To this day I consider it one of if not the best agency sites out there. They had a discussion/message board and a chat room. There was a PM system to communicate with the providers. I lurked for about 5 months. Then I called and made the appointment. Screening required my full name, phone number, and place of employment. They screened me on the phone while I waited and then made the appointment.  

I used them exclusively for more than a year. This particular agency had apartment in calls. Usually there was more than one provider at the location during the day. Whenever a new lady came to the agency I would ask the provider I was visiting if it was possible to meet the new lady. I can't recall ever being turned down. Then I became a VIP member with access to the VIP members section of the agencies board where full face pictures where often posted. Between these two things it soon came about I was able to know what the provider looked like before I saw her.  

When ever one of the agency ladies left to go independent I would see them. They were able to be references for me from then on. (That agency is the only place/time I gave more than first name, phone number, and references. I do give my TER handle now but obviously didn't have one then.) I still see two of those agency ladies as independents.  

I began to use TER more. The agency owner chose to leave the business. I began to see a few independents that had had no association with the agency. I knew what they looked like due to full face photos here on TER. I went to my first Meet & Greet a little over a year ago. I always look for providers I have become interested in. I can't remember the last time I saw a provider without knowing what her face looked like before I made the appointment.

Many times newbies come here asking about getting verified. The usual recommendation is a verification service. I give that advice myself. It is the easiest, quickest way to be verified and see ladies that want a lot of information to screen with. If I were starting today that is what I would do. I told how I did it though as an example of how it can be done without a verification service membership.