Yeah, I'm sure it's worth it for hobbyists, but it seems silly for a provider to spend the money when we get free VIP access once we have a few reviews. But maybe I'm wrong. I'd love it if some other providers could chime in.
What should I do when there's a new message in my TER mailbox and I don't know who it's from or what it says? I can understand the rational behind not letting basic members use the mail function, but as a new provider I'm worried that not responding to mystery guy/gal's message will make me seem like a jerk.
Any advice on dealing with mail until I get access?
Ante up for VIP it's worth it.
Any advice on dealing with mail until I get access?
Yeah, I'm sure it's worth it for hobbyists, but it seems silly for a provider to spend the money when we get free VIP access once we have a few reviews. But maybe I'm wrong. I'd love it if some other providers could chime in.
...just their own reviews and PMs but to read the reviews of guys that have requested appointments with them.
You can read how guys review, post etc. I know gals who couldn't screen without it. Just my .02.
Even with reviews, your VIP access is limited. I find that it's a worthwhile investment.
I took the plunge and have been eagerly reading about people for the past hour. 
If nothing else, it can make for some very interesting reading!
...you get a review. $30 a month then once you have a review you can apply for the free limited provider VIP. Be sure to check out the Self-Help Center for information about posting ads on your TER regional ad board and how to apply for the provider VIP.
Short term why not post on your regional discussion board that you don't have access to PMs presently so whoever it is will know you aren't ignoring them.
It would be great to see what people actually write in their reviews of others. If potential clients can see what other clients *really* think, why shouldn't I? Good info to have!
...because by requesting it TER knows you're a provider and will set things so you have access to white listing clients and anything else that is provider specific. You can continue to pay for the VIP as well for as Tobi says many of providers find it useful. I think you're already finding out how/why.
We all know you could pay, and you could also write reviews. But did you know that you get 2 VIP days for every problem report you do?
I see mistakes all over the place. Wrong age, wrong hair color, new phone numbers, new email addresses, duplicate profiles for the same provider, ad links that don't work anymore....
See a mistake? Do a problem report and get 2 VIP days. See ten mistakes? Get 20 VIP days. That is your reward for helping the community by correcting errors on this website. Easy peasy.
...can be found much faster than writing two reviews and you get the same number of free days for reporting 15 mistakes as you do for two reviews.
And as Mr-Blonde says, you're helping by keeping the profiles and discussion boards accurate.
A member has to activate VIP by paying, or writing 2 reviews, before they can get the two free days for problem reports and stuff.
-- Modified on 7/29/2014 3:04:18 PM
in order to get free days. If you can afford $300+ for time with a provider, you can surely affort $30 / month for this.
How many posts (or maybe hundreds of posts) have I had on this board telling newbies to pay for VIP?
TER also happens to reward people for problem reports because it helps them to keep their database up to date. My post was stating that in order to earn those free days you must first get VIP in the traditional way.
there is nothing wrong with a hobbyist first paying for VIP in order to be able to accumulate days by filing problem reports.