I used Vanessa several times a few years ago to set up some dates. I just contacted her to set up a meeting in NYC and she is asking for an advance deposit of $300. I had very good luck with her before, but since I am really just dealing with an email address wondering if anyone else had used her lately and had to make an advance deposit. Thanks
I have a general rule of NEVER giving an advance deposit and if it means I don't get the date, I move on.
My reasoning is if something happens, and the date doesn't happen, I lose that money. Sure, some agencies will promise to give it back, or apply it to a future date but, often they make that promise and then "forget". And since this is a "business" where you have no written contract and cannot go to courts, the police, or anyone really to get your money back, or get an agency to credit you on a future date, the agency can pocket that money and you lose.
If you don't believe me that this can happen, search this board. Go back and look at people who posted about giving a deposit and then the person never showed up. There are plenty of such reports. Now, it might be a small percentage of the number of dates that actually happen but still it's significant enough to note.
My opinion has always been that the money is better off in my pocket than someone else's and I don't give it up until the date shows up.