I am new here and have been doing research - I found on TER if you check out the new reviews or posting - it provides you with a lot of info that can help you out. I don't know where you are located - perhaps someone can respond as well. With regard to SSN - I wouldn't - you don't know where that can lead! You can also start at cityvibe.com to check people out and many have reviews that link back to TER.
Anyway - good luck!
I found out about TER in a magazine article awhile back so I decided to give the hobby a try. It has been awhile since I have been with someone and it is hard for me to meet new people because of my work schedule so I thought this would help. Anyway, the problem I'm having is that I can not seem to get my foot in the door.
I have tried numerous providers. I've emailed and called with no luck. Most emails I send out are not answered or they want a reference which I do not have because I'm new. I've called two different agencies with no luck.
The first agency I called wanted to verify where I work, which was fine but, where I work to verify I have to give out my social security number so they can log into a website and get my info and I was just not comfortable doing that.
The second agency I called I thought I was going to have better luck. The lady answered the phone and I told her who I wanted to meet and that I wanted to see her the following day. She said that would be fine and I told her I was new and she said it would not be a problem. She told me to call back the next day so she could give me directions to where to go. She also said to call an hour before my appt. The next day comes and I get up, get ready, and call. It took me 20 minutes to get through because the lines were busy. I finally get through and give her my name and the reason I was calling and she tells me to hold on a second and she would check the schedule. She puts me on hold and I wait and wait and wait and finally an operator comes on the line saying the call has been disconnected and that I would have to call back. So I call back and the line is busy. By this point the time has arrived when my appt. should have took place. I called one final time and left a message saying I was disconnected and could she call me back which I knew was not going to happen.
I'm sorry this message is so long. I am just frustrated and needed to vent. I hate to give up but, I'm just tired of getting the run around. If someone has some advice I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks
I am new here and have been doing research - I found on TER if you check out the new reviews or posting - it provides you with a lot of info that can help you out. I don't know where you are located - perhaps someone can respond as well. With regard to SSN - I wouldn't - you don't know where that can lead! You can also start at cityvibe.com to check people out and many have reviews that link back to TER.
Anyway - good luck!
that would be a non-starter, but are you saying that there is no receptionist at your home office that a person can call and verify your employment?
I mean, even a prospective landlord or loan officer at a bank would want that much.
In any case, although I know it takes time and is frustrating, I would continue on by contacting independent providers (forget the agencies for now). Write to them and explain your situation to them and if you are eloquent enough, someone will see you eventually.
You can also explore joining screening agencies like Roomservice 2000.
Many large companies outsource their employment verification process to other companies that specialize in this service. Many companies, typically larger companies with 10K+ EE's, realize that they invest thousands of man-hours per year providing employment verification information on behalf of their EE's. Every car loan, mortgage loan, domestic dispute settlement, unemployment claim, ex-EE's with new job applications, etc.; require someone to provide past or current employment information to the requestor. This usually happens in the company's HR and/or Payroll departments and the requests never end. Never (trust me here folks)! So many large companies contract out this work to other companies to do this for them. When an EE of such a company is getting a loan or needs someone to verify their employment for whatever reason, company policy may prohibit anyone from giving this information except the company that they contracted with to provide this service. And those verification services typically require SSN (in some cases a specially assigned ID is given to the EE to share with banks, etc.) to answer an inquiry.
Calling a secretary and/or a receptionist may still be viable opitons for some, especially those who work for smaller buisnesses, but more and more large companies are prohibiting this practice and using vendor companies to do this for them.
Your RS2K suggestion (or date-check, or other provider reference sites, etc.) is a good one for somebody whose employer has outsourced their employment verification services.
-- Modified on 8/16/2007 1:53:19 PM
THere is also preferred411 which I found recently - so you can get around the loopholes - just make sure you don't fall into one!
...cause you do not want to get so frustrated that you go trolling on someplace like CL blind and end up stung like some unlucky hobbiests have. Maybe there is a meet and greet near your area if the RS2K or date-check do not work for you.
And all I can say is keep trying.
Are you located in an area where there is a TER regional board? Sometimes a post on these boards asking if "is there anyone willing to give a newbie a break?" will get some attention.
Let it be known that you are willing to provide personal info, but DO NOT share our SSN.
There have been several reports here of newbies who have passed this challenge, IT CAN HAPPEN FOR YOU. PoetInPause's one review is a gal who has long been on my PHX wishlist!
-- Modified on 8/17/2007 3:35:42 AM
First, stay away from the agencies, especially since you are a newbie. You dont need the added stress of the BS that comes with a lot of these agencies (case in point, your 20-30 minute phone call leading you no where).
Second, keep trying with well reviewed independent ladies. If you are professional and mature in your initial E-mail approach and make them feel comfortable, I guarantee you will get responses. If a provider wanted a reference (and I didnt have one), I will ask if I may give my direct work number instead. Usually this is fine; the provider only wants to make sure you are who you say you are. Her safety is the most important aspect. Also, dont worry if a provider does not get back to you immediately. Sometimes it may take a week depending on when you E-mail her.
I am not sure where you live so you may have difficulty finding indpendent providers in your area. If you are from a larger city (New York, Boston, LA etc.) there a multitude of independent providers who say they love seeing newbies.
Again, just be as professional and straight forward in your initial E-mail (OBVIOUSLY, not referencing anything sexual or illegal). If you maintain this approach you should be fine. Good luck.
If someone does not return my calls or email I just move on. I look for well-reviewed ladies who are stable. Not returning calls and/or email is a sign of instability in my perception.
I agree about moving on! There are some good people out there - you just have to take your time and find them. I also agree to check out the review - providers I thought were awesome received very mixed reviews!
I have had people (agencies) not reply - but no worry! It is their lost not mine! You will find what you are looking for!
Take care and don't get frustrated - just know the best is yet to come! (no pun intended!)