for agencies recommended by clients themselves.
I recommend dolcedesires as an independent because they are organized, screen thoroughly, and consistently respond to reference requests.
City girls and jennifersmodels are mentioned a lot by prospective clients.
Hey, Jazzy, I haven't been with an agency so maybe it's not fair for me to chime in, but I have had friends who were both agency and then indy and I did ask which was better ... everyone seemed to prefer the indy route...
This is what I think: putting your safety and well being into the hands of an employer is not nec. safer than screening clients yourself. Again, IMHO. I feel going indy IS safer because you are not second-guessing yourself -- you are making your own calls on who you want to see. Instinct is not a substitute for screening but screening is not a substitute for instinct. You need both. If there is a middleman (or middle lady) who stands to gain from you taking as many appts as possible, then how can you really be sure your best interests are always being considered?
Unless there is somebody from the agency that is in the room WITH you and is big enough to handle whatever bad thing might happen, I don't see the benefit of them. Besides, that would be weird 
Plus you have to give a big cut of your pay to someone else --- and what did they do to earn it that you could not do just as well yourself, if not better?
If you want to stay out of trouble, being an indy instead of being part of an...er...group? operation? Let's just say you are less vulnerable, as an indy. You are small fry. You are less of a draw. The trick here is not to get greedy and make dumb mistakes. You MUST know when to fold. Better to lose the money than take an appt that does not end well.
If you go with an agency, you will have to take a LOT of appts. I think it is expected. The plus side is you will prob. make serious bank. The downside is that it may impact you negatively. I knew right off the bat that was not for me. Not everyone is equipped physically and emotionally for it. More power to women who can. If I could, I'd be driving a newer model car But what I like about being indy is there is no pressure that way. I work when I want, how often I want, and if I need to take time off, I can do that.
Going indy is not really that hard. You can set up a website for free, link to TER, get a review and voila! You are in business! Providers will help you -- not all of them, but many will. I've had providers send me clients. A couple of providers helped me when I was first starting and answered so many questions for me and gave me good advice. I could not have done it without them. Clients are nice to you. My clients helped me understand things that -- um -- they don't teach in school. Like the acronyms, oh my word
Anyway, my 2 cents. Make the decision that is right for you, but don't let fear of going indy keep you from going indy.
To screen with an established provider (background check, employer, what have you) you can get help from someone.
I had zero help from providers, but plenty of help from clients and an ex detective at a bar. Working indy makes you less of a target from police regarding orgamized crime.
The drawbacks to an agency, including not being able to screen clients on MY criteria or really set my own schedule, just seem too high. I try to stay as low-profile as possible, and as indy it's fairly easy and I'm simply not that interesting to the cops unless I act like an idiot.
There are some truly wonderful providers and clients who will give advice and help around here, and I'm eternally grateful for their assistance and still asking questions!
Just my $0.02 -- it might be right for you! It really depends on your own personal risk/reward profile.
Warmly,
*Maureen*
Thanks guys so much for your input.
The reason I said it seemed "safer" is because I don't have to go through the trouble of screening people. I'm new to this so I don't know who's an undercover cop or if they're ddf, etc. It just seemed easier to let them do the work for me. Also, advertising is a big concern for me. I wouldn't even know where to begin on my own!
I know escorting is something I really wanna do. I think to start off, I'll go with an agency then work my way to independent once I learn the ropes.
Also, I'd hateeeeeee to give a portion of my money to the company!!! But I guess it can't be too bad.
Thank you so much for this post I am in the same position as Jazzy, thinking about starting, but I am staying independent. For me, thinking about the sex part of this business is fun and exciting, but the risks you have to take, the downside is scary. For instance, I have no idea how to screen, other than p411, or getting the work number/real name. But still, LE could set all that up, couldn't they? Arrest would be a nightmare for my day job.
Overall point I want to make is to echo what's been said. Please be safe, so don't rush discovering the process of things in this arena.
I do consulting for new / existing businesses and so I sell consulting all the time. I'm sure there's plenty of good and free advice here and you should search and read the forums. That said, having a focused one on one meeting with someone who knows the industry is well worth the investment in the long run. What you pick up will give you confidence and clear direction. Check out http://www.kelly4u.com/consulting.shtml
To be transparent, I don't know Kelly. I've never had a date with Kelly. Never even communicated with her. She is the only provider I've seen offer something like this and believe it is worth pointing out if it could lead to a safer, more profitable, time.
Your safety matters as does how you "present" yourself.
Salud!
