Some ladies simply choose to be represented by a third party.  They pay the agency a fee to book them, screen for them and advertise for them.  There is no "catch" on the customer's end other than the fact that an agency gal generally has stricter time constraints, an hour is an hour, where an Indy girl might be willing to be a bit more flexible.
That being said, there are scam agencies especially in places like Vegas so the same rules apply as far as using TER to find a good one.

There is no reason to think agency ladies will necessarily offer services any different than an indy. Its all provider-specific. I've used agencies and so far had full experiences each time, with no up-selling or anything like that.

One potential upside to an agency is there may be less risk using a less well-known (reviewed) provider if other ladies there have strong reviews --- a good agency wants to protect its reputation. Also, if a last minute problem arises, a agency can also often offer a substitute.

A downside, along these lines, is a shadier agency might try a bait and switch, and push someone else who they have trouble booking.

When dealing with an agency, I would recommend reading the reviews of several of the ladies there, rather than just the one you are particularly interested in.

My first time out, with no references yet, I could not get a well reviewed indy (who was specifically recommend to me via PM) to respond to my inquiries. I then went the agency route, had no trouble getting verified, and met a terrific lady. With a couple of references available now, I may go back to try contacting that indy again.

My experience as a provider...

Some good comments above.

I've been contacted a couple of times by agencies wanting to expand into my little niche.  (For those who don't know me, I'm a TS.)

One was an absolute joke, they wanted me to collect a flat rate of $300, then whatever "tips" I could get were mine.  Like I'm going to drive across town on a date and hope I get a tip...  ha.  

I think that's why some agencies get reps for upselling and poor service.  And I think it's why some indies try to upsell, they get into the mindset that this is all about squeezing money out of gents wallets and not about both parties having a nice time and making sure their man is well served.

The top agencies do a split, and there are good ones with really top girls.  I think it's also somwhat regional.  Some areas don't have good ad venues for indies, while agencies are in the yellow pages.  In other areas the internet has wiped the agencies out.

There are advantages to a girl to use a good agency.  No advertising responsibilities.  The ability to set hours and not be tied to the phone whe not working.  They often provide driver/bodguards (legit ones, not pimps), if it turns out to be a bust they will (hopefully) take care of things.  They usually accept credit cards - and unlike an indie who takes cards can get "charge backs" and can't do anything about it, an agency will send Cousin Vinnie and his boys over to settle accounts.

I think an indy with a good reputation  will usually provide a more personal experience than an agency girl.  But who is to say, there are no absolutes in this hobby.  Chemistry either happens or it doesn't, and two people can have a good, or bad time regardless of what might be in the background.

So have fun, play safe, and do your homework!

Giggle,
TS Jamie  

-- Modified on 10/20/2007 4:30:19 PM