it's usually ON the clock. What you describe is the exception, not the rule.
I've noticed a few provider's website where first meeting is required to be in a public venue (restaurant, bar, etc.)
I've done this a couple times as it seems to me to solve a number of problems.
First, you get a while to chat and get a feel for the other person, and if something feels off, it's easy to bail.
Second, if we head back to my hotel room afterward, she doesn't have to deal with hotel security, since she's walking in with me, and I can just flash my room key.
Third, and maybe I'm just kidding myself, but to hotel staff, it looks much like a bar pick-up.
On the other hand, once time I made the call, and asked if she would like to meet for a drink, and she replied, "I don't do outings", and hung up on me.
like this and that a few providers do as well. But I think most think it's a bit excessive, and indeed providers are well within their rights to charge for the time. Most seem to be perfectly comfortable meeting first in a private place and after a small amount of chit chat, getting down to the pleasurable business at hand.
Public meeting is generally seen as an attempt at a free meeting, and that's probably why this provider hung up on you. We can, however, do so at our normal rate.
I make it a point to talk on the phone before confirming the appointment as part of my screening and feel out the vibe. I've never had any problem entering a hotel. If it requires the room key, I can just call the person I'm meeting and have them come get me.
it's usually ON the clock. What you describe is the exception, not the rule.
So you have the right understanding. The thing is, a lot of men think they won't be charged if it's a social meeting, so I imagine some providers jump the gun. When I get that request, I just say "sure, at my normal rate." Sometimes they know that, sometimes I never hear back so they must have been thinking otherwise.
It does crack me up how many guys think all you ladies have to do is go from coffee shop to coffee shop or talk on the phone all day...on your dime, of course.
I don't think I said anything to give the impression that I was looking for free time, and I certainly expected it to be on the clock.
I travel quite a bit, and have found that a little investment up front often has good reward. When I check into a hotel, I tip the desk clerk, and ask something like, "May I have a room on an upper floor?", or "Are any corner rooms available?". Also, I'll tip the bellman well, if he helps me up to my room. My goal is to make a good impression in the first 10 minutes.
I guess I find it interesting how some insist first time meetings are in a public venue, while others are equally insistent not to be seen in public.
If he has no references and I can't verify his employment to my satisfaction (ie. self employed or independently wealthy).
The lady who hung up on you may have thought you just wanted to meet for a drink and not a date. In any case, move on.
-- Modified on 5/20/2008 10:49:53 AM
For the gentlemens safety: Seldom will LE go to a hotel room to bust you but they may do so in a more public area.You could be set up.
For a providers safety: LE does prefer an easy bust which would be for you to go to their hotel room. I have heard of meetings in public and open questions about service or money is needed to make a bust. First time meetings for me are never over dinner as the perception of what is friendly conversation may go to far.
Kisses Haley