I spent a couple of hours yesterday with a woman from our neighbor to the north, where the sale of sexual favors is completely legal. Once I figured out that she was completely uninterested in pretending that we were just 2 kids sneaking off for some illicit fun the conversation actually became quite interesting. She had no problem at all talking about the trials and tribulations of her business, and I actually found it kind of refreshing. This is a side of life we Americans are not often exposed to, and certainly are not allowed to talk about. So, what did I learn?

First, she considered becoming a sex worker a perfectly viable career path. She was working in what sounded like what would be a minimum wage job here in the States, and was dissatisfied. Obviously, she doesn't mind seeing gentlemen she wouldn't ordinarily be attracted to (cf. her date with me), and she actually considers the sex as a perk of the job, so she, after a period of reflection on the risks and rewards, chose a new job: hooker (in her own words). The fact that she did not have to worry about running afoul of the law probably aided in her decision.

The economics of running a small business in the sex trade is largely like that of what is termed the "real world." Her escort career began with her walking into an agency. After a time, she left and took some time to assess whether or not to continue in the business, finally deciding to become independent. She started off advertising in BP (which she stated is an acceptable venue for ads up there), and quickly became overwhelmed with business, to the point where she had to hire a phone assistant. Ultimately, she decided to become more professional, creating a website, and raising her rates. This resulted in a drop off in volume but an increase in the quality of the client. She does worry about the lack of repeat business, and has discussed this with an escort friend of hers whose clientele is largely repeaters. This forces her to spend a bit more on marketing and advertising. I was surprised by this, and told her I would certainly repeat if I lived in her city.

Because sex work is legal there, her rates are held in check due to what is probably an oversupply in her city. For what I paid in the U.S. I could have had twice as much time in Canada. The exchange rate would certainly work in my favor there, as it will when she goes to convert my American dollars in Canadian dollars. We even discussed various scenarios of cross-border client/provider relationships, and how much it would benefit the American buyer.

It's often alluded to on the various boards here at TER, but she frankly stated to me that this kind of work takes a somewhat heavy psychic toll on the provider. Sure, it can be quite lucrative, and glamorous at times, but it still involves being involved in what is an extremely intimate act with a complete stranger. One would have to be a complete psychopath for that to not affect him/her.

I have to admit I found the level of candor quite refreshing. The bedroom fun was quite enjoyable, too, in case you were wondering