I'm posting here because I know I'd just get flamed on the GD Board, but us old giys, and the ladies who appreciate us, are more benign.  I've only been doing this for a few years and have seen only 9 different providers, although some have been multiple repeats.  But I've never used an agency.  I thought about it but it seems as if the ladies are holed up in a hotel seeing multiple guys a day.  Some fraction, probably a significant one, goes to the agency.  Sure, I know this allows the lady to not worry about scheduling, screening, advertising, booking a hotel room, etc., etc.  I'm reasonably sure I could have a good time but this all seems to exploit the ladies more than those who are indy.  I try to find those who are low volume, maybe several men a week vs several a day, but with enough reviews to feel confident that I won't be wasting hundreds of $.  How do the rest of you feel about this?  How about the ladies?  Any input on what it's like to be indy vs working for an agency?

unless it was for not doing a search, as there's been lots written on this topic.  That said, I don't care if she's agency or indy.  The only thing that matters for me are her pictures, her rate, her reviews and whether anyone I know has seen her.
On the GD Board you'll see guys who'll only see agency girls and vice versa, for reasons of their own.  I think it's mainly due to their location as well as their experience.  Your chances of a good session are the same with either, IMHO.
I tend to see more indies, but that's just because in my world there are more of them.

...There are reputable agencies. They provide excellent service and have an excellent selection of ladies to choose from. I use agencies. There are agency reviews here on TER. Go to the site reviews tab at the top. Clik it. Then click Reviews By Service Type. Scroll down to escort agencies. Click, enter the city, click search, a list of agencies will come up with. You'll see ratings, to the right. Then click on the agency name and comments will come up. Of course you research the provider too. Back channel wirh guys that have reviewed the providers regarding the agency as well as the provider.

It's all about the individual agency same as the independent.  

The agencies I've used had apartments not hotel rooms. They move occasionally too long in one place isn't best practice.

For example, a shitty apartment, or working for minimum wage asking people if they want fries with that all live-long day.

So, I would not fear that you are perpetrating some kind of atrocity upon these agency gals.  The vast majority of agencies treat their charges pretty decently from what I've gleaned over the years.  Sure, there are some bad actors out there who exploit and mistreat, but that happens in many industries.

And for what it's worth, the few times I've used an agency it was for outcall, and so the gal came to my hotel room from her apartment, or her last outcall.

And further, some independents also remain holed up in their hotel rooms all day too, so it's not like this particular affliction (If you want to call it that.) is unique to agency gals.

All I am saying is that you can hobby with a clear conscience on this score, at least.

Many years ago when I first became a client, I came across RR, may she RIP. That was always a pleasant time working with her. She matched me up to a lady, Jacquelin. Will never forget her.
After that have never been near another agency. Indy ladies have much more to offer a gent who enjoys the more personnel and romantic touch!

As one noted above, the agency girls have come to me, so I never had the sense that I was one guy in a long sweat shop production line. That concerns me more with touring ladies (indie or agency) who presumably have to stay more productive to pay for the cost of the trip.  

The agency girls do cut out the sense of connection that is created with the direct pre and (sometimes) post date communication that you have with indies. Some of the indies do a beautiful job of warm and enticing GFE email and phone!

My biggest concern with agencies is the idea that they may be a bigger target for LE. I figure it's worth more to LE to bust a bunch of girls, pimps and johns with the same amount of time & effort that it takes to bust one girl. I have no idea if this is a correct assumption, but it's always bothered me.

I agreed with Sweet Melissa, do what works for you!!!  I am also Indy provider as well.

Missy

I've seen ladies from both worlds and have had great experiences.  Regardless of the business model, you still have to do your homework.  I can sum things up like this:

1. I travel to Europe frequently and, as a result, do not have much of a track record here in the U.S..  I'm hard, if not impossible, to verify while at home.  I find that agencies here in the US tend to be more "newbie-friendly" or are more tolerant of those like me whose profile is more in line with newbies.  Agencies in Canada are highly reliable and are generally the way to go for me when I'm up north.

2. It's often easier to arrange an appointment with an agency than with an indie.  Frequently, I simply don't have the time to do all of the upfront planning required to book an indie.

3. When I have been home long enough to establish relationships, I prefer indies in my local area.  I generally can be flexible because I'm not going anywhere soon.

4. I share the concern about visibility and the high-value target that an agency presents, especially in an election year.  I always request an outcall from an agency.  The likelihood of a sting is less than an incall.  I always use a hobby phone when booking through an agency.  

5. On the subject of the quality of employer-employee relations, I've found it to be a fairly easy judgment call to determine which agencies treat their ladies well and which ones don't.  Probably 15 years ago, I was traveling to Colorado Springs frequently and found a very good agency.  I got to know the owner reasonably well.  He once told me that the keys to success were to be low-key and pay your taxes