He has contacted me, and made good on what he owes me.

-- Modified on 7/8/2003 12:10:02 PM

First of all, I am sorry that you were ripped off.  Regardless of which "side" this happens to (provider or hobbyist), it is never a good thing.  Secondly, I'm glad I'm not a tall man named Greg or James

As for what to do, that is a tough one.  As a professional, you obviously do not want to ruin the experience by asking for the gift up front.  However, as a woman/wife/mom/person that needs the money/etc.. you do not want to find yourself screwed over.

Obviously this should not be a problem for hobbyists that you have already seen and have established a working relationship with.  However, maybe you can ask new visitors to leave the gift in plain sight, and maybe in a clear plastic bag  Sounds rather silly, but it may be an acceptable solution.  Either that, or expect the gift up front completely.  Once it is out of the way, the fun can begin.

As I continue my small book, I realize that this isn't always possible...  LE is always a thought as well as un-intentionally offending a hobbyist.  I say those are the chances you have to take to keep this from happening again.

my $.02

Thank you for your 0.2 Yes I do have my regulars, and they are safe and trusted. It's the newbies I worry about, now more than ever after this experience.I am however being e mailed by quite a few ladies who have been taken by this same man. You seem very sweet,  To bad they weren't all like you.

xoxoxo

To me, there is no question about it.  The envelope has to be counted before the fun begins.

When I go to the bank(or ATM), I don't leave the teller station until I've counted the money.  I'm not trying to insult the teller, its just that mistakes can be made.  

I don't think this was a mistake, but no one will get insulted by you checking the money unless they are up to no good.  Don't make a spectacle of it, just quickly review the contents.  If there is a mistake(like $20 short, discretely mention it).  It its more than 1 bill short, then I'd give them the envelope and leave, without starting a confrontation.

From what I've learned in my short life, its ridiculous to think you should trust everyone to do the right thing.  90% will do the right thing, but you can't always immediately identify the other 10%.

Just be safe.

It sounds like you provide your service out of a residence. One thing you may consider is if you accept your gift via an envelop (make sure you inform them not to seal it prior to the visit), is to have the gent place it on a table outside the bedroom. When you escort him into the bedroom to make himself comfortable, close the door and excuse yourself from the room briefly to check the donation. If everything is cool, then the fun can begin. If for some reason the required amount is not there and the warning bells are going off (might be LE or ripoff artisit), go back in the room and indicate you just got an urgent page from a family member requring immediate assistance and the session can't take place.

The proper thing to do is to put the $ in an envelope and leave it before the session. I read some where that this is what a Gentleme does.

Personally, I think handing the money, before or after is tacky i think. I also believe the, envelope solves the LE problem.

Just my 02

This sounds like a great Idea, what what about LE? I have heard that the money should not be mentioned, taken from the client or even looked at.

Now this is a good Idea, one I will in fact employ from now on

Former pro hasthe best Idea. I don't feel comfortable discussing the money outright.

Agreed Former pro has a great idea.

Must me try to ripoff each other at every chance?  Why?

Doesn't what goes around always come around?

Just being silly I guess

Any gent should know to place the donation in full view...I guess not all gents can know this, but if you read this board, and read the providers' sites regarding conduct/etiquette/tips; there should be no problem.  I still get guys that don't set the donation out until the end of the appointment; (not sure about that, seeing they are compensating me for my time ONLY)  even know they know who I am, and have read all my reviews...But it is always best to buy a card, envelope, etc.  This makes it informal, discreet...and I love cards!!!!  I hope this helps...Stay safe!!!

Sofia