I have been hobbying very discreetly below the radar for a long time now, and cannot remember my last post. But the recent economic news has prompted me to query the Board. Like all of you--hobbyists and providers alike--my 401Ks and investments have taken a pounding over the past weeks. There seems to be no bottom for the market in sight. For the first time I can recall--I'm concerned about the future. I was home alone all day (I'm divorced) and feeling very frisky. Only a month ago I would have called one of my current favorites to cum play--but did not--and it was strictly based on economics.

New outlets are replete of news of families retrenching, retailers preparing promtions, and the experts are preparing for what they say will be the worst Holiday season in memory. To me it is inconceivable (but possible I suppose) that the darkness would not affect the Hobby. I'd like to hear from both sides. I can't be the only Hobbyist who checked the bankbook before contemplating making a phone call. Are you guys cutting back? Being even more selective? What do you ladies think? Even for all the many many wonderful well-reviewed ladies here in town--are you contemplating the change in business climate affecting your own enterprise? How will you react if so?

Thanks much.

Had been using my stock picks to pay to play but they are all WAY down as you said. The need still exists but like at the grocery store, I find myself looking at the store brands more now.

Another pattern I have noticed is that some of the local ladies have been have better specials lately yet the traveling girls have increased fees??

Just have to wait and see where things go and how long it takes to get there.

If the supply is greater than the demand, then the suppliers will need to lower prices to increase demand.

If the demand is sufficient to meet the supply then the prices will not decrease.

Since many people are feeling just like you, women will probably be seeing much lower demand in the near future.   There is simply no way to sustain the current demand at current price levels.

This is simple economics, nothing more.   Anybody who thinks differently is not thinking like a business person.

Bluestockman,

This economy is hurting everyone, providers and hobbiest's alike. From reading your reviews the ladies you like to visit have very high rates of 450. an hour and up and seeing that you tend to do multi hour visits, that is a lot of money.

The biggest changes I have noticed  with us is that a lot of our regular 3 or 4 times a week clients have cut back to once a week. On the other hand we have been getting a lot of new clients, gentlemen who in the past always patronized the fancy expensive services and visiting indy's on Eros. They were always afraid to try us as they thought that with our low rates the girls must be a bunch of ugly drugged out crack ho's with terrible service. They are pleasantly surprised to find out that just isn't the case. Will they stay as clients when the economy gets better? I hope so, but who knows?

This economy has also helped us to bring you better quality ladies. Girls from the big expensive services are getting tired of sitting around in hotel rooms all day with no clients. They are realizing that it just might be better to work with a service that has lower rates but is busy than to do no clients at higher rates. So far I have been lucky enough to keep them all busy. Will they stay with me when the economy get better? I hope so but again who knows?

I will say that even with our low rates and great girls we have seen a drop in business, not as bad as some people but a decline none the less.

I am trying to educate all the ladies on the importance of putting away little nest eggs incase it gets worse before it gets better. I just hope they listen to me.

Jill

A regular guest of mine recently emailed me and discussed his fears regarding his finances but emphasized how much he has enjoyed spending time with me.  He referred to my website and noted my clause regarding my rates ("I reserve the right to modify gifts, you reserve the right to make appropriate bids for my time").  He gently pressed for a reduced rate; I considered his consistent kindness towards me and the fact that he has contributed a sizable amount to me over nearly a year.  I offered an extremely competitive rate and he contentedly accepted it.

Three days later I received a reference request from another provider - a touring woman - whose hourly rate was twice my own.  Who was she seeking a reference for?  None other than the man who so desperately wanted a reduced rate.  

This has actually occurred several times in recent memory:  guests pressing for reduced rates citing their relationship with me BUT seeking others of comparable or higher rates.

I have slightly raised my rate in recent weeks and I've held a steadier course in regards to extension of specials.  I have become flexible in terms of outcall rates - it costs nothing for me to arrive at your door and I now account for that when I run ads in the evening for outcall visits - I like this a lot.

Whereas previously meeting with me was often a game of "lets make a deal" when I felt the climate warranted it I have learned:

If guests can afford to see me they will.  If they cannot afford to see me they will not. It is not my duty as a service provider to denigrate my rate structure to benefit those who haven't the disposable income to play in an expensive hobby.  
If my service level were to say, deteriorate, clients would  retaliate online screaming bloody murder in the form of poor reviews - its not fair to expect the same of me for chopped and screwed rates.

I have noticed the following in the past several weeks:

-A drop off in regular guest traffic:  those who once visited me weekly have now slowed to once or twice monthly

-An increase in new hobbyists (legitimately brand new to the business)

-A decrease in single hour bookings comparative to other increments

-A dramatic increase in multiple hour bookings (4 hours to overnight):  I can't explain this one AT ALL

-A decrease in inquiries and telephone volume

-A decrease in travel engagement requests

-A SEVERE DECREASE in willingness to provide screening information:  I assume that clients understand that in this climate, what I require of them a desperate provider will not.  The squeaky wheel gets the grease or in this case, the risk-taker gets the nut (wait for it... : ) )

Everyone knows that I played the numbers game to great success last year when the economy began to turn and traditionally slow winter set in.
However, I played (some say 'hustled') HARD and effectively to become solidified as a well-known and well-regarded provider in the Boston market.
I don't feel the sense of urgency I did then (in part because when business is slow, I can come home to my house and occupy myself as apposed to then when regardless of whether or not I did well I still had a daily cost of $250 just to exist in a hotel room).
Being that I don't feel a sense of urgency, consider myself resourceful, haven't any dependents or considerable debts I will NOT lower my rates or offer incentives to see me greater than $50 or so.  I can understand if others do BUT it is considerably harder to rebound from months of offering $150 or $200 hours than offering an additional .5 hour for the same hourly rate.

I think that it would behoove many providers to evaluate their business as an individual.  Applying broad brush strokes and lowering rates instinctively doesn't work for everyone.  If you're a GFE and market yourself as a true girlfriend experience there is nothing wrong with saying "I will remain with you for 2 hours @ my standard hourly rate" - or whatever you feel you're comfortable with.  If you're what Boris calls 'the classic back channel negotiator' amp up your game and do what you do best- create situations which are ideal for yourself and your guests BUT don't allow yourself to be taken advantage of.

Right now is a time for hobbyists to back up and realize what they can afford and what they can't afford as apposed to waiting around for the bottom to drop out on provider rates.
On the other hand now is also a time for providers to separate ego from the rate structure and evaluate why it is they command the rate that they do.  If it's unjustified, modify it.  If you feel its justified gauge your client base, watch your numbers and adjust accordingly.

With all of that being said:  I am very comfortable & content with my business right now.
I'm not making as much as I did in say, Oct. 2006 but if I typed what I am making the IRS would reach through this machine and snatch me up.
I live modestly and feel that I am well-compensated for what I do.
When it gets colorful though, should it get worse before it gets better, I definitely know how to roll with the punches and suspect that I will adapt easily.

-- Modified on 10/10/2008 8:11:09 AM

My income has not decreased (yet!) so neither has my hobbying. I see a coupe of ladies regularly and my frequency of visits has not decreased.  I hobby with discretionary income.  As long as my monthly average income stays relatively steady I will probably not alter my current course.  This is not to say that I am not watching carefully what is going on right now.  No source of income is totally recession proof and I think I have been lucky so far to be in the business I am in.  If the general slow down trickles to my profession I will probably have to cut back to less frequent appointments.

You have a very good question Bluestockman : )

By nature, I have been been an optimist for my entire life : )  

I have to be completely honest, and I keep on trying to answer your questions, and I find myself deleting what I wrote... because my point of view doesn't apply to everyone...

I think that the current economic crisis is making everyone go through their personal financial situation with a fine-toothed comb...

In my personal opinion... I think that one year from now, American society as a whole will have learned from their mistakes and progress in the right direction will be visible : )

If everyone keeps on moving forward... we can make it! : )

~Grace : )

....as an economist stated this morning, hell, after the election things are bound to rebound.

There 4 certainties during an economic downturn.......

....there still will be gambling, there still will be drinking, there still will be smoking and there still will be sex.  

Is it affecting everyone, yes.  Some ladies will lower their rates.  The true quality ones will not.  If you don't have the money to play at a certain level, there surely is someone else who does.

From my point of view, I do have a budget and it is what it is, but, I still see my ATF when she comes to town and I visit her every 2-3 months where ever she may be.  Life is good.

I can stand to loose about 15 lbs.

I doubt there's a business anywhere that hasn't felt the pinch. People are getting alligator arms with any and all discretionary spending.

Is that I am SOOO HORNY! It's definately quiet. :0(

If working my butt off at my job and spending responsibly qualifies for "financial acumen" then I accept your accolades.  

-- Modified on 10/9/2008 7:17:38 PM

encourage more ladies to try their hand at providing.  I am sure there are some single moms out there or some college coeds thinking that this might be a fun way to help make ends meet.

Where do you think they will start showing up? CL? Your local street corner?  Local hotel bar?

I hope they hook up with some caring people who can show them the ropes.

unfortunately, we will also end up going down the same path sometime in the future.

Thus will it always be with the human race.

After the Great Depression, all types of reforms were instituted to make sure such a thing would never happen again.  Well guess what?  After years of harranguing from the Wall Street crowd that regulations were holding back progress, etc., the government (Holding sacks of campagne contributions from this crowd.) overturned regulations.

The result is the catastrophe that we now see.

I got a bargain out in Colorado. I saw a provider for 5 days/4 nights for $3200.00 back in Sept. There are some visiting providers that will cut deals on the last 2/3 days of their trip. If you are that concerned about price what a few weeks, when global deflation finally kicks in.

Grace- if things get really bad would you take me in ?

I think the problem is that it is not just a US problem and finances everywhere are getting tight. I am considering cutting back considerably and last month set a ceiling on what I personally am willing to pay to play. Usually if I were in a city for a couple of days I would see a couple of women. My plan now is to see one or none. The election will not improve this problem, in fact I really wonder why these two guys would even want the job.