After about a year, I've made the personal choice to lower my rates, I feel like I've based them around the type of favorite clients I've had, and hoping this will attract more of the clients I want to meet...  I guess since I am a provider moreso for the fun and rush of meeting new interesting people instead of for money my "expectations and dynamics" are changing.  I still want to remain a "low volume" provider, but I think that I may deal with the clients who will appreciate our time together, rather than some who think because they could afford my higher rates they own me or something. SMH

Providers, have you ever done this before?  Is there a upside and downside to lowering/raising rates after having a set amount for such a long time?  Do you find there is a difference between clients who pay more or less?

Hobbyists, what do you think about providers who change rates?

but it's your business and your economic situation about which you have to be concerned.  

As my rates have increased, the quality of my clients has increased. I don't think the problem right this moment is your rates. The problem is the quality of your clients at the rate you're charging.  

There is a lot of psychology that enters into pricing, especially in luxury markets such as sexwork. Perception is everything. Lowering your rates may send the message that you're desperate. I strongly suggest you think carefully before lowering your rates.

Much appreciated by all!

The lower your rates....the more clients you will get.The higher your rates...the less clients you will get.Me personally,I get about 1 session a week and I'm happy with that.There are ladies out there that see 5+ men in a day.And by the 5th guy, they are tired and worn out.I think it's good to be low volume in my opinion so that you can perform better and have more energy for the special gentlemen that chose to see you.No one likes to be sloppy seconds.I know for a fact I dont

Xoxo


-- Modified on 9/23/2016 3:51:22 PM

You totally understand my logic!

I don't think of lowering my rates as a signnof desperation. That would only be if I actually did this because I need money... Hopefully some random respectful gentleman read this and doesn't misinterpret my intentions. Then again I'm so low volume no one would probably notice the rate change unless they were really watching!

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men watching your rates.  

If you are advertising anywhere at any time, men are closely and carefully watching your rates.

Because she disagreed with the very essence of your original post.

Having a sense of humor is crucial in this business.

I am not a regular participant in any of these discussions boards, and certainly not the one for Chicago, but I am visiting the area soon, saw your discussion, and thought I would offer up a perspective of someone who engages the services of providers every so often.

I think that, if your goal is to get more of the kinds of clients you like, then the more direct way to do that (assuming you have a decent amount of people contacting you) is to screen better.  Price is a pretty blunt tool for weeding out the guys you don't like.

I think you should base your price on your place in the market.  That's hard to do on your own, because it means taking an objective look at both your strengths and your weaknesses as a provider.  But it needs to be done.  If you charge too much for how clients perceive you, you get no calls.  If you charge too little, you get lots of unsavory characters hounding you.  The goal should be to see how clients perceive you, compare your price to other providers who are similar, and set your price in the same ballpark as those other providers.

I can say this as a potential customer who shops when I visit a new area of the country.  I immediately screen out the providers who charge more than I can afford, and I am VERY suspicious of prices that are too low.  If I find good reviews for someone in my price range, they are in the running, and a little price variance goes into the mix of what I am in the mood for.  But too high and too low mean I don't look at all.

I looked you up, and I think your price is good where it is.  If you lower it, don't go too far.

I hope that helps.

Well its your business your choice of course. I have noticed a few differences in client types for sure. I started off at a very low rate and my clients were decent I've been raising my rates slowly throughout the last year and I will say my clients now tend to be a bit more reliable and a bit more willing to screen. When thinking of the future and my rates getting higher than they are now I also get kind of concerned that your average Joe may not be able to see me and those are the types that are most down-to-earth that I enjoy the most. Sum of the more rich clients in my opinion tend to be cheaper and more demanding surprisingly. Just my own observation here and my own experience.  

 
Also I don't necessarily think that it's true that if your rates are lower than that means you are more high-volume because when you charge a lot less you get a lot of people thinking that they're going to see you without screening because they tend to see a lot of ladies who don't do screening and it's hard to find a legit client if your rates are too low also another past observation.

But I do see where you're coming from in a way... If that's your heart's desire then go for it maybe put out an announcement on your website or on Twitter or wherever you post saying you have chosen to lower your rates due to the fact that you would like to meet with a variety of people from all walks of life something of that nature so people don't think you're desperate.

 
Good luck

Ok first let me say I find you very attractive and would totally be interested at your current rate. I would not mind seeing a discount for multi-hour engagements as I find that that is a much better experience. Multi-hour sessions lend themselves to not being rushed and having an actual conversation. I think there are plenty of people in the hobby that will respect you and listen to your rules. I would also argue that too low of a rate and people may think you are desperate for money. An appearance of desperation for money can also lead to an abusive encounter.  I guess what I am trying to say is you find assholes at both ends of the spectrum. I know it is not right but I personally judge people offering 30 min sessions harshly and would have a hard time booking that person. 30 min session has this appearance of someone wanting to fit in 10 sessions in a day and like others have said sloppy seconds are not something that I want to pay for.  

Please excuse my spelling and grammar, I struggle with the written word.
colascguy

In my experience the number $350 was a weird number. That's where I attracted the most low-ballers and problem clients. And the demands were ridiculous. But there were always inquiries, and I didn't really have to do anything but wait for emails.

As far as clients being more or less demanding at a higher rate - I have to disagree. That also has to do with screening though - not just for safety, but for compatibility. You kind of have to figure out the language.  

If you did experience that, I would say do an inventory in your head - who exactly were the hard to deal with clients? When I did, they were the ones I gave special accommodations to - including - old special requests, below time and rate minimum, not within my needed date notice timeframe, lack on screening, etc. I feel if a man or woman doesn't like someone's set boundaries, they should find someone else - and not approach the provider.

I know this will piss a few off, but I'm telling you - it has happened every-single-time. Unless I offered it in an arrangement. Including the guy who would book 3 hour dates, and leave me $2 less than my full rate. It's a boundary issue. It's not about the money at all.

Doing what makes you happy is what you should do. Hell, if you try it and don't like it - raise them back up. It's finding that magic number that works.

-- Modified on 9/23/2016 8:59:59 PM

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The rule of thumb = Charging $ 350 plus for one hour ; should encourage financially secure guys who can afford to spend an extra  $ 50 above basic escort rate of  $ 300.  The idea is to attract guys who are not cash strapped, who are comfortable giving you an extra $ 50 because they are stable secure in their wealth .    The rule of thumb is =  $ 300 per hour and lower ; will attract  more unestablished . blue collar . working poor .  average joe . clientele .  

Many people say that the lower income guys are more likely to complain about you not doing enough to deserve their hard earned money accrued through a dissatisfying job.  Low income guys are the more likely to complain about not getting enough bang for their buck (( in provider land ))  because they routinely endure hardships of  low wage work .. The more annoying or lower paying his job is ;; the more he will sweat " not getting enough products services  for the money he pay others." .    

My own experiences matched conventional provider wisdom  on that one.  

My own personal opinions that go against these ideas are = 1. Lower rates have more entitled demanding penny pincher guys,  but the lower rate business structure also invites more diverse people into my environment.  I always have more fun playing  with mixed varied people.

As a $300/hr (and lower) gal I can tell you that all of my clients are established gentlemen.    
Are they white collar or blue collar?   That doesn't matter to me in the slightest, as I personally have not found that this has anything to do with how they treat me.   Here's how I see it: It's not JUST a lady's  price-point.   It's also her branding, marketing, where you advertise as well as HOW you advertise that will determine to whom you best appeal.    
And, of course, screening requirements.  

I can only speak from my own personal experience, as this really is a very individual sort of thing.  
There have been times when my rates were higher, at times much higher, and I found my clients to be mostly the same as now.  
At the increased price-point, there did seem to be slightly more last-minute requests, and those looking for something not on my menu, often offering more $ to get me to change my schedule, offerings, or whatever.  It was almost as though they thought, "If I'm willing to pay  $xxxx then you should be HAPPY to jump back out of bed at midnight and roll downtown for me..... and another $xxx should expand your menu too, right?"    
And this may well be great for some ladies, but I dislike that attitude.  

Anyway, I'm forever playing with my own rates and rate structure, still trying to find my true "sweet spot" lol.  


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Either way, I hope you find your sweet spot! Everybody should be happy with what they're doing here. ☺️

Ive had the same experience.  My "average joe" clients tip me extra and respect my time more .

I say this to people all the time, don't worry about what other people think about your rates or what you are doing.  Everyone has specific schedules, monetary needs, life commitments, ect.  So just do what works for you.  Although I doubt you will find a client who is going to complain if they go down, lol!

The issue of going too low has been addressed, and it is true, but other than that - do what works for your life.  You said this is not a money issue for you, so whatever you decide to do you don't have to become high volume.  

Price has nothing to do with getting the type of clients you connect with.  That is a marketing issue because what you are putting out there is not drawing what you are seeking.  You can charge $200 or you can charge $1000 it makes no difference.  

And as far as clients 'who think they can own you' - that's at every single price point as well.  Just like there are great ones at every price point.

Your TER profile links to only your date-check.  Get a site, get more info out there about what you like.  You would be amazed at the difference it makes

Thank you for such a great perspective. The current rates on my page are my new "lowered ones". I don't plan on changing them soon!

My old rate was double that

I see from another post that you old rates were double your current rates.  Yeah, I can see where that would cause issues.

Again, just giving a client's perspective:  I don't know what type of experience I could have with any provider that would be worth that substantially higher rate.  Let's say I actually paid that higher rate once to see you.  I am certain I would enjoy the experience, but would I enjoy it twice as much as I would enjoy a session with a $300 to $400 provider?  I doubt it.  In fact, I have paid higher rates, and it has tended to not be worth the extra cost.  So, I stopped doing that

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You definitely do not want to look desperate but if lowering your rates make you feel comfortable then go for it. I wouldn't though

Based on your original post, I take that your goals are to maintain your current volume while attracting men that don't feel they own you.

Sadly, I'm not sure a rate change will help you find men that don't feel they own you.  
As for volume, that is in your control.  

My advice: be prepared to open the door for more variety in the type of men that contact you as lowering the rate makes you more accessible. By type of men, I'm not talking blue collar vs white collar or rich vs poor. I'm talking a broader range on their expectations of you.

If I were you, I'd take some time to think about what you can do differently (think communication) to prevent men from getting fatherly or acting like they own you. I don't believe the issue is in the rates nor where you advertise

Some hookers are going to HATE the idea of another woman lowering her rates as they think it creates pressure to lower her own rates to "compete"

My advice is "you keep doing you" and don't worry about what a bunch of petty and bitter hookers think about your rates.  

Personally I think it's a very nice gesture, it most likely will have the perhaps unwanted side effect of blowing your phone up with calls, but it gives you the luxury of picking and choosing who you want to see. I also have to say that regardless of your price point, I LIKE your attitude. I wish I could say the same about I_run_my_mouth, but I couldn't stand her long before your thread, she puts a capital A and B into Angry and Bitter

I also seem to find the higher a woman's rate, the more jealously they guard their time. This comes to any pre date communications, making sure her clients are "out the door" at or before their time is up, and an overall "superior" attitude where sometimes it seems like she wants to be the one to be impressed instead of doing her job and impressing ME.

You do have a lot higher amount of people to choose from at a lower rate, but you're right. That's only one factor.

You expose yourself to the same number of people as the next with a specific ad service, etc.  
Then there's the thumbnail which makes a HUGE difference on clicks for an ad.  
Get a lot of clicks? They read the ad if they get there based on likes and dislikes on pictures.
Then put high prices on the ad, a bunch of people drop off.  
No prices on the ad - drop off (non-researches in my opinion,) or click on web link to find prices.  
Time minimums - people drop off.  
Notice requirements - a LOT of people drop off.  
Put email only contact, (no phone,) a bunch drop off.  
Form only contact (written tactfully in a prominent place on the ad.)
The tone of your ad even attracts direct troll emails, hate mail, or respectful people.

By the time people are actually on the website, then the site contact form comes into play. Ask for full name and dob? Employer? ID required at arrival? TONS will drop off.

People contact you via email specifically through the ad - your email reply says "You're awesome for contacting me, definitely fill out the form so I can respond to you." Then those drop off.

TER reviews, services, other things like that will also be a sifting factor - the type of person the lady is looking for, hopefully, is someone who is looking for her.

By the time you've allowed your web presence, ads, pictures, locations, time minimums, contact method, screening requirements, notice requirements, auto-reply, etc to sift out - you've got a much smaller number of clientele to work with.  

Then at that point, you have the few who are non-serious inquiries - who even fill out the form but they don't pass your screening, etc. etc.  

There are a lot of factors built in to sift a targeted market and type of person into your inbox. Only one of those factors is the amount they pay.

The more information you provide, and in prominent places, specific to what you want them to see first and last, (what's most important to you to sift out before they even get to your rates or your website?) to the details you can work with them on/be a little more flexible with (schedule, notice requirements etc.)

A sift, re-sift, third sift and a shake and a bump.  

From that point, it's much easier, less time consuming, and less information coming at you to really decide if this person is a personality type you are willing to service.

 
Then there is always the - ok, not enough interest at this point. How can I move this around to get more serious inquiries that work for me into my inbox. If the rest works, and you like the clientele you are getting, you could pay for more prominent ads.

I like the work to be done up front, so I can really focus on the person in my inbox who I have a higher chance of being serious and not someone I wouldn't see. Saves time for the potential seeker as well.

-- Modified on 9/27/2016 12:47:59 PM

You are one big marketing gimmick!!