I have been around for a couple years now and I'm having a difficult time understanding why anyone pays over the average (in Chicago) $300-$450 per hour rate.

Why do folks buy Bentleys instead of Kias?
Why do folks pay for Wagyu steaks instead of hamburger?
Why do folks pay for 1st class instead of coach?

Yeah, I took those factors into account - my question was why pay more for nearly identical 'products' (sorry ladies)?  A Bentley is not the same as a Kia.  And the status of a Bentley is irrelevant since no one sees you with a high priced escort.

from cars to hotels to clothes. It's a personal preference.

Identical products!?! So an obese provider is the same as an athletic provider? A 21 year old provider is the same as a 60 year old provider? Based on your logic, you are inferring that they should be charging the same rate since they both offer BBBJ, CIM, Greek, etc? Even if the looks and age were equal, there are other factors in play [performance, attitude, personality, etc]. You are also dismissing the self worth of the individual [the provider]. If a provider wants to charge $3000, let her. I won't be calling her for a booking. But, if she can get business at that rate, god bless her.  Would you like someone going to your office and telling your boss that your salary should be lower since you do identical work [to someone off shore]?  

I personally have a limit to what I will pay and what I can justify indulging myself. A provider is responsible for getting the most profit out of what they are doing just like any small business. They have the freedom to set their rate where ever they want. Just as we as the consumer have the power and freedom to choose what we are willing to spend. There is plenty of good value out ther if your looking to get the best "Bang for your Buck". Nothing to get upset about. If you think a girl is over valued than don't give her your business, your in full control. What we are not in control of is deciding what a provider should set her rate at.  I'm sure ther is pier pressure among providers to not "give it away". Happy shopping !

Again, read the post.  I said, providers who are the same: same ratings/age/weight/services/etc.  Obviously an old obese provider will not charge as much as a young skinny one, all other factors being equal.  

I want to understand the reasoning behind it.  I do not care what people do with their money but would like their insight into why and what value they get from it.

I'm not upset nor would I ever say what any provider should charge.

Those three variables determine how much a provider can charge. Not in that order, but if a lady has all three she can charge an Elite VIP Premium rate

OK, I'll wander into this minefield.
For the most part I agree with Don Juan...all of the ladies I've seen in the last 6 months fall in the $300 to $500 range. My experience is that there isn't much difference except that my two $500 sessions were sub par...don't really think the rate was an issue we just didn't "connect"
One factor might be if the lady is low volume...one of my favorites is $400 but is very low volume whereas another is medium volume and is $300. These are business 101 decisions.
I do think that rates are more of an issue when deciding if to repeat at least for me...I see my two favorite $300 ladies more often.
That's my 2 cent

We are worth it.

Why do some men pay more? Because they CAN! Why do some women get to charge more? Because they CAN! You're welcome. Christ.

Yup!  

While you may have one set of criteria and be entirely consistent in how you evaluate them, every other person will either have different criteria or evaluate them somewhat differently. Your criteria and valuation may be internally unique and consistent, but can never be externally uniform and consistent - this is absolutely impossible.  

I'm not talking about you Giselle (or any other specific providers in this thread). You are right in that...

If you don't want to pay or can't afford providers in the 300 to 400 dollar range, there are providers that will be just as good in the 200 dollar range. The provider I'm currently seeing gives me great discounts on her regular rates. I'm not going to complain.

I think that is more the ladies not realizing their value or wanting to make sure the get visitors during the one week a month they work.  

i glad to see you bak here.

In addition to attitude, looks and performance, I think that the higher rate is indicative of professionalism, screening and safety.  I'd rather pay more to meet at a higher-end hotel in a nice area of the city. I'd rather deal with an assistant that isn't flaky and I'd rather see a lady that has a good head on her shoulders and is into providing an experience.

The reason is that it is so difficult to throw away money.  It's against the law to just throw money in the trash.  For paper money, I have to burn it.  That's illegal too, but it's harder to get caught.  Still, if you think people stare at you when you try to light a cigarette, they are just positively rude if you burn money in front of them.  And don't get me started on coins.  Best thing with coins is to melt them.  That's not as easy as it sounds, either.  All coins have different melting points, and to make matters worse the various alloys they use change from year to year.  Quarters and pennies are the worst.  So, you see, it's very hard to get rid of money. I solved the problem by spending more on the girls I see.  

Now, that's some funny shit lol.

I could have set the over under a good two months longer and still won all my bets. Congratulations on lasting MUCH longer than ANYONE would have predicted.

Tee-hee!  You're so funny!

Strangely, pussy has never been one of them.  

for my Clockfree, or 125/hr for my Day Date...or longer. If you've known me for a little while and qualify a "Friend" (have seen me for more than 5 dates-I value and reward those seeking sincere connections), then using my rates, and a little hourly math you can see I'm available for as low as as 101/hr.