I don't really know, what are the advantages and disadvantages of going with one or the other?

That is all up to you.  

There are different advantages and disadvantages on both side.  

Independents are running their show. They make their own rules, screen how they want, set up their own rates, and you know that the donation is going directly to them.  

Agency - You have to be cleared by the agency but once you are in, you can see any of the girls in that agency. Some of the money you give is going to the agency. Usually, they are seeing multiple girls in a day.  

I would definitely do your research on both sides. But if I was going to patron an escort, I would see an independent. I just don't like the idea that a large chunk of the money is going to someone else, when it is her who is doing the work. But that is just me. I have been on both sides of the fence, and I definitely prefer being independent.

Thanks Jamie.

Thinking about becoming a gigolo, lol?

The main advantage (for me) is that you only have to verify one time, and then you will forever get to visit with a new selection of girls from that agency. If you see 8 independent girls per year, that is 8 different people per year that have some type of personal information about you. It all depends on what you're looking for though. Independent providers can be much more flexible because they only are accountable to themselves. As a provider, I would want to be independent. But even that depends on the situation.

If I were in your position, I'd go for an independent. Of course, there are disadvantages to independents as well. Independents typically have a higher hourly rate, you'll need to be screened by each lady individually, and it's generally easier to verify that an agency is legit.  

That said, agency girls tend to be much higher volume, and agencies themselves are more likely to be targeted by LE than independents. You also run a higher risk of contributing to a trafficking situation.  

Being independent is certainly a lot more work (since we have to do all of our advertising/screening/etc. ourselves), but I like being in control of my business. It's a sweet gig.

I guess it could be simplified into one line.

It all depends on what type of set up the provider works and feels best.

Some like to go and entertain, not having to deal with any admin work. Usually travel arrangements, advertising, and lodging is taken care of. It makes for less stress.

Some like to pick and choose their own schedule, type of guys, and keep the money for themselves.

This is very general. There are pros and cons for us in both situations, (I've done both,) and there are pros and cons for you. Each must decide.

May you list what you think would be the pros and cons for both? Then perhaps you can just try both lol.

I hope this helps!

xoxo

Courtney

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Jamie, Tobi and Courtney did a good job outlining the benefits of going with an independent, so some of this will be duplicative.  From my perspective, I go independent for a number of reasons:

- I think independents offer a lower risk profile.  Agencies tend to keep your information and LE is more focused on agencies.  In my view this is a dangerous combination.  

- With independents I'm much less likely to run into a trafficking situation.

- I prefer that my contribution go to the ladies I'm spending time with, not the agency.

- The independents I'm spending time with are much lower volume. I think this results in a better experience.  

- With independents, you can get a sense for their personalities before you meet them, either through email or a board presence. For me, its really important to get a good feel for the provider. Her sense of humor, her personality, her likes and dislikes, etc. There's also the flirty emails leading up to the date.  For me this is part of the whole experience. You'll never get this with an agency girl.  

- Agree that you'll get screened by each independent you meet, but with P411 and a good set of references, this really isn't a big deal for me.  

Just my $0.02. Hope it helps.

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And they're not independent by any means. Traffickers advertise the ladies as indies as well. They either convince the guy the gal is answering his emails, or call themselves assistants.

-- Modified on 1/27/2014 7:42:41 AM

That's interesting. So how does a well-meaning fella ensure he's actually chatting with an independent and not an agency?

For that matter how do I know that YOU'RE not actually an agency!!

depending on what mood I am in..  

But I don't have an assistant, so I'm not sure why I would be in an agency if I'm doing all my own ads, social media, scheduling, emailing, etc.

Some assistants work for indies, and some say they are, but the standards are the same as an agency.

I have a bit of input.

My name is Cara, and I'm Charly's assistant. If you email the spa or message us via P411 or TER, chances are you'll be talking to me or Charly! I also assist (as a booker only) for several independents and I have to say, both are great and it depends on who you're working with!

I like Charly's Angels because I think of it more as a "collective" - we have a handful of experienced ladies, who have established themselves since we opened. Yes, it isn't the same as interacting with an independent provider, but I think our ladies offer that same individualized, personalized interaction that you'd hope for in an independent. This is why we make sure all our Angels are unique, beautiful, intelligent and highly-skilled, to make sure no one feels like it's some sort of cold, faceless agency experience.

Off my little soap-box now!

Hi Cara. Appreciate your perspective. I didn't intend to bash agencies, and I'm sure there are great and reputable ones out there. I just prefer a lot more interaction with the provider. Getting to know them is really important to me, which increases my comfort level and results in a better experience for me. I'm sure there are many guys for whom this isn't important. Also, I would be concerned about volume levels at a typical agency. Your "collective" description seems to imply much more provider control there, so that's a good thing! So for the reasons above, as well as the fact that agencies have a higher LE profile, I'll stick to independents. Assuming of course the girls I think are independent really are (Courtney's post is really messing with my head lol!).

Some ladies perform much better working through an agency. Especially if the agency is fair. I don't, but that's just me.

What about those "Spas" or "Massage Parlors"?
Are they legitimate or scams?