After hobbying for something like 11 years, I just had my first request for a 30% deposit via a cash app.  Is this the new normal or something?  Anybody else have any experience with this?

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I learned my lesson 5 years ago. Never again

This is a huge debate in the industry and a polarizing one. More and more independent companions are moving toward requesting a deposit to hold the date.  

 
Allow me to state that I understand and empathize with the anxiety and/or uncertainty when it comes to providing a deposit. Unfortunately, there are people who are dishonest and will scam clients. I genuinely hate that for anyone who has been bamboozled in that manner. Regardless, to paint all providers in the same light because it happened to you once is far from fair. It's like if I said, "I won't see white clients because one called me his 'caramel mocha latte' and fetishized me the whole time." It's not cool but it happens and we move forward.  

 
Deposits provide some peace of mind. Unfortunately, there are still an overwhelming number of people partaking in this world who have a history of disrespecting a provider's time with last minute cancellations or worse NCNS. This is especially hurtful for providers who are touring as they've set aside that time for you. At the end of they day, despite how much fun this is, this is a business. We set aside a significant amount of time to get ready and/or ensure the time is tailored to a client's likes. If cancellations/NCNS happen too often, then anytime a client inquires, it begs the question, "Are they real?" There are just too many people who get off on stringing providers along.  

 
The best advice I have is to do your research as well as you can. We now live in the age of information and many of us do our best to prove that we are reliable, intelligent, professional, and trustworthy. Take into account how reputable the provider is (website, ads, social media, and/or publications, etc.) and how much of a deposit they are asking for. Have they been professional in their correspondence with you? I think what's most important to realize is that for many of us, stealing a deposit is not worth the cost of a tarnished reputation and ruined business. In addition, many will provide various ways to provide a deposit that will make you comfortable ranging from payment platforms, LLC invoices, crypto, and cash in mail.  

 
Suffice to say, if you are uncomfortable sending a deposit then I recommend not arguing about it. Politely state that you don't feel comfortable moving forward, thank them for the time they did spend corresponding with you, and move on to someone who fits your personal comfort standards.

I would agree that more providers have begun to ask for deposits however, I don't see deposits becoming more common.  The alternatives are simply far too great with new alternatives being added daily.  It's no different that a provider stating on her website that a hour engagement "is no longer available" while she is simultaneously running an ad elsewhere offering 1 hour availability.  Her preferred longer date (i.e. more money to her) won't hold up so it gets adjusted to meet the market.  Of course there are exceptions to all of this but to think that deposits will be the new requirement in days to come won't happen.

I understand what you're saying and the logic behind it but I think it's fair to argue that deposits will become more common. Yes, there are alternatives and those alternatives are awesome but I'm seeing more and more new providers crop up requesting deposits weekly. Some even asking for a small amounts such as $25 to $100 to confirm the date.  

Also, thank you for the reminder - not sure if it was subtle snark or full blown but I appreciate it either way *laughs*. I knew there was something I was forgetting to adjust on my website - as my 1H isn't available in my home city, Minneapolis. I should make that a bit more clear.  

Oh, just a note... I'm not sure why people assume longer dates are always about the money. Realistically, a provider can and will make more money with several one hour dates than one or two mid-length dates. There's a reason why each provider does what they do... it works for that particular individual.

Yes it's normal. Ladies have set these in place to weed out the ones they don't wanna see. If someone baulks at a provider with a deposit,  find one without.  There is literally no reason to not find someone who fits the narrative you want. Deposits cuts out 100% of the time wasters.

-- Modified on 2/10/2021 11:41:42 AM