Thank you all for your thoughtful responses to my post! And to those who didn't want to reply publicly but messaged/emailed me, thank you as well! It’s clear there are some shared feelings and varied perspectives here, so I wanted to take a moment to chime in with a few of my thoughts. I appreciate how each of you has brought a different angle to the conversation—some points I completely agree with, while others have me thinking even deeper. I
First, it seems there is a recurring theme about balancing quality vs. quantity, especially when it comes to what’s affordable versus what might feel like an indulgence. I absolutely get that—after all, we all have our own lines in the sand, influenced by budget and priorities. For many, it’s easier to spread out smaller amounts for more frequent experiences, as opposed to saving for one high-end encounter. In fact, it makes sense: if you can get multiple experiences for the cost of one “wishlist” provider, why not go for quantity if it still brings satisfaction?
However, I do think it’s important to remember that “wishlist” providers may always stay as just that—wishlist providers—if the conversation/mentality doesn’t shift. A lot of the feedback I’m reading here, while valid, points to the challenge of stepping outside of what’s been comfortable or affordable, which inevitably keeps many of these providers as just a dream, an ideal to long for. Maybe there’s an unwillingness to take that leap, or a hesitance to change financial priorities, but it’s clear to me that many will keep these higher-priced providers as a dream and never fully step into the reality of affording or experiencing them (and that's okay).
I completely understand that the increase in rates is difficult to swallow, especially if it’s not matched by consistently high service AND an increase in disposable income. The reality is that many providers have had to adjust their pricing to reflect both the cost of doing business and the level of service we offer. That said, it’s a balancing act: I’m in the same boat of having to weigh what’s sustainable for my business and what keeps my clients coming back, while also maintaining the highest standards of service and connection.
What’s especially interesting is the quarterly debate that tends to happen around how the economy has affected the mid-range market. It seems we’re at a point where providers are either lowering their rates to appeal to a higher volume of clients or raising their prices to attract those with a higher disposable income. Unfortunately, this shift has resulted in a shrinking mid-range market for clients and providers— everyone is feeling the squeeze. It'll be interested to see what happens during this next administration.
As for the whole "cash on hand" situation a few brought up privately, it’s an interesting thought. I do want to clarify that while many may assume it’s all cash in hand and no taxes, that’s simply not the case for many. Like any responsible business owner, we pay taxes —whether it’s cash, card, or otherwise because to have a strong financial future, whether buying a home or saving for retirement, it’s essential to claim everything we earn—just like any other professional. Hell, to even rent an apartment or those well-appointed static incalls you need proof of income and bank statements alone don't always work anymore.
Thank you again for all your thoughtful input. have more questions but they are rhetorical in nature so I'll let them be.
I hope we can keep this conversation going in a positive and respectful way, as I think it brings up important discussions for both clients and providers to reflect on in the ever-evolving landscape of this world.