Well, please don't kill the messenger...

There's a number of local issues that have compounded themselves lately, the net result being that almost every guy I know has refocused at least some of their attention to travelers and UTR providers.  One of the travelers I've gotten to know well that comes here every few months got 23 appointment requests the last week she was here and had to turn some away...  That's a ton by any measure.

While I would welcome a very candid discussion with you or ANY provider who wants to discuss the issues on the phone, I don't need the heat of getting into it here.

Re:what's up with the business?I want to start again

That would be nice. As to slowdown, probably some of those reasons, but also rates IMHO, which seem to be increasing much faster even than health care costs. A few wealthy people can absorb 50-100% increases over 2-3 years. I'm not one of them, unfortunately.
To find out, one could try running some specials to test the price elasticity. Nobody is questioning anyone's worth, but relatively few of us have more discretionary income than they did 1-4 years ago, thanks largely to the morons running this country. Just my opinion.

An interesting and timely topic especially after reading the very recent posting from the Gentleman who came back from Colorado. His experiences were similar to mine regarding how it is out in Colarado (please read postings). No problems, no hassles, great attitudes...(maybe the grass is greener on the other side?)
Yes, the cost of things has gone up here in MN but I don't think that is the only thing by a long shot. There are other things such as attitudes and the like which could be far better.
I could go on but boy, do I wish that the Relax a Lounge and the Cosmopolitan were still around. Becky Rand ran a class operation and was/is a class act. Any business or service of any kind could take note and learn something from her. Maybe she'll write a book someday.
Any responses to this current topic or about RAL would be cool.
Best to one and all.

Re:what's up with the business?I want to start again

We all thought we were suppose to wait for snow.

In my opinion, this is what it comes down to (in no particular order)
A)  LE scares
B)  Local providers who charge high prices but have limited services (Yes, all ladies are free to charge whatever they want but at the same time if you charge too much, then we hobbyists will stop calling you)
C)  Difficulties in going from trying to contact a lady to actually seeing her.  In other words, failure to answer calls, failure to respond to messages/e-mails, failure for ladies to do what they will say what they do (respond as they say they will, confirm appointments, show up, etc.)
I am not pointing fingers at any specific person(s).  Lately, I have been sticking to ladies who have a good track record WITH ME simply because I'm tired of the hassles involved in seeing someone new.

Why is it dead?

In no particular order

1) Charging $$$ or $$$1/2 for $$ service. There are some locals worth $$$ (or more) but not as many as who are trying to get it.

2) Cancelations without notice - A couple of weeks ago I had 4 locals cancel in one week and only one called ahead of time; there isn't any excuse for this behavior - even sick kids.  If I'm going to miss a meeting at work (even to take care of my wife with cancer) I call or email and leave a message.  Be a professional and discreetly leave a note.  I really don't like wasting an hour and a half driving to an incall location, calling to see what's up, and then driving back to the office - a big waste of my time.

3) Lack of advertisement.  You said Little Sue has noticed it's dead.  Ok, where has she been advertising recently? I don't recall seing an ad for quite some time.

4) Money - time to pay the holiday bills .

5) Variety - there are a fair number of travelers coming through so there is a bit more competition for our dollars.

So Tymber Lee offer a high level of service at a decent price point, market yourself well, communicate with your clients in a professional manner and you'll do well.