Because I’ve been getting a rash of reference-less requests lately, I thought to re-address the subject for newbies and a few others.  The extent of screening may differ from Provider to Provider.  Some Providers prefer verifying through employment though many hobbyists are VERY leery about providing that information.  The thought process is that LE probably isn’t a full-time employee of a reputable company or corporation, nor will his photo or name likely appear on a website that is googled.  Most providers require a reference from two other well-reviewed providers.  Some Providers offer other creative ways to be screened for those with no references.  Employment information is one way.  A note from your mother is not.  LOL  So here are some other helpful tips:

References:

1.  When providing a reference to another provider, it is always a good idea to get permission from that Provider before using her.  Remember that some Providers are not reference-friendly.

2.  Many Providers also check the Provider’s review history to determine their reputability, how often they’ve been reviewed, and how recently.  Also checked is if phone numbers match either the TER profile or is on the website.

3.  Always try to include the provider’s URL to her website and some helpful hints of how she may remember you.  The foregoing is another way to determine her validity, and some Providers will not accept the reference if she does not have a website.  Further with some Providers, just giving her phone number is not good enough (especially if the phone number that you give is not on the Providers website).  The phone number that you give could be the phone number of almost anyone.  I had one “Hobbyist” give me the phone number of his swinging partner who was not a Provider.

4.  If a reference must be verified by email, you should allow time for the email exchange to take place.  I can send out an email request for a reference immediately upon receipt of a request, but the Provider who is being requested for the reference may not see the request for day(s).  I’m mentioning this little tad-bit for those who send a request for an appointment to take place in an hour or two.  Many providers also dislike being asked for a reference over the phone.  We have no idea who’s voice is on the other end unless we’re personal friends.

5.  Never ask for a Provider to take your word for it.

6.  If a Provider has only one or two reviews, then that is tough for you, and a red flag for the screening Provider.  Most screening Providers also check the review history of the Reviewer too.  It the Reviewer has only one or two reviews, then he is suspect too.

Some other tips for newbies:

1.  Endless emails for an appointment are not always appreciated.  There will come a point in time when you will be ignored.

2.  Never mention donations either in an email, on the phone, and certainly not in person!  That information should be in the website or ad.

3.  Never talk about specific “acts” on the phone or in emails.  Reviews are a good way to get the information that you seek.

4.  Appreciate the Provider for checking you out.  It is for everyone’s safety and relaxation during a meeting.  You should be very leery of anyone seeing you without screening.

5.  While getting started in Hobbying is tough at first, you may indeed have to jump through a few hoops at first.  It is suggested that you jump through those hoops with a well-reviewed and respected Provider.  The latter-mentioned will help you immeasurably on your next attempt.

6.  Use the Provider’s contact form for initial contact if at all possible.  An email that simply says “Hi my name is “Mortamer”.  I found you on TER and like what I see.  You have great reviews.  I’ll be in town Wednesday night, and leaving on Thursday morning.  I would like to see you.  Please let me know.”  Believe it or not, we get those types of emails that are promptly deleted.

7.  Proper screening sometimes takes a considerable amount of time and effort depending on what you provide.  There sometimes comes a point where we’ll just give up.

Third party reference sources are reputable and reliable for Providers.  A couple of them are RS2K, and Preferred 411.  It is fully understandable that many hobbyists are reluctant to provide such personal information for a service that could be raided.  They also come with a price for both hobbyist and Provider.  Still many providers accept their screening techniques as good enough because it cuts down the amount of time for both parties for an appointment.  

I’m sure that I’ve left off some other points that should be mentioned.  I believe that other Providers will chime in some others.

RS2K is now listing in Minneapolis, it is the major site in Chicago which is where i have relocated but referencing could be made much simpler with that website. I don't if ppl are not aware it is available in MN. The woman who runs it is awesome and handles things accordingly nothing like MFP was run, this is just purely verification. I encourage you ladies and hobbyists to check it out. www.roomservice2000.com


xoxoxo
Avery

Amen to that! Thanks

Thanks for that, SM7. I've managed up to this point to have all the fun I can handle without screening, but now I'm hot for someone and am coming up against my lack of references, or, I suppose I should say, "qualified" references.

But just to clarify, screening does what, exactly, for a provider? Verifies LE status, right? Weeds out rude assholes, no doubt. And makes sure you get someone who's check won't bounce. Anything else I'm missing that providers are typically screening for?

is never a bad idea, especially one that is as well thought out as this one. There will always be newbies, as well. Very nicely done...um...Mom.

It is for your safety as well as ours!

"You should be very leery of anyone seeing you without screening"

So if I see a provider with numerous pages of good reviews, I should be "leery" about her?

Everybody is into something, right?  Your writing, Soccermom, knocks me out.  I wish I could meet you!  But, alas, you can't meet an alias. PM me if you like.  Thanks!

You need to think about this a little more.  Someone who fails to screen YOU also fails to screen others. There are any number of ways that person could have already been compromised.  You need to know that you are entering a low security environment.  

Bad screening could also be indicative of other, less obvious bad habits.

BTW, that's "Ridiclous".

it's ridiculous.

What does a guy like me do that has no references?
Also on disability??