I just was talking with a well known provider and she says it's real dead out there-what's up? Is it x'mas bills,LE scares or what? PLus I want to cum back...

-- Modified on 1/20/2005 11:01:38 AM

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.

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.

Very well said Steveo...  It's hard to put the rate issue on the table without it sounding like an attack or an insult and you've done it nicely and in just one paragraph.

That's what I thought (as far as pricing). It seems that with the country ,the way it is, money is a key issue. I don't have a prob running specials. Actually, I stay very,very busy when I do. Thanks for the input.

-- Modified on 1/20/2005 12:21:02 PM

But the price is only one part of the equation, I'd say that there are about 4 or 5 issues that are on "equal footing".

please explain...I'm nosey..hehe

HUH???

I agree OZ.  There are a number of under lying issues that are being further compounded by the cat fights, LE and other issues on the local scene.

It is not just a price issue, but quality of service for the value received and attitude would top the list in my opinion of some of the issues.

I guess I am not understanding the cat fight issue. Little Sue and I are wondering. Theres no cat fights between us..we love each other.

Tymber. Pm sent to you!

I sent you a pm

Tymber, I'm not sure if you're a VIP that can receive PMs, I know that your "hobby" number is disconnected, so I dropped you an e-mail.

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.

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.

Amen Brother Vorlon!  Amen!!!  I will just add that it is tragic for all of us that it has come to this.  We local hobbyists could be the best advertizing our lovely local ladies could ever ask for.  What's to fight about girls?  There is more demand here than there is supply.  Help each other succeed and recapture us.  we'd love to be your slaves.

No I just prefer e-mail [email protected]

I think some locals get too involved in gossip.  Gossip can be used to hurt others, whether true or not.    
I've seen a fews guys used this way and eventually end up hurt.  Plenty of gullible guys out there to take their place when they've served their purpose.  
If you can't just change the subject and control the session, you'd be happier seeing traveling ladies.  JMO

-- Modified on 1/21/2005 6:34:00 AM

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.