Here is a question for both sides of the fence.  DO hobbist's prefer to have a 1 price deal or do they prefer rate plus specific tip.  This is from a thread from little Sue and was curious.

My preference is to have an all inclusive price. I hate when a provider lists/states a rate and then hits you up either for additional funds or tip.  My feeling is is the time spend was exceptional, she will NOT have to ask for a tip but given freely.

Any opinions?

“Required tipping” is an oxymoron, and I refuse to frequent any provider who plays such games.

-- Modified on 9/8/2003 3:23:04 PM

My preference is also to have an all inclusive price.  I stay away from providers that expect tipping - it just feels like you are being ripped off.

interesting...I don't normally tip. I feel the whole experience is at a price the provider feels is for her time. Some charge $200, $250, $300, $350 or even more, basically what they feel they are worth. I'll pay the full, going rate (I've paid as much as $500), if I like the provider. Is it normal to tip?

-- Modified on 10/5/2005 12:04:57 PM

I prefer the one rate idea.  In fact my best experiences are always where I just leave an envelope and nothing is discussed $$ wise.  I think it created a better experience as you aren't creating an LE situation and it seems more respectful of the provider.

Well said...  I agree that it seems like everything seems to go better for both parties when the $ don't really come up at all in the room.  Without exception, those times when it becomes a topic of conversation or when the envelope's contents are counted in advance, the whole session did not end up being as enjoyable for either of us.

As for tipping, I agree with previous posters that:
a) a required trip is not a tip at all.  I resent the mandatory gratuity that some restaurants nail you with and I would resent it just as much in this arena.
b) The "one price, known up front" deal is better for both parties.

Here's what I'd REALLY like to see, and I would see just about any provider who offered this:

"My normal rate is $300.  I only ask for $200 up front.  If, at the end, you felt like I was responsive to you and you were "fully satisfied" with the session, I would hope you would tip me an extra $50 (250 total).  If it was a great session, and we just clicked in a way that I really rocked your world, I'd hope you'd tip me $100.  (300 total)  If we end up having one of those earth-shattering once-in-a-lifetime caliber sessions, I'd hope you'd tip me $150 (total 350).  But I will never ask or even hint for a tip, expect a tip, or act disappointed if the tip was 50 or even zero."

In my business life, I always prefer to do business with vendors who stand on good service alone, and are so confident in their ability to earn my business that they don't worry about locking me in up front.

I understand that.  But then alot of clients expect more for little and if they don't receive, what they want its the providers fault.  That the client was not satisfied and makes problems.  So do you discuss in full detail what you two will be doing over the phone?

Valid point...

I think that you'll find that almost everytime a guy isn't satisfied with a session, it wasn't because it lacked any specific activity, but that it lacked atmosphere.  A lot of guys will settle for "quick action" at $1.5 to $2, but when you get into the $3 range, I think most guys expect ehthusiastic participation--a full hour of playfullness, involvement, etc.  A lot of providers work through the checklist pretty quickly, and then it's out the door, and that's not what's expected for $3.

The idea of my "rate plan" is that it bridges the gap--if you click with the guy in a way that makes you want to wrestle him to the floor and have your way with him, the tab ends up being $3.  If not, just do the best you can and still make 2 bills.