I have been corresponding with a well-reviewed provider who will be touring through my area in coming weeks. Her website states that down payments are required for longer dates, however she is now saying that she'd need one for our shorter date since she is touring.  

im no expert but my opinion is this is a little steep for a downpayment, especially for a short introductory date.  Since your on the newbie board i assume your "new" at this, I would avoid this provider for now.  Hopefully one of the more experienced guy will chime in with some advice.  Good luck sir....

While touring, on a short introductory rate deposit may not be necessary but once again, it depends on her business practices, if you don't feel comfortable sending deposits it is best to start perusing on your local ad board to see if anyone local may catch your eye, local ladies will more likely not require a deposit. If you decide to move forward with this gal, make sure that you are fully aware of the conditions attached with the deposit (refundable if she cancels etc..) always stick to well reviewed providers so you don't get burned.
Hope this helps

I've attached a link to a previous thread on this subject.  Great thing about a free market, providers can ask for a deposit, and hobbyists can say yes or no.  I myself, prefer not to give a deposit, but that's just me.

Aside from a deposit, it sounds like she is up selling her time. Some providers will take advantage of newbies.

My advice is to never give a deposit in the first place. There have been instances when well reviewed providers have absconded with deposits and with the up sell you should pass on this one.

even for shorter dates.

If she is very well reviewed, then I think the chances of you being ripped off are minimal.

The fact that you are a newbie might also have some bearing on her decision to ask for a deposit.  If you were a well known hobbyist who has written many reviews, she would probably feel a lot better about not asking.

But the bottom line for you should be:  What makes me the most comfortable.  If sending in a deposit does not sit well with you, then start off by seeing someone who does not need same.

If that was their experience as well.  You'll need VIP to PM those prior reviewers however.  Or post her name here and perhaps the readers here may know of her...versus those in your local area.

if you don't feel comfortable with her demands, find someone else.  To me $700 seems pretty steep for a short date deposit.  Since you didn't post her hourly rate, I'll assume she's fairly high dollar.  The upselling, regardless of the deposit demand, bothers me a lot.  While providers are taking a chance when touring that they might not make enough to cover their expenses, they should have enough pre-booked dates to ensure that does not happen.

+1    

sending 700 to someone you have never met?  

Oh wow. 700$ for a short date? She got golden Pussy or something? Then she is bugging on you to get a longer date so she can get more deposit? Beware. Even the good ones go bad. I don't even pay 700$ an hour out in NYC.

$700 for a down payment ??? That is a bit much !!!

I have heard of this with certain porn stars because if you cancel, they lose a shit load of money, but not from just the average hourly escort. How much is her fee for 2 hours? It sounds to me like she is wary of seeing you because you're a newbie, and this is her way of making sure you don't flake. If you do, she keeps the money. Not altogether unreasonable, but if I am nervous about seeing someone, I just don't see them. Money is not going to keep me out of jail or out of a suit case. It's up to you, but I would not give anyone that much money, except in person. If she is willing to meet, pay her then. If not, plenty of other choices.

Thats what CPA told me, anyway

Heck, I'd be getting more than one date for that amount.  IF you pay her, she'll have little incentive to see you.  
Do you have VIP?  Is she TER reviewed?  How much does she normally charge.