you might find it easier to go agency for your first few experiences.  Reason being, it's been my observation that reputable indies screen a bit tougher than agencies.  However, if you can find some quality indies that say they are newbie friendly, then go for them as well.

It would probably behoove you to join one of the verification sites, such as Date Check, Preferred411, or Roomservice2000.  This will help you with screening by the ladies.

Have fun,
Swim

Recently divorced at age 50 , a friend told me about TER. So I have been mostly reading the boards. Will be paying for VIP (As soon as I get a one of them no-name gift cards).

For first experience should I go with an agency or with an independent girl?  Have NO other experience in the states, although have had some play time overseas.

Happy Holidays

...I haven't been with any Agency girls so I'll just say that the indies I've been with over the past two months have been fine.  All very nice, easy to deal with, and very much "as advertised."  I'd be happy to see an Agency girl, too, it's just worked out that the ones I first wanted to see were indies.

This is the most discussed topic on this board; do a search and you'll find literally hundreds of threads about it right here.

The answer is, there are plusses and minusses on both sides

In the end it's what you're most comfortable with. Agency's will ask you for personal information (screening) to verify who you are, and to be as sure as possible that you are legit. Freelance (Independents) may not ask for the info, but then you don't know what you're getting into as with the Agencys, the gals are also screened.

As you will here below my post... read the newbie manual here on TER, it's now called the self-help center. You will find it on the home page by the life preserver icon.

Welcome Aboard!!!

When I started out, I started with agencies. Independent providers wanted references from other indies, not agencies. After a few reviews were posted and a short time thereafter I was able to see indies with no issues.

Depending on where you are hobbying, the verification sites will help you break into the indie scene. I was fortunate enough not to need them but things have changed in the last few years.

BTW, starting out at 50 is probably much easier then starting out at 30.

Agree...Independents.

Agency is easier to schedule last minute, but they get busted by LE all the time...especially the more successful they become.  Just check out the many examples in the large hobby market.  I don't want my name on any seized hard drives.

I think discretion and privacy is better entrusted to an individual rather than a group.

I know a few Providers have struck out to form their own agency at time, and I've trusted these somewhat more, but i've always been cautious about the privacy factor because if and when the agency fails, client list are up for sale.

My advice, if discretion is a concern, best to trust your personal info to the fewest number of people.  Agencies are a much easier target for LE, and let's face it, why would LE waste their time busting a single Provider when they could bust an agency.

I would suggest independents mainly because they make 100% of the advertised rate instead of handing 40-50% over to the agency and are far less likely to false advertise than agencies. Many agencies post fake photos and a completely different girl shows up. Before I went indy as a provider, an agency recycled my photos for use after I stopped working with them, so they were using my pics to entice customers even though I wasn't on their roster anymore. Agencies come in handy for last-minute appointments whereas most of us indy girls want some advanced notice and time to screen.

i have to agree with ashleigh, i have been through agencys for 6 years now and i have been really wanting to go indie, but iam not used to any of dealing with the clients myself. i dont like how agencys take such a big chunk of money from the girls they also use your picuture long after you quit which is false adverising. agencys are also all about their time. the providers can not stay a minute after the hour so your time isnt as enjoyable with the provider watching the clocks the whole time.

and treat the providers as ladies, yourself being sqeeky clean, well-manered, etc., all should go well.  A verification service (P4111, Date-Check, or RS2000) sometimes opens doors to see independent ladies if you have no references.  Lastly, do not give out any screening information you are not comfortable with.

Right!  It's worked for me.  I've only been with indies, and also got verified by DateCheck and P411.  Find a gal who's newbie friendly on those sites, see her and get her "OK" then you're on your way.

Well said. Your gentleman act should begin before you even meet the lady. Sit down and draft a "letter of introduction," telling a little about yourself and why you are interested in seeing the lady. Let her know you understand her need for screening and that you will be willing to work with her meet her requirements.

A well-written letter should help smooth your way, should you decide to go the indy route. Make it vanilla, tailor it as necessary and you will be able to use it over and over again.

I LOVED the support that I got. Well the first one goes to an agency girl. I tried to setup with a few independent girls, however those who answered refused to let me see them due to lack of experience and references I guess. So for now I hang around agency girls.

Now I will figure out how to write a review. Lets see if I can make that happen.

Thanks again and I hope to be able to provide feedback to others on this board as I learn more.

hobby homework, read reviews, ask questions on TER, and don't ever let the little head do all the thinking, you'll be fine.  If a situation doesn't feel right, smell right or look right, leave and live to hobby another day.

Personally, believe Indies are the better choice for the following reasons:
1. Indies main objective is to build a solid group of regulars - repeaters are safer and more likely to
    submit reviews which almost assuredly will increase their business
2. Less likely to rush clients; agency girls will get a phone call close to ennd of seesion telling them
    to get client out even if they do not have anyone else scheduled
3. Indies who give poor service have to constantly find new "suckers" - Best to choose Indies who have
    at least 5 good reviews
4. Indies know quality of service is main thing which build repeat biz - more likely to do whatever they
    feel is in their best interest to get client to return