I am completely new to this and looking for my first provider. I've come across one who is virtually everything I'm looking for, perfectly suiting my needs. Yet, after reading some of the newbie advice posts, I have some concerns if I should proceed. Please bare with me as I explain....

1. Provider has only 4 reviews. Of the 4 reviewers, 2 have ONLY reviewed her. Of the remaining 2 reviewers, one has three reviews, the remaining (and first reviewer) has 11 reviews. All the reviewers gave 9s and 10s across the board. Are these enough reviews? Also, there was no mention of the verification process in any of their comments (I mention that because I see most reviews will state things such as "typical 2-call system).

2. I emailed the provider. She replied me with her general location and gave me rates right up front. Is this the norm, since I only asked about her availability? And she never mentioned any form of verification, just telling me to let her know the date and then call the day before to confirm. All normal stuff?

After seeing her pics and her fantastic reviews, I'd love to meet her, but again, I'm completely a newbie and really have no idea if all of the above are considered red flags or not.

Any advice here would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance, folks!!

Why in the world would you ask this under an alias? For future reference, many folks want to know who they are talking to.

As for your concerns, you should remember there are no real standards for this industry. All ladies have there own concerns for screening, some have seemingly no concerns at all. I would be rather concerned that she is so carefree and be very cautious if you decide to see her anyway. Also, I would not put much credibility in her reviews unless I happened to know and trust one of the reviewers.


-- Modified on 6/19/2008 11:41:37 AM

oops, sorry about the alias thing, WT!  posting with my real handle now

I'd be especially concerned about her discussing money over the phone.

That is a big no-no.

The lack of verification is another problem.

It doesn't mean that she is setting you up for a bust, but it does indicate that she is lax about security and that is not the type of person I would like to see.

thanks, mrfisher

she didn't discuss her rates on the phone, just over email....is that still not cool?

Must commend you dude for it seeems that you are cognizant of the difference between your first time out of the box nervousness vs. possible red flags vs. an inner doubt that says 'stay away'.  These are always healthly doubts my friend.  Over time you will learn how to accumulate your research information and make pretty wise decisions.  You seem to be off to pretty good start.  With that said, comments on your particulars:

-  Again kudos for not only contemplating the number of reviews that the lady has but how many reviews her reviewers have.  You have identified 2 that only reviewed her so yes it would be wise to treat those at arms length and not put too much into them relative to making a yes/no decision.  The other 2 have 3 and 11 respectively.  Although that is not an awful lot to go by,  you can mine a bit deeper.  Take a look at the other ladies that these 2 guys saw.  Were the other ladies reviewed a lot and were these two guys evaluating the other ladies similar to other guys.  What this helps you do is get a little better feel for whether or not a reviewer typically sees well reviewed ladies and whether he scores along the line of others reviewers.

- Verification process and reviews:  A couple of thoughts for you.  The 'typical 2 call system' is not really a verification/screening method at its core.  Almost all verification and screening steps occur before the meet and not at meet time.  A key exception may be that some providers will ask to see ID when you finally do meet and yes your unblocked cell number when you do call helps to confirm that it is you.  In any case the 2-call system really serves more of a check-in and  readiness purpose.  You are saying that you are there  (and ADVANCED screening would have meant that she or the agency was expecting you) and this then gives her or the agency a minute or two to get absolutely ready (she may be running a bit late for example) and then return the call to give you the actual location or room number.  So yeah the revelation of the location is part and parcel of completing the security process but at its core the 2-call system is not a screening techinque but a check-in method.  Second it is not really a good idea to reveal the specific screening technique in a review. Every provider has her own method or acceptable methods that she uses.  She may post these methods on her site or tell you after initial phone or email contact.  But it is unnecessary to ever include her specific method within a review.  So the fact that you are not reading how she screened is not really a bad thing at all.  However...

- Last but most important: Based on what you are sharing we do not know how or even if she screens at all.  It sounds like she does not screen.  Perhaps the day before she will screen you but I doubt it since she said call the day before to confirm and why would she make room for you on her calendar if she might rule you out at the last minute? This is not usual and in fact for me it is a siginificant read flag.  Screening protects both you and her.  Her apparent lack of solid screening puts you at risk as she is careless in a biz where carelessness usually leads to trouble.  

So while the review history is not strong, pending the further research that I described it still may not look bad.  But it is a doubt.  However the screening (or lack thereof) is a significant red flag.  Combine the two and I'd stay away.  Too many fish in the sea.  

I do think you are examining things the right way and asking good questions of yourself.  Keep it up.  Search for the next one and choose one that hits on all cylinders and carries no doubt beyond your rookie nerves.  Then go for it.  Good luck...      

                       

-- Modified on 6/19/2008 9:03:17 AM

If it is someone new, that has linmited references, I never start the screening process right away.

First off, there is a good chance the person is not going to get back to me.

Second, if the person with few references is LE, why would I want to give them ample time to get their ducks in a row? Especially if the appt is a week away?

My screening process is discreet, and I highly guard what it is. Thats the reason for the alias.

Thanks for all the GREAT advice, guys!!

I think I'll trust HeyNow's solid input and heed the red flags he points out. As it's been stated many times, there are many well-reviewed providers to choose from.

Plus, I could always go back to this girl once she gets more reviews under her (garter) belt!