I'd like to see some providers but their rates seem tad bit high.

Oh boy, this is gonna be an interesting thread.  The standard answer is YES.   However, you'll prolly get some veterans who say it can be done. My advice, hobby at a donation level that's comfortable for you and don't covet providers you can't afford  

I do not think my rate is unreasonable vs what I do/offer...  

...Depending on where you ask this question you will get many answers. Some few will argue it's OK. They are wrong in regard to a newbie like you making first contact with a provider. Most will say no never negotiate. Negotiating raises red flags for the provider. Are you Law Enforcement? Are you just a cheap bastard that may try to take advantage of her in other ways? These are just some of the things she will wonder and she will refuse to see you. Discussing the donation amount is not done because it makes a possible connection between sex and money (read sex for money). If you try to discuss donation in first contact she will hang up or not respond to e-mail or voice mail.

...but my advice regarding negotiating still stands.

besides they're tons of gals in the 200-300 range in Atlanta.

1. There are "bargains" in most large markets. Do research, you may find a great $250 lady  just as good as others in $300-350.
2. When you find a lady you like to repeat, become a regular and she may grandfather you if she raises her prices.
3. Check many websites carefully. I've seen ladies post 2 types of prices. For example new clients $350. Established clients price $300.
4. Look on ladies' datecheck or p411, some give member discounts $25-$50, e.g. if its in her profile you can mention it politely.
5. Consider longer date specials, some ladies charge same for 90 minutes as others for 1 hour. Some have better deals on 2hr and multihour dates than others
6. Some advertise discounts for established reviewers or TER members now and then

This isnt going to be popular with the ladies but the ladies cant have it both ways. They cant tell us its a "business" when it benefits them for it to be so, then tell us its "rude" when the guys treat it like a business.

As someone recently said, for $2500, "you're in the shallow end of the pool"

There have been surveys on sites showing about 10-15% of providers responding will say "NO" to you and take offense no matter how you say it. Those are the bitches.  
There is another 10-15% who will say "NO" but will not be pissed by the inquiry. (If you're as asshole, that's different. Those providers tend to be vocal on boards about it and over shadow what the majority have responded, which is:
Ask politely and the answer may be "YES" or will be "YES" depending on the situation.
The key here is DO NOT HAGGLE like you are talking to a Tijuana Club Girl. Simply ask in the most polite and respectful way. Providers who do this full time and have no other source of income seem to be more sensible and willing to adjust prices occasionally for business sake.  
Some suggestion given by providers on two such surveys I read were: "Do you have any specials?" or "Do you have any lower cost options that might be in my price range?"
One last tip: If you have never seen a provider, you will have far less success, and will be considered a douchebag for asking far more that if you ask after seeing her a couple time.
Either way, you are risking wrath when you ask, since you do not know what the viewpoint or temperament of the provider is.  On top of that, they are women, you know.

I don't know for sure if some of the top 100 negotiate or not. I do know one of them has a web site that says don't. You also saw my statement about what an established client can do as opposed to a newbie.

But market conditions, in a down economy and off peak season, like winter in major northeast cities, all play a significant factor in whether a lady would/should accept lower than her published rate.  

And you didnt see my other post of the perils for a newbie if he does decide to negotitate. But you stated  "If a provider will negotiate with you then you don't want to see her." That is the issue I have with what you wrote and why I pointed to the TOP 100 to begin with.  

If I enjoy being with a guy, I will offer him some type of incentive to come back. If he asks, puts me off and I really don't want to see him. If a guy I've never gotten a cent from asks upfront for a discount, I tell him to try someone else. If a REGULAR asks for a discount who has been seeing me for a while, done deal. He has EARNED it.

-- Modified on 4/21/2013 8:12:47 AM

Um, now I know who you are lol. Geez, don't be so obvious!

Invariably they’ll tell you to find another restaurant more in your price range.  
   

Its not some terrible, awful thing. Its just business. She can choose not to if she wishes. She can DNS list if she choses. She can counter offer. But to get pissed off at him for making the offer? That makes no sense to me.  

The circimstances are wildly different for a touring girl as opposed to a local girl. You and I have discussed this before and you know I dont use it as a tool to take money out of the mouths of single moms with child(ren) to feed. If you want to discuss this more, hit me bc.

Granted, but this is not about "whether negotiating happens," it is about it being RUDE. You're not the one on our side, so easy for you to say "I don't think it's rude...it's business." Let me break it down like this...

Again, I dont think it is rude to make a lady an offer, specifically for an extended date. Its rude to try and hurt the ladies rep with others if she declines.

I had a guy contact me recently who was from Columbus (I'm based in Cincinnati, roughly two hours away). My shortest/cheapest appointment is $450, and this guy asked me, "If I come down to Cincinnati, will you take $300?" My response was simple: "If you drove down here to eat at one of the local restaurants, do you think they'd knock 1/3 of the total off of your bill just because you drove two hours to eat there?" That shut him up pretty quickly.