I've always gone with independents. Never had an issue.

and have VIP so you can read the details in the reviews, you will not be disappointed.

If you are just rolling the dice by looking at pics on Eros or any other mall site, it may not be a good experience.

I have never used an agency, however

there are some really good ones out there.  For your first venture, it might not be a bad idea to go with an agency.  Reason being, you don't have any references to give a lady to check you out.  

If you don't mind giving her some personal info, you will find indies that will see you without provider refs.  Definitely, get VIP membership on TER, and do research whether you go to an agency or an indie girl.  You could also join one of the verification sites, like Date-Check for example.  Use the one the is most prominent in your area of the country.

Good luck,
Swim

Find a reputable agency in your area.
Agencies are easier to book when you have no provider references. Be prepared to be screened thoroughly either way.
You will notice that other newbies are sometimes frustrated by indies who will not book them without references. Just do a search on this board.

Either way, good luck, and choose wisely.

I had the same concerns as you when I started out but found TER very helpful. I was leaning towards starting out with an agency first but I was convinced by posters here to give it a try scheduling with an independent. As it turns out I've had a lot of luck with independent providers and have yet to see an agency lady.

One downside that was pointed out to me with going to an agency first is that they may be easier to book with for a newbie because of your lack of provider references but I was told a lot of them are reluctant to act as references themselves later on. So if you plan on seeing independents later on you're still in the same boat as before.

Not to mention that most of the same issues are still there in terms of getting your money's worth. Even if their photos are accurate you still would need reviews to assure yourself that the lady in question delivers the services you want - I've been around TER long enough to know that any lady, agency or otherwise, can look seriously hot but still be a disappointment either due to attitude or limits or other reasons.

The best advice is something you've probably heard already - get VIP here on TER and do a lot of research. Stick to well-reviewed providers. If you see an independent you like, give her a try. Be polite and explain you're a newbie and ask her nicely if she'll work with you on screening. I've found being polite and gentlemanly gets you a long way in the initial contact with a provider. I've seen several well-reviewed providers now and have yet to be turned down for a date (knock on wood) and most of them haven't even asked me for references.

I know this can all be very confusing and frustrating for a new hobbyist but hang in there and you'll be having fun in no time!

I have used both and had great success with both.  If you have references and are not afraid to give proper screening information in independent lady is the way to go.  Look at the reviews here and choose a gal that suites your fancy.

If you have no references you may have better luck with an agency. Again I would recommend using an agency with gals that are reviewed here on TER.

Actually, I think your logic train is running in the wrong direction.  Indies Rule!  In my experience you run a greater risk of not getting the provider in the picture by going with an agency, unless it's a well reviewed agency with a good rep...there are many out there depending on what city you will by hobbying in.  Indies, especially ones with a great website and good reviews here on TER are a pretty sure fire bet.  If they don't look like the pictures on their website, it will get reviewed sooner or later.

some indies do mislead, but I have seen agencys catch hell for putting up pics that werent accurate either,
If you stick with a well reviewed provider, you wont have this problem,