Lowering your rates is not always a bad thing.
Especially with the way your thought process is going, it makes sense.
There are some WELL known and HIGHLY reviewed ladies who have lowered their rates. Some to levels that others may think are crazy. More than one 'friend' of mine has done so recently, against my advice. Know what?
I was wrong.
Sure they got heat from some of the other ladies. Men have had their opinions.
The real result is that these ladies are busier than ever. They can cherry-pick their clients and now decide how much they want to make, as opposed to waiting for the phone to ring. They've gone from, let's say, 1400 a week based on 350 and hour to 3000+ per week based on a much lower rate.
Most interesting thing is that they don't have to see that many more people, like you would normally think. The number of multi-hour appointments has shot up dramatically. This means the same amount of prep for an appointment, with a lot more talking, cuddling, and that bs.
It has been speculated over and over about dropping rates. Very easy to form opinions, and I did as well. As I said, I was proven wrong by seeing how extremely well this has worked for more than one lady.
Let people think and say what they want. Until they put money in your pocket and pay your bills, they can keep it to themselves. Looking out for number one still rules.
Just something to think about.
For those of you who don't know, the life of a fairly new, unreviewed provider goes something like this. Searching TER boards for interesting posts to contribute to, looking at other providers sites/ads, thinking of individual topics to post about, looking at other providers sites/ads, reviewing our own websites/ads, looking at other providers sites/ads, looking to reviews (as much as we can if we do not have VIP), looking at other providers sites/ads, checking our emails (most times being disappointed), looking at other providers sites/ads, and all this while RESEARCHING RESEARCHING RESEARCHING! Coming into the biz is like writing a dissertation.
Anyway I've said all that to that I have been an AVID reader of the boards and I use the info I gather to help me make better decisions in attracting clients and thus getting my first review. SO I've been thinking that it may be time fro me to lower my rates. After all, I have no history yet so guys are really taking a chance with me and some incentive to see me would be nice. I have offered TER specials but I think those are still a little steep. I think that out of respect for other providers that have established themselves it may be a good idea to drop my rates.
But before I do I was hoping to get comprehensive feedback on what message that sends to everyone else. I have seen posts of gents who are wary of providers who drop their rates. So please, thoughts.
-- Modified on 11/22/2010 12:54:19 PM
Take a look at the market you're in, see what the average rate is, then offer a price that's lower... say, by $50. Eros is a good place to look, as they tend to attract providers with a bit more class than your average Backpage dweller (who I often suspect is looking to get $50 just to get their next crack fix). Offering a lower price, but not TOO much lower (you don't want to appear desperate), could make all the difference in establishing a client base, particularly in this economic climate.
Just my $.02, anyway. More experienced hobbyists than I will undoubtedly chime in with their own sage advice, which could completely contradict mine. 
rate more tempting to entice guys to see you. For example, if you charge $$$ for 1 hr., charge $$$$$ or $$$$$.50 for 2-hrs.
Hey Elle!
I don't want to be a bore here but there is an old adage from a business class I took in college...in the 80's Fuji film was looking to increase market share so they dropped their price...their sales decreased in revenue and units when they did that because they were no longer perceived as a quality product.
The point is, dropping your rates won't necessarily attract more guys...but it may attract more undesirable guys. If you are comfortable with your rates (competitive for your area, your level of service, etc...) you might want to offer a $50 discount to TER members, the likelihood being that they are more prone to review you. Or, even if it isn't your "style", offer 30 minute sessions...if I'm going to TOFTT I'm much more likely to do it with a girl for 30 minutes than 60 minutes...or...offer a "sampler". Offer a 30 minute session for 75% of your hourly rate with the option to extend to 60 minutes...if all is okay after the 30 minutes it only costs the guy another 25% to continue. The down side for you is that you have to schedule each 30 minute appointment for an hour just in case he extends so you can really only do it for a short time until you are established.
Once the first review pops up the customers will follow, particularly true if you are in an area of the country without many providers.
Good Luck!!!!!!!!
Then we could judge the price/value relationship for ourselves and offer an opinion...
And posting a link to your ad is a very good idea . . .
Anyway I've said all that to that I have been an AVID reader of the boards and I use the info I gather to help me make better decisions in attracting clients and thus getting my first review. SO I've been thinking that it may be time fro me to lower my rates. After all, I have no history yet so guys are really taking a chance with me and some incentive to see me would be nice. I have offered TER specials but I think those are still a little steep. I think that out of respect for other providers that have established themselves it may be a good idea to drop my rates.
But before I do I was hoping to get comprehensive feedback on what message that sends to everyone else. I have seen posts of gents who are wary of providers who drop their rates. So please, thoughts.
-- Modified on 11/22/2010 12:54:19 PM
Elle is Chicago
Anyway I've said all that to that I have been an AVID reader of the boards and I use the info I gather to help me make better decisions in attracting clients and thus getting my first review. SO I've been thinking that it may be time fro me to lower my rates. After all, I have no history yet so guys are really taking a chance with me and some incentive to see me would be nice. I have offered TER specials but I think those are still a little steep. I think that out of respect for other providers that have established themselves it may be a good idea to drop my rates.
But before I do I was hoping to get comprehensive feedback on what message that sends to everyone else. I have seen posts of gents who are wary of providers who drop their rates. So please, thoughts.
-- Modified on 11/22/2010 12:54:19 PM
Thanks hiddenhills,
The link to my site was in the post initially but I guess the moderator removed it. But yes I am in Chicago so if you guys want to search my handle on that board, you can see my ads.
your site did not display the TER logo / link as required.
On the original topic... research the local area & price around the average. You can run specials right now as times are tough but easier to stop a special that raise prices later.
All the Best,
skb
I think because I was talking about rates and such, it would have been too close to advertising to have the link.
And thanks for the input. Its well appreciated.
Dear Elle J:
I was wondering what part of the country would you reside in and when you do get a client where has he seen your ads? Also what websites would most of your clients go to as well when they want to make contact with you? Finally maybe you should look at those hobbyist who would have accounts on other websites that would give incentive to review in exchange for board presence. These are the guys who would be more than willing to see you provided that you would be ammenable with your compensation. Finally who would be the most frequent reviewer in your region of the country and drop him a line on one of the sights so that you can get some good reviews. The question is that no one is going to pay an exorbitant amount until they know that you are proven and as good as advertised. Then those who trust those who are in the game will then tag along and see you. Also have some incentives that will grandfather earlier customers who have patronized you at a certain rate as your customer base grows while adding new customers at your desired rate. Also I am wondering would you be friendly with any well known providers in your area that you could do doubles and travel with? That might be a way to find frequent reviewers of woman which could really receive the collective ear of the hobbying community.
Is to lower my rates, but not too much.
For those of you curious. I do have an eros ad, I also have one on backpage (but I don't get any responses there, perhaps because I require email as initial contact). I also have one on naughty reviews, cityvibe, date check, and a few other miscellaneous ones.
Thanks for the feedback.
Lowering your rates is not always a bad thing.
Especially with the way your thought process is going, it makes sense.
There are some WELL known and HIGHLY reviewed ladies who have lowered their rates. Some to levels that others may think are crazy. More than one 'friend' of mine has done so recently, against my advice. Know what?
I was wrong.
Sure they got heat from some of the other ladies. Men have had their opinions.
The real result is that these ladies are busier than ever. They can cherry-pick their clients and now decide how much they want to make, as opposed to waiting for the phone to ring. They've gone from, let's say, 1400 a week based on 350 and hour to 3000+ per week based on a much lower rate.
Most interesting thing is that they don't have to see that many more people, like you would normally think. The number of multi-hour appointments has shot up dramatically. This means the same amount of prep for an appointment, with a lot more talking, cuddling, and that bs.
It has been speculated over and over about dropping rates. Very easy to form opinions, and I did as well. As I said, I was proven wrong by seeing how extremely well this has worked for more than one lady.
Let people think and say what they want. Until they put money in your pocket and pay your bills, they can keep it to themselves. Looking out for number one still rules.
Just something to think about.
I can imagine the frustration of breaking through. Tough.
Here in L.A., the world is pretty much yours starting at $400-500. My faves list is full of them. But, times being what they are, spotting the gem at $300-350 separates them from the masses. I can then go for an hour & a half and still not be much higher than the $400 gals. Value, see?
I still remember vividly a lady who went on to becoming one of the most popular ladies here ran a special because she needed quick cash for (fill in the blank). It put her in my comfort zone but the phones were so lit up, I couldn't get to see her. Her reviews came in like a flood, she was able to raise rates, and now doesn't even post here due to a solid client base. But that special coupled with stellar performance (key) launched her.