I have been looking through the reviews and I'm finally psyched up enough to call someone. I've been reading about the screening/reference part and I have a few questions.

For someone like me who had never done this before and has no provider references what happens?

If guys could chime in on what the screening process is like and what it involves I would really appreciate it.

And if any of the girls could tell me what they do for brand new guys with no references I would appreciate it too.

If a provider has a personal/private site, but does not ask for references on it is this cause for alarm?

join Preferred411.  Gina will work with you to verify you, and providers are allowed to indicate if they are newbie friendly on their profiles on the site.  This means they will be easier on you for screening.  Every provider has her own method of screening.  It's better to give out personal info to a single verification site than to give it to several providers, which is what you will probably have to do if you go at it on your own.

It's a catch-22 starting out, but the girls have the same hurdles to overcome when they do not have reviews.

LLAP,
Swim

Thanks for the help. How long does registering with Preferred411 take?

Not at all. Not every lady screens with references. Personally my favorite way to screen is by using references. But sometimes references are not necessary. We have access to all kinds of data research so if the guy is being relatively transparent then he can be screened before he even knows it.

As long as you can find solid, positive on her, then no.  

Not all ladies require provider references, myself included.  But I require RS2K verification (it's a screening service the client has to pay for) which is often a bit controversial around here; that is all I really need from any potential client.    
But that's just me; the provider-reference thing seems to be required more often than not (hey, I used to ask for them) so I get where you're coming from in being unsure of someone who does NOT ask for references.

Look for a lady who outlines her screening requirements and also states that she is newbie-friendly.  Depending on your area, you might even want to start with an agency that accepts newbies; keep in mind that either an independent or agency  might then ask for more screening info than if you had references.

Hope that helps!

Is there a subtle way to as if she is LE? Ask to play the "you show me yours I'll show you mine" game? This is my biggest concern obviously. I don't want to be walking into a possible situation.

No, there isn't. If she were she'd be legally allowed to lie about it anyway, so it's a pointless question. If she's well reviewed and established then she's not LE. She could be LE affiliated (flipped) if she were recently busted and looking to make a deal to reduce her punishment, but that's not very likely if she's a "professional" (by which I mean not someone running BP specials out of a flea-bag motel.)

Guess what??  They can and do LIE!  LE can tell you anything they want.  
So asking that question means NOTHING. NADA. ZIPPO. ZILCH.  

And although maybe they're not supposed to do it, there have been reported instances of UC agents baring all as some sort of proof.  Sure they're going to deny it later, because hey... wouldn't most people believe the COP versus the ACCUSED??

Let me also add that if you find yourself in a room with LE you *will* be leaving in handcuffs. Anything you say and do prior to this is merely strengthening their case against you. Asking her to show you hers is "intent." Some people think that physical contact is an LE check. It's not. That merely adds an assault charge (if you touch her), or "intent" again if you ask her to touch you. You need to minimize your risk prior to contact, not once you've already walked in to her room. At that point she's either legit and you'll have a good time, or she's not and you're going to need a lawyer.

Stick to the ladies who have professional websites, plenty of reviews, insist on screening, etc. Not all of them need references, so that on its own doesn't necessarily indicate anything.

As a newbie starting out, I'd recommend you do the following...

If you haven't already, pay for VIP here on TER. That way you can research any lady you're interested in and give yourself assurance that she is legit (i.e. not LE, B&S, or a scam) and what to expect BCD.

The second thing you should do is join a verification service. I recommend P411, but there are others. This way you give out your personal info once to them. Then, once you are a member, you can set up your dates through the service. It streamlines the whole process. The ladies can see who has given you 'okays' which are basically your references. Obviously, being new you don't have any of those yet, but there are ladies who are willing to see newbies and help you get established with just your being a basic member. Just realize that every lady's screening is different and they are doing what they do to ensure their safety. Some of them ask for more than just your p411 ID and it is up to you to determine if you are comfortable providing that or not.  

The next thing I would suggest, is to get a prepaid burner phone. There are several recent threads on this, so you can read them and determine whether this is something you want to do or not based on your own risk tolerance and what you have to lose should your identity be made public.  

The last thing is to read the self help guide, and read back several pages on this board. It is a wealth of knowledge on the proper protocol and other tidbits to ensure a smooth and mutually enjoyable experience.  

Welcome and enjoy the ride. Just don't get too carried away

I just took a look at your website and it's beautiful.  Just saying!

If you were to add the paragraph about "start out by only seeing well reviewed providers whose reviews are from guys with lots of reviews" this would be the de facto standard on the safest way to start out in this hobby.  Somehow this should be pinned on this page or right up front in the newbie FAQ.  

That is so sweet to say. Thank you.

They do have a toll-free number on the site you can use.  Might go faster using that.  Checking your info may take them some time and require them getting back to you.

LLAP,
Swi

The senator gives good advice pick a girl that has lots of reviews,
Pick someone from this site that has at least 10 reviews.look for datecheck members.
As far as p411 or datecheck which I happened to chose these memberships are for the providers to know you are not LE.
Yes you can join datecheck before you pop your cherry but you will have to pay$ and give out a lot of personal info.
You may have to call a few providers from your regular cell phone .providers have aps to check out your phone number.
Look for reviewed providers that are datecheck members even though you are not a member .
After you have your session the provider will give you info and essentially vouch for you to date check and you will get a 90 day free membership and will not have to give out your personal info.

Looking at other gals websites is a great way to get ideas for the design of your own site as long as you use it to stimulate your own thoughts. Some people have been known to take one providers content and use it as their own word for word and that is not good for anyone.

Research before you meet is what keeps you safe, not asking or grabbing each others crotch when you meet.
 If you're in the room with LE you may not be convicted but you will be arrested and paraded around to show what a great job they are doing and why they need more funding to go after more guys just like you.

I tell them to visit my website and read the etiquette and verification pages, where I describe the different ways I can screen people, and where I strongly recommend joining TER.  If you only afford one site, be a VIP member on TER.  If you can afford two, I also recommend becoming a member on P411.  It makes screening very easy!  I always get excited when I'm contacted by a P411 member.  They have close to a 100% rate for being desirable clients.  Since they do basic screening, I will see a brand new p411 with no okays.

I've tried to be very careful about this in putting together my own website. I've seen a few excellent sites that impressed me, but I wouldn't dare plagiarize. The best ones look like they went to a lot of effort and while I may be inspired, I want to represent my own unique personality.  So much respect to the ladies who make the effort to represent themselves professionally with their sites!

P411 has made things very easy for this n00b (only been at this a few months). The verification process they follow is pretty painless, they're very professional. Then once you're in, the majority of the ladies you see here have a profile there too. Then when you reach out to them through P411 (they have a PM system like here), they know P411 has already verified you. So that should make things much easier for you. Good luck!