...your bona fides before you ask for a day and time.  How about saying: "Hello, my name is John Burgandy.  I saw your ad on ______ and I'm very interested in seeing you."

As Tabu said, try emailing first.

So, I just started getting into this hobby. When I'm making the call, I usually ask if it's the person I'm trying to reach, then ask if she has time on a certain day. I've been hung up on three times. Am I being too forward? How do YOU approach the phone call?

if she gives you one. That way, you can craft a polite, respectful, non-sexually-specific email at your leisure-- and when you're happy with it, send it off.

Many times guys are hung up on or are never responded to because they did not follow some instruction on the gals' sites.

Also, before you ask for a date you need to find out if she is willing to see you in the first place, so after identifying yourself and telling her where you found her number, the next question should be, what is needed for you to arrange a date.

Also be sure that an open and respectful attitude comes through.

Not sure if it's that emails are preferred - Why advertise a number and ask to call?  
Don't even have to chance to offer screening info as they just hang up after I ask if they have time on a certain day. Could be I'm not being specific enough, but don't know what the lady's hours are

1 was well reviewed, others were bp ads with no reviews.

Phone setup usually means a BP ad. Those types of operations tend to be last minute, call when your ready and if I'm free you can come over. They don't setup appointments very far in advance, more first come first served. For advanced screening and setup you might do better checking the TER ad board and picking a well reviewed lady you can email.

-- Modified on 3/11/2014 7:55:49 PM

If they do that it is someone that you don't want to deal with. If you don't talk like someone in the ghetto she probably did not want to deal with you.

What city was that in ?

I have a a basic introduction email to see if there is interest:  
My real name, and contact information.  
TER handle, DC-ID.  
Where I found their information.  
Date, time, and length of meeting requested.    
A couple of recent references.  
And see where it goes from there.   Even after a couple of emails, there would never be any discussion regarding "particulars".  
 
 
Since you are new, you should mention that fact in the email.

you,  and I just happen to answer the phone...and you asked me if I was available today I would tell you ' no, but maybe you could give me your verification info so you are all set for another day' . OR maybe I would just say no because you are sounding too shady. Email may take some planning but best to send an email with an introduction, unless otherwise requested in the person's ad.  
I would rather pass on date then be unsafe.

Personally of someone called me and kept to this general script I would take their screening information on the phone with the added bonus of being able to flirt and talk to them and get a feel for the chemistry. I quickly get turned off if a guy tries to get specifics. LE does that. Neither party should be discussing explicit details on the phone or in writing. Keep it all business with a little playful witty banter. I used to refer everyone to my web-site to fill out my booking form. But not everyone is in front of a computer. One must be easy to do business with, right?  Also hearing someones voice and demeanor is important.