So I haven't been with a provider yet, but have called a few to ask about rate/specials. I'm a newbie so I really don't know how to set the mood or whether to use a formal or informal tone.

So far I've been using a business-like attitude which usually goes like "Hi, I saw your ad on 'theeroticreview, humaniplex, craigslist, etc' and was wondering what your rates and specials are? ... Okay, thank you. Bye." Now that I think about it, I almost sound like I'm talking to a person trying to sell their car. The first provider I talked to kinda got freaked out and hung up after a while. The second provider asked if I was a cop saying I was very blunt. -_-

Can anyone tell me how I'm supposed to carry out these calls? Does it depend on the provider or will using an informal, casual tone work? Any examples of a successful, typical phone conversation with an escort to ask for rates or set up an appointment? Thanks!

Since you are posting here I assume you are looking at seeing providers who post or are reviewed here.  Most will have web sites that list their fees.  Read the web site, all of it.  The women will put the information on there they expect you will need or that they want you to have.

If you ask something that is clearly on her site (like fees, or what city she is in) she is likely to think you are not interested enought to do a little homework.

I would never call someone who didn't advertise their rates, and I wouldn't even think to ask about specials. That' tacky.

As for tone, just relax and talk to them like you would anyone else.

You are a time waster. Ladies don't like that and will tend to hang up on you.

First of all you shouldn't be calling anyone who doesn't post her rate on her web site or on whatever ad you are reading. As far as asking for "specials" well, that's another means of wasting her time and appearing to be cheap. Figure out what you can afford to pay and contact ladies who are in that price range. Dialing for dollars is frowned upon by most of the ladies and frankly, I don't blame them.

Don't discuss rates or services over the phone.

Here is what you do. This is what I did the first time. Go down the list of reviews in your area. Skip the providers with bad reviews. Look at the provider's website. Look at photos, descriptions, and rates until you find one you'd like. Send her an email saying you would like to meet with her. Tell her you're a newbie and haven't seen a provider before, and ask her how she would like to screen you. Some may not be comfortable seeing newbies, if so just keep looking. DON'T DISCUSS SERVICES OR RATES! You should know that information already from her website and her reviews. Don't look for specials or deals, focus on finding a reputable provider.

Once she's screened you, give her a specific date and time to meet. Then go and have fun.

You have received good advice so far; as a newbie, there is no reason to be calling any provider if you do not already know her rates.  When I was a newbie, I found it much easier to contact providers via email . . . you have some time to compose a succinct message with no potential nervousness over the phone.  In the first email, you should give her the personal details her website asks for, a potential time for a meeting, where you found her info (website, TER ad, Eros, etc.), and perhaps a compliment!

Great newbie advice here
xoxo

At the top of the newbie forum is the actual link to the newbie FAQ, or a compilation of a lot of them. From the sound of your post, you just need to read up and do your research on what etiquette should be before you start contacting providers. Otherwise, you may get 'lucky' but find yourself in a room with LE instead because you already said and asked the wrong thinsg on the phone and are now SOL.

There is one exception about rates.

Once you find a lady you like, with posted rates, it would technically be OK to ask if her web site information is current, and leave it at that.

However, I find that to not really be necessary. Why? If I show up and she says the rates are different, you walk. That's bad business, and the last thing you want is a provider that can't keep her Ps and Qs straight.

Say you saw her web ad... you liked the information and would be interested in an appointment... when would you be available... what information do you need from me... etc, etc.

Thanks guys this is awesome advice.  My worst pet peeve is wasting time on the phone talking about all the info that is clearly posted on my site.  

An introductory email that is just friendly in nature is much more appreciated.  

Great Great Advice here!  
I wish all the guys thought like this.    

Thanks

You've definitely gotten good advice above already. Follow it.

Be casual when you call but act like a serious client and don't forget to be polite!

When I first started out all the ladies I was interested in didn't want email contact so I had to call and I had a lot of luck doing that. I attribute it to doing my research beforehand then when I called I made it clear I was serious about meeting them and not just a flake. I thought it was also very helpful that I was a) up front with them about being a newbie but willing to work with them on screening and b) just by being a polite, gentlemanly guy. All of the first ladies I saw went very easy on me on the screening and none turned me down for a meeting so I think, as in many other situations, being polite and agreeable goes a long way.

Every ad that I have has rates and availability, yet I still get many calls asking for my rates and wanting to schedule appts when I am not available, again, clearly stated on my ad and website.
First, introduce yorself, let me know where you saw my ad. Don't ask questions that have been answered on my ads and website. Let me know when you would like an appointment. Do not discuss any sexual acts, how big your penis is... Feel free to tell me where you are from and be prepared to give references or veriification info.

You've gotten some excellant advise so far.  Absolutely, you need to read the Newbie "Manual" FAQ (link at the top of this board).  Then read back on this board several pages.  You'll find so many tips!  Keep going until you can answer every question yourself.  You'll want to read back a bit on the other boards just to round out the experience.  
NO ONE can do this for you.  You must understand these things & how they relate to YOU.  NO ONE can decide how they fit your life.  All this basic education is FREE.
Then, you'll want to start shopping.  Learn how to use the search functions on the review section.  Now, you'll need VIP.  The mere presence of reviews DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE GOOD or WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.  Do the math...  VIP is far less costly than even one spoiled date or wasted opportunity.  You are welcome.

Research.  Read the reviews.  Check her web site.  You should know what a "well-reviewed-provider" is...  stick to them until you have some experience.  
When you contact her...  Do not discuss money.  It will be on her ad or web site.  TER can be a bit out of date, so if that's the only referance, you may ask if it is current.  If her web site is different, asume that is correct.  IF she has a current ad, with a special rate...  mention "Your current ad on xyz"...  no reason to discuss it further.  If there's a problem with an out of date ad, she'll let you know.
 
What services she provides are on her profile, her reviews & sometimes her web site or ads.  No details are possible for legal reasons, do not ask.  

You have the intelligence to do proper research...  do not ask anything your research has answered...  That just disrespectful.  

You have a great resource before you.  Use it.
Happy Hobbying,
skb

I'm a newbie, called her up told me her rates(she doesn't have a web site) says she could meet the next day because of scheduling times with each other is hard. But what gets me is I asked her about LE and the screening process and didn't get much of a response. Is that LE or is she inexperience. She said she's been doing this for a little over a month.

Should I leave it alone????

If you're a newbie, go to a well reviewed experienced provider, end of story. If you do that you'll have a lot less worries about LE, service, rates, etc. It sounds like you're looking in the wrong places. Stuff like that should not be discussed before you meet, and any experienced provider who values her and her clients' safety will terminate any contact with you if you talk about those things.