Hey there - tried (possibly not hard enough) to find this topic using the search engine. Apologies in advance if I've missed it in my search.

The situation: After doing about 2 months of research about the hobby, I'm ready to take the plunge.

Here's the question: How unusual is it for a provider to require verification ( requesting to see my DL) ONLY upon arrival at "the site (hotel, etc)?

Now, I did call to set up an appointment (so presumably they have my phone number using caller ID)- but I wasn't asked to provide any additional information. I was only told that I would have to present my DL. That's all that was required. I even mentioned that I was a complete newb (meaning I have no provider references) - all that is required is my DL when I show up.

I'll mention the following in case it comes up: The provider has a review on TER (favorable) and many reviews elsewhere (all favorable) and is established (3 yrs) as a provider. The provider has her own website. I contacted (via email) two of the provider's previous clients and received positive feedback.

I know that the element of risk can never be factored out - (for provider and client): but that's why I thought a provider would want/need to verify the hell out of me before I ever showed up "on their stoop"!

I'll open the floor to your sage advice/comments...

-- Modified on 1/20/2010 12:29:57 PM

First off, if the lady does not screen you at all...that to me is a huge red flag on a hobbyist's stand point.  Now grant we all have our ways of screening..but personally I would avoid.

I have been around for 2 yrs. now and have a process in place...including checking your DL when you come to see me or vice versa...I look at it to verify what you told me is accurate and then hand it right back.

Well known hobbyist will tell you that screening is vital and if a lady doesn't screen....well personally I would move on.

Think about it and if your feeling is not right, which sounds that way, listen to your gut....

Every lady uses her own means to screen a client...  She may have done a reverse phone look up, checked black lists for DNS (Do Not See).  Checking your DL should cross to the name you give her (or which she gets from your phone).  This is unusual but not a red flag.

I wish she had more TER reviews.  Does the TER reviewer have multiple reviews over time?  I do not trust other review sites as much as TER...  many are provider driven.  You could request information on your local regional board (link to the left).  Include a link to her TER profile & ask if anyone else has anything to add.  

If the lone TER review checks out, then she's probably ok.  
skb

providers use verification services that do the  due diligence for them. Here in the midwest RS2K is the most recognized means of pre-verification.  Good thing she has many reviews, as I would probably pass on a lady these days that didn't do as you suggested, "verify the hell out of me".

First - thanks for the quick responses you guys! GREATLY appreciated.

@SKD - That's a really good suggestion re: checking out the reviewer! I can't do it yet as I have yet to pony up the dough for VIP, but am certainly thinking about it now. I'd be posting to "Other Cities" on the Regional Boards.

@ all of you guys - I know what you mean about providers having different verification methods! Honestly, I do want to someone to verify me because I (naively?) think it's one way of making sure I am safe as well.

As it is often stated here on the boards, everyone gets into this for different reasons and seeks different experiences....but I think I've made up my mind on this one!

Thanks again for helping out a newb!

Thanks to all - and it is especially nice to get feedback from a provider!I am one grateful newbie!

I was FLOORED when I wasn't asked to provide any info up front, but was asked to show a DL. I was thinking "At that point, isn't it a bit late?"

On a side note - jumped to your website:VERY well done and professional!I think I learned a bit about what I should ideally see from a provider's site.

Good Luck and be sure to let us know how it goes.

Most people on places like backpage and CL refuse to do any verifying at all, so I'll often not tell them what I'm doing behind the scenes.
I'll often just do a simple check of blacklist pages and reverse phone lookup, and if the individual seems a little touch and go, I'll do an email verification. It can get a little expensive on my end.
I also do very little verifying on new clients that were referred by trusted dates. I have a few regulars who I'd trust with my life.
I've been lucky so far to not have any issues with LE.

Hello MakenzieRae,
I am a very new provider, I have been doing this for 2 month's on my own. What in your opinion be the best way to screen someone??

Alot of times, callers don't want to give you all or any of the info you ask for. Not to mention, isn't it pretty easy as well for LE to come up with a profile that exist's??

To be honest....The first two weeks of me working on my own. I didn't have much of a system. I was not screening as well as as I should have....I still need advice as to what is the best way. (Other than just asking for the drivers lic.)

But to say to avoid women who don't screen, doesn't seem entirely fair....Because there are many Newbies like myself, who are just starting out. That has no one who really knows about the buisness, to provide pointers.

I am grateful for TER, because in a short time I have learned so much.

Sorry for the late reply...

Well...I didn't go with that provider! I did finally "jump in the pool" with another provider who has reviews on TER and another site.  It went well - honestly just what I wanted and she was very nice about things.

However, because I'm a hypochondriac, I'm now imagining I've caught every STD in the book!