but often times a gal will have very specific instructions on her website for how to handle the envelope.  It is very important to read these and follow them to the letter.

Many gals, for example, want the envelope to be placed in the bathroom where they will then go and count the money.

Some gals make it a point to count it in front of you just to be sure that there is no confusion or misgivings about the amount.

Some will never touch the envelope until you are out of the room.

There is a bit of variation with each gal.

reasonably new to all of this, and wondering about what providers expect/should expect regarding payment for their time. I've always been told that it should be obviously visable and accessible (e.g. on the bookstand by the bed/couch, chair/whatever), but that it isn't counted/picked up by provider until the session is over.
also, does it differ between agency girls and private providers? thanks! glad 2 B 'aboard'!!

First of all, everything relating to this is covered in the Newbie guide or can be learned by going on a provider's site.  It's simple research that should be done before seeing anyone. Some providers want you to write "gift" or "donation" on the envelope and others say leave it blank, so check. Doing it right is simple, but directly connected to providers protecting themselves from LE.  Most say the "donation" should be left in an unsealed envelope on a table or other obvious place shortly after entering the incall location.  A true GFE will not open the envelope or count it in front of you.  They may suggest you wash up or shower and will deal with it then.  I don't think it's any more complicated than that, but other posters may amplify this.  But if directions are not followed some providers say they will end the session right there, for their own self-protection.  Safety for both providers and players is the paramount thing here. Hope you have as great an experience as I've been having.

You'd be surprised how many people get tripped up by this simple exchange, and it's really important to do this right when you're seeing a provider for the first time.  Here's my routine, maybe you can use it:

1)  Greet the provider.
2)  Put the envelope on the nearest counter where she can see it.
3)  Say nothing about that envelope.
4)  Tell her you're going to wash your hands.  Step into the restroom, close the door and run the water.
That gives her a few minutes of privacy to check the envelope, count the bills, and put it away.  

After that 1st appt, things should be more casual between you, but still be discreet.  If she never takes the envelope, at the end of the session I'll say, "That envelope is for you, thank you. "  I hope that helps.  --z

One time I was seeing someone for I think the third time.  She was staying in an Extended Stay type hotel and was obviously living there and there was stuff all around. The room was quite cluttered  At the beginning of the session I put the envelope on the dresser and we had eye contact.

At the end of the session as I'm putting on my shoes she got upset and yelled "Where's the money?"  

I then picked up the envelope and gave it to her.  I had thought she saw me put it there but obviously she hadn't.

Lol! You need to see less messy ladies Sorry it's not funny...

I have absolutely no objection to paying a woman to spend time with her, but drama like that I don't need.  If I wanted that kind of aggravation, I'd spend time with my family.

Did she at least have the grace to apologize for going off on you (and not in a good way)?

I think that all of the suggestions that Zangari listed make it much easier and less drama.  By leaving it where they've requested and then taking a moment away gives them the opportunity to take care of business in private.  I hate it when a provider wants to count money...though I do understand from hearing the bs tales from their bad experiences.

But if they don't be obvious you putting "something" down, or if it's  anoutcall to you make mention if she'd like to place her purse (bag) down, motion to place where you gift is located.

Unfortunately a lot of ladies want the donation at the start of the meeting...  check her web site & follow what ever instructions are there.  Some want it on the dresser or table, others in the bathroom.  In either case, she might want to check it or even remove it for safe keeping.  (Yes, once she has the donation she is free to upsell or scam you...  that's why we need to read reviews.)  It's also true that some unscrupulous guys will short or stuff the envolupe or even grab it & run.  It is a dance of trust...  first meetings are always a leap of faith.  
As arkward as it is...  and not GFE at all...  I can certainly understand the need to protect themselves from loss.
Once the first meeting is successfully concluded, often providers are more comfortable with picking up the donation after.  With my Favorite ladies...  I empty my pocket junk onto the dresser (they place a chair nearby to accept my clothes).  Of course, I carry the dontation separate in my pocket & it goes on the dresser.  While redressing, my pocket items are put in their place & the donation is left behind.  I never speak of it or look at it again, the ladies seem oblivious to it.  On rare occasion, in the back & forth to the bathroom & dressing, I'll note out of the corner of my eye that it is gone...  or not...  But these are my Favorite ladies, GFs and we keep the illusion going as long as possible.  
I had a repeat meeting with a yong provider...  who I had not seen in a while...  I had a nice time.  But she got panicy during the redressing & swooped in to secure the donation before I could remove my things...  I guess that speaks to her other clients...  
skb

glad to have your advice and to know about the envolope.
the one time i did feel I had done it appopriately was with an outcall, and I handed her a menu that had the "donation" clearly visible between the appetizer section, and the desserts---------sans envelope----at the same time as asking if she wanted to order anything.
she thought it was classy & funny, and the evening went well.
(fortunatley, she chose not to order anything!!!).  

I saw a PS this spring. Put the envelope down on a nightstand near where I undressed. This was the first time a provider didn't see it. After the session she gave me the symbol for money and I pointed to the envelope. We both smirked. No biggie. Sometimes misunderstandings happen. Sometimes people are stressed.

I have always found that the keyboard of her laptop makes a very obvious place to put it where it won't be missed.

When the ladies I have seen raise their rates, they grandfather their regulars. Did you piss her off some how?

I usually bring a small gift -- a decent bottle of wine -- with me, which I present after the first hug. It's in a bag along with the envelope.  I tell her that I've brought her something, take out the wine and place it on a table. I immediately take out the envelope and, while she's looking at the wine, place it next to the bottle.  Hard for her to miss that.  No words ever exchanged.  Seems to have worked so far.

But would never make a big deal out of it because I know I'm not a visual person at all and I don't see things that are in my face especially if I have a spacious room with many counters I walk everywhere like a idiot trying to be subtle... yeah nice try Cleo.

Some providers are more cautious with handling money. I'm not to a certain degree but I still see too many gentlemen coming to my room, sitting down, making a big production by taking their wad of money out, counting it and handing it to me in my hands. I'm not talking about regulars but pure first time visits and from their references not newbies. Go figure. Doesn't start a session in a relaxed way at all.

SC

down, turn my cell off saying "no body needs to reach me now" which draws attention to what I'm doing, put the phone and keys on top of the envelope and go wash my hands in the restroom.  The lady can count it while I'm in there if she wants to.  When the date is over, I pick up my keys and phone and say our goodbyes.  "Till next time Sweetie."

oh, that is classy.......non-chalent/tres galant! thanks!!

Let's say, for example, a provider really puts herself out to accommodate a last minute schedule change for you or some other "above and beyond" action for which you want to show a little extra appreciation. My gut tells me that this should still go unstated, and left for her to realize/interpret when she gets around to it.

OR...

Is this an unwise precedent to start and should thus be avoided?