I've been considering requiring deposits for appointments (maybe 25% or something along those lines) in order to have some sort of safety net in the case of last-minute cancellations (especially when it comes to incalls...I book my incall locations per client so if they cancel, I'm out the cost of the hotel room as well as any potential appointments that I may have turned down for that time). However, I'm a little apprehensive to do so because I'd hate to scare off prospective clients or cause additional hassle for them or for myself. Therefore, I thought I'd ask y'all for your thoughts on the matter.
Ask your existing client base rather than throwing it out to all ends of the spectrum.
Here, you'll find guys who refuse to pay $150/hr and will naturally be disinclined to forward a deposit as well as finding those who are quite willing to pay in full in advance... and lots that fall somewhere in the middle.
Basing a business decision on what pleases the largest percent of random masses is not the best way to make strides in business unless you're willing to accommodate the lowest common denominator. If something makes sense for YOU, in YOUR business model, like requiring deposits - then do it. The guys who actually comprise YOUR market will either comply or they won't (and if they won't then you can adjust for reality, not for a hypothetical situation that a random person threw out to you).
Personally, I require 50% deposits for each and every appointment regardless of whether the date is in my own backyard or out of the country. I'm sure I lose some percentage of business by having this requirement but since I spend about 7, maybe 10, nights a month in my own bed.... I certainly can't say it's been detrimental to my business model. 
And the one of the best parts of it all? Knowing that I'm not going to get stood up (or have a deposit to keep if I do) so I can actually plan my schedule and financial life with some reasonable amount of security and predictability. Sure is a great way to take some stress off!
Good luck!
You're absolutely right. Honestly, I have clients who prefer to send me my full rate prior to the appointment. Saves them a trip to the bank and it just takes a few mouse clicks. I don't see a lot of guys willing to pay $500 for an appointment yet not being willing to send a deposit if it makes me feel more comfortable.
One very highly rated traveling provider I considered tried mandatory deposits in NYC for all dates. I was screened, was ready to spend $1k for 90 (can't remember for sure) and then came the demand for a deposit. That killed the date. Irony: I was flush and ready to fuck her pretty fine ass. Would have had a blast. But hell no was I going to send her money in advance for this level of cash outlay. If I'd booked a date involving a few thousand dollars or, say, 4 or more hours for someone visiting, then yes, I'd understand. Or an overnight. Or someone traveling with me. But for a grand or fifteen hundred? Nope. I quickly booked a repeat date with a local gal I already knew, which was my preference anyway. Same cash outlay. The highly rated visiting provider ultimately cancelled her trip and now only requires deposits on longer dates which makes sense. At least to me.
Plenty of traveling providers insist on deposits. Live by them. Whatever works. But know this: At least in New York, the escort market is efficient. Highly competitive. Thick with new entrants and highly rated locals offering EVERYthing. All types, all prices, all ranges, a monger's dream. Any artificial barrier to booking can make or break a trip. Potentially. But I'm not a provider so I don't know the financial reality. But I am a consumer.
My advice is save the deposits for the high risk dates where several hours of your time is tied up with someone who could flake and blow a hole in your budget. Admittedly, I've flaked before, including with visiting escorts. It's rare. And I always cancel days in advance if I do. Still, I think deposits are best reserved for the highest risk dates.
Good luck!
dates or dates that involve travel by you to meet me.
Another variable is the market you are playing in. A deposit might be the norm for LV or LA, but for a 1 or 2 hr. appointment in Milwaukee or some other non-major market, probably not.
I did the deposit thing once and to get the money order and mail to her PO Box was a pain. Not going to go through all that trouble again.
Lastly, you are a wise lady and have learned the business well. You just need to come to Florida next winter to get warm. 
very few guys will pay a deposit for a one or two hour date. I would not. For an overnight or longer, it's not unreasonable to ask for a deposit, especially if it requires much expense on your part to be available for the time required. Last minute cancellations are always a problem, but they happen.
Swim
Basically the girls are saying to do what I need to do in order to cover my costs, while the guys are saying they wouldn't pay anything up front. I get where both sides are coming from. Thanks to everyone for putting in your two cents.
One thing that I don't think has been said (explicitly) is that deposits might rule out a certain type of client...and promote another. Your end goal is to prevent a $$ loss when a client NS's after you're already on the hook for a room. Doesn't matter If they call you or not...you're still out the moola. So, what type of client does that? Answering that question might help identify when you need to require a deposit.
I have no idea...but my guess would be this happens most with first-time clients. Maybe I am wrong on that. But, if my guess is right...maybe that plays out as you having a first time appointment deposit requirement. After that...clients can book w/o the deposit. Or, maybe you do outcall only for first timers. Etc, etc.
A regular would hopefully be considerate enough to help avoid those circumstances...but...I know I'm assuming a lot there. Not everyone thinks about others and, at the end of the day, you still need to make money.
I think the other comments about deposits for longer dates make sense too.
Ultimately...this might just translate into a "cost-of-doing-business" issue. Much like shoplifting in retail..you can try to put deterrents and preventative measures in place...but some loss will still occur. Retail outfits factor that into the cost of their products and the paying customers foot the bill for the crooks
You are correct about it being first-time clients who do this. I should clarify, this has only happened to me a couple of times, but I hold my incalls at places like Embassy Suites, so being screwed out of $200 is not pleasant.
Maybe I should just ask for a deposit for first-time clients who want incall? That seems like a fair compromise, yeah?
wouldn't that be "not screwed" out of $200?
Anyway...as someone who hasn't seen you and has seriously considered it, I certainly wouldn't complain about a one-time/first-time-only deposit requirement.
I have another thought...but, don't want to disclose it on the board as it has to do with screening...I'll pm you...
I definately have experienced the newbies blowing off appointments.
At first there wasn't a problem but with the last trip it seemed to be back to back.
With that said- I do require a deposit for new clients. It's not a huge amount.. I played with it until I found a balance
That suited me. Simply $100.00. I've found the easiest method is with green dot. The fellas
Can stop at any of the many 7-11 or any type of CVS. Some have refused- what do I care? If you feel that amount
Is too much, your not the TYPE I want to see anyway! That amount is chump change!
On my next trip- I am going to do the same but also offer a 20 percent discount to anyone who
Pre- books and will pay in advance. Maybe even a time increase- extra 30 minutes?
These are just things I'm toying with
happen too easily. I and several others prepay for our date with you when you are visiting our city. Something comes up and the trip is cancelled. Our money is lost.
A better idea might be to find another provider in your area that you know and trust who would be willing to go half on a studio apartment you guys could share for incalls. You will both come out much cheaper with a small monthly lease vs. having to pay for a hotel room each and every time one of you gets a call.
to secure a nice spot with regulars and specials. Haven't had the guts to pop the question formally, but I've booked 3 hotels in the last 45 days which adds the fuck up vs paying $100/hr or less to rent an incall space well maintained by neat-freak providers.
LOL, I have never been one to do outcalls, so I am happy to provide them. I just lost one, and now looking at another in a high rise in the city. I like to keep at least 2, but have had 3 for the last few years...just in case. Static incalls are good for busy areas where no one minds your business. You want to stay out of residential areas. Think downtown or apartments that are already furnished.
EC is one of the few i would never mind making a deposit for..if you want the finer things in life..a deposit should be the least of your worries..
Very good point.
I would pay a deposit only for someone i have seen already or possibly a very well reviewed lady, otherwise it would be to risky. Also the idea someone said about a discounted rate for deposit clients or longer timeframe would definately make me consider that option as well as i prefer longer dates but cannot always afford them.
I really liked that idea as well. I think I'll try that as a tester and see how it works. Seems like it'd be a nice compromise that leaves both parties with some options.
reamed on here for wanting to take a deposit. But as many have said, you have to do what works for you and not listen to those who don't understand YOUR business. I travel everywhere as well and book hotels regularly so for me personally, asking for a deposit, typically isn't a problem if I do ask for one. Doesn't seem to be a problem for me with perspective clients, as most of these gentlemen understand. For those who don't will simply move on. You are probably better off anyhow in not meeting with this type of gentleman. They will simply move on and weren't interested in 'you' anyhow. Every scenario is different. Get a system down where you can cancel day of or before when booking. Do the research beforehand and choose 5 hotels that you can play around with. Of course, there is that chance of same day cancellations and that goes with the territory. However, you can get a good read on gentlemen if they are serious or not. But yes, things do happen in everyday life for anyone and there certainly has to be some understanding with that. In most cases if the gentleman is a true gentleman and has cancelled on you last minute and you are stuck with a hotel bill, he will most likely help or cover the cost understanding the situation.
Most gentlemen who understand this industry and are true gentlemen, depending on your niche and market, will act like gentlemen and help you, not hinder you and put you out, especially if it is at their discretion to cancel. Hope that helps.
Good luck and be safe.
T.
Thank you, love. You always give great advice!
Most gentlemen who understand this industry and are true gentlemen, depending on your niche and market, will act like gentlemen and help you, not hinder you and put you out, especially if it is at their discretion to cancel. Hope that helps.
Good luck and be safe.
T.