is there a certain method I should use? ...since I have no reviews yet? any help would be greatly appreciate d

most guys go for the pictures, so professional quality shots are alwayys a good thing.

Of course, some of us hobbyists can read, just kidding!!!  However, a few of us do actually read what is posted.  

A clever twist on words on your site, (and no, I don't mean the simply obvious limerick), or an interesting personal fact, can be greatly appreciated!!!

JMHO

jazz32

It seems to me that the young providers who are quoting rates like yours are super hot – both their photos and the text. You get turned on just reading their site. You might also try to key into fantasies a bit: if you're big, small, girlish, horny . . . whatever . . . you might want to package yourself in a more definite direction. If you look at your text on the home page, it's a little low key. You might try to add some sizzle.

Of course, another way to go is to lower your rates. That would probably work too.

Not that time with you is worth a penny less, but I agree with Descartes23 that you should consider either lowering your rates or offering a TER discount until you get some reviews.  I've noticed several ladies whose rates began in the $275 neighborhood.  They quickly racked up great reviews, then raised their rates to $350 or $400.

You should also participate on the Philly board.  At least post a weekly ad to announce your availability.

Have you posted on the Phila. board so the guys can get to know you?  Each time you can show your web site and once in a while you may want to attach a picture to perk the guy's interest.  You may also want to offer a special from time to time to help attract some business since you don't have any reviews yet.  375 is a lot to TOFTT.

-- Modified on 1/15/2008 5:53:10 PM

Reviews are important.

However, I also am very attracted to the ladies who playfully participate on our local board.  Three of my favorites, I spotted from their board posts, checked out their reviews, and scheduled.

The beautiful Sophie has it pretty well covered. I suggest you go see her site and see what she means.

b-

How gracious of you, Sophie, to take the time and effort to compose such a comprehensive and instructional post to help a newbie. You are indeed a very special lady.

I want to personally thank each of you! everyone has helped me tremendously.......especially sophie you are amazing thank u soo much I'm looking into some photographers as we speak as well as web design . I went to the philadelphia board and saw no posts was I in the right place? it would be under regions right?...also would it be to my advantage to buy a vip membership? Sorry soo many questions once again...and thanks again guys           hazel!!

A few thoughts:

1)  If you are majoring in "pre law" because you think you might go to law school, you are wise not to show your face.  (Don't know whether a prostitution conviction would be considered a crime of "moral turpitude" that would prevent you being admitted to the practice of law, but why take the chance?)  

However, put more effort into it than just blacking out your face with whatever you used.  Do you really think a guy will invest a minimum of 375 on a gal who does not care enough about her business to do more than that?

2)  Not many guys are going to spend that much money without knowing what is on your menu.  While some women think it is safer to simply list "escort" or "gfe" than to specify, if you end up being busted, it is likely there will be enough evidence without the prosecution having to refer to your website.

3)  Avoid the temptation to list gifts even though the "rare-escort sites" give you that option.  Jewelry from Tiffanys?  You have no track record, so I doubt anyone will confuse you with Holly Golightly.

4)  Delete all of those four figure rates until you have sufficient outstanding reviews that might tempt some high-rollers to think about opening their wallets.  Until that time, your pricing simply leaves the impression that you have watched Pretty Woman too many times.

5) You want a 25% deposit via Western Union sent to your real name (since you will have to produce an ID) or direct deposit to a bank account.  So you are going to give out your real name and a real bank account number?  How convenient?  Why not post your social security number also?

There is a lot of information here from which you can learn about the business.  It is evident that you did not do that before you set up your site.  Slow down.  If you have an immediate need for money, post on Craigslist with more realisitc pricing and be careful.

Absolutely. Personality is half the attraction for me.

I definitely agree! Once you get a review or two or three under your belt and have built up a reputation in the community, charge what you want! But until you've gotten a few fellows to see what you're all about, a lot of men are probably going to be a little wary of spending so much money on someone they really know nothing at all about (when they could spend that on someone they could verify on TER and through other hobbyists). With a lady they know nothing about- they're essentially taking a risk. You could leave after 20 minutes of the hour they paid for or you could just take their money and zip out. It's not personal- they just have to take safety precautions like we ladies do.

When I first started, I knew I wanted my rates to start off around the going rate. To get someone willing to take a chance, I offered an hour for about $50-70 under the going rate. Once I'd built up a good rep, I raised my rates for everyone to the going rate. Once I had steady 9-10s in my reviews, I raised my rates to what I really wanted to make.



-- Modified on 1/15/2008 8:15:10 PM

again I am soo grateful for all the responses...I'm definitely taking heed to what everyone is saying..looking into webdesigners.......photographers ect. I will also be lowering the rates as a few of you stated...I'm loving tec lol graphers..ter

Good points.  By the same token, I would never give a provider my driver's license number as part of the screening process.

When you first start out on TER you are moderated. Which means your posts may take up to 72 hours to make it to the board. After a while and some posts you can ask the local moderator to unmoderate you.

b-

One of the ways you can attract more clients is to market to demographics that other providers ignore or reject; this is known as an "untapped market" in economic terminology.  Many industries do that: automakers try to sell cars to China, Starbucks tries to open stores in Europe, and Phillip Morris markets its cigarettes to the developing countries.

In your case, it would be men in their 20's.  Many providers have "men over 35 only" restrictions on their sites.  This excludes many younger men, who are willing to spend their money, from an amazing service like this.  Whatever is driving them to hobby, you can use that to your advantage, and attract them as clients.  Your site does not specify your age (which I recommend), but you look fairly young in your photos, which should appeal to clients.  In addition, your rates are also affordable to the age range I mentioned.

One provider in Chicago did just that.  She read some complaints on the Chicago board from young men about how providers often reject them, and did a special specifically for men 21 to 30.  I ended up seeing someone else at the time, but I liked the way she saw the complaints as a way to attract new clients.  Perhaps the same will work for you?

didn't I tell you that we have a great bunch of gals and guys willing to help!!!

Thanks to all of you - GREAT JOB!!!

And thanks to you Hazel for asking, being willing to learn, and take suggestions!!!

jazz32

The Philly board is under regional boards. A VIP membership will allow you to see reviews done by hobbyists and also allow you to exchange private mail (using your TER username) with hobbysists and providers on this site.

The Philly board shows a lot of posts. In addition to Philly, you can try other boards for cities that are within short travelling distance of Philly. Some of the more successful providers travel among cities that they get good response in.

She gives some excellent advice!