I am thinking of several ladies who maintain their independent websites and handle their own business but ALSO list with well known local agencies when they tour to those cities. I have never noticed a difference in service when booking one way or the other (based on my repeats).
Here's how I think it works. The well reviewed popular ladies give the agency added credibility and repeat inquiries even if the specific touring lady is not available or in town. Their pics (and TER links?) are on the agency website, with their permission. Guys calling in might opt for a lesser known or even brand new lady. The touring indy ladies benefit from having the agency handle at least some of their calls, screening and scheduling. I imagine that there are other mutual benefits. Right now, I'm mostly seeing benefits for the co-listed indies: maybe they negotiated a better split, based on their popularity; maybe they will only see agency clients with prior, proven experience with the agency (proof of non-LE and not crazy); maybe they make their own hotel arrangements making less work and worry for the agency.
Wanting to see someone I had seen before, I checked a touring lady's website calendar and she was not in my city. So I called the local agency to see who was available and, whaddya know, she was in town (neither the agency nor her indy calendar had been updated). So I saw her thru the agency (I couldn't exactly say: "Never mind, I'll call her myself and cut you out.") and it was another great time despite being on the agency clock.
HOWEVER, I do not think it is a good idea to try to come between an agency-girl and her agency. If she wants to gain experience and go indy, then you have her info. But the agency can cut you off and cut her off. If she tries another local agency, the first one will surely warn them that she was stealing clients and ruin that for her. If she gives you her info, hold onto it until she goes indy or UTR.
Bottom line: it can work in some cases but it is best if there is full disclosure so everyone knows what's what and that no one is being screwed ... well, except for the good kind.
-- Modified on 7/7/2015 11:07:42 AM