strongly recommended for newbies & the risk adverse.  You are totally going on faith...  You can ask if she has reviews somewhere.  Or a web site.

If there was a reliable way to find out exactly what services a lady provides, and how good she was at it, then why would a review be necessary? Why would a review site like TER even exist?

If you see an unreviewed provider (as I have done, many times) you are TOFTT and just have to wait and see.

If you ask about specific sexual acts via phone or email, most reputable providers will hang up or delete, and block you from further conversation - NO MATTER HOW you ask.

Don't see providers who require a decoder ring to interpret the menu, or lack thereof. Even if she says she provides bbbj, cim, anal, and will shoot fireworks out of her ass for an encore, that does not mean she will do it.

When you mention specific acts instead of  "companionship"  you pretty much loose any way to defend yourself in a court.

Never mention services, acts, or acronyms over communication.

Like the others have said, go for reviewed ladies only.

Posted By: moocher2

The two times I have tried to ask a provider on the phone or via text what services she provides (there was no TER review), the conversation ended up abruptly (and understandably, I suppose, as I probably didn't ask in the cleverest way ).  Still, is there some way to ask the question -- or some language one can use -- that gets the conversation going on that topic in a way that does not cause alarm bells to go off in the provider's head?  

everyone has given you the right answer.  The best way to get hung up on is to mention any specific sexual act.  That's why this site is here, for reviews to let us know exactly what we can expect when visiting a a provider.  If you are new to this, your best bet for a while is to do what the others have said, see only well-reviewed providers whose reviews are written by established reviewers.  

Once you have seen a number of these ladies, you may venture into the TOFTT although I would not recommend it until you have been doing this for at least a year or more.  I'm in my 8th year, and the only time I will see someone with no reviews is if she is recommended by a trusted hobby buddy or provider that I have seen several times.  Even then, it does not always work out the way you hope.  

Swim

Thanks, everybody!  This is pretty clear.  Much appreciated.