Is it normal for them to book an appointment for a first time client without doing a security check?  i.e. I called up and said who I would like to meet with and at what time.  All I had to give them was a cell phone number and my name. They told me to confirm an hour before my appointment and to bring ID.  Does this seem normal to anyone?  Granted this will be my first foray into hobbying so I'm nervous to say the least.

Any good provider will do at least some form of screening.  This sounds way too lax.  One provider with lax screening like this ended up flaking out.  The worst-case scenario is that she might be LE.  After all, their goal is to make it easy for innocent people to fall into their trap.  The notion of screening may sounds scary or confusing to first-timers, but it's a fact of life in the hobby.

I wouldn't say it's normal by any means.  Different providers have different levels of screening... but I would truly be cautious of anyone who doesn't screen well... it may be an indication that they don't do other things well... such as provide services... take care of their health... etc.  There are also rip off artists out there who will take your money and run.  Happened to a friend of mine when he decided to get someone of craiglist.  The gal went to his house, he gave her the donation, went to the other room to get some wine and she disappeared.  

(link changed to Laynie's profile by the moderator)

-- Modified on 10/23/2007 11:37:15 PM

If you are talking about the agency with the initials BDJ the answer is yes, it is fairly normal as it is with many agencies.

I understand your nervousness, you were probably expecting a brutal third degree [most guys hate that].  You'll be ok.

Yes I am referring to the agency.  I was under the impression that the agencies ran the same security checks as independents.  Is this not the case?

In light of my reply to bostonguy57, do you still think that it "doesn't look promising"? Should I be worried (or cancel)?

Sounds like you are asking about a specific agency and if so, I'd follow Bostonguy's advice- he seems to know the ropes well.

My opinion based on my brief experience- if the provider is very well reviewed meaning many reviews and many of the reviews by reviewers who have done many reviews- I'd probably go ahead.  

My very first provider experience was similar to what you described but she was an indy.  She had many many good reviews, but to see her all I had to supply was name and phone number.  I don't know if it was her norm or if I sounded totally believable.  She did ask me when I called to confirm if I had ever seen her before and I answered honestly - "no".  She went ahead with the appt anyway, and it went well.

I havent used their service personally but they seem ok to me. their girls have lots of reviews. as for their screening practice, maybe it sounds kinda relaxed but then again perhaps they have other ways to screen and they think it's adequate.

good luck and have fun

I've contacted 3 Indys in the past few weeks, 2 of which are listed here with a rack of great reviews. I have seen one of these girls and will see the other in a week. Neither one asked for much of anything in the way of screening.
The 3rd Indy is operating the same way. Basically all 3 were like "Just let me know when, how long and where, and have the cash in hand" sort of operations.

As I said 2 of these girls have lots of good reviews on TER!

I did contact a different one about a year ago but ended up never seeing her. She did a pretty good background check including calling my employment. She was very professional about it though.

She had 4 reviews before yours.  I'd suggest that newbies ask for more than that.

Yes,Most agencies screen at least as well as independents. It's part of what they bring to the table in the business relationship they have with their providers. Of course not all agencies are created equal.

Not sure what you're driving at there Phil. She's been around a while, though she only has 4 reviews here. This is the best possible website there is for info on this hobby but there are good girls that are not members too, or have just joined not long ago.

But whatever....lol

I went out to the other site where I had actually found her listed before I came here and double checked. She has 165 reviews since 2003, and of course she's got several guys that have posted more than once. I will give you that fact. But I don't think it's fair to assume (***) that she's a rookie and taking chances.

The other one that agreeed to see me that is reviewed here has 17 reviews on here. It is possible to make an appointment with a veteran without references, not all but some.

Good luck in your hobbying and enjoy the weekend!

I guess what they say about assuming is true.  I didn't consider other sites.

Have a good weekend yourself.