I've seen some providers on black book escorts that say "ask me" or Call me for rates". Is that a big red flag?

Depends on how you look at it I guess. Personally if a gal doesn't have TER reviews or at the very least a website or an ad page with rates I am not going to be calling her.

On the surface it a red flag because if she is LE you will be arrested for solicitation.  Like Boston says, reviews with a list of rates will be your safest bet

Two things you NEVER want to discuss on the phone are rates and services. Best to avoid those have this line in their ads.

but never discuss services, or even worse services for rates over the phone or in an email.

This violates one of the most important rules of protocol.  Certain things are NEVER  mentioned.  If I have seen it once I've seen it a 100 times mention of money or services and I will end the phone call....period...Protect yourself at all costs.  Boston Guy has guided us newbies again with out fail....much love man.....knuckle bump

from an email or a phone call.  their is no positive identification of who wrote the email or who is on the phone.  however, NEVER EVER EVER discuss rates and services face to face.  then they know who u are.  so if u dont do it on the phone, or email or face to face, u must rely on  an advert.  personally, i think u are safe enough in email or phone.  but i wouldnt get too specific ... its tacky.

I was told that the proper way to ask would be "what would it take to spend some time..."  It was said never to use the word "cost" as that implies a financial transaction.  With the first question, she could say "just be nice or tell me a story" or something silly like that.  I don't know how accurate that is as I was a little drunk when I was having this conversation.

and despite what you have heard, there are times when askng about rates is appropriate. If a woman doesn't post her rates clearly on her website there is no alternative but to ask her.

What is completely off limits is asking about specific services or any talk about sex for money. Asking a provider, "I didn't see anything about rates in your ad, may I inquire as to your expected donation for your time?" is completely acceptable under those condition. Asking "How much do you get for an hour full service?" is obviously innappropriate, dangerous, and is more than likely going to end up with you listening to a dial tome.

-- Modified on 2/26/2009 6:56:24 AM

I recently set up a dinner date with a lady, but she doesn't have it specifically listed on her website. Since dinner dates are usually broken down differently than playtime, It's perfectly appropriate to ask what her rate or donation would be for a dinner date. I would wait until after a few emails back and forth before asking, so the lady is a bit more comfortable with me.

I appreciate the kind words but GG is one of the more experienced guys on this board, he knows what he is doing.  There is nothing wrong with asking a rate over the phone for an hour of a ladies time. Asking for a rate for a blow job is a of course an entirely different story...  

The hobby, much like the rest of the world, is not painted in black and white.

I don't usually post rates in ads (though they are mentioned here and on my website.)  When on the phone, I like to chat with the person for a moment and ask what other providers they have seen in the area etc..  If a person cannot manage basic phone manners and sounds unpleasant, it doesn't matter how many people they have seen or what they do for work etc... no amount of money is WORTH dealing with them! (And thus we never GET to the RATE part of the discussion before I politely suggest they might be better matched with someone else!  Ha.)

Cindy

PS. Any mention of specific "services" gets the person a swift "date" with my cell phone's disconnect button...

in a relatively short telephone conversation. I book almost exclusively with indies, and I almost never book without having at least a short phone conversation for the very same reasons as you.

I agree that a person who is incapable of phone ettiquette, and is stupid enough to try and discuss "sevices for payment" is too stupid to be a good client and should be shown the "telephonic door". lol