As a newbie it is proving a bit difficult. I got TER VIP and P411, but finding providers whether independent or agencies is hard. For example, I found one on P411 who was listed as newbie friendly but then goes on to require new clients to fill out a contact page on her website. Then tried calling an agency, and was immediately told I needed 3 references at least even with P411.

I'm just wondering, what else can a newbie do? I've been researching all day it seems and not having much luck. I know I just need that 1 provider and after that it becomes easier, but boy is getting that first one looking tough right now....

Any advice?

It took me a while to get my start. I had to eventually see ladies I didn't want to see just to get enough references. I had to offer up a lot of personal information with the 1st provider I saw. Once I had about 3 references I've never had trouble. Now I only see the ladies I want to see and love this hobby!

Since I don't know where you are, I can't offer too much help.  Keep looking for newbie providers and hope for the best.  You might try joining DateCheck and if you are in the midwest, Roomservice2000.  Wish I could be of more help, my friend....  Just remember, we all went thru it, so you are not alone.


Swim

Doesn't mean you can just contact a lady and she will see you as soon as you ask, she still needs some info.

did you fill out the lady's contact form?   She wants to know something about you.

I am newbie friendly but I sure as heck want to know something about the person I am going to see to be sure we are going to be a good fit.

I don't expect to be seen immediately. My frustration is more with just the search for even those who may be newbie friendly; it is just a bit of a struggle. Forget even getting to the point of contacting them.

But I did fill out the form because like you said she's got to be safe too. I also left a VM for another. So at least that's a start. Hopefully I hear back!

Keep looking, and keep making contact with the newbie friendly ladies you find. There are many out there, (although we don't know where you are)

As Naomi said "newbie friendly" doesn't mean she will see anyone off the street. It means a lady will see you without "provider references." There will usually be some alternative screening methods.

Let's start with the fact that everyone on this board was once a newbie with zero references.  It shouldn't be that difficult to find a provider who's willing to spend 1 hour with you for $300.  After I joined P411, I didn't have to wait very long to see someone & you shouldn't either.  I wonder if you're in a small market or maybe there's a problem with your approach.  Make sure you're business-like and polite.  Be specific about your schedule--what dates & times you're available.  

Try outbidding the competition.   A few days ago, there was a sensational 18-year-old Latina who was in my town for just one day.  I missed her--she'd already left town by the time I saw her ad.  I contacted her & just by offering to bump her rate by $50 & getting the room, she changed her travel plans.  She came back through my town today on her way home.  I saw her a few hours ago & I deserve to go to jail for banging a girl that young & sweet, lol.  The point here is that money always greases the wheel.  --z

How many providers are on your radar?

Also, a contact page isn't the end of the world.  If you don't trust the provider enough to give her your contact info, then it's not gonna work for you.  There's give and take, and right now with the ones you have on your list...well, it's not enough.

I'm in a big city. I haven't tried approaching many because either 1) they don't interest me or 2) they don't aren't listed as newbie friendly and I don't want to waste their time.

But that's all moot! I finally got a response.

And that's an interesting point about outbidding. Have you had to do that often?

I wasn't able to join P411 due to my early retirement and no reference. I pay $500 to see a provider on CV with no review. Yes, I knew it was risky, but I couldn't figure out out what else to do. Her picture was not real, but the experience was surprisingly pleasant. I think it's because of the higher than normal rate (about $300) that I paid. I went back to see her twice and was able to use her as reference to see a well reviewed (10+ TER reviews) provider. I used them as my references to join P411. Since then, screening has not been a problem for me. Newbie friendly is not the same as no reference necessary. You won't need reference and screening is usually fairly easy with providers who say no reference necessary, but their rate is usually higher than normal (sometimes double). From what I can see, you should be able to get 2 references fairly soon. Best of luck.

Well the profiles I'm seeing on P411 say "Basic + 1" (or 2 or 3) which I assume the number indicates number of references they want. Or I'll see "All P411 members with references" which I assume means I just need one reference in that case. I take it the former means they will do their own verification plus need references while the latter just requires references only? I'm not entirely sure what the difference is, but I'm assuming it means that they are not newbie friendly?

I'm just more afraid that I might scare off a provider and get blacklisted because I failed to read their page and not have references ready when I contacted them. May sound silly, but I'm new to this soo...

Joe, everything you posted below is correct.  Since I have 20+ provider oks, I never look at provider reference requirements anymore.  I just checked the first 20  P411 providers listed in my home town.  Only 6 of 20 listed 'Willing to Visit--Newbie friendly, no references required."  14 out of 20 required at least one reference.  So I  see your problem now.  When I joined P411 3 years ago, I don't remember running into this issue.  Maybe providers are more careful now, or perhaps I just got lucky.  --z