but it doesn't matter what business you're in or what service you provide, there are always going to be hagglers. In my store I call them freeloaders or scumbags. Either way, the laws of supply and demand should determine the going rate. And there will be luxury, mid range and economy price points in your field as well.

I'm still fairly new to this hobby, but it amazes me that people would try to haggle over posted rates.  I research in depth on TER and on the provider's website before making initial contact.  If what I find seems worth the donation, I make contact.  Maybe I'm shy, but I just can't imagine trying to haggle over something like this.

If I was CL shopping, I know I'm taking a risk of the various scams, and would have to factor that into the final amount.  Not worth it, IMHO.

Concur.

Based on remarks I've seen posted on various client boards, there does appear to be an unusually large sized group who, apparently, consider grinding away at price for it's own sake to be a virtue. And if this is how a man chooses to measure accomplishment, well, whatever; playing the role of tedious bore in any form of relationship will produce a comensurate result. The fact that this is not self evident to some is cognitive deficiency beyond the scope of this reply

The troubling issue is the reports of coercion-through bad reviews-when a provider is unwilling to accept such outrageous proposals. On more than one occasion, lady friends who I know to be exceptional in all regards have complained about this. Perhaps a site where providers rate clients is in order?

Big picture, economic health is the single determining factor in setting the price of luxury services. After 30 years of horrendous abuse, our national economy is in a state of ruin, with Arizona being the poster boy of idiotic policy. The real estate credit that financed the girls and the Escalades is gone and it's not coming back; it would be odd if the fair market price of any number of services didn't collapse, or be priced lower than other city specific markets. But employing stupid negotiation tactics is, well, still stupid.

Treating a lady well over the long term will produce astonishing results in reaching a mutually acceptable accomodation; not exactly rocket science. But a guy who is being a whiney, petty little bitch? I've yet to meet any woman who finds this compelling.

E.

The funniest thing I had to deal with was a provider who I offered a free photo shoot to... she at first wanted it cheaper. Then when I explained that I was doing for her for FREE.. she said that it was impossible for me to do it free, so could I lower my price by another 20% so she could afford it as her business was slow...

I laughed and hung up the phone.. Geez... some peoples children...

BOOOOO HOOOOO

How about a hobbiest day. Free sessions for us guys. oooops that was a stupid question