I noticed recently on a friends site, (Mistress Persphone, sickchixxx.com,) that she requires subs that are interested in a session with her, (for domination obviously,) to join her website as a show of sincerity and genuine interest in meeting her. This got me to thinking how this would work with the escort hobbyist. So the question becomes, how many of you would be willing to join a porn stars member site in order to book an appointment with her. The thought comes to mind that as so many gents as against paying a deposit if this was an option or requirement if you would view it favorably as opposed to paying  a deposit.

SL

You have to remember these guys are already into abuse and this is just another part of the game, real hobbyists never ever give a deposit, and always book direct.

as always

HAPPY HUNTING

So then what do you call the "real" hobbyists on this board that have paid deposits to me and other ladies of the trade? Geez... I asked a question for legitimate feedback. If it isn't your cup of tea simply say so... At least you know you never have to worry about meeting me, (if my big boobs, hot ass & wet lips were your thing...)

SL

I'm wary of deposits and advance fees for LE reasons.  I never know over the phone or the net who is watching. In person, I can assess the situation.  There are lots of providers who don't require a deposit and I tend to frequent them, but I'm sure a unique situation might change that, although it hasn't happened yet.

IF I got past that, the web fee could work for me if I got a discount equal to the web fee when making the appointment.

i think Sinn's point was that joining the website (hence giving her webmaster your name/addr/CC#s/etc) would serve the function of a pre-screening of sorts, which is (theoretically) not a bad idea at all. for those guys who have no problem with joining "risque" sites on the net and are serious hobbyists this should seem no big deal and it would give her some added peace-of-mind.  certainly the creeps, psychos and competition saboteurs wouldn't go through all this hassle to book an appt.

speaking for myself, i'm too paranoid and rarely if ever do ANY financial transactions online (actually, it's 'informed paranoia') ... that's why i'm not a memeber of any pornstar's site (nor do i buy books/DVDs online) ... heck i NEVER even fill out those online appt. booking forms on escort/agency sites  (those scripts are as insecure as a pornstar's ass in an anal gangbang! LOL)

Sinn, it seems like people are missing your point... so instead of rehashing the deposit argument, I'm going to actually address YOUR question

To me, and I'm guessing a lot of others, requiring membership to a website in order to be able to book a PSE comes across as self-serving and greedy... (I'm not saying that's the case, but rather that it would be seen that way by many).

Additionally, many guys might not want to join adult sites for a number of reasons... fear of a signifigant other finding out, having young children at home who use the computer, etc.

I don't see anything wrong if you were to waive deposit requirements for members of a PSE's site; but they'd have to have a booking form in their member's section in order to collect screening information.  They could also offer a discount to guys who have been members of the site for X number of months or longer, but to absolutely require someone to be a member in order to book a PSE in the long run will, in my opinion, cost them business.

Thanks for answering the question at hand Singleton... (but as a side note, I am my own webmaster... if you meant credit card processing company I do use CCBill which is one of the "big guys," in the adult internet third party processing business....)

But you are right, joining a site would prove to be an added form of "verification." In fact, when I take a deposit via credit card, because I do have a merchant account for my web design business - it is possible to call up let's say, Visa or MC to confirm that the data provided is the data that matches what the gent has given - even if I am not authorizing the card. (Yes, Virginia, your credit card company violates your privacy every day in leui of credit card fraud...) I'm certain oyu are right that the "creeps, psychos and competition saboteurs," are not going to go through the hassle - just as the guy that intends to flake and no show probably won't either.

I understand wanting to insure your identity is protected and respect your including the fact that you don't purchase any DVDs or Books online either.

Thanks for your input!

SL

Iam sorry if I offended you, my answer was not meant to be a personal challenge, you asked a question and I gave you my opinion, nothing more.

as always

HAPPY HUNTING

Give it a rest.  We all know how you don't need to pay deposits, and that you never pay more than 300 for the top PS's.

To infer that a person is not a "real" hobbyist, if he pays a deposit is the dumbest thing yet to come out of your mouth.

In your opinion, if someone wanted to fly a girl halfway across the country, and paid her a deposit, he is a fool.

Yet if the girl took someones word that he was going to pay for her flight, and she flew halfway across the country, got her hotel room, and the guy never showed up, who then is the fool????

-- Modified on 12/12/2003 3:55:36 PM

I'm not looking to debate the deposit issue, so I'll simply address the other issue you address... So if a provider, (or porn star,) had a website with a membership that was say, $3.95/ 3 day trial, $9.95/ month, $19.95/ month etc - you'd want to have that amount deducted from the cost of your session?

Just to get this straight... taking a census so to speak so I want to get the facts/ opinions correct.

SL

That's exactly what he is trying to say. Cheap is as cheap does,,,,.

Thanks for the opinion. But your opinion did not address the issue at hand. I'm not talking about booking through an agency. I'm also not talking about making a deposit. I'm specifically asking if a porn star requested that you be a member of her site in order to book an appointment or stated that her services were only available for gentlemen that are members of her website would you join in order to meet her... Simple yes or no question. If it does not apply to you - ignore the question.

SL

While I see the point your trying to make, just because a guy would be willing to pay a monthly charge, doesn't mean  he won't waste your time.

As you pointed out below, for the very small sum, of 20.00, he joins a site, he then wants to book some private time with you. You put time into the arrangements, block off your schedule, take 2 hours to get ready, drive for 30 min., etc, etc.

Now he is a no show, what's your recourse, delete him from your site, big deal, he has already viewed your site 50 times, downloaded all the photos he wanted, he could care less.

And boy o'boy, you get the 20.00 for all of your time and effort.

The only way to determine if a person is sincere, is to require a deposit!!

You give it a rest, requiring that I join a wesite in order to see a PSE is the same as paying a deposit and your argument is completely out of line, Iam not asking someone to fly halfway across the country, thats a completely different situation, but to answer your question " if a girl took someones word that he was going to pay for her flight, and she flew halfway across the country, got her hotel room, and the guy never showed up,who then is the fool????" well you are. I've never flaked on a PSE, but I have been flaked on twice and if I had given a deposit, I would be out the cash as well as my time.

as always

HAPPY HUNTING

Thanks for your input Eddie. I think you, (much like Singleton,) got my query... When I saw the requirement on the site I mentioned in my initial post I thought of a couple things... what if a well know & desired star, like say Tera, Asia, etc. suddenly became available - but only to members of her site. Not to say it was a requirement, but that they'd only see people if they were a real "fan..." It changes the whole dynamic, don't you think? It would eliminate the random "lookie loo's" and could show real interest. It could also potentially eliminate the guy that books an appointment just to no show because he'd really want to meet her...

Now mind you, I'm not saying you have to maintain a membership. (I've had guys join & cancel the same day - every month!) Also, when you have a company like CCBill or IBill doing processing you can go to their website & log into your account to view members details, & other miscellanous webmaster stuff... (Excluding card # of the member.) For someone that want to remain under the radar or becomes "semi-retired" or isn't really interested in a large number of clients it wouldn't necessarily hurt business for them... It would be easy to compare information that someone provided (either over the phone or on a reservation form,) with membership data.

Considering most web memberships are between $3.00 & 35.00 - it might not seem so self-serving... (I mean, parting with $4 as opposed to 50% to confirm?)

You offer some interesting points to ponder...

Thanks,
Sinn

I did not want to rehash the deposit issue in this thread so please give it a rest. While I applaud you for having never flaked on someone, (according to you,) it happens every day to girls whether on the road or at home. I estimate that in a 7 day week long trip I will have a least 5 no shows or cancellations. At my rates that is an estimated $4000. loss plus time to get ready, inability to fill the slot, etc. I'm not asking about your opinion on deposits. I'm asking for a simple yes or no answer.... Now please stop responding and let people that are genuinely interested in the topic respond.

SL

I appreciate your input Kathy... Just trying to get some opinions from everyone involved. It's such an unusual approach for whatever the reason one would do it..

SL

When you dine at a fine restaurant you pay for your meal in arrears, not in advance and this situation is no different, ALWAYS BOOK DIRECT AND NEVER EVER GIVE A DEPOSIT.

as always

HAPPY HUNTING

You need to realize something.  I never said I agree with the idea that someone has to join a site, read what I said.

You are the one who made a blanket statement that a "real" hobbyist NEVER pays a deposit.  If that's the case, then by your thinking, a hobbyist should not pay a deposit to fly a girl to him.

That's the problem with blanket statements, which is it?  You can't have your cake and eat it too.

If a girls requires a 25 or 50% deposit, and her rate is say 600.00, then how is your 20.00 a deposit????????

It is no different, be it she flys across the country, or if she walks across the street,she has blocked off her schedule, taken 2 hours to get ready, and the guy is a no show, she's the fool, she took his word, the only time a girl should take someone's word, is if he is a regular.

The 2 girls who flaked, did you do your homework, and what is their track record?

-- Modified on 12/12/2003 3:55:05 PM

Apples and oranges.  How does eating at a fine restaurant compare with spending intimate time, with a lady?

What a chauvinist statement!! You never cease to amaze me.  Kathy Willets

When you book a room at a hotel (generally 3, 4 or 5 stars,) you are required to put down a credit card as a deposit. In Vegas, (especially during peak times; fights, holidays, conventions,) you may be required for them to authorize your first nights stay in order to confirm.

If you are booking services at a high end salon or day spa you may also be required to put down a credit card to hold a reservation.

In many high end resturants, (I've done it in Los Angeles, NYC, Chicago, & Miami,) you may be required to provide a credit card to make a reservation.

In most cities if you book a car service, (town car, limosine, etc.) you will be required to provide a credit card to reserve your car. They authorize the full amount of the trip, then release it if you opt to pay with cash instead...

In each case, if you do not show up for your designated appointment, reservation, etc. they will either charge the first day or a designated amount, (they'll tell you this over the phone...)

In this day and age where not just time but space as well is money - everyone ( and every business) wants to make sure their interests are protected... Hell, you even get charged a cancelation fee when you miss or cancel an appointment with your doctor! (Or maybe that's just mine...)

SL

But if you include guys who join for a month then quit, or the guys who just do the "trial-membership" thing, then they're not necessarily real fans.  Kathy Willets and I were discussing this just yesterday.  She has close to 4000 members in her yahoo group, and I have over 1600 in my fun with PSE's group, but we came to the realization during our Pornstar Weekend project that those numbers are VERY misleading... a great majority of those so-called members join various groups just to hit the photo section and download the pix...  Same thing with trial membertships at adult sites.

So unless your intention by requiring membership to book a date is just to act as a form of screening and verification, I think the concept of allowing just ANY member to book a date regardless of how long he's been a member makes even LESS sense.  

What I think could be a good idea would be not necessarily requiring membership in order to book a date, but to give an incentive for doing so... say your site is $24.95/month.  Offer a VIP membership for those willing to pay upfront for a full year's membership at maybe $199, and then offer VIP members a different and private email address for contact that would give them "priority" status for private show bookings.  That wouldn't exclude anyone from a private meeting, but would be a win-win situation for the lady and her true fans... THAT makes more sense to me than simply requiring someone to take out a three-day trial membership just to book a date.

If you didnt want to talk about deposits, then why did you bring it up in your original post?, go back and read you original post, you equated joining a website to paying a deposit.

as always

HAPPY HUNTING

There you go Kathy when you run out of ideas, you call me names, very classy.

as always

HAPPY HUNTING

I know what you mean... I personally wouldn't consider a trial for eligibility, merely used it as an example. I used to offer a 1 year membership for $99. (One of the board members had one.) Vegas is coming up... & I'll offer a "special Convention week rate for members that sign up that week. (They'll have to enter a special code from off their flyer to get the rate.) Good suggestions! Keep 'em coming!

SL

No I did not... I said because a lot of guys don't to pay deposits what if someone offered an alternative.

SL

I suggest you try and comprehend my post.  I never called you a chauvinist, what I said was it was a chauvinist statement, but on the other hand, most of your statements in the past could fall into the chauvinist catagory.

 I never run out of ideas, your the one with the "blanket" statements,: which you still haven't explained, why is that???

You just show consistantly your agrogance with a blanket statement that all "real" hobbyist don't pay deposits!!

That is a personal insult to anyone who has seen me, because they all pay deposits.

I would agree with you that Sinns original post did mention deposits, which is why I posted my opinion.

This issue has been discussed many, many times on this board, and it is very apprarent that we will not all agree on what the best procedure is.

Every situtation is different, too many variables, the ladies need to evaluate their own situtation, their client base, what they are comfortable with, then set the ground rules, and do not stray.

I have never come on this, or any board, and posted that I have personally had a problem with no shows, flakes, someone ripping me off, or of being harassed, calling my cell phone, etc. etc.

I can only conclude this is because I have a strict screening process, and I require deposits to insure that I am dealing with a sincere gentleman.

If somone is not willing to meet my requirements, then they can just move on.

Again, this has worked for me, and I offer my advise to any of the girls to take, or leave.



-- Modified on 12/12/2003 11:03:35 AM

Sinn, the answer to your question is NO, I don't feel memebership should be a requirement for a "date"

You don't know how much I appreciate your input Kathy. I feel it's helpful for everyone involved when there are differing opinions. I've found that even with deposits sometimes there are still cancellations or no-shows... (I mentioned once a guy paid a 25% deposit for a 3 hour appointment and simply didn't show or return any calls or emails the day of...)

For the record guys, I'm not saying that I in particular was looking to do this, just that it was an interesting approach and I thought I get some feedback.

Thanks everyone for participating.

SL

Yes

While I can appreciate the idea of a "members only" clientele, it seems to me it would not be good for business overall. Personally I dont particularly care to peruse 1000's of "hot" photos on the web; just doesnt float my boat. A tour or a quick visit certainly is interesting but again, I'm not into downloading photos etc... Furthermore, requiring deposits is certainly an exceptable practice. It may exclude some hobbyists who are either unsure of the risk or unsure if they will be able to 100% gaurantee making the appointment, but that in itself doesnt mean a provider will lose business (Kathy I am sure can attest to that.)

One more note...to expect a $20.00 refund off the hourly price? You are in the wrong hobby if you're worried about $20.00. As i think about it, thats like saying.."I spent $350.00 on my video collection of you and would like you to deduct that price off my fee." Get real!!!!

My only personal reason for not sending deposits is I cant book that far in advance due to my work schedule being so unpredictable. I have attempted(twice) in the past and its proven to be both inconsiderate to the provider as well as a bit embarrassing for me as it may give the impression of being insincere.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

Obviously this is America, which allows Sinnamon the FREEDOM to choose how she handles her buisness. That said, I personally would not be forced to join any site to book a date, but that's me.

This deposit thing comes up constantly... I know I'm not going to change any minds, but I had to put my $0.02 in anyway.

Actually, one of the biggest problems in the restaurant business today is reservation no-shows.  Many gourmet restaurants have small dining rooms and depend on near 100% seating to turn a profit, so in fact many of them DO require a credit card to book a reservation.  No shows are charged a cancellation fee.

No offense, but speaking in absolutes is a narrow minded way of viewing things, and I think it does a disservice to both many honest and very dependable ladies and to a lot of inexperienced hobbyists who by heeding your advice could miss out on a lot of exceptional experiences from PSE's who have proven to be reliable...  

If your friend Mia Domore got burned by a lot of no shows and decided that she needed a deposit in order to see someone, would you then start telling people not to book her?  Similarly, I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that if you posted  a question and asked if anybody had EVER been burned out of a deposit by either Sinnamon or Kathy, you wouldn't get ONE "yes I have" response.

There are a lot of honest and sincere providers out there, and it's unfair to make the rote statement that you should NEVER pay a deposit...  a more helpful thing to say would be NEVER pay a deposit UNTIL you've thoroughly checked her track record with fellow hobbyists.  That statement would be one I'd heartedly agree with.

Your mantra of "ALWAYS BOOK DIRECT AND NEVER EVER GIVE A DEPOSIT" is the typical view of American Consumers... They want the best for the least.  They want twice as many policemen but don't want to pay the higher taxes to pay for them.  They want discount prices but department store service.  Don't people realize that discount houses CAN'T give the same service as department store because they don't work on the same margins?  There's no such thing as a free lunch.

Your creedo is often mutually exclusive... Nikki Diamond tried direct booking without requiring deposits, and after flying to NYC and booking a (not inexpensive) hotel room, all out of her own pocket, 8 out of 11 prearranged appointments cancelled on her, all at the last minute... She lost money on the tour and went back to working with agencies.  Brooke Lane just had 7 out of 7 cancellations in Chicago.. but at least she had an agency helping to foot the bill... so in many cases the PSE makes a decision to either require deposits OR give up direct booking.

Living in California gives you and advantage that many don't share... Since most of the ladies live there, they don't incur the travel and lodging expenses that a touring PSE does, so it makes it easier for them to forgo deposit requirements; but keep in mind that your situation is not representative of the majority.

-- Modified on 12/12/2003 12:29:27 PM

Ed dont put words in my mouth, I dont know why these ladies are taking this so personaly, I never said or insinuated that they were anything less than dependable providers, but Sinnamon insinuated I was a liar when I said I had never flaked on a PSE she said "according to you", what was that supposed to mean?, and Katy called me "dumb" in one post and a "chauvinist" in another, why the personal attack?, I know you are very good friends with both these ladies and I would expect you to come to their defense, thats why Iam not taking this personaly, and regarding Mia Domore, she recently spoke to me about guys who have flaked on her and never once did she mention requiring a deposit as a way correct the problem.

as always

HAPPY HUNTING

I do see your point about security over the net, but I think I must point out that when you joined TER you had to provide most if not all of same information that would be need for most porn star sites.  But maybe I am wrong.

I think making them join a web site in order to waive the deposit would be a good idea for those stars that require a deposit(such as yourself and kathy).  Also offering discounts to membership is also a good idea, the more benefits you offer fans the more fans you will have join your site.  Now just because you offer a benefit doesnt mean everyone will use it(a vast majority wont) but just knowing they can is nice to know.  Maybe if you get some of your friends to honor this benefit and waive thier deposit requirement it would help also.

Jldick, you constantly make blanket statements like you would wear a badge of honor, as if your opinion is "GOLD".

When I first read Sinnamon's post I thought it was a very honest question, posted for some imput, but you continually take advantage of the situtation by posting your proud and bold statement, "never give a deposit, and always book direct".

This time however, you added another one of your not so bright statements of a "true" hobbyist never gives a deposit.

If you think I will allow that to go by uncontested you are mistaken, because you just insulted everyone of my friends.

This is not the first time that you have acted this way, and I am sure not your last, however I feel it necessary to challenge you when I feel you are wrong.

I have not made this personal, these are just my opinions as you always say in your posts!!!!

If I wanted to make this personal, I would, and if I wanted to call you a chauvinist I would,  but honestly I know nothing about you, all I know is what you post, and that leaves me wondering..

Once again, you posted your feelings, and since then you've been doing the two step, and trying to turn the tables, but that won't work, because believe it or not, people can read.

I did not call you dumb, I said you made one of the dumbest statements yet, so far!  And I did not call you a chauvinist, just that what you said was chauvinistic.

Much like this:  HAPPY HUNTING, I bet you were one of the first to sign up for that website"  HUNTING BAMBI

-- Modified on 12/12/2003 12:57:53 PM

I didn't mean it personally, which is why I started out with "no offense".  This is a philosophical discussion regarding opposing points of view, and I'd have posted the same response even if Kathy or Sinnamon weren't involved.

My mention of Mia was also not meant to be insulting... I was just trying to put it on a more personal level... My meaning was that knowing her as well as you do, you have direct knowledge of her integrity, and IF she decided to require deposits I think you might look at it in a different light.

That being said, I don't see where I put any words in your mouth.  You ALWAYS say "Book direct and never give a deposit", and you make that statement often.  My post was simply a response to your well known position, and an attempt to point out that one, you're making a black and white declaration in a situation where there's a lot of grey areas, and two, living in California skews your perspective when compared to the majority of hobbyists...

Blanket statements about any group of people are by nature inaccurate because they group very diverse personalities under one umbrella.  You got very pissed off (and probably rightly so) when I called all California voters "morons", but you are essentially doing the same thing.  If you step back and look at your statement objectively, you'd see that when you say NEVER GIVE A DEPOSIT, there is an IMPLIED underlying statement that ALL providers are either dishonest or unreliable.  Without a modifying adverb, NEVER leaves absolutely no room for any exceptions, which in this instance I believe there are many to be found... and while I can sit here calmly and state my position, I really can understand why Kathy and Sinnamon DO take it personally, because your statement is so absolute that it carries with it the implication that they fall under the same category as those PSE's that are dishonest or flakes in much the same way that my statement about California voters grouped you in with the "morons", to which you most certainly took personally.

That's why I said that if you provided for those exceptions by finishing with "unless..." or "except in the case of..." I'd probably agree with you completely.

We're not in total disagreement here, it's your absolutism that I have a problem with.

-- Modified on 12/12/2003 1:12:41 PM

we were way overdue for another ritual blood-letting (aka the "deposit debate") but the thing is every time this flares up (like a bad case of the rash) every one walks away with their  entrenched views firmly upheld, which only guarantees a re-run of this debate the next time around ("those who forget the past ...")

need i remind folks that one of the staunchest proponents of the NO DEPOSIT dogma was our own deranged cell-mate LOTR (aka AsianFan/Doc) ... so what does that tell you for crying out loud?  LOL

i think for the benefit of us all (and especially for the newbies out there trying to make sense of all this) the new revised dogma should be:

"Always TRY to book direct and TRY to not give a deposit"

and be ready to accept the fact that if you absolutely REFUSE to go through an agency and/or paying a deposit then you will in fact miss out on the chance to see some of the loveliest ladies and if so then that's YOUR problem, so deal with it!

*

for the right gal (and by "right" i mean the combination of her good reputation and my lust for her) i would do (almost) ANYTHING! ... and what's forking up coupla hundred bucks upfront compared to ANYTHING?

peace out

Kathy I wont argue semantics with you, we both know what you called me, each of your posts was a personal attack and as far as taking the heat, I can take all the heat you want to dish out, but I shouldnt have to, you should try staying on the topic of discussion instead of turning this into a personal vendetta.

Have a nice day.

Only one time I joined a pay web site of a well known provider in Las Vegas. I was very much interested in seeing her during an upcoming trip to LV.  Well I signed on gave my credit card #, but was never able to log into the members area. I e-mailed her several times explaining the situation, but never heard back from her.  To say the least I never made an appointment with her if this is the way she treats clients.

I think that if a person is really interested in seeing a provider,but have questions, they will fork over the money at least for a month.  But to make it a requirement would only drive away clients.

Hell I hate giving deposits as any american would. But there are tire kickers out there. Now the business i am in we require a 25% deposit also. to make sure a person is not just tire kicking.
now matter where you go for any kind of special orders or high priced ticket items you pay a deposit you cant compare this to a resteraunt.

come on get real jdick every time i read your posts i need preperation H!!You thrive on this crap. listen this is america if they want deposits well thats their choice if some one chooses not to give a deposit well thats their choice.

I dont like deposits but I see why they are required if its a well known lady there should not be a problem.
Now sin I read your original post but by the time i got to respond i forgot most of it  I dont thing you should have to join a PS website just in order to book an apointment.
Col Hogan

Iam done with this subject, at least for the time being, so if anyone would like the last word and Iam sure there are many, be my guest and if you would like to continue this thread, please do so, but you will be doing it with out my help

as always

HAPPY HUNTING

Everytime someone disagrees with you, you always say it's a personal attack, when I, and no one has attacked you personally.

By saying I don't stay on topic, well I did, that is until you made one of your "blanket" statements, which I then addressed.  I think Edddie has pointed out to you your shortcommings, and why I take offense to your ramblings.

What??  No Happy Hunting

Are the % of no shows or cancellations factored in to what legitimate clients pay?

Please be honest and objective in responding. Certainly we can find some sort of way which verifies legit clients while maintaining their anonymity, while at the same time not being penalized for the impoliteness of others.

I think if someone wants to see you & they don't have a lot of references for you to check (i.e. someone fairly new in the hobby) that your idea is a very good one to use as a background check for that person.  The only thing I would say you need to decide is how long that person would have to be a member.  1 month?  3 months? 6?

Hope this helps.

If joining a paysite were a requirement for booking an appointment, it would cause me move that lady to the bottom of my must-see list.  If she was someone I REALLY wanted to see and was well reviewed with a good reputation, then I might not move her very far down the list.  I have absolutely no interest in joining any online porn sites, and would only do it if that was the only way I could meet my ATF pornstar.  (Rebecca Lord)

If joining a paysite were an option rather than a requirement, it wouldn't affect my desire to meet one way or the other.  If joining a paysite were rewarded with incentives, then I would join at the last possible minute and unsubscribe at the first opportunity afterwards.

I had to send deposit for my upcoming appt. W/Shay Sights....When I travel it's for leisure, so I'm not going to be tied up in meetings & other work type issues that could force me to cancel an appt...I mean, part of the purpose of my trips are to see providers....

I prefer to book in advance, & if a deposit is needed to show my committment to making & keeping an appt (as long as the provider is well reviewed on TER) I'll send one.....

The provider should put as few obstacles as possible between her and the guy she's meeting.  She needs to feel like she wont get ripped off so I would think she should get the guy to get a reference from another well known provider.  I've been ripped off by "well known" providers requiring a deposit, and I don't recommend that any guy give a deposit.  To require that a guy join a website is a significant hassle, though it is a slight improvement over the deposit requirement.  Overall, I suggest no deposit, no required membership, yes to verification.

Wow, this got fairly ugly.....

Hey Sinn, I see it like this...  IMHO, I wouldn't want to have to join a site to see a certain provider.  With that, I'd rather just pay a deposit.  Obviously, I wouldn't pay a deposit to just anyone though....

I mean, if a provider new to the biz tried to charge a deposit, what hobbyist worth his salt would pay it?  I sure wouldn't!  Sinn, before you were so well known, did you charge a deposit?

Even though I'm new to the board, I've been a hobbyist for awhile now, and I've never paid a deposit so far - nor have I had a provider not show up.  However, I've had a few try and upsell me.  That's my own damn fault though for not doing my homework.

Also, I've never seen a PSE, and I'd like to someday.  I'd definitely pay a deposit for the right one; someone with a very solid reputation.  Frankly Sinn, I've never seen you on film nor do I know you, but based solely on what I've read here, you are most definitely justified in charging a deposit.  You're reputation is just too solid and I'd be really shocked if you were to risk that just to no-show and keep some guy's dough.

Oh Sinn, one more thing.....  When are you going to come to Seattle?  I know the weather sucks up here, but that just leaves more time for sports of the indoor variety.....

At one point I skipped the to a point entertaining arguments and will simply put in my two cents

I think it's a very good idea to do the web site joining before meeting. I also like what other PS's have done Like Mercedes Ashley and her member fuck off contest. It sounds maybe naive but there's somewhat of a turn on to meet your favorite star for intimate times after you joined her site as an incentive (even though except for some we'd still have to pay).


I terms of deposits I would only do that for someone I could absolutely not be without since the chance of getting ripped off is just fairly high. Been there done that... not again.

...that make me think some people might bring harm to a lady behind closed doors. Oh, I'm sorry, that's usually Sinnamon's line when you disagree with her.

Stick to your guns, Jldick50.

I have a better idea we should form a site and the providers if they are new and without more than 3 reviews should have to post a deposit and if they are ROB's or not the same girl as in the picture they lose their deposit if they are the real thing they get it back at the meeting.

To be quite honest Sinnamon I myself call anyone who gives a deposit foolish. Now in regards to your question about requiring a potential client to join a site I think its just another way of making more money. Now if there was a one time joining fee and that was it then that would be different. But if it a reoccuring monthly charge then no way. The one time charge can sort of be used as a verification process.

you are so right Sinnamon, and I also thought your orignal idea was pretty clever

i would definitely join your site sinnamon.
I would want to leave a deposit  
I INSIST

I merely pointed out that with the protective anonimity of the internet no one has any way of knowing/ proving whether you have flaked on a scheduled meeting with a provider. For example, your handle is very, very similiar to a gent that flaked on a 2 hour meeting with Obsession in NYC; now I am by NO MEANS accusing you of being that gent, however there would be no way of knowing that unless I knew you personally, (along with any miscellaneous aliases you might use...) I said, "according to you," because it is just that - a statement made by you. It wasn't an attack, merely an observation. Why become so defensive?

Just because one lady doesn't choose to make changes in her approach to business doesn't mean everyone else has to remain the same...

SL

It is as clear as day that if ANYONE, like for example exotica-2000  required everyone to join their website before booking a lady, they would lose 80% of their clientele including me and I don't care if they have every porn star in the world, NO ONE is going to force me to do anything. If you feel it's necessary to try and nickle and dime us that is your perrogative. If you look at it strictly from a buisness standpoint, if a guy is booking a girl for say $800 an hour and your charging $20 a month for your website, if you lose just 1 client because of your new policy, and that is being generous, it would take you 3 years 4 months to make up that 1 clients loss of buisness for just 1 hour on your website? Doesn't sound like a great idea to me.

I will ignore all the flaming here and go back to the initial question.

I think that most people perceive a huge difference between joining a website and meeting someone in person.  If paying for a website, I expect it to have meaningful content beyond just the ability to contact someone.  It is not trivial or cheap to develop the content or maintain it.

I can understand the motivation behind requesting a deposit, but would you really consider a $9.95 membership to a website to provide the same security (i.e. against scheduling time and having it wasted) as a deposit for an appointment?  How long in advance of the appointment do you require the potential client to join?

I think you are trying to combine two radically different concepts.

Let me take it a step further.  In this morass called the Internet, everyone is aware that the "person" they meet online might not be the same in person as their online persona.  (This is more true in chat rooms and such, but the general karma carries over.)  I honestly think that most men would rather pay $500 and get what was promised - even if it's not "worth" $500 - than pay $5 or $15 and feel like they didn't get anything of value.  A lot of websites carry that kind of message, a kind of tease, and the men interested in meeting porn stars are specifically NOT interested in a tease.

A somewhat different approach might be, if a website had meaningful content, to offer membership for a fee, but six months' free membership to anyone making an appointment.  (Perhaps extending this until your next visit to a particular gentleman's town, if you haven't been back.)  This turns the website into more of a community, a kind of way of maintaining the intimacy of the relationship between you and your clients.  Surely, anyone offering a professional service and maintaining a website would be quite happy to have their former clients viewing their website often.  It keeps their image uppermost in the once and potentially future client's mind.

That's my view, anyway.

Not my cup of tea.  Even legit agencies such as Platinum don't require it despite the extremely high quality of their services.  Plus, having to divulge any more traceable info, even an e-mail, to any more people just raises the chances of unwanted surprises.  If I call a provider, I am genuine and sincere about meeting her and shouldn't have to prove it by joining some club.  Now, if you wanted to have the kind of meet and greet that Mia just hosted and there was a fee to defray the cost of renting a house or other discreet meeting place...

I've joined a few sites in order to get to know the lady better, hoping in the back of my mind that the interactions would lead to a better session.  More than once I've decided I really didn't want to see the lady, maybe it was a hormonal impulse in the first place and the chemistry just wasn't there?

yes, the benefits to the lady would be the authentication of my identity and a validation of my intent.  If there are chat or message board sections on the site, over time it comes clear what kind of services are available and the type of clientele the lady usually see and/or prefers.  Some ladies like 20 year old ATMs with 10 inch dicks, lol.  And some guys think that because the lady spreads her legs for money that she is a bimbo and doesn't deserve respect.  All of this becomes more apparent with time exchanged, at least on the pay site it's more obvious soon and at less risk to all.

point being, sure I'd join to request an appointment, at $40/mo max it's an extremely cheap investment and research tool.  Then again, I'm pretty patient.  And in the long term, well the attention deficit 20 year old might escape to pursue faster results, leaving you with the 60 year old misguided husbands, but even then, they're paying monthly, lol!  If the lady is low volume and selective, it should work?

let us know,

in general you are right of course but who's to say that the person who signed up for this TER account (name/CC#/info/etc) is in fact me (singleton)?  

there's no rule against having another party pay for this acccount while i continue to use it, is there?  as long as it's not credit card fraud and is a mutual agreement between the two of us it's not really TER's business who pays for this account

like i said, "informed paranoia"  

I never said it had to be a recurring membership. I just wanted to get opinions on the process in general.

SL

To answer your question it all depends on the situation. Personally, I do not charge other clients more just because someone else no showed or canceled at the last minute. That's one of the reasons there is such a premium on services these days. When you book a higher end provider at an all inclusive hourly rate you are avoiding forced "tipping" or upselling as a part of the package, (except usually in the case of photographing or videotaping as a souvenir.) If you consider this as a part of the equation you'll find that many of the reviewed "Rip-Off's" or ROBs may not really be such... they could just be girls that charge 150-200/ hour booking fee, (a standard California Agency phenom,) with additional fees for particular "acts." (And people wonder why there is such a huge amount of LE activity in L.A. lately!) When a provider is forced to discuss the exchange the risk is higher...

SL

Thanks for your input. When I first started hobbying I was a fetish only provider meeting gentlemen interested in drinking "champagne." By the time I started actively seeing gents for other reasons it was primarily celebs... the stakes were much higher & the likelihood of their cancelling fewer. In this phase of the hobby, I started with Miami Companions... I'm unsure as to whether they charge a deposit or not. When I went indie I did requests deposits - to insure that I could go out on my own & be able to offer lower rates and still cover my travel expenses. (Paypal was at one time a standard in the escort industry for deposits and credit card payments.)

I understand that you would question a new provider's integrity just as it is in reverse.

I visit Seattle a few times a year to shoot for nawashibari.com, petgirls.com, bondagespa.com, andraste.com & several other local fetish companies. I'm due to come again in late January or February... Be sure to email me @ [email protected] for travel updates! Perhaps we can meet then!

SL

I have in the past had gentlemen ask if they could pay the additional fee at a meeting to join my website. I could see offering a free membership to clients, or perhaps a repeat client...

Thanks for the input!

SL

You would be better off asking the girls who already do this.

My personal take on it is that 100's of ultra fine girls (PSE and non PSE) tour through my puritan city (guess which) every year. There are only two steps I'm willing to take in order to exchange my $ for your time, 1) Give a verifiable phone number or 2) a reference.

I'm old school and I like the way this business has work for a few thousand years. Meet (email - phone), agree on price, action.

This subject always comes up and so I wanted to get this off my chest,hehe!! Deposits ARE needed when booking an appointment in most cases,it is pointless to carry on and whine about it and no I do not think there should be any discounts or waves of deposits regardless if one has a pay site,they are expensive to run as it is.Listen most of the top PSE providers have a reputation of being loyal to there fans and or newbies,will show up on time and will do there screening,take a deposit in advance to assure her he is sincere,uh excuse me but there are many bs artists when it comes to US and when I first started out I was taken on a few joy rides,makes you wake up fast and do the deposit thing.I am very very intuitive for the most part and so yes I waved a deposit on a few times based on my own N.Y savvy but hey this is how it is,deal with it,the same way I have to or don't call US.Now don't get on me,no pun intented hehe!! because you are fully against this choice,it is your choice as well but if you are going to book a top lady who has been seen by many,has the reputation of being loyal it will all work out fine.It really makes me pissed to see the posts,don't ever send a deposit,makes me think that that gentlemen is just angry at the world and or deals with ladies who could care less about him and nothing can make him happy.If you are going to book her,really book her,the pse that is,then for god sake do the deposit,it is usually very small and a very small token for someone you have often dreamed about spending some time with and she will appreciate it and be at the comfort level to make your dreams come true.I feel that if a gentlemen calls me and really wants to see me he will do what ever it takes to make that happen.Have a nice day!!!

Hey Deena,

What do we do if the woman contacts the guy ? (: I am looking forward to finally seeing someday soon.

B-Pop

ooops that was waives or waived,sorry for my spelling errors.jdlick or dick give it a break.

Well with you and me BP it would be cut and dry,hehe!! Did you get my email about things I enjoy?hehe!! between me and you of course.I was waiting for a funny response,or any response for that matter,hehe!! Any other questions you can email me and be sure to get a fast response.Hello to you too,was thinking about you.Just Me DD

$9.95 is one thing..... I got the impression it was a $50 thing....

You must be the super hero paranioa man, able to leap tall porn stars in a single bound. lol