Not an agency specifically, but through a booker or assistant. On my end it's wierd, because I'm never sure who I am communicating with. Esp. if they are doing the phone calls too. So I won't give a reference via a third party. Wondering how guys feel and if they look at that as an agency scenerio? I've had people offer to assist me. Obviously my choice was to be more personable. Sometimes a little behind, but at least it's me you're getting to know. Just my 2 cents....

I think it is important to break the ice with a little conversation before an appointment. There has to be some connection on some level, for me to be comfortable and working through a third party would not allow that. I guess that's why I only see independents...

NSF

even if it takes a while for you to get back to me, I would rather just talk to the lady personally.  Something always gets lost in translation when it comes to agencies and 3rd parties.  I'm puttin' in some major OT so that I can get to know you a little better (LOL)  Have a beautiful day Jai.

and the appointment never happened (she had to change her schedule, and I couldn't change mine).
It does seem a little strange. I only did it because we had exchanged emails previously, but all appointments we're set up over the phone with her booker. A big factor for my calling her was she has pages of fantastic reviews here on TER, and between that and the emails, that's why I contacted her.

Since I enjoy making a connection (however fleeting or phony...that's a whole other topic) with the gals I play with, I won't book any meeting through a third party.  Try calling some of the providers in town...so many answer their phones in monosylabic grunts and sound bored to tears by talking to you.  If that's how she's acting when she's trying to get you as a client, how's she going to act when she's got your cash and it's time to perform?  To me, good phone skills don't gaurantee a good session, but bad phone skills are a huge red flag that a boring session (by my standards) is likely.

Reviews are key.  The first time I hobbied, it was set up through a third party.  She had really good reviews and I knew exactly what to expect.  I have read reviews where the third party is there when you arrive. THis is bad form.  It would make most guys uncomfortable to have someone.  I think if the woman has a good rep it should be no problem.

It's pretty common on the east coast and I have had some excellent results.  However, you must still do your homework before you pick up the phone. Hope to see you real soon!

In the past if I knew for sure or felt that I was talking to someone other than the person I wanted to see, I would just say sorry and end the call.  It is hard to tell if the person just has an assistant or is part of a larger agency.  I feel the less people involved in the process the better.  Giving certain information to a third party scares me much more than giving it directly to the provider.

As many providers now request or prefer the first contact to be via e-mail, it would be very dificcult to tell if a third party was screening and sorting through the messages.  I would still perfer to talk with the person directly before setting an actual appointment.  You can get a feeling for how the appointment will go and how serious a person is from a phone call that cannot be gleaned from most e-mail messages.

I do feel that it is extremely important that a timely reply be made to someone requesting an appointment, within hours to at most a day, no matter how short it might be.  If I do not get an answer to my request, then I am not certain if the person got my message, got it but is waiting to respond or is just not interested in seeing me.  Occassionally I will make a second attempt but that is usually very very rare.

If you do not want to see someone tell them. If you are too busy to see them say so. If you are ill or have visiting relatives just say you are unavailable for a few days.  If you are taking some time off say so and when you may be available again. Rejecting someone via e-mail is much easier than via a phone call.

As a business owner myself, I find it very important to call someone back even if I have no interest in doing work for them.  Then they can scratch me off the list or make a final decision to see someone else.

I felt compelled to bid a sad farewell to VVH due to her adopted involvement with the same sort of thing. Extremely uncomfortable with third party disclosures. However, it's your business.

I get comments all the time about how professional my service is from the first contact.  I've had a private (very small) answering service handle my incoming calls and scheduling for over 18 months. The girls are professional and supportive, allowing me to do what I do best....touch souls. They also don't take verbal crap or book appointments with drunk or rude men.  They cover my back!