There seems to be alot more talk about escorts that require a deposit before scheduling and apointment with a first time customer. I must be one lucky girl because I have had only one no show in a year and ten months..aarently he had called to cancel but I hadn't received the message in time...makes me think that maybe it comes down to how a lady books her calls in the first place and how well she screens before she accepts a booking...either that or they just want to keep your money if you have to cancel which somehow doesn't seem fair to me...afterall we have to cancel sometimes too.
I do very much understand the need for deposits on travel appointments but I think that with a proper marketing technique that adheres to the basic principals of business alot of problems can be avoided with out haveing to "Lay down the Rules" and start off on a bad foot with a new client. this business is so interpersonal that it's problems seem unique but the approach to them doesn't have to be different than the way people in other service related industries conduct themselves and deal with potential problems. I think if some of the escorts out there concentrated on doing good business that they would be so busy that the occasional no show wouldn't be a problem...at least it seems to work for me

Spoken like the true professional that you, obviously, are ... I've always believed that what goes around, comes around, sometimes right back at you.  Good Karma begets good clients.  Keep up the good Karma Ginger.

Thanks Ginger for pointing this out so eloquently. And it's a more powerful argument coming from a provider. Deposits and "laying down the rules" are a BIG turnoff, I won't deal w/them. The experience is better for both parties if the provider takes some time to "screen" her clients. And it's not wasted time for the provider; the better you know your client beforehand the better the odds you will not be dealing w/a wacko or LE.
Most guides to escorts (including TER's) recommend that if a provider doesn't have time to chat w/you beforehand, find someone else.
Ginger comes through again. I hope some corporation doesn't snag her as their next CEO.

Thank you for taking what I said the way you have!  I don't blame ladies for doing this but I just wanted to point out that this is a turn off for a potential reliable/repeat client.  

I certainly understand the point of a traveling provider who has to cover many expenses involved with a trip.  I just can't figure this out with a local provider who has the opportunity to screen and does not have the overhead of hotel and other travel expenses.

Three cheers for you Ginger. We have only spoken on the phone once, but it appears that you know how to treat people. I've always felt that repeats are the name of this game and charging a deposit and making people read a list of rules is a poor way to start off a relationship. It sounds corny but I always go by the rule that I ask if it's OK fisrt and I never try to do anything you don't want me to. If it doesn't work out then I can try someone else. Treat everyone as you want to be treated...

I ask for a deposit from first-time clients as much for my safety as to ensure they'll show up.  I'm not doing it so I can keep their money.  I take into consideration the circumstances of each case and usually return the deposit or apply it to a re-scheduled appointment, but requiring a deposit has eliminated no-shows for me.  

I have always screened prospective clients well, but had many short-notice cancellations.  I limit my appointments to no more than two per day and see mostly repeat clients, so when a first-time client cancels, I have probably turned down someone I already know, a loss which is more than just money.

Actually you have a very good point and there was one thing that I forgot to mention...I have a policy for first timers that are booking in advance. I request no matter what that they call to confirm several hours in advance...I hold the time for them but if a regular calls I can say "I will know by 2" for example...if their appointment is in the afternoon then that morning or if they are scheduled for evening then by 2pm that day..
etc, etc, If they don't call then I go ahead and book something else it usually gives me a 4-6hour notice and I can usually drum something up or give the time to the regular that called on the spur of the moment. A friend of mine use to schedule appointments in a hair salon and day spa and they had a similar policy that kept them really busy and eliminated the lost time to cancellations.

I agree with you Ginger 100%. Have been around for a couple of years and on the internet for about 6 mo. I screen but there is no reason to be nasty about things. I have only has one no show the entire time myself. I just thought I was lucky or something but, now that I see your point and totally agree. As the saying goes you can attract many more bees with honey than vinegar. I also agree about the girls who travel. I can understand why the require a deposit. If I ever traveled I probably would too. I never have but, have been thinking about a couple of places and if I do will require a deposit. Great post Ginger.

Kisses,

Tiffany

Ginger, I couldn't agree with you more.  More providers need to be like you and learn how to make a "connection" over the phone. I can't tell you how many times I've had negative vibes from first contacts by phone.  But once I feel good after the initial contact, my hopes are not the only thing that is "up".  I will definately see her as planned.  On the other hand, serious hobbyists know that this is a provider's livelyhood and will respect that and her... if an appointment needs to be cancelled or postponed, give her the decency you expect in return from her.  Be nice, be fair, and when you do see her, make it up to her and you will have a friend indeed.