After returning to the hobby this past fall after a 3 year hiatus, I was a little taken back by the increase in people asking for deposits. It's become a more common thing that, in my world, was reserved for FMTY meetings and extended dates. Now their more common place. I'm also noticing not everyone taking deposits are taking them for the right reasons or their not handling them professionally, in my opinion.
For me, a deposit is for 2 things: 1. to ensure the gentleman is serious about seeing me and will show up.
2. to book travel.
There is no other reason I personally take a deposit.
In my world, a deposit is NOT my money. It becomes my money after our meeting. When we give a deposit on a house, a car, furniture, whatever, that money does not go directly into the pocket of the seller. It goes in some kind of account until the deal is done. The seller does not get to use it to pay bills, go out with friends, go shopping, pay rent, etc. I handle a deposit similar to this although I have no special account for it.
When I get a deposit, I hold if for 48 hours because my policy is that it is refundable for 48 hours. I do this because my experience has shown me that most cancellations within in 48 hours after we set our meeting. After 48 hours I use it to book travel and nothing else as it is still not my money.
I recently had to cancel last minute on a gentleman who gave me a deposit to drive to him. I had vehicle problems and had to turn around and go home as well as cancelling our meeting. I was fully prepared to fully refund him as my issues were not his. I cancelled the hotel with no refund on the room. This gentleman preferred to reschedule instead of getting a refund. I made sure my ass got to the hotel on time. He had never seen me before but still trusted me to show up after rescheduling. I take pride in my word and trustworthiness and we had a great time. I lost money on the room and gas however, I still made great money and had a wonderful time with him. Because I didn't spend his money on anything but travel I still had plenty of the deposit to re-book the room.
Another gentleman had to cancel after 48 hours had passed and I booked all the travel. This one included a flight and room. Because I don't spend my client's money until it became my money, I had a little left from his deposit and refunded him what was not spend. I was able to get a full refund on the room but not the flight. A week later, when I received the refund from the room, I sent it to him. Again, wasn't my money to keep. He did not get his full deposit back but I gave him everything I could. 2 weeks later he rescheduled with me, sent me another deposit and we had a great time.
When asking for deposit, I make sure I get a nice place for us to meet if I'm the one providing the location. I make sure I'm well rested, freshly showered and look great. I'm on time and provide a great GFE experience. I'm properly dressed if we're going out somewhere and conduct myself with grace, class and dignity.
It takes a lot of trust for a gentleman to send a deposit. It's my job as a courtesan to be trust worthy, honest and professional. Treating others fairly and with respect goes a long way, especially in this hobby.
Because I don't advertise on lower end sites and I screen well, I never get a NC/NS and very seldom get game players so for a local meeting I see no reason to take a deposit, even for an extended date. If things got bad locally, I would certainly consider it. If a gentleman needs to cancel, I don't get upset. Life happens to us all. I find that a little understanding brings them back later and all it cost me was a few minutes of kindness and understanding. Not a bad deal!
Just my two cents!
Becca Blossoms
