I have an upcoming meeting out of town and have decided I would like to prepay a portion if not all of the session so that I'm not carrying around a bunch of moooooooola.

How should I phrase such a question to the provider?

DC

You have absolutely no guarantee that the appointment is going to happen until you are actually in the room with the provider. Do you know this lady? Have you seen her before?  What happens if she cancels? What if you have to cancel? Once she has your money she HAS YOUR MONEY.  

You are not booking a hotel room or a rental car here. Things happen, sometimes providers can't or simply don't show up.  Sorry to sound so negative but really, paying up front is just way to risky.  I have done it a couple of times via pay pal with a regular of mine that I see when in her area but this is a woman that I have known for over four years and I do it literally a few hours before we meet.

-- Modified on 9/2/2008 1:26:58 PM

Whats wrong with ATM machines?

...the provider is very well reviewed here and I think that makes sense.  I just don't want to be walking around with that much cash, but I guess that's what I'll have to do.

DC

I second that; you don't want to do it...

I certainly hope so.   Put the money in your shoe if you are worried about it being stolen.

Or have the hotel put it in their safe (make sure it is in a opaque envelope)

Or if there is a safe in the room, just put it in there.

Men frequently pre-pay a portion of the session (deposit). It's very common. I'd suggest using PayPal or a Green Dot card.

When I plan an extravaganza out of town and don't want to draw a fortune out of my ATM, I buy traveler's cheques to carry.  (I actually always travel with these in case.)  I can always cash them in my hotel.  No worry and, if you buy them with a credit card, you get frequent flier points.

-- Modified on 9/2/2008 5:30:41 PM

Either travel with the cash and keep it in your hotel safe or get it from a local ATM on your way to the appointment.

If you are a member of a major hotel chain's (Hilton, Marriott, etc.) frequent guest program, the front desk will cash a check for you.

The other thing you can do is go get a cashiers check if you know her name or she has a way to deposit it.  A cashier's check is as good as cash.  That is how I handle payment for my ATF.

I was burned once.  I wouldn't prepay.  As others have said, things come up and then you are out the money with no opportunity to get it back.

In case you are wondering you can always take a cahsiers check back to your bank if you don't use it and get the money back.

Look folk, I'm not talking about GreenDot shit...I'm talking about ALOT of moooooooooola.   I appreciate the advise about the travelers checks...that may be the best approach.

But how about just answering the question.  I mean, I guess I just want to know how would I phrase the question - without sounding alarms?

Le D

...how do I ask the question without sounding any alarms?

Do I say something like "Hey I was planning on giving you a little gift when we met and it would be easier to give some of it to you beforehand since I'll be traveling and I don't want to carry an extra bag?"

Come on' folks...tell me how to PHRASE the question?

They can be forged pretty easily in this day and age.   If I were a woman, I would not accept one.  Furthermore, they are traceable back to who first purchased the check, so there is an audit trail.

not that much to carry at all.

Mail her a money order or cashiers check.

Keep in mind those things have been counterfeited.  So you might want to allow her a couple of days to clear it through the bank before your appt date.

For a lady I have spent enough time with I just FedEx cash. Always gets there and I know I won't get burned. Have had deposits returned when they had to cancel, never had a problem

If YOU are comfortable with prepaying a part of the gift and your ability to handle things if something goes wrong, and are confident in the reliability and professionalism of your lady... (essential!)  That sounds like a well phrased question to me.


Deposits are not as uncommon as the louder posters in this thread make it sound.  I've been 100% prepaid for trips on occassion, 50% on others.  I used to require minimal deposits when I traveled.  

Again though, make sure you feel you can trust this lady, and that you can afford the loss if something goes wrong.  This isn't a matter for small claims court or the BBB.

I agree 100% with SolaLove.  I have taken donations/gifts ahead of times from gentlemen that know me and trust me.  

CG4u

your bank should have a ViSA gift card. Just give the lady the gift card.  She could just call the telephone number and check the balance when you got there.  She could withdraw the cash or use it as she deems.  Would that work?