I received an email from a well reviewed provider offering me a one hour special for $150.00.  Her regular fee is $350.00 an hour.  She never ran a special until recently and her special fee was $300.00.  She is well known on the LA Board and asked me not to mention her name.  I have been a TER member since 2002 and I have never seen the economy get this desperate.  I know there will be responses from providers stating how good business is for them but in reality things are not good at all. There is also a substantial increase in ads on the LA Board for touring providers.  I almost feel like telling them they would be better off staying home and saving the travel expenses because things are no better here than anywhere else.  Hopefully, this “recession” won’t be a deep protracted one, but the experts think differently.

WOW she knocked $200 off of a 1 hr session? I do realize that the economy is suffering and that you probably don't want to hear this...but my business IS good! Guys are continually asking me for a discount...you know, because of the current state of the economy, they'll say. Sorry, no discounts here. As a matter of fact, instead of lowering my rate...I increased it and I'm still busy. If you take a look at my reviews, you'll see I'm not just blowing smoke up your ass...I had more reviews for the month of October than any other month in this business.

I suppose, I'm just very fortunate. Maybe due to location, regular clients and reviews. I feel badly for the providers that are struggling. Right now is the perfect time for providers to put a strong marketing plan/ads in place for themselves. If they choose to tour, they need to go to areas that tend to be busier...where they can make a sizable profit after the overhead.

You may be telling the absolute truth.  However...

I think everyone in the business, on either side of it, is aware of how the economy is, whether they are personally strongly affected by it or not.  This thread makes me wonder what is your motive for posting it.

If I was a provider, I would look at this thread as dubious.  For someone who is a regular poster on the boards (thereby having her reputation out there on a regular basis) to solicit you like this and say something about not mentioning her name, but not also tell you to not mention the offer itself, is almost hard to believe.  I mean, she would know that it would cast every woman who posts on the board into this light if you said something about it.

Additionally, offering that much of a rate drop is not a mark of someone trying to work up more regular business as someone who is in a REALLY bad situation and needs to raise cash RIGHT NOW.

Again, you may be telling the truth.  Maybe the woman is someone who knows you, or really is hurting for cash right now (I know some people on both sides of this business who are in that place), or hit it off with you on the boards. I know that sort of thing happens. However, the question is what is your point in posting this much detail...and there is no way to know (unless the woman comes out and admits it...which I can't believe any woman would do at this point) if this is for real or just another thread on here by guys salivating at hard economic times driving the price of the ladies down more.

It also might have made it more credible if you weren't a hobbyist that has many "low price" providers in his reviews (and I didn't see ANY who charged more than $$$ an hour, but I didn't look at all of your reviews).

Again, you may be 100% telling the truth.  I just question whether the thread was in good taste.

I posted my thoughts on the los angeles boards

Balboa, as a previous poster stated, I have no reason to believe that your post is anything less than the truth.

...And I agree, the influx of special rates and increased tour presence are certainly indicative of an upheaval for many providers, across many markets and provider demographics.

However, as I hate to be so predictable as to offer a rote "business is great" message I will offer this instead:

Providers vary not only in terms of appearance, service and reputation; we also manage and approach our businesses in a multitude of ways.

Some providers excel at managing their income, living exceedingly robust lives with the ability to support dependents and families, parlay their earnings into other business ventures and exist with a steady quality of life even when they choose not to work for substantial amounts of time.

Others are self-made victims of the proverbial "easy-come, easy-go" nature of the cash-only business.  Like lifetime bartenders/waitstaff, exotic dancers, etc. bad habits (and not necessarily traditional vices) and poor choices consume their income daily.

What you will witness in the coming months is the continued "downward spiral" of some, as others appear to flourish OR at the very least maintaining the quality of their business with little deviation from their course.

Personally, I have always advocated rate-fluctuation and relationship-specific rates.
I have always been vocal in the opinion that providers shouldn't feel pressured to maintain static rates by other providers or hobbyists obsessed with the hobby status quo.  This is a business and an effective one rewards loyalty and adjusts to its market, monthly, weekly-even daily.

I do not see "specials" or creative marketing as an intrinsic sign of desperation.

However, when I witness such a dramatic reduction in rate I think a few things:

1.  This provider has not managed their business appropriately.  $350 to $150 is a fire sale by anyone's standards (no judgment, it is what it is)

2.  This provider has become a victim of circumstance, perhaps an issue with a dependent (child, husband, parent, friend), their home, their vehicle, their health etc. has been compromised and they are forced to react in a dramatic fashion.

3.  This provider is in an oversaturated market with many attractive, consistent performers and because of a lack of planning is forced to compete as apposed to being able to sustain and rebuild, slowly

My business has decreased dramatically (off by I would say 30% in the last 8 weeks).  However, my price point has not waivered by more than $50, nor will it anytime soon because I'm not forced to do so.  I live a very modest life (I live exactly as I did as a grad student year before last making $10 an hour), I have an excellent base and know how to creatively attract new guests when my regulars cycle on and off and I haven't any dependents to support.

So you see our circumstances affect our approach.
Clients can expect to receive emails like the one you did from providers they have seen- but they can also expect to see providers like myself who are adept, resourceful and know how to "ride it out" due to good planning.

I have known this particular provider for several years, although I have never written a review on her.  Actually, I seldom write reviews anymore. I am not sure what her situation is because the next to the last email she sent me regarding a special was for $300.00 an hour. I was a little shocked with the latest email offer for $150.00 an hour. I am expressing my observations on the economy and the contents of an email I received.  I can’t imagine how you would find that dubious. The hobby is not immuned from the economy. If you want to believe what I wrote that fine: If you don’t that’s fine too. Wishing something isn’t so doesn’t make it go away.

I am a permanent resident of California but I spend as much time at my home in Cabo San Lucas as I do in California.  There are no visible signs of the slow economy in Cabo.  Of course, the only wage earners who live there are the service people who work in the restaurants, hotels, gardeners, maids etc. The hobby is different in Cabo because there is no TER or other hobby type websites that I am aware of.  Most of the providers are Americans, Canadians or Europeans and I have yet to see a special.  There could be a lot going on that I am not aware of because there are no discussion boards to exchange information. The hobby community is very small and tight knit and most of the news travels via word of mouth.  The rates are about the same as in Southern California.

i always think people are genuine /the benefit of the doubt .Yet, I learned something he may be right on about recession etc. yet, i did lower rates but then again Im in a saturated market.yet,i too have a proven record and a website that is on the up and up. Im sorry I personally dont give up yhe poody when it is clean and pristine for a  market that may be rough yet, a hobbyist should agree with this  men need: food ,shelter,and good luvin . Im here as a provider not a begger
wow ,i feel cynical yet he posted this on los angeles as well and i felt bad now all i feel is stupid that I even responded to what sounds like BS/this only my opinion and i felt after reading other providers etc i realized does he want pity or is he really caring ? well i sincerely doubt he felt bad for her. If he did he wouldnt even post he would have been a gentleman and promoted her beauty. my bad for being so naive..

in 2008 vs. 2007...

and 2009 isn't looking very promising either...

For lack of a better category, I'm "self employed"...

Something has to change, whether it be my frequency, or the price of an "E" ticket for those who remember the old days at Disney...

Disneyland... the place where dreams really do come true!

I was simply commenting on the economy based on my personal observations and an email I received.  The email was especially telling of the financial train wreck we are experiencing. I didn’t go into detail about the concerned provider who sent the email because I felt there was no reason to do so. I have known her for a long time and I wouldn’t hesitate giving her a helping hand if that is what she needed. I realize that people handle their personal affairs differently so what applies to one person’s situation wouldn’t necessarily apply to another person’s plight. One issue that has always perplexed me is how bearers of negative news are attacked as though they were the bad news. Do these same people, attackers, lash out at the newscaster when he/she reads bad news?  Do they go through life only wishing to hear good things?  I wish the economy was coming up roses; but it’s not. You are a beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit, but please don’t shoot the messenger.

Agreed the economy is bad and will get worst before it gets better I am afraid, with that said, I also have an issue with the posts that seem to constantly be wanting to call for a "fire sale" as Ally put it on rates.
It's almost to the point of bullying into reducing Our rates. It's a business and like any business there are expenses, and some thrive while others do not.
We are paying the same for milk, heating oil, and gas as you are. We have bills the same as you do. We set our rates and feel they are fair,and yes I also have great long time friends who I set a seperate rate for at times but thats strictly my choice and I do not see what you feel all the rate talk will do. If you are having issue with spending the money to see me at the rate I charge, don't then. If seeing any of these Ladies at all is causing you financial alarm, you may need to rethink that.
So what's next on your agenda request your favorite restaurant give you a break cuz you can't afford to eat out there as often as you like.
I don't know, its just been over done the whole rate deal. Call me bitchy, annoyed whatever... There are hardships here as any place else, we all feel the clinch of the times. Enough already.

suggesting that the providers should be charging less. I really don't get it. This guy would howl if his boss said that he was cutting his pay.

I'm rooting for you and for all the ladies to weather the economic storm and make decisions that you feel are in your best interest. Ultimately, your success as a provider is linked to my enjoyment as a hobbyist. The last thing on my mind would be to take advantage of any provider.

Best of luck

Gregory

I am not here for confrontation. Only took a look at other comments. the messanger is the market ,car bailout dilemna, foreclosures etc. I thank you for tha compliment and appreciate the taking of the time to explain.. We are all hurting...yet,I meant no harm nofoowl just looking at the other opinions. I am definately the last person to be rude ... thats not my personality.so,I just want to give you a wink and say thanks for the response. It means you care. i like that

The stock market drop is because of bad choices made by big business and does not affect everyone the same way...many portfolios are up over the last 6 months, but certainly a different stragegy than most to compensate for the traditional market.

The housing market down in traditional sense is flourishing in the forclosure markets.  Again the people that are willing to buy used are getting great deals, those that want brand new are on the sideline.

The hobby is very much the same way.  New ladies maybe find it tougher to start out or hang in the hobby where veterans of the hobby know how to adjust and hold true, survive and yes some even flourish.

It is not always cost that drives success.  The ladies I have seen that stay busy and succesful have done it through their strengths.  Some ladies have dropped their price just enough to bring in that extra client or two they need.  Some ladies have offered extra time for the same price to bring in their needed business. Yet others have changed menus be it offering incalls or outcall with or without tradital menu items.  Others that I have seen as regulars have simply turned up the passion and wow factor a notch and done very well.

Bottom line...in many cases those that are waiting for a cost reduction only may be sitting at home saying shoulda, coulda, woulda.

If your in a bad spot...hobbyist or provider, best to keep searching for what works for you and not sit and wait for life to come to you!  Not only now, but always!  If times were so bad I would be able to pick up my phone and call any provider and say wanna meet in an hour and never get turned down!

Rock on....let the happy humping continue!

PS: to your coment of your lady freind giving you a very rewarding discount, i have a different perspective and can not help but ask this question.

Does the lady offer that discount to everyone or was she offering it to a special return client who has now shot himself in the foot by belittling/misinterpretting her decission to do so?  

-- Modified on 11/16/2008 1:40:11 PM

I have to wonder what kind of lavish life style some providers are living to be charging the rates they do.  I offer full service, including international for a one hour in call at a rate of one hundred dollars.  I see 3 - 5 guys a day, and I am putting myself through college out of my own pocket, wiping out $20K in debt, and have plans to buy a brand new car next year, and begin house shopping in expensive San Diego, CA!  Do I work more than girls charging $400?  I'm sure I do, but this is my job, and I am not a greedy person, I am not only living VERY comfortably, but I am getting to do everything I ever wanted and more.  Bad economy?  Pffft!!!  I get more calls daily than I can accommodate, and life is GOOD!  Now maybe some girls don't want to see that many guys daily, but would they rather be working a "real" job, making crap wages for 8 hours?  I love what I do, and it's only going to get better now that I am hitting the gym and steadily losing the baby fat...

Wow, I don't even know where to start. As a provider I haven't seen any decrease in my business. Everything seems to be well balanced, then again my rates were never sky high.. Attending school, part-time employement.. My rates is fair due to the fact my schedule is weird..I guess it becomes a problem, more like it effects you, specially.when being a provider is your way of Survival..Ladies u have to always have a backup plan want more for yourself other than lying on your back...you are able to stand up for more than thirty minutes navigate the internet.. Answer telephone calls greet in a friendly manner. So far seems like u have perfect customer service skills, put the damn sh** to use bloomingdales and saks is hiring for the hoildays I suggest u get to it.. And u won't have to worry about the damn economy and lowering your prices.. Am standing firmly to my 250-3,000 monthly provider services allowance. Mind you I still earn $15 an hour Wkly base salary, attend all classes which is only 2days a week.. If I wasn't for tuition and car insurance and notes and rent and let's not forget "Am such a Lady"  I would not be in this industry.. My point is this your business plan must consist of other resources.