I'm still gainfully employed in a critical field and  have always worked from home.  This turned out to be a good time to meet providers as well as share $$$ that I can.  I'm not doing this thru TER.  

I don't hobby as  much anymore because I'm super picky.  I do long term and I can't spend a fortune looking for someone that works for me. I don't  hobby  much because of it.   its hard to find someone I click with.   I'm pretty intuitive and can tell if there is a possible match in the time it takes to have coffee.  I ask the provider for coffee only with no commitment.  I drive thru Starbucks and pick up the coffee.  We meet at a close park where we can keep the required 6' distance.  No matter how the coffee goes, I leave a nice card with a Starbucks gift card.  Almost everyone was happy to have a no strings coffee.  We had already settled on a price before coffee so if things progressed, there would be no surprises.

The negotiated price was a flat rate offered to everyone.  Seemed the most fare.  I had no "cheap" or any negative comments at all.  To a last, everyone was thankful.

It really bothers me when prices are discussed and everyone jumps on posters as cheap.  This is a market driven economy.  Right now supply way out strips demand.  Lower prices increase demand.  Simple economics.  Because of the economics, It make sense to invest even more than usual.  It may be less to an individual provider, but overall, I'm spending at least 3x what I normally would for providers as a group.

These are my  experiences and are unique to me. It's not intended as a discussion of morality, propriety or ethics.  This is entirely about economics.  

using numbers and statics wouldn't be fare to providers so I will not discuss amounts in any way.  I will not respond to PM's.  

I wish everyone well in these unprecedented times.

but that's my own fault because I have limited reading comprehension.  
But if you're saying that is fair to ask for cheaper rates and discount. I totally agree with you.  
If you are not saying that, just ignore this message.

What I mean by that is that the "demand" isn't the only thing that is depressed for the "supply" side is as well. This is not your typical economic downturn in that it just doesn't involve finances but health concerns too.  

 
MANY women are sitting this out either bc they can (i.e. they have a nice nest egg built up) or bc they are so scared to either become infected and/or pass the infection on to a loved one that is older (or who has an additional health issue) thus placing those peeps in a higher risk category, mortality wise.

 
Personally, I have been on the sideline for awhile now and will continue to do so indefinitely. Those that continue to play place the community at a larger risk, imo, but I am not going to tell others what they should/shouldn't be doing as that is a decision best made between two consenting adults and there is risk in almost everything sex related.

 
It would seem all the pressure for rates are to the downside as the the demand is getting kicked in the ass for the very unusual, dual headed reasons I stated above.

 
Btw, the "cheap" moniker never bothered me as I like to pay less for things whenever I can. I would call that "prudent" but others can call it whatever they like. I really don't care. If I got all caught up in what society thought about how I spend my $, I guess I wouldn't be a John to begin with. Lol

I have seen posts from a couple of established providers asking for half their normal rate now to secure a spot when things return to normal. I don't know if we will go back to normal.

END OF MESSAGE

you having to pay NOW.  What incentive will they have to give you a time slot in May when they spent your money in March?  I wouldn't do it.