I have been noticing that providers, who previously operated independently of each other out of the same location but on different days/times, are increasingly joining together to form "cooperatives" (as opposed to agencies), complete with trade names and professional-looking websites. Presumably, by banding together they are able to take advantage of economies of scale and keep a lid on rising advertising costs, etc.  

to show on Star Trek DS9.  

I've always been aware of the collectives. I think it's smart. Not my thing but I find it a threat in no way.
I also spent a lot of time selling sex toys and sex dolls with flesh-like vaginas have been popular for a very long time and can be rather pricey. Sex toys will never replace human beings. Collectives will never stamp out the indy provider.

Wait until Wal-Mart gets in on the game... then we're ALL done!

Hell yeah, and when walmart gets in the game you'll be able to pick up one of those units for $97.35, or shuffle on down to isle 4 and get you a Blow-Job-In-The-Box for $13.99!!!

I'll start Zipfuck, for city dwellers who only need a sexbot on occasion. It will make good financial sense.