I am a farily new member, and I notice that most providers' rates are quite high, especially for my budget.  I was wondering what some of your experience has been in trying to negotiate rates, and if you have ever had any success with this.  I know some providers say right in their websites that their rates are non-negotiable.  My best guess is that most providers won't negotiate the first time, but may on succeeding visits.  Am I right?

This is a topic much discussed, and much argued over.

I, myself do not negotiate, based on the theory that one gets what one pays for. Not only that, this is a unique service. It is one thing to negotiate over the price of a car, or a house. On the other hand, most people(including myself) don't negotiate with their Physician, or Dentist(even those people who lack the appropriate insurance). To me, a Provider falls under the last category. Now, there are those who believe that there is no harm in trying to negotiate, regardless of whether or not the Provider has stated her policy towards negotiation. To me negotiating with a Provider is, at best tacky, at worst, an insult towards the Provider.

Your last sentence answers your question fairly well. IMPO it is not a good idea to attempt to negotiate with a provider. However,the odds are very good that after you have been a repeat customer(how long varies from Provider to Provider)you  will be offered a discounted rate by the Provider herself. Now, this is a general statement. There are some Ladies who are firm in their rates regardless of how regular you are. However, many of them  possess good business sense and will cut you some slack, after you prove your sincerity.

I know some will agree with me, others will disagree. But this is my opinion.

I never negotiate ever. If you cannot afford the rate that you see, then move on to someone who is less expensive. If you decide to see me, and become a regular, I would be happy to see you at a lesser rate. Or, I would have you stay longer with me, off the clock, for I  do enjoy your company. But, please don't expect me to just lower my rates, just because you seen me once. The men who have been seeing me for a year or more, are the ones who have me at my lower rate, or stay with me longer, off the clock.

I support that, to negoitate is tacky.  But what you say is oh so accurate.  I've had ladies spend way extra time with me, or a few who have done things off the clock with me.

Yes, over time, you may find yourself seeing me at a lower rate. But, only when I dictate it to be so. But until then, my rate is what it is, and nope, negotiations does not cumm into play

I know that will vary from provider to provider but I was curious to get a sense of that.  It would be great to see a provider for the long term but something always seems to happen (donation increases, they move on etc.).  Maybe it is the nature of the business...

If a new client trys to negotiate my rates on a first date, I will not be interested in seeing him. Major turn off!

However if I have seeing someone a few times, and the client would like to see me on a regular bases, but my rates a bit hard on him, I will be the one to offer  a more comfortable rate. This rate will also depend on how often the client would like to see me....ones a week, twice a week, ones a month,..etc.

This way we will both be happy with the arrangement, and we can enjoy each others company to the fullest, when we get together.

But again ,certainly not on a first date.

I have never tried to negotiate rates when the provider has posted them on their website.  I have had the good fortune of providers telling me I could pay less.  Maybe they liked me, maybe they just wanted repeat business.  At any rate, I consider it bad manners to play "let's make a deal".  My $.02

I really try and keep my prices low..I feel that its wrong to right off the bat to ask "can you do better than that?' i've had that be asked by a potential client..then he added that his big bonus at work did not go through....or ask for the "I am not ugly discount" I asked if he knew any car dealers preferably mercades..that would also honor that discount..I have heard that some providers list a way higher rate than they expect to get just to have a starting point..I have only heard that from one provider...having said that..most really do expect that rate they list and most would not list it if they did not think they deserve it..everyone is different and their is no right answer..I personally think its about Tact..knowing when a discount or reduced rate is needed..if i miss an apt..even if its kinda my fault. which I try to never do.,I offer it..thats just me..I sometimes end up kicking myself later but to ask for it..when the rate is below $500  and lots of different services within that amount of time are available is not reccommended..enevitably there is a provider at every rate..no matter if you want $50 or $500 per hour..but unfortuanately most times..you get what you pay for...and in some instances why skimp..if you have to save to see someone great who you really like... why not save rather than see someone just because they have a low rate and not be fully satisfied..as I said its really to me about tact..my 2 cents

providers are people, just like you and me (except better looking what makes you think there is one blanket answer to this question? - do you think all providers work off the same employee manual?

some will negotiate, some won't. some will be offended if you try, others expect it. some will offer a deal once you become a "regular" - others might not allow you to become a "regular" in the first place unless you are exceedingly generous.

bottom line, though - no matter what type of lady you are dealing with - what level of service can you possibly hope to receive after you have told her to her face that she is not worth the price she is asking?

I have seen providers who have offered "special" rates during certain times.  After the visit I have sent them emails thanking them for the good time, and asked if I can keep seeing them at that rate.  The answer has usually been "yes" provided I do not broadcast the fact. Service has continued to be good.

However I have a related question - when a provider that one has seeen a number of times raises the advertised rate on her web-site but does not mention it to you when talk to her on the phone or by email - is one obligated to put the new amount in the envelope? Or can one assume that the old rate is "grandfathered" in?

Oh so wrong to do if you've never even met the girl.  With repeated visits and a good rapport, the likelihood of price reduction is greater.  I myself have set lower fees for a few of my clients, but I was the one who approached the subject.  Please don't ever "cold call" for price reduction; it's really quite insulting!

Forgive my "business scholl" approach to the situation, but time-slots (for a provider) are a lot like airline seats.  If they are empty on a flight, they aren't making you any $$$.  If your goal was to sell that seat, then you got nothing instead of something.  I have seen providers offer "specials" on boards   I, of course have no way to judge the success or failure of that approach.   I saw one post on a Boston Board that I thought was very interesting.  Somebody posted that he was willing to offer $.$ for an appt on a particular evening during a time frame.  I PMd him later, he said he had three takers.  

Assuming he told the truth, who lost in the transaction?  The guy said he was happy and the women were willing.  It might be nice to see an "auction board" for people who are looking for last minute deals can hook up with people with "time on their hands".    

Fire away at the idea.

-- Modified on 11/2/2003 3:48:57 AM

I see a role for travelocity here

I think it's insulting to the provider if you try to negotiate.  If you are not comfortable with her rates then look elsewhere, there is plenty of choice at every level of the 'market'.  I can be flexible about my rates for holiday trips if it's a visit to somewhere I really want to go and I know I'll have a fun time with the guy.  But to try and negotiate on a first time, two hour appointment?  No, that's really lacking in class, IMHO.

But for myself, I just could not do that. To me, the clients who are loyal to me, meaning they see me either once or twice a month, deserve the special rate, for they earned it! I don't do specials because it makes me look like I have no business coming in (desperate), also, then people expect it all the time: don't! lol

I think you have it backwards.

The man posts his availability with his money  & the woman chooses.  "Specials" put the woman on the block.  

BTW, this does not denegrate your way of doing business.  It's perfectly reasonable to take a "no discount" position.  Ultimately this is still an auction market (as is every market in the world).  Prices will go to a level that will clear the market in the long run.  However, it is a very personal business, and entire careers may be shorter than the long run  

I simply think it's sad that people who "want" to book the time can't do it in a reasonable way without making a published change in the way they do business...Harry

then I want no part. Infact, I hate that term "auction block"..it makes me sound like a slave or something (( Anyways, I have been in the business for nearly 4 years, and I live in the downtown area of my state (a well known one). My rates reflect that general area,  and also the level of service that I do give I have never offered a "sale/special" within the 4 years that I have been in this line of business, and it certainly hasn't been lacking with men wanting to meet with me. I just feel that when providers start to offer "discount specials", then they will always be expected to offer it ( then, the men will not see her, until she offers that discount rate again). Then, in the end, she would not be able to go back to her regular fee, and feeling frustrated, I could see where she might want to throw in the towell. I don't know! lol As I stated in one of my earlier posts, I believe that the men who are loyal, are the ones who should be given the discount. They do deserve it! ))) Just to note* I am not speaking for all providers, just for myself. However a provider wants to run her business, more power to her !

I am a firm believer of negotiation..It is in my blood..Lets admint it people this is a business albiet an illicit one..
I have called many a provider and asked them if they can lower their rates and have succeeded....Some will some wont and thats the bottom line..It all depends on the providers attitude..I had some that wouldnt budge and some had no problem..I had one that offered me a so called discount after the first visit but i was always stood up..

An "Auction Market" encompases slaves, Southerbys, and people in the pits at the Chicago Board of Trade.  I started out with the "Travelocity" idea (thanks to JzMan for giving it a name).  Your "slave market" theme is a staple of pornographic images for centuries.  The concept doesn't get me particularly hot (read my reviews), but there are lots of people that enjoy the fantasy.  

-- Modified on 11/3/2003 6:12:59 AM

Niether are the services I require.

There was a thread some time back on the NY Board started by a provider whose rate was in the average range for good GFE providers in NY.  On guy (not me)replied that although he found her to be very attractive, and her reviews exemplary, all indications were that she did not provide a specific service he required.  Her response was to assure him that he would indeed have a great time with her and that he'd never even miss that service.  His reply was a polite thanks, but no thanks.

I could easily have written those same messages.  Very simply put, if the gal's fees are within the range I'm comfortable with, her reviews are good, and she provides the services I require, then I will not negotiate.  And I would expect the provider not to negotiate the services I am expecting from her.

I have yet to find a provider that I consider a "must see" in a higher price range than I'm comfortable with.

Harry there was a method of doing this in the past that has fallen out of favor and has become politically incorrect with the advent of the internet and sites like TER.

Prior to the internet most of the business was handled via print advertisements in which prices were never listed.  When a potential client called to book his appointment he would have to inquire as to price.  The lady would either respond with a number or ask what the client could afford.  If she responded with a number not in the client's budget then he would thank her for her time and go to the next lady on his list.  In probably 2/3 to 3/4 of the cases the lady would initiate a negotiation.  I am sure much of this was based on how much available time the lady had in her schedule.  

With the advent of listed prices and reviews each lady compares her prices with the other ladies.  In many cases it has become an ego thing and provider A feels she is worth at least as much as provider B and sets her rates accordingly.  

The idea that a provider feels insulted that someone should attempt to negotiate her price is a relatively recently acquired phenomena (myth).  However as long as the providers can convince potential clients that it is improper to negotiate they can make more money.  The downside to that strategy for some providers comes when economic times are tough and they do not have a convenient way to adjust their pricing to obtain new business.