Hello all, I'm a 4 corner's state based provider. I'm really trying to assess whether it's worth to continue living and offering services in this area. I service Denver, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, and Phoenix. However, when I started in the area 3 years ago, it was much more lucrative than it is now. Some weeks are okay, most days I don't have any calls or emails except regulars. When I'm home it's dead, when I go out of town...they call, and when I return only 1 ends up re-booking. It's like, if I'm not available the moment they want to, it's pretty much out the window.

Overall, I can't justify staying in the area forever. As for rates, I won't say it's hard to get my rate, as I have guys willing to pay them. But, if I don't post them, I get callers saying it's out of their league (that could be something as low as $150). I'm trying to figure out what's a better market, possibly even moreso for exotic/ebony types. Thinking along the east coast, but at the same time, don't want to be competing too hard for the same clients. I'm honestly considering going abroad for awhile to get a different feel of things.  

Right now, I just feel like the old song from Sade, "When am I going to make a living?"

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Unfortunately I can't access private  messages.

I suppose that's the case, but it's sort of been consistently this way for some time now. I was awestruck on my last visit to salt lake city and Albuquerque in recent months. Pretty much no new phone calls from ads. Also, I'm finding BP the dominant advertising media in Denver. Good in a way, as it means I can reduce my advertising overheads, but it doesn't work in all areas the same.

I've recently gone through the process of changing/tailoring my working name and marketing, just in case it was something I was doing wrong.  But I won't know for at least a month or 2 if it makes a difference. I feel like a resort in transition. Went from the Hilton to the Bellagio. (Never did well in Vegas, except my regular I see whenever I go there)

Bigger markets are also hugely competitive.  Live where you feel like you, that's your best market.

Spend ALL of your downtime reading up on web design, advertising methods, etc or sitting in the nicest hotel in your town sipping seltzer water.  Not to pick anyone up, just to keep yourself in the vibe of abundance.

The lulls in this business are SO luxurious if you make good use of them.  No one else has so much built in time available for bettering their career.

It'll work out.
xo,
Marie

I can appreciate the free-time that the down-time offers us. It always gives the opportunity for improvement. But in my case, my non-client days aren't really downtimes though. Financially, I'm not where I want to be, so whenever I do have quiet time, I'm working on trying to get these going again. I enjoy the nightlife, so it gets me out there a bit. But, there's no market offline in these areas, that I'm aware of.  

An example of my 'down-time', is despite being in town since Saturday evening, and missing 3 calls while I was away, I haven't had 1 appointment since. And it's already Thursday. I feel I need to be in a faster pace market than the 4 corners. Where are the business travelers in these parts? Those tend to be the bread and butter, after regulars.  Like, even when I go to Salt Lake City, even though I've gone like a dozen times and had busy and slow visits, I've never once gone to a hotel outcall. It's always been incalls, or going to local's homes.  

then realized you can't see them.

personally, I've been doing pretty good in PHX since May. but, I guess it varies person to person. If you're ever back in the PHX area, maybe we can get together and get a drink - it would be nice to make a provider friend, haven't made any really since moving from Toronto.

Live 'where' you want. Provide where you 'can'.  

Sometimes, larger market or not, you have to travel which it seems like you already do considering where you are. In the larger metro cities, NYC, LA etc, sure the markets are more competitive but the travel is reduced as the population is higher. Keep in mind, so is the cost of living and everything else. It's give and take and you need to figure out what's most important to you. But I wouldn't worry so much about the competition in any market if you can find and create a niche for yourself (hence what Miss Marie stated about websites, advertising etc). I think if you can do that, and somehow stand out from the rest, you're gold Jerry. Doesn't matter where you are really. Good luck to you Bahamia.

Yeah, that is rough.  Sorry for being so flip, I thought you just might be having a bad day or two.

"... It's like, if I'm not available the moment they want to, it's pretty much out the window. "

That is why I pretty much only see providers who are local these days. In the past I've had regulars who are out of town but I've learned it is very tough to "wait" on my regulars to come visit my town. They'll be in for a short time not to mention not always with plenty advanced notice so it wasn't always possible to match our availability -afterall I not only have work but family so my window of opportunity to hobby is severely limited.

Also, so many times my regulars came into town just days after I just saw somebody already so financially I did not have a chance to recover yet!

As for being "exotic/ebony type" I'm afraid it's downright a real tough challenge for your type. I maybe wrong but the way i see it the ONLY type of provider who can make a consistent good living is the one on top of the totem pole: the typical all-american young busty caucasian providers. The rest of the providers will always struggle sorry to say because they only appeal to certain niche market of hobbyists.

Again I maybe wrong but IMO "exotic/ebony" type has got to be one of the toughest if not the toughest niche market to be in. I said so because I myself am in this niche market and see mostly if not all "exotic/ebony" type of ladies so I see first-hand how hard they ALWAYS have to struggle

What you mentioned though...is an American-specific issue. That's why I mentioned in my earlier messaging, that I am considering going abroad. I'm aware that America really isn't the prossie utopia, in the long run.  

I've been making a consistent living for over 5 years now (since 2008). Albeit, it hasn't always been roses. However, I have watched my local market in Denver over the past 1-2 years, and I still see providers pop up, and disappear QUICKLY...of all backgrounds. I spoke to 1 woman, non-ebony, about her experience in the area. She made it seem as if it wasn't that bad. Yet, she's no longer in the area. Disappeared without a trace. However, you are correct in your assessment of whom are the more longer standing ones, but I think they just hide their struggles a bit better. However, I used Ebony in a very generalist term. I'm actually multi-racial, and have always gotten asked, "what am I mixed with" by all races.  However, I don't consider myself non-Ebony or 'better ebony' by any means.

Like I said, it wasn't always this way. For awhile, I was doing quite well in this area. Unless the niche market runs it's course relatively quickly, there has to be something more behind it. That said, I would like to inquire what cities you've met the ladies who mention it's always a struggle, so I can be sure NOT to move there LOL

Do you keep an eye out on the competition? could it be there are now more "exotic/ebony" competing than in 2008? supply and demand does make a big difference.

Having said that it should come as no surprise that where I am, the San Francisco Bay area there are lot and lot of variety (and more...) and choices to choose from.  

But it's a great area to live and I would be sorry to see you ruling it out. Maybe you have to budget a little and don't dream on too much luxuries but surely lifestyle should also matter?