Maybe this is Newbie stuff, but I'm lousy with the search function!!!

I normally spend 300-400 for a provider's time (typical in DC).  My own guidelines for tipping are 1) we went over the alotted time without noticing, 2) the lady provided a serviice I had not expected, without askiing  in advance, 3) hasn't happened yet.

I have recently read reviews where the guy said he arrived with wine, or expensive underwear or other gift, having never met the lady before, or other!!!

There are numerous sites that give guidelines for "tipping" around the world. But I haven't seen what applies to the hobby. And I presume it may differ on where we are. I know tips are never expected, but are always appreciated.... but how about some guidelines on how to proceed.

seem very appropriate. If I were you I might add a tip if the lady had to drive out of her way to see you. Sometimes we do that and a tip is always appreciated.

It's like any other service industry. If you receive good service, it's nice to let it be known.

xoxox

I try to keep a 50 around for tipping, usually in an easy place to access (the only thing left in my pants side pocket). At these rates, anything less seems pretty cheap if there was really something worthy of a tip. It is rare I tip a first timer, but it can happen.

I think arriving with a bottle of wine, a nice book, maybe some pretty lingerie,  a gift certificate for a manicure or massage, before even meeting is about setting the tone for the evening. It's showing that even though you've never met, you have faith in her as a good person. That you were really looking forward to meeting HER, not just looking for any warm body that was available. It is displaying consideration for her emotional comfort, that you want her to enjoy her time as well, that you think of her as a person.

Much like a first date in the civ world, a small simple gift just shows you took the time to think about her.  It sets a tone of warmth, and gives me a clue into the gentleman's personality (the type of book he decides to share with me for example).

I agree that tipping is especially nice if she had to take a cab to and from seeing you, went out of her way to buy a piece of wardrobe that you requested, if shared wine or scotch from her collection with you,  or if you just genuinely had a good time.

You cannot go wrong with being kind to a person, and if they don't deserve it, don't waste time regretting a good deed,  simply move on to find someone that does warrant such effort.

The guidelines you laid out are pretty much on point.

Think about it. Waitresses, hairdressers, valets, and other workers who live on tips do so because their hourly wage can't pay the bills. The tips are a necessary addition to their hourly wage to get by.

This is not the case with providers. Even at the lower end of the rate spectrum, our rates are still far higher than what most earn on an hourly basis. We shouldn't have any problems paying the rent. Thus, tips are a delightful bonus when given, but should not not be expected or relied upon.

The circumstances you described sound perfectly reasonable. If a lady has truly soared past your expectations, then a tip to let her know you appreciated is a very nice gesture. But tipping for the sake of tipping really isn't necessary.

Even on a first date, I always tip; and I always tip up-front.

There are a lot of reasons. One is really just my vote of confidence. Another is to let her know she is personally valued. I don't see many women, but those I see are generally really fine people. Putting an extra $40-$60 in an envelope, compared to the total cost of the date, isn't a big financial drain -- but it can be of value to the woman for a variety of purposes.

One reason it can be of value is if I paid her fee in hundreds, and hundreds are hard to negotiate, she might need those 20s just for cab fare, subway, whatever. But the big thing for me is I want her to know I have confidence in her, appreciate what she is doing, and appreciate her personally.

Sometimes I bring gifts, sometimes not. It depends on how much the lady lets me learn about her. I'm not into flowers, chocolates, perfume and gift cards. But I'll bring a lady something on her reading list or maybe even something I have made myself if it is something I think will be to her liking. Once I went digging through a few rare book stores to find something I thought a lady would like.

I'm afraid that in most of my dealings and behaviors I don't draw a hard distinction between civies and providers. The only thing that really differs appreciably for me is the boundaries, and to some degree those are flexible as well when it is to mutual benefit.

Don't believe the "tipping isnt expected" line. Tips ARE expected. Always tip at least 50 percent of the session fee. So for a $400 session, tip $200. Tip more if you had a great time. A 75 percent tip is standard for a great session.

I am very easy going person, so never feel I need to tip since I cause no stress to the provider. If you are the kind of person who asks lots of stupid questions and expects professional/courteous replies, then yes you should tip. I also run my own business and my favorite customers are the proactive ones who figures things out themselves and never bother me with petty things.

In other words if you "expect" a lot, then you should tip .

And I hope that never changes for you!!  It's always life affirming to meet gentlemen that think I'm equal in value and dignity to all the other romantic interludes they have in this world.

I also think it's quite nice that you'll give her a gift if you've learned something about her. I'm forever impressed when someone gets me a gift that is obviously based on an old blog entry. I find myself thinking "WOW! He took the time to read all that! That's so charming!"  I can't help but feel a blush of warmth in my chest that someone would care enough to bother.

I'd luv to see your reviews...But since I can't--WHAT???

Are you F**kin' serious?  So you are saying a 400 session should result in 700????  All I can say to that is...Charge 700!  I always, ALWAYS bring a gift and will spend 50-100 on this. THAT's it!!!!  

Just because you wish it don't make it so!!

A gift on a first visit unexpected and also greatly appreciated.The gentleman has taken the extra time to find something that he might think the lady would like.I have seen gentleman that have tipped and have not I do not expect tips but they are greatly appreciated when I do.I have this gentleman the 1st visit he bought an intricate beautiful arrangement of flowers and a few small gifts totally did not expect this.Whatever you are comfortable with spending for tips there is no set amount.I have seen gentleman say  they spend 20 to a few hundred.

Your average waitress or waiter makes a LOT less than a provider pulling down $400 an hour from sessions. And really, a $100 meal only means a $50 tip, right?

I have had plenty of gentleman who I've never seen before bring some kind of trinket to our first date and it always catches me off guard. Even something as small as a single rose, always elicits and huge smile from me and really goes a long way to breaking the ice. To me it's says, he's sweet and considerate. Often times someone I've never seen will bring a bottle of wine so we can get to know each other and chat before moving on. We usually chat about what kind of wine we both like before hand tho so it's not a surprise, but it's equally as delightful. And if a gentleman is intrigued enuf by me to read my "things I love" page and chooses something from there- I'm totally smitten by his attention to detail. And of course- tipping in the form of cash always makes me smile after the date )

I never really know why they decided to tip....but I'm always very appreciative- no matter the form.

The women I end up seeing are smart enough to have created an enticing website, say something intelligent about themselves on it and distinguish themselves somehow from the herd. So I trust that they know their market and how what they have to offer fits in to it, and have priced them accordingly. Tips are common practice for certain industries, but typically those who accept tips don't set the prices, you would tip a waiter but not the owner. If I tip an escort in a way I'm saying you didn't price yourself correctly, here's what you should have charged. I'm not including agency girls in this model as they don't set their prices.

If a hobbyist or provider feels moved to do or give something special then that shows they have taken the time to learn something about the other person, that is valuable and I think very much appreciated. Nothing is just about the money, there should be some affection or we're wasting our time, the act becomes mechanical.

It's cliche but it really is the thought that counts.

I dont expect or hope for gifts or tips but they are definitely appreciated and remembered and thought of as very awesome. Gifts or tips are fun! We are women we like them LOL. Regardless, I am going to treat you the sam way.......PRETTY DAMN GOOD!

No, I generally tip waitresses and waiters around 100%. Afterall, they don't receive any of the $100 I pay for my meal.

But I was shocked to find out that beautiful women weren't willing to pay an old, ugly, fat guy $700 an hour. In fact, they insisted that I pay THEM! What is the world coming to?

Typically, the answer to this question depends on whether or not you're talking about independent providers or agency providers.

Agency providers usually get about half of the fee you're paying. So, if the session costs $400/hour, they're only getting about $200. With that in mind, tipping is almost always expected when you're seeing an agency lady. How much? Of course, it depends on the service. But at least 20% wouldn't be unreasonable.

Independent providers, on the other hand, keep every penny of their fee. Sure they have expenses. But there isn't an agency taking an automatic cut out of their paycheck. So, tipping is much less expected when seeing an independent provider. Some will even post outright on their site that they don't expect tips, and they're being sincere.

As for tipping an independent provider if she has to travel to see you (take a cab, etc.), my feeling is that she should include all of this in the quoted price for the session. Many providers charge more for outcall as a result. If it's an incall session, what about the price of her hotel room? Again, my feeling is that she should price accordingly. And most do. So, at that point, the tip is purely at your discretion. It doesn't necessarily assure better service. But it does show appreciation.

Generally speaking, if you're shelling out around $500+ for a one hour session, unless you happen to be in a particularly high-income bracket and can afford it, my feeling is that the provider should understand that the cost of the session is at a high price point. So, if you don't tip, or tip sparingly, it's not because you don't appreciate her services. It's because you've already appreciated her services by paying her fee. (I know not everyone will agree with this, but I feel it's only reasonable.)

LD -

I think the fact that you're so generous is nice for you - but I wouldn't expect the typical hobbiest to follow your advice... it seems a bit excessive.

I'm a really nice guy - and enjoy tipping when I can, but I can't imagine meeting someone and leaving a $300 donation and then tipping $150 - $225 above that.

Lucky ladies who get to meet you - I pity the poor provider who meets with you and then meets with someone in the same economic state of mine as me...