There’s plenty of threads on deposits, but not many providers commenting here anymore. Came across an interesting thread on deposits from a provider’s perspective.

"The majority of clients who complain of having been “scammed” in the past seem to have not done due diligence in booking the worker - they picked a clearly dodgy ad off a dodgy site, when legit professional SWs are right here making effort to show their credentials."

For me, so no on deposits.  I have references who vouch I paid in full.  If that's not enough then I'll shop elsewhere.  Most high end providers are fine with that.

I never ask for a deposit. If I deal with any hobbyists who schedules an appointment and does not show, then he will be blocked for good.

Stupid
Ridiculous

Interesting perspective Rocket. But there’s always the other side of the coin. Here’s one from a well reviewed provider in the DC area.

Every business model has pros and cons.
By going to the deposit method she loses good clients who are against deposits.

For a provider? Obviously the latter is better.

"One of the better business models for continued revenue is the repeat customer."

I'll bet my deposit that some of them do keep the deposit AND refill that now-free slot.

I’ve been requiring deposits to book for over 12 years. The reason why is because I’m a single Mom, matriarch, dog mama & a successful entrepreneur & this is been my hobby, since I created mi familia. If I booked a date I pay to reserve childcare, dog boarding & a hotel, plus travel. Why have any out of pocket expenses?

I asked TER to put a "Deposit Required" item in the profiles.  I would like to be able to search and exclude those who require a deposit.  My take is that if she can't review my OK's and make a decision as to whether I am reliable and serious when requesting time together, then I don't want to play.  

You make some good points there, but I do disagree with one of them…

He said there are other ways; he did not say the other ways are just as effective.

Care to name a few?

A lot of assumptions in there  
I ask for a deposit EVERY time because I’m not travelling for 2 hrs and forking out $200 for a train ticket to London without one. I buy train tickets in advance - no deposit - no train ticket being purchased. It has nothing to do with the quality of client. I make clear to clients that once the ticket is purchased the deposit is non-refundable. They either book or they don’t, it’s completely up to them.

You should ask tothemoon that question, not me. I wasn't the one who said that. This isn't my problem to solve.  

My money; my choice.  HARD PASS!  When I see a new ad that requires deposit; I immediately think SCAM.  Even if a well reviewed escort requires a deposit, I still pass, because I don't trust any manner of making a deposit.  Seems like a paper trail back to me and requires too much effort on my part.

I have never required a deposit. I have probably been burned a couple times a year. Not worth it to me. I have never charged a cancellation fee though i am seriously considering doing so. That is far as I would go

Worried asks for details on deposit practices:

If you cancel on me, do I double my deposit back?

I haven’t ever heard of that happening, but I’m guessing a provider offering that double your money deal would definitely book more business!

That's my job!

Think of it as a cancellation fee for the client.  Fair is fair.  

I’m really new to the hobby, but have been had 3 providers duck out on me at the last minute already. I have zero doubt that, aside from having my time wasted, and the disappointment, my deposits would have disappeared.
And ALL the providers were reviewed here.  It always is connected with my being limited to early mornings only. After agreeing to the appointment, the providers backed out when I texted to verify the night before. ( One just left me in the parking lot waiting without any word.) Now, In these cases, having put a deposit down likely would have made no difference. These were simply a total lack of respect for an agreed upon deal. These people would not have been deterred by a deposit. They also impressed me as people who would not return my deposit, from the same lack of character. I have a lot of experience with people breaking appointments for unacceptable reasons.
I may end up making an exception eventually with a particularly trustworthy provider, but it will certainly be rare.

Jackcat argues that he would have lost deposits with these NCNSs, but the only thing we know for sure is that 3 No Deposit Required providers cancelled on him.  One could argue that the providers who utilize the deposit business model are more professional, and would not have cancelled on him.

I thought about that, and it’s a remote possibility.
But, my assertion is that the same way those providers went back on their commitments to me, they would have been disposed to keep my deposit, as it is all part of the same lack of ethics.

I might add that these weren’t routine cancellations . None of these providers contacted  me. They told me  I you they wouldnt be meeting me when I called to confirm. One just ghosted, leaving me in the hotel parking lot.

I paid a $100 deposit with a highly reviewed provider in LA!  I checked with a few mongers who post many reviews to confirm her legitimacy, and she checked out with every one. For a relatively high priced provider who may have to travel and get a hotel room, a small deposit like I paid seems reasonable. For a provider with few reviews , or for more than a small amount to cover out of pocket costs, I’m out!