or a customer?  

I would suggest heading over to the Newbie FAQ board and reading through the materials there. You will find some helpful information related to your questions.

 
Starting out no one has provider references and that's understood. You can look for provider that advertise as newbie friendly. There used to be a number that were present on these boards. You can also get a membership with Preferred 411 (and perhaps some other similar sites but I have not heard much about others in the past 5 or so years). It will also look to verify who you are and once approved you can the seek providers listed on that site. There you will see indication of which providers will see a newbie and which prefer to avoid that situation.

 
You can also just ask but I would be a bit more careful in posing the question to just any provider advertising on the internet -- some are not very trustworthy and will likely a bit like sharks with blood in the water.

more than references I look other things. As long as the person fill out the form on my website for screening and booking and Im able to verify the identity.. were good.

No references needed.

Happy hobbying in 2023!

Every provider is different. I have never required references. I do refer to a vetted tribute on my site because it’s a process screening potential new friends. I’m not a full-time companion, so it’s extremely not the same as it was when I was a new booty. There’s levels to this caca. Lol Smile for me! Xoxo

references

Every gal is going to be different of course, but if you have a reference (for another provider that I personally know or is well known) I will reach out to confirm that you are safe/sane/etc. or if you have never seen a provider before I will request screening info to do a background check. Most gals will have everything on their website as to what they require to make them feel safe. If they require a reference or personal info that you do not wish to share best to just move on. Don't waste your time or her time. Have fun, and welcome to the hobby world!

I've seen many providers no longer accepting references as trustworthy.  They prefer to do their own screening.  I think most providers have a way to screen -- though you might  have to give up real ID.