I'm new to this activity (a virgin) and I can use all the help I can get. What's the deal with tipping? Do you only tip agency providers but not independents, or are there other rules to consider? I don't want to look like a jerk. Any other advise would be appreciated.

If a provider is good she will charge what she thinks her
time is worth.

Low class providers and mainly rip-off artists ask for tips.

The rip-offs will low ball you to get you in the door and then
once there will ask for large tips for everything that she
would normally do at the going rate.  Guys will end up
paying 2-3 times the going rate if they don't walk.