You are a sure thing, who pays an indy generously above her stated rate? And she now wants you to pay rack rate as if you were a new client?
I think there are other women out there who would be tickled pink to have you as a client.
She can (and should) be able to charge whatever she can get, but there's no reason you have to stay a client.
-Hoot.
-- Modified on 7/17/2004 10:18:15 PM
As a hobbyist on a budget, I've been seeing an ATF monthly when she visits town. Her fee has been higher than the amount I initially intended to spend, but she has been so enjoyable that I've felt it's entirely worth it. In fact, I've added gifts of $100 or more each of the last few times I've seen her.
Now she's raised her rates another $50. I have no intention of asking for a discount, but I'm wondering if she now expects a little extra each time (although I'm sure she'd never say it), and if her attitude will suffer if I just pay the stated rate.
Or should I just look for providers within my price range, knowing that I'll probably have some hit-and-miss experiences in finding someone as good?
Most providers that I've known will allow clients to continue to pay the rates that they were paying when they first met, particularly for reliable regulars. I recognize that discussing business can be a turn off, but you might ask whether you can continue to pay the original rate. If not, I'd probably stick with her and pay the new rate -- because I've found it's more satisfying and cheaper in the long run to stick with an ATF -- but not give her an extra tip. If her attitude changes, then it might be time to look elsewhere.
Good luck.
Unless she specifically says you can pay the old rate then I'd say pay her the new rate and don't give as big a tip. That way you are still spending the same amount of money and still having fun with somebody you obviously get along well with. If you feel awkward suddenly giving her less of a tip then be honest and explain her new rate plus tip is out of your budget.
Tips should never be expected or taken for granted - just as extra time or special treats shouldn't be taken for granted by the hobbyist.
-- Modified on 7/15/2004 6:43:12 AM
In my opinion. I have had mixed reactions to this point of view from both agencies and Indies, but think that it is just good, common business practice. I am a free-market capitalist and think that agencies and certainly the ladies should make all that the market can bear. However, should good-long term clients continue to pay escalating rates? I'm in the service business also, and one in which our fees have risen in recent years--but we think client "retention" is more important than getting new business. This is simply a way of rewarding those who helped us become successful. Just my two cents.
Way cheaper to keep a client than get a new one- usually worth discounting!
she should only expect what she charges and nothing else. but we all know how that goes sometimes. the fact that you have been seeing her regularly and she is raising her rate with you would be enough to make me move on. obviously your loyalty to her means nothing. with the economy the way it is she should know better, and realize that it's a smart thing to treat repeat clients well. i'm sure you will have no trouble finding a lady willing to make you happy and keep you that way so you keep coming back.
Especially if you've been paying extra anyway.
**Please keep inflation low.**
Show your appreciation in other ways. Give gifts, and decline discounts, but don't ever pay extra. If you start paying her above her rates, she **will** raise them for the rest of us. She'd be foolish not to. If you've got the money to do this, don't price the rest of us guys out of hobbying.
/Zin
A woman would be foolish to raise rates over a generous client! There are many factors to pricing, and perhaps it was just "time" for her.
You will always lose clients when you raise rates, money would be lost not gained... I disagree that you will be priced out because some clients tip.
I DO agree that he should either replace his standard tip with a small gift (which is a very thoughtful way to tip), or continue paying as he has (if the lady shows disappointment, it would be a sign of unprofessionalism and disreguard for his past generosity - and it would be time to move along.)
...what if two or three others do this, too? She would at least strongly consider it. That would be a no-brainer.
Better that he buy her a gift. If she is special to him, I have no complaint if he sends some money her way in between sessions. But since session prices are set, and we understand that there is never any negotiation for a lower price, guys shouldn't make it so easy for prices to go up.
/Zin
There is nothing wrong with posing the question:
"I see you have raised your rates. I'm curious if you plan to Grandfather your existing clients?"
Her answer, and how she states it, will give you more information than just a "yes-no" answer.
Start shopping around for ladies in your area that meet or beat your price point. Believe it or not, you can find bargains out there for much less than the 'going rates' regardless of what region you are in.
Half of the fun is the hunt is it not?
Typically ladies who are traveling have greater expenses than when they are at home. Meals away from home, tipping (over-tipping) Housekeeping to keep the clean towel supply at hand and the lips sealed and eyes 'seeing no evil' It all ads up very fast and perhaps she just had to cover those expenses.
Nothing beats keeping the dialogue open and information flowing both ways.... sometimes you find out your ATF thinks of you as her ATM.
Be Safe
ML
One part of the hobby I have never understood is when hobbyists say they like "the hunt." I understand that when they are looking for a civilian -- but I like the hobby due to getting a "sure thing". To me, "the hunt" in the professional world is administrative overhead.
-Hoot.
the tone in your post makes me think that you haven't seen her yet (since she has raised them.)
If that's the case, go to your next date with the new rate, a gift for a tip (instead of cash) and who knows, maybe she'll be one of those gals who keep their regulars at their "grandfathered rate". You can choose to take it or not at that point...or just start paying her new rate as a form of permanent tip.
Most ladies I know "grandfather in" clients at the initial rate when they first saw the lady. This is sound business practice. With repeat clients, the lady has less "expense"--no need to screen, etc. and an increased comfort level. Sometimes you need to move on.
If one of my regular girls raised my rates and I had been tipping her as generously as you described, I would be done with her, period! I always tip well and have never had a girl raise her rates on me, even the ones I know have had increases.
As for the guy asking you not to tip because it prices him out of the market, get a better job man....or hobby less freqeuntly.
I'm tired of people on these boards whining about the guys that appreciate these girls and tip. We do it our way, you do it yours....cheap skate!
You are a sure thing, who pays an indy generously above her stated rate? And she now wants you to pay rack rate as if you were a new client?
I think there are other women out there who would be tickled pink to have you as a client.
She can (and should) be able to charge whatever she can get, but there's no reason you have to stay a client.
-Hoot.
-- Modified on 7/17/2004 10:18:15 PM