These COVID times have caused many changes in the hobby, and one thing I’ve noticed is the increase in number of SPs asking for deposits. I understand the utility of requiring a deposit, and I have provided deposits in the past (although I was recently burned by SP on a deposit). But I’m now starting to see “new diy” SPs (I use diy b/c they have website, no reviews, no IG, no Twitter, just a phone number  to contact and maybe a Snapchat link) that are asking for 50% deposits up front.  This is concerning, because many SPs have rates that a 50% deposit would be $300+ particularly if you’re looking for something longer than an hour. To me the concern of getting ripped off is high when an SP without any online presence or other indication of legitimacy is asking for a deposit that is $300+ and probably well above the costs of securing an incall (and yet many of these SPs require a deposit even if it’s an outcall)

I've paid a deposit twice, both times the deposit was about $100. One time was with a girl who I had already seen multiple times, to finance her room since she was coming from out of town. The second time was similar, a visiting provider who wanted something upfront for her room (I had not seen her before but she had lots of great reviews). In both cases I understood that I was doing it because I was totally hot for these girls and my mind was totally consumed with fucking them.
 
Both times it worked out, but I accepted the risk. In general I don't think it's a good idea. I would rather pay a higher rate to begin with. And girls with no reviews and very thin online presence (i.e. just an Eros ad with a phone number) I'm not going to contact anyway.

You'd be a fool to give a new provider with no review history a deposit....especially a $300+ deposit.

Exactly. There are way too many options out there to even risk it.

I have never done a deposit, not because I don't want too but because I have no way of doing so. Cash only is the only option for me. No trail

CIM. No not that kind... cash in mail. There are always ways to do cash deposits. Many of us have business addresses that cash deposits may be sent to. The best was a fella from the DC area found me a first edition of my favorite book, The Great Gatsby, and tucked the deposit in his favorite parts of the book. Expedited and tracked but major points for creativity.

Move on. Unless you really know the provider. Then she probably wouldn't ask for a deposit.  The big scam is the unknowns with wonderful adds. Sometimes you can google them and find the same add all over America.  
 It's just too risky.  The tip offs are; they answer your text immediately, some how they find out your area  and claim to be at a nearby location  , and claim the deposit is required because of counterfeit money, security and a show of your good faith. I've been thru the this scam a few times. I never coughed up a dime because of my research and ER advice from hobbyists.
 Some escort sites even warn against making upfront deposits.

have nothing to do with COVID and everything to do with timewasters, ghosts and other no-shows. Perhaps seeing fewer clients during COVID makes some difference, but the no-show problem far predates COVID.

There's no standardized way to do anything in this world. What's acceptable is what all the parties involved deem is acceptable. You're not going to find a best practices guide. Does a 50% deposit seem reasonable to YOU? Yea? Pay it. No? Don't.

Don’t do it. I was an idiot and got ripped off.

The last time I trusted a well known provider and sent her a deposit, she started ignoring me. This is why I feel like we really need a blacklist for companions, make the bad ones accountable, just like providers have a blacklist for bad clients.

Don't we have the option of posting a less than stellar review or submitting a rip-off review right here on TER, depending upon the circumstances? What else are you looking for?

EOM

You cant post a review of a session that never happened.

Actually, there have been a few reviews posted where the reviewer wrote that they sent a deposit, go to the location, and never heard word.  

yup!  
I recently had a NCNS. Screened with work info, real info, (as I always do). Everything was good. The morning I sent address on location puff... he never responded back and I was already check in and I do not have any other appts that day. ( I always see one person a day per location). This sucks, even more when I see one person or two a week.

I agree that has to suck but to be honest I thought you were setting the post up for a joke.