What is your preference? Work for an agency, or independent contractor?  

I've been around the block. Lol! Here's my back story...

I like the energy and enthusiasm of independents,  but since they book at their leisure, it can be tricky scheduling an appointment. Coupled with the fact that they're usually well skilled, that places them in high demand. So the backlog for an appointment can be lengthy...especially if your schedule isn't completely flexible.Agencies are great for the right now fix. But if they are in high demand, they're usually worn out....even at the start of a day. I don't care much for the touring ...it leaves no chance to get comfortable with each other. Agency rates are usually easier to swallow than independents as well. But I've always been a firm believer in " you get what you pay for". I'm kind of split down the middle...
I absolutely love the one independent I see, but it's getting harder and harder to book with her,  so it looks like I'll be going back to the agency...

I limit the number of appts I do on days available . I don't want to work for someone who is going to use me like a workhorse.

I do not use escort agencies for many, many reasons. I will occasionally do a FBSM/massage place.  In fairness, I haven't in the last several years in the N. VA, DC Metro area. It's hard to find a good FBSM provider. I will not visit AMPs.

-I am my own boss
-Sick day's... I take then when I want it... spa day? hell yea! Im just lazy? that too!  
-My work area is truly mine and no-one else
-Better income (not third parties contracting)
-I actually get to enjoy the variety because I actually get to choose who I have lunch & business dinners with  
-I set my own schedule based on my personal lifestyle

If I did this all over again, I'd completely skip the short agency period. They taught me absolutely nothing outside of what a shady operation looks like and and that I can ALWAYS do it better.

I think any provider is going to land on the independent side. Obvious reasons why....
I don't want to know the inner workings. I don't need to see what's behind the curtain. The more business like it becomes... just destroys any scrap of fantasy. I'm not deluded.... I know what's number 1 on the agenda. But I would like to keep some shred of a notion that my company is enjoyable. In short....I really need to quit reading threads aimed towards getting provider comments.

and I much more prefer to be working as an independent.I much rather run my own business than to have someone to tell me how they think I should work.My anniversary as an independent provider was 8 yrs ago this month Feb
Jaydalee

caused you feel that the fantasy was " destroyed enough" to comment this? At what point did anyone insinuate your company was not enjoyable? I'm very curious. I'm consistently surprised at the fragility of ego demonstrated on these boards day in and day out.

I have great experiences with both. I mostly see independents, but it's nice to be already approved by at least one agency that features consistently terrific providers.

I like dealing direct and not through a third party. I usually only use an agency as a back up in the case of last minute cancellations.

I strongly prefer independent.  If for nothing else just being able to communicate with them prior to meeting.  You get a little taste of how they are and they do for you as well.  Going through a third party seems cold and sometimes you can't ask certain (or don't want to) questions.  I always prefer independents and don't mind the higher consideration.

There are pros and cons to working for either. I prefer to be independent because I control who I see or don't, but sometimes when I'm overwhelmed with responding to clients or dealing with booking hotels when traveling, it's a weight off my shoulders to let a REPUTABLE agency (who honestly communicates with me) handle that.