First of all thanks everyone for the great response. I'm really looking forward to meeting many new and exciting gentleman in your area. You've all helped me very much with making my decision. The good news is I've decided I will definitely be moving down on the 25th and I will be staying in-between Baltimore and D.C.  The bad news is due to the noticeably higher cost of living, as well as a considerable rent increase, I will more then likely be raising my rates to $300 1/2 & $350 hr. I will be giving new clients a $25 discount if they are a paid member of TER and have posted several reviews (for screening process) and I will still be giving my repeat clients a $25 discount. I'm sorry, but that's the best I will be able to do. I actually would rather quality then quantity. I hope you all can understand. You see I limit the # of clients I see a day to a very select few. This way I know I will not burn myself out and I will make sure each gentleman I see feels as if he's my one and only! I hope many of you will still schedule and appointment with me when I arrive. I promise if you do, you WON'T be disappointed! XOXO Karina

You have nothing to apologize about.

It's just a shame you're not into the girls.  Ah well, can't get lucky all the time.  

Enjoy this lovely area.  I've lived in Philly and believe me it's so much better here.  Also, the DC men are really terrific.

Welcome Karina - - looking forward to meeting you!!

So please remember me when I call . . . .

karina.. welcome to town. ! It's always good to have another hot blonde in the area.

There have been many discussions about price and while each lady determines their pricing, you may find that $350 hours will have an adverse affect on your income.  Of course, you're so hot it may not matter.  But there is always a negative reaction to anyone doing more than $$$ hours.  

Good luck and I hope you like it here and do well!

--jb

- Two Girl Action:  Yes - Not really into it  
- No reviews with two girls or couples.  Although now that I think about it, how would they know you're not really into a two girl show if there's no review?

I can put in a problem report if you'd like to change your TER profile--of course being an honest person, I'd have to find out first-hand if you *really* are into girls....

Let's talk, beautiful, when you're in DC.  

and invite me to join ya!!

That's how it got started - the next thing I know is I'm there - LOL

But my birthday's over.  Thanks slip, but you know I do most of my hobbying solo.

I am craving sweet, sexy Karina all to myself.

Jeopie.. of course, that was my point.. She's way hot, no question about it, but when they go over the 'local going rate' it probably cuts down on repeats.  Certainly, the rate debate has raged a while, and $$.5 was normal for quite a while, it's apparent that $$$ is becoming the de facto going price.  The little extra she charges isn't a lot, but unless the service is truely spectacular, the end result may be one time clients over a bunch of repeats..

My guess is if she finds it hard to attract $$$.5 clients, it'll change anyway.

Of course, hotness is always in demand

--jb

I am sure when I was talking about how wonderful the guys in DC are, you took it upon yourself out of the kindness of your heart to give this lady advice on her rates.  I'm sure you wanted her to do well with her business in the long-term, because god knows $50 (I'm sorry, that's $25 more for TER members, the cost of a visit to the gas station) is going to break the bank for the many generous guys here in DC...who would of course only be able to afford one trip, not regular sessions, with such a sexy lady of proven performance.

If the lady wants to make a cost-of-living adjustment on her rates(and yes there is a considerable difference between Philly and DC area), I think that's perfectly reasonable.  

But please do me a favor, and shut the whining and the pretense of offering advice and make your decision by visiting her or not.  Money's a great thing, it speaks for itself.

The competition in DC is much stronger than in Philly.  Despite higher rent and cost of living  in DC/Baltimore area, the going provider rate in DC is $50 to $100 lower than in Philly and the supply is 10 times higher.  Just between DC and Baltimore corridor area, I can count at least half a dozen agencies.  I am a Philly guy and hobby here more often for the bargain.

We are always looking for great providers..You will find your niche.

If you are trying to reduce business to fewer but more profitable appointments, raising rates may do it.

If you are trying to cover expenses, there are two ways to go about it.  When I was in retail management, I learned there were two ways to raise profit. One was to raise prices, the other was to buy the goods at lower prices. As far as customer relations goes, it was always better to buy merchandise at lower prices than to raise the selling prices.

In other forms of business (non-retail), where no merchandise is being bought and sold, the idea is to lower overhead.

You mention cost of living, but the only specific expense you mention is rent.  I have to wonder if their aren't some real estate agents on this board who could find you a place as nice as what you plan to get, at a substantial savings.

As far as other cost of living expenses, the longer you live in an area, the more expert you become at finding the best places to shop.

This whole subject reminds me of a post I read on TER a good while ago. I don't remember who posted it, but I copied it and saved it. Here it is:

Providing for the future made me think back to my school days. I worked for a very successful nationwide firm, and got to meet the founder, a great guy. He said he was frequently asked the secret to success, and he didn't mind sharing it, but he was pretty sure that very few would heed his advice. His formula was;
1) Find a need and fill it
2) Work hard - don't expect to sit back and wait for the riches to come rolling in
3) Make sure you love what you do
4) Don't re-invent the wheel; rely on the past experience and advice of others who have been where you want to go
5) Whatever your venture, don't go into it unprepared, unorganized, or undercapitalized
6) Live on half your income.

Most of you were probably with me until No. 6. He said that almost everyone said that's impossible. He would reply that it is not impossible. No matter what your income level is (within reason of course), there is someone living on half your income. The fact is, whether it is half, 2/3, 3/4 or even 90%, you can't live on 100% of your income and expect to get ahead. That is in fact how my mentor financed his venture. It is virtually impossible to get funding for a start-up venture, no matter how good the idea, so the best way to get it is by saving your own money. There are lots of how-to-succeed books, but I've always liked this condensed version. My favorite definition of success, though, is "success is getting up one more time than you fall down".

Hmm.. Gee.. I've never listened to anyone.. Doubt I'll start now.

I merely stated my opinion and like yours, everyone is entitled to theirs..

No matter how you slice it, this IS a business, and in business price is a major consideration.

Certainly, an above average looking lady who reviews at a high level will likely get enough calls, but sometimes a price line is psychological.  Some may simply not care, some may feel anything over $$$ isn't worth it, some may only be willing to spend less.

It's only up to the person paying.  

My comment was an observation to a new resident on what the market is currently like.  It was not in any way a demand she charge less, nor was it even a suggestion.  It was just an observation.  Ultimately, if she gets lots of complaints and non-bookings over price she'll make her own decision on what to charge.

But as a point of reference, when Jeopie says it's probably enough to keep him from being a regular, that should matter way more than anything I might write.  He plays on a different level than probably all of us.  He can afford most anything he might choose to spend, and if he feels it's too high, it would be wise for people to listen.  

--jb

Jeep can obviously afford any price yet a bargain probably won't tempt him to become a regular anyway. I wasn't trying to be cheep but it never hurts to ask for a discount. I usually prefer more than an hour and most gals will give some kind of discount over the hourly rate. It makes for a more relaxed session and more of a GFE/BFE.

The going rate in DC is still $$1/2.  There is a trend for the established providers with consistently good reviews and client base to move up the scale to $$$, so it appears the rate to be going up.  But at the same time there are new talents moving into this biz charging the lower going rate.  So the balance of the going rate remains the same.

Here we go again, commenting on the pricing decisions of a lady who seems to know exactly what she is doing and never asked for our opinion.

Karina clearly understands the ramifications of her decision when she says that she would prefer quality over quantity. She knows she could book ten or more appointments a day at $$1/2 and maybe even $$$, but rather not go that route.

When Summer of MC came to town she was attacked for her hourly charge of $500, with all kinds of "opinions" and "suggestions" about how she could increase her revenue by lowering her rates. Well, she was booked every hour of her trip, the only way she could increase her revenue was by increasing her prices.

Lifes short, if Karina would prefer to charge a little more and have a litle more down time, great for her.

Namesake  here.


You  will  do  just  fine, I  live  in  LA  where the  cost  of  living  is  considerably  higher. I travel to DC  often and  my  prices  and  two  hour  min stay  the  same, I  have  never  had a  problem getting  my asking  price, I  pay  the  men  on  the  boards  no  mind. If  i  did  well  at  my  ridicules  high  prices  for  DC  I  am  sure you  will. In fact  I  am returning to DC  soon  but  already booked. Good  luck I  am  sure  you will  have a  great  time.

With them complaining or explaining their view point. If you want to see someone you will pay the price. There is no name calling or putting the young lady down on her prices. We all agree she will be welcome with open arms in D.C.

Glad you are booked and don't have to advertise on the D.C board. Some people do listen to us sometime and we do bring something to the table.

-- Modified on 4/16/2005 7:16:08 AM

jeopcon: "Not looking for the bargain basement providers but then again you know I'll never be a regular."

JoeB: "But as a point of reference, when Jeopie says it's probably enough to keep him from being a regular, that should matter way more than anything I might write."

I don't think he was commenting on price.  I felt he was saying that a guy with several hundred reviews is always playing the field and the liklihood that someone would become a regular for him is slim.

-- Modified on 4/16/2005 10:34:19 AM

Reon't see a problem...

LNQ..

I'm not sure why so many seemed to freak out when I simply mentioned her rate was a little steep for the region.  Everyone seemed to feel I was personally attacking her for the rate when it was merely informational to a new member of the local community.  

Certainly, she's not going to base her rate on MY comment, although if it worked, I'll be suggesting $99.95 an hour!

This particular lady is quite hot (although no face shown) and I'm sure she'll do well, regardless of what she charges.  The really hot ladies who provide a top-notch service usually do.  And if she's busy, then she'll get the $ she wants.  Simple as that..

I just find it interesting how defensive people get over even the discussion of cost.  I just bought $13,000 in wholesale goods for a client and saved over a $1000 by going with a different vendor.  This comes after spending $15,000 for almost the same amount elsewhere.  Well, I realized I was overcharged and will buy from the new vendor.  What it costs is not always what it costs.  I saved myself and the client $ by shopping a bit.  The ladies on this board offer a service and we all shop around!

I never meant to insult anyone! Geeze!

--JB

Reon't see a problem...

JB; I didn't take your comment as a attack on the young lady. I agree with you, we all would like to pay less but some providers charge more. You can always look on the flip side, we have some providers that should be charging more but don't. We all have our thoughts/opinions on this subject and it should be addressed. No harm, no foul this is a public forum.

BTW; nice job on saving your client some money..  

JC; I don't see a problem commenting on the prices. When Summer came into town I don't think anyone attacked her. Yes there was debate about her prices and we moved on. Like you said Summer plate was full the whole trip. We give free advertisement debating prices on these ladies. People are curious and want to see what the hype is about and will schedule a session with her.I don't see where someone is getting hurt on discussing prices.

Like I said before if you want to see someone, the price won't matter..

LNQR - You are right this is a public forum and individuals are free to express their opinion. I just don't see the point. Karina is hot and will get all the business she wants at her new price, which is discounted for us cool ter members.

We always give these ladies advice on the prices of others and the impact of raising their price, but I think someone like Karina is well aware of these items. We debated Summer's prices, but what was the point? There are many things in life that are negotiable, but why would someone like Summer even consider lowering her prices when she is fully booked?

I agree that no one is hurt by these discussions, but what is gained? Uh oh, I guess the same could be said about most of my posts. Oh well, go ahead and comment away.

Reon't see a problem...

I have  no  problem  with  guys  seeking lower prices. I  just  believe it  is  tactless  for  guys to  post  under girls announcements with  "Cheap" shots at her  rates. You  either can afford  to  pay  or  just  go  to  the  next  girls  post  who's rates  are to you liking. If  you  want a  discount  e-mail  privately maybe  she  will  maybe  she  wont  her  choice. Take  your  concern  for  the  rates  of  providers  to  another  thread, not  under  her  announcement.

JC;
I agree with most of your points on rates. Don't agree about the advice/opinion someone might give on this board.. Provider's know when they post, there will  either be positive or negative response on rates.. So that's to be expected.

They can't be thin-skinned over someone questioning there rates. Personal attacks are another thing, I don't condone or agree with those posting. I think if you look two pages down you will find this same conversation on rates.. We will always have this discussion at least once a month..I don't have a problem with them and you do. I respect your position..