Anyone who is familiar with me knows about my creative specials and funny ways I market. One thing which is not as visable are the specials I offer my mailing list participants.

But here where I get confused. While naming no names some gentleman often gripe about ladies being too expensive. Either she is out of his price range or simiply he feels she does not warrant such a price. So when offered a special rate  do these gentleman jump on it? I find that often the answer is no. Even for my regular clients who see me all the time a special rate does not necessarily motive them.

I know part of it is timing, but I offer specials often enough where one could find something to suit him when convenient. I see other ladies off specials often as well, and in talking to some of them, I am not sure if discounts/specials work as well as one might think.

So gentleman, what is going on?

Kisses,
Vanica Love

My lack of interest in discounts for providers I would not regularly see is based on my experiences in all service industries, not just the hobby.

If my favorite beer is $2.00 cheaper at one store than others I'm going to the store with the cheaper price because I know that beer is the same no matter what I pay for it.  But if Joe normally provides service "X" for $500 an hour but for a short time is willing to take $350 an hour, I worry that Joe may not put the same effort into serice "X" at the discounted price.

However if I have used Joe before than I already know what to expect so the discount is a bonus to me.

Just my two cents.

Those gentlemen ( I use the term loosely) that are complaining about prices just need to move on and not complain about it. especially not to any providers.

Im not sure about why some guys arent jumping for the great rates. The fact that we are in a recession, and some guys just don't hobby as much as they used too.

Maybe I'll cum see you lol

-- Modified on 2/2/2010 6:58:32 AM

For me it's just to much of a waste of time to figure out what special is running for the day.  I also don't get the post that a provider is running a special but you have to go to her site to hunt it down. I just don't do it - they waste my valuable time.

If your serious about getting more business make the pricing easy to read and follow.  You look more stable and reliable by fixing a price point and sticking with it.  If business is not what you want raise or lower it at increments of $25 until your getting the numbers needed.

I believe there is peer pressure to maintain a high hourly rate, so as to compare well to other providers. Find your niche and exploit that service to command a higher rate.

If you want to discount something - give it to the guy thats easy to deal with and keeps coming back.      Just my Op/Ed.

If you look at per capita rates (Check and you'll find Bethesda, Chevy Chase and McLean in the top Twenty nationwide) cost of living, the fact that DC is fairly recession proof because of the plethora or government jobs, and the huge education, healthcare, association and tourism market DC is constantly awash with money.

Housing has affected the area, but not as much as other cities like Milwaukee for instance. In Milwaukee, I can earn more in a weekend than I can here. Buy I remain in DC for other reasons.

So when guys in DC cite "recession" and I k ow they are working the same exact job as before I think it's a cop out. Some guys who are in construction and so for are suffering, but that's a small percentage. Even when things were good a lot DC guys complained more about prices like they didn't live in $700,000 homes or $400,000 condos.

The funny part - well, maybe not so funny - is the number of guys who get ripped off at high prices and say "I will never pay X amount of dollars again." Then low and behold at a much lower rate still get ripped off.

The price of everything else has gone up, so why wouldn't the price of pussy.

When traveling to different markets the higher price is necessary to make the trip fiscally beneficial.

At home where I don't have as much overhead costs I can offer a lower rate. So I have specials.

As far as "hunting down" I think I make things fairly clear. I do at time make people do a little math, but I actually did that on purpose for various reasons. If someone can't figure out 50% off - I don't know what to say. LOL

Kisses,
Vanica

There are times when I'd like to schedule with a lady and things don't work out. Work gets in the way or family issues come up. Often it's before I can schedule time or even while I'm trying to set something up. I end up canceling before things get set in stone.

Ahh yes a true "white Knight" I knew one would be riding into town soon...

Price has no bearing on if I choose to see someone... it has to do with the value of their services for the $! If someone provides a good service and offers a discount I would likely take the opportunity but if it is a so-so provider or someone that provides mediocre services then I'm inclined to pass... Not worth it in the long run. I have no problem forking over for a good time but when you see girls charging over 400 or 500 and do not provide GFE or PSE I am not inclined to partake... In my experience most of the 1K + girls are a waste... they are usually too high maintenance to actualy relax and enjoy the time together; However, I'm sure there are exceptions to that rule!

I base it on the review and how well I know someone... in truth my preference is to go with personalized discounts... Often I have seen ladies numerous times and they offer "incentives" to return! Obviously these are not advertised but they do go a long way with me! I like that bit of personalized touch!

My .02

Fog

At this point in the hobby I've got some minimum requirements... Regardless of the discounts I am more apt to see those that are sure to follow through with their great service!

I personally loves or feel special when the lady offer me "SPECIAL". I think its very sweet and really appreciated.

Here is the point. I think some gal charges way too much. Above $400/hr is way too high IMO. Dont metter how they look and offer..Just doesnt make sense to me..


Ohh well...JMO!

A few observations:

1. Your "periodic specials" section is a bit confusing and requires more time then I care to take figuring out am i really getting a discount: "floating specials," "bonus bucks," and "frequent flyer."  Simpler is always better.  If you're doing a periodic special simply say for "this month/week/2 days only the following rates apply__________ you fill in the blank.

2. Your full rate with deposit discounts put your rate at the DC average anyway.

3. If my math is right your periodic floating rate special is a nominal savings.  So for example, your normal rate for 2 hrs is $600 with deposit discount (which I would take advantage of); your floating rate special is 2 hrs for $450 but if you want incall (which I would prefer)it's an additional $100 which makes the fee $550 or a $50 savings on a 2 hr session.

Those are my quick observations of your specials and how I would factor them in my choice of selecting a provider.

I would also offer that with hobbying specials can not be applied with the same mind set as normal retail business.  Hobbyist have certain types they like and certain "things" they like during a session.  Hence there are some providers who can offer a helluva special and I would not partake because they are just not my type.

Then there are others who are EXACTLY my type but out of my price range and/or budget.  Since I don't have Tiger money I would not partake for that reason alone.  However, if the economy was not what it is now I would and have "splurged" on occassion and bust the budget. But with the current economy and bleak economic future I would not do that now.

Bottom line IMHO you're up against a real recession with more economic pain to come (I work in the field of economics so I know that of which I speak) and all are feeling the economic crunch.  Also hobbyist have there taste in provider and session types and "deals" rarely lure them from there comfort zones.....I would think.

With all that said....I appreciate your enthusiasm on the subject and I'm sure you bring that same enthsiasm to your sessions.

and many times boil down to chemistry/YMMV which you dont know before hand.

First off, if DC is recession proof, why is the unemployment rate here * 12% * ?

Not every hobbyist is a heavy hitter.

I know plenty of guys who like me were making lotsa money as a contractor for the FedGov or defense contractors.  A good percentage are off of the gravy train.

Gov't workers? Fairly stable. But I wonder what percentage are hobbyists?

Now let's talk portfolio. I'm down eight figures in my porfolio from a couple of years ago. It will come back eventually and I'm probably young enough at 59 to wait it out.

But DO NOT think that this does not have an effect on buying decisions.

Ultimately, the rates of alot of providers are right up there with CPAs and Attorneys.  The latter provide services that while they are not erotic they contribute to my bottom line.

Then you mention costs of living be up. Do you not see that this *reduces* the amount of discretionary income for folks?

Provider Pussy is a *luxury* not a necessity.

An hour or two with a provider is fun but there is no long term benefit.

so you bet your bippy I'm more careful about how much I spend.

There are just too many hotties out there right now at the 250-300. And less. Girls with scores averaging in the 9s.

Now you are entitled to set your own biz plan - your rates, your screening practices, your preferences, contact protocols and etc.

But you are not entitled to berate *the market* to which you presenting yourself because your biz plan is not as effective as you want it to be.

Only you can decide how you want to adust your marketing plan to achieve the results you wish from your biz.

But I will give you a hint from the perspective of one client -

I do not care for the price high and do specials strategy.  A stable rate that reflects market conditions makes more sense.

Nota bene - even my law firms and consultants are reducing rates these days.....

....The cost of living is higher and like most other places in the country the majority of folks, despite their $700M homes and $400M condos (which most couldn't afford when they bought thme) are/were living off of debt and pulling cash from equity sources.  Well that ride is over and now it's time to pay it back.  So the $300 - $500 visit to your favorite provider is not as easy as it use to be when those Credit Card bills, Home Equity payments, Mortgage payments (many repriced and repricing at higher monthly payments) are now due.

What you have is a classic supply/demand situation with several variables thrown in.  As a traveller around the country, I think DC prices are near the top end and have held up well (hence all the visiting ladies) though I'm sure many hobbyists have at least cut back their hobbying or gone to lesser cost alternatives.  I'd be curious as to your success at different price points just to learn how elastic the pricing model really is here.  Travel to Ohio/Indiana/Michigan and you'll typically see prices 2/3 of the DC metro area with what I would consider the same quality.
All that said, I always appreciate a good discount ; )

The is the increased cost of living.

I know with my family groceries use to be $400/month now they can run easily $800-$1000/month.

Don't forget the increase in college education costs.

Some guys that hobby or use to hobby have to pay for their children college expenses.

Many ladies have their rates subsidized by sugar daddies.

When the sugar daddy goes on a break or gets another lady the lady has to drop her rate to get the average joe back in as clientele.

Because Pussy is an easily attainable commodity.. there is no shortage of it and with mediums like CL and various other ways of women looking to make money it is extremely cometative! If a lady chooses to raise her rates, she runs the risk of pricing herself out of the market... as with any business.

The only women who get awy with rates about $400 is because they offer something pretty spectacular! Generally PSE/GFE+ and they are drop dead gorgeous women who would otherwise not been seen with the likes of who they cater to.


Basic rule of supply and demand... unless the available population of providers starts to dwindle I don't see rising rates to be a threat! With the economic down turn I have seen a HUGE influx of ladies with more than reasonable rates... So it makes me question more who I choose to see! Though recently I have been rather adventurous!

In an industry like this there are risks associated with everyone we see be it provider or hobbiest. lower rates tend to yeild more people calling hence higher volume.. Higher volume tends to yield lesser service. Higher prices tend to yield few customers and higher quality ladies... often times these ladies cater to a certain socioeconomic group that many of us do not subscribe. If you wish to be a part of that group then I applaud your efforts and wish you the best of luck!

My feeling is that once you pass the threashold of 500 you really need to question what you are getting out of it! In my experience I have on ly ever seen two providers that I trully believed were worth the additional consideration... all the others that charge 600, 700, 800.. or 1k+ area really just a waste when you actually sit back and think about whatyou are getting... unless someone offers something trully unique and special to a client my feeling is that it probably is not worth it.

We all have our own sense of values... and that is my stance! Unless you can provide some amazing service beyond the ordinary GFE I have no intention of forking over any more than 300... If you are in the catagory of say... Jordan Baker, or Cindy Spice... then I'd have to say the added bonus of spending time with them is WELL worth the additinoal expenditure!

Perhaps if there were a standard on rates for services this would help your arguement but as it stands... I'm pretty sure you stand alone!

Fog

After reading your reviews and going through your site I think you've just priced yourself too high darling... Not meaning to be offensive but considering what you offer there are too many other ladies out there offering the same thing for allot less! Unles syou can offer something to stand out I'm guessing that will continue to be the case.

Anyone asking for more than 300 for an hour should be able to rationalize what it is they do for me on their web site, or in their reviews... Unfortunately, I see nothing that stands out to make you an exception... perhaps I am alone on this and will take some flak but trying to be honest and truthful here!

Drop your price to 300 hr and see if the phone doesn't start ringing... most people have too busy a schedule to be able to setup a 24 hour advance appointment to take advantage of your discount! I personaly would not bother but I would pay your standard rate to see you if I felt it was worth it... and frankly I do not see the value at 400...

perhaps offering additional services or additional time considerations such as a 1/2 hour rate or repeat client discounts... or TER member discounts? all these go far if i am not mistaken...

I have seen ladies I otherwise would not have based on discounts they offered to TER members or introductory rates.. All beit I may not have returned after... but that would likely be a result of my feeling that their service was not worth the requested donation.

My .02

Fog

I have no problem booking appointments, I jus couldn't understand why some men - even my regulars - complain about rates then ignore specials.

If anyone bought a home/condo they could not afford then it's not up to me to lower the cost of whatever it is I am selling to accommodate them.

In general when people complain about mortgages I have no pity because they signed an agreement to pay and did not prepare themselves or their family for worst case scenario.

It one thing to say "I cannot afford X" and another to say "X is too expensive." The latter statement is relative.

I find them annoying actually.

I tend to plan my visits for some time ahead. A brief drop in rates is not going to influence my decisions. There is usually too little notice and the duration is too brief to influence my decisions.

I also tend to circulate among a circle of favorites although I plan to visit one new person a month this year.

I've seen $500+ girls and generally had a good time. But there *have* been disappointments - airbrushed pics / out of date pics etc.

But I've often had as good or better time at $250-300. Granted you generally have to be more picky in that price range, do better research.

To me *personally* there is a lower point of diminishing returns with respect to appearance vis a vis performance.

I'd much rather spend $300 on a 8/9+ experience versus a 10/7-8 experience. So that's my bias.

In my experience there are a few of them out there who think that being pretty is all it takes.....

and at the *really* high level of totally UTR provider who is highly gorgeous, it is interesting how often the service is covered only.....  and not very GFE at all.  I've done a few of those when I was really flush to see what I was missing....

not much, really....

a question, and answers from all perspectives are fair game.

of the indies I choose to see. Offering a one time discount is not going to get me in the door if the regular rate is not something I would consider for repeat business.

I agree 100%... those girls are mostly out to make as much as they can as quick as they can! Once they have it they are gone, or they stop getting it altogetherr ;P

My feeling is that a professional lady should have a realistic sense of her services vs. what she believes her time is worth... Hell as far as I am concerned I'm worth $3K an hour but realistically no one is going to pay it unless I can make it worth their while! I don't see how a provider should expect different.

My best experiences have actually been with UTR Sugger babbies that only see me... or at least that is what they make me believe! Much more personable and MUCH more reasonable in price because most are in school and do not want to make waves in their lives... Normaly 200 - 300 is all they ask for and they generally are much more open minded and are not bound by the hourly rate concept...

Each experience is different to be sure but when you are asking for above market value.. you better be able to show why that is!

Fog

just to take advantage of a temporarily low rate. I have a certain loyalty to those who are proven to be good for what ails me.

change realities.

And that is what they are.

As with any product, the strategy is to find a balance of marketing, price point, availability (lack of hurdles) and volume that meets your goals.

to the marketplace

I can understand that you may not wish to lower the rates to a point where the biz volume satisfies your goals.

But you cannot influence the behavior of the marketplace other than by price point / perceived quality / availability

Perhaps doing some touring to check out the dynamics of other markets might be a good idea if your biz plan and offerings are not performing as you wish in the DC market.

Truly - I wish you the best of luck....

GTM

Vanica,

your arguement does not make any sense hun... by that comment they should not be utilizing their available income to see you or any other provider. What somene decides to do with their money is their sole discretion!

You are not accomodating anyone by changing your prices... you are simply choosing to cater to a smaller pool of people. The points made her have been pretty good I think! Supply and demand is the key here.... Aside from that you ae no one to judge the situation people have found themselves to be in... Most people affected by the attrocities of the last two years lost their jobs or ook significant pay cuts which affected their ability to meet their financial obligations... I do not believe that very many people purchased mortgages they could not afford... Those who acrtively partake of the hobby would be less likely to find themselves in that situation as well unless they were just stupid. The income used to partake in something like this generally comes from discretionary funds which may have significantly fluctuated in the last year.... One owuld assume that anyone actively participating on this board would be able to maintain  their personal property while remaining activeon this board. if not then they have other issues.

Affordability has nothing to do in this situation! You are afordable... in this day and age 400 should not make or break anyone... but if you are suggesting that you have the ability to determine what some deems is worth that type of expenditure then you are saddly mistaken...

If people have less income then they have less money to spend at their discretion hence the recomendation of a price drop. It is certainly up to you but your ridiculous stance as to believeing you are worth more than anyone else on this site is pretty much a waste of time... Choose do do what you wish... but your reviews and services do not reflect what you charge which is most likely why yuou are seeing a decline in clients... Specials are not going to help.

the problem would be timing.

50% of my first time encounters are unsatisfactory because of factors not found in the lady's reviews. So I tend to prefer repetition. But I will never break a planned date in order to take advantage of a special.

2/3 of DC prices. Hey sounds like a road trip to me. ROAD TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Who's IN!!!!! lol

The one thing that most providers don't look at is what they've posted previously, and dictating the terms clearly as to the price TODAY.

  Even for you Van, I can find 3 different prices via simple google.

   Have been tempted as the beauty is there...