Professionalize - My Time Is Essential

[L.A.]

Originally Posted by Lena Duvall

^^^^^Valid concern. In my opinion, if a provider accepts a deposit and flakes (cancels or doesn't show up), the onus is on her to return the deposit. If a gent is open to rescheduling that's one thing. But I don't see a reason for her to keep it if there was no time actually allotted for the gent to enjoy her company. And I don't think it would be unreasonable for a gent to write a review or a co-ed post to give a heads up to others.

That said, I do think there is a lot of mistrust about providers taking deposits and dashing. If a provider is verified, reputable, and has a presence on here with reviews and such, I'm just not sure why that would even be a thing. Speaking for myself, I'm a savvy ho. In addition to being unethical, scamming a potential client for a $100 or so deposit is not worth all the time and effort I have put into building up my visibility (including on this site, other review boards, photo shoots, paid advertising, creating and maintaining a website, cultivating a following on social media, etc.) And not to mention the future coins and benefits of engaging in good business practices.

In the case of the deposit incentive I offer, the deposit is deducted from the overall session donation and I offer a savings percentage. It's relevant to what I've seen done by some 3 and 4 star hotels I've booked in the past.

Ok..I'm going to let you into my wonderful world of anxiety I deal with. This is me and I speak for no one else.
When I hear deposit required my mind starts racing.

I already have a small amount of skepticism because somebody now wants money before I see her.
How do I do this?
Do I have to go to a store and make an extra trip?
Is there a fee on the card?
What if the store I go to doesn't have that card?
How do I get you the card info?
Is it thru some other way?
What if I have to cancel?
What if you have to cancel?
What if we can't reschedule?
What if?
What if?
What if?
How?
How?
How?

That's a portion of how I feel when I hear deposit. So when the there is a choice between two providers and one wants a deposit I would always choose the other one.
If I saw an ad that said deposit I'm no longer interested.
If the website says deposit I'm no longer interested.
For me the bottom line is that I would NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER see somebody that would require me to prepay any amount upfront for a session.
I don't have to do it.
I'm not going to do it.
I would never do it.

A provider can 100% run her business the way she sees fit. I can also choose which providers I want to see. Take it for what it's worth but I've been around a pretty long time. I'm definitely not going to change the way I hobby after all this time when what I do has worked so well for me over the years. Just some insight into my crazy mind and your potential customer base.

[doug_dfw]

Originally Posted by DarkeyKong

For most people, their time is important. I guess the only problem with that policy is, in an environment where ethics and morality aren't practiced and preached, trust is not a factor. For your policy to work, trust has to be the key ingredient.

Not criticizing, however, I think most gents would wonder what will happen if you will flake out on them after receiving the deposit. Trust is a two way street.

You are on the mark DK. In any RW deal where a deposit is required for service, TRUST governs whether you go forward or not. I don't get that feel, I look to one who doesn't.

If I like the product and price but unsure of performance, I say: just that. If I get rejected, I count myself ahead. I can't remember how many vendors I deal with now to whom I made that initial statement, and pay a deposit for materials to be bought; never for services to be performed.

[ithyphallicus]

I haven't thought too deeply on this, but is there any other business that requires a "deposit" for services to be rendered at a later date? The OP's "deposit" sounds more like a surety bond. LOL!

[Lena Duvall]

I hear what you are saying. It would be impossible to change your or anyone else's opinions on this topic. And even if it were possible, I have no desire to do so. But the reality is a provider's comfort level and autonomy are extremely important. There are limits to trying to be everyone's everything. And for providers, sometimes acquiescing isn't the most sustainable thing. If a provider really wants to or doesn't want to do something, but is just going along for the sake appeasing an ambiguous customer base, that can easily lead to frustrations and burn out. As you've said you can choose which providers you want to see. I don't disagree or think it's crazy.

I am just expressing relevant thoughts I have that, in this case apply to requiring a deposit, but extend to many other aspects of how providers run their business. This could be what services a provider does or doesn't offer. Or something about a provider's aesthetic. For example, perhaps more people in my potential customer base would consider seeing me if I changed my hairstyle, or decided to shave all of my body hair. I know for a fact that many men on here think hairy legs or full bushes are gross. (I've had people inquire with me and tell me they would follow through with booking if I shaved.) But me working in a way that is joyful and where I hold onto to some sense of balance between what others think I should do and what I want to do is crucial.

If the OP is pretty set on requiring deposits up front, and she's determined to do it, she can make it work for her. I'm not speculating on the likelihood of how successful or unsuccessful she would be. I've only conveyed that it can work and that I've heard of other providers doing this. Many providers already require deposits for extended sessions, as the stakes are different for a cancelled 90 minute date versus a cancelled six hour date.

There are many providers who fall outside of the norm, but are still able to experience some level of success working in the ways that make sense for them. That is all I'm saying.

Originally Posted by L.A.

Ok..I'm going to let you into my wonderful world of anxiety I deal with. This is me and I speak for no one else.
When I hear deposit required my mind starts racing.

I already have a small amount of skepticism because somebody now wants money before I see her.
How do I do this?
Do I have to go to a store and make an extra trip?
Is there a fee on the card?
What if the store I go to doesn't have that card?
How do I get you the card info?
Is it thru some other way?
What if I have to cancel?
What if you have to cancel?
What if we can't reschedule?
What if?
What if?
What if?
How?
How?
How?

That's a portion of how I feel when I hear deposit. So when the there is a choice between two providers and one wants a deposit I would always choose the other one.
If I saw an ad that said deposit I'm no longer interested.
If the website says deposit I'm no longer interested.
For me the bottom line is that I would NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER see somebody that would require me to prepay any amount upfront for a session.
I don't have to do it.
I'm not going to do it.
I would never do it.

A provider can 100% run her business the way she sees fit. I can also choose which providers I want to see. Take it for what it's worth but I've been around a pretty long time. I'm definitely not going to change the way I hobby after all this time when what I do has worked so well for me over the years. Just some insight into my crazy mind and your potential customer base.

[goofy11]

No deposit are going to believe from me...screening and confirmation an hour prior to appt time works well.

[daty/o]

Originally Posted by Lena Duvall

I hear what you are saying. It would be impossible to change your or anyone else's opinions on this topic. And even if it were possible, I have no desire to do so. But the reality is a provider's comfort level and autonomy are extremely important. There are limits to trying to be everyone's everything. And for providers, sometimes acquiescing isn't the most sustainable thing. If a provider really wants to or doesn't want to do something, but is just going along for the sake appeasing an ambiguous customer base, that can easily lead to frustrations and burn out. As you've said you can choose which providers you want to see. I don't disagree or think it's crazy.

I am just expressing relevant thoughts I have that, in this case apply to requiring a deposit, but extend to many other aspects of how providers run their business. This could be what services a provider does or doesn't offer. Or something about a provider's aesthetic. For example, perhaps more people in my potential customer base would consider seeing me if I changed my hairstyle, or decided to shave all of my body hair. I know for a fact that many men on here think hairy legs or full bushes are gross. (I've had people inquire with me and tell me they would follow through with booking if I shaved.) But me working in a way that is joyful and where I hold onto to some sense of balance between what others think I should do and what I want to do is crucial.

If the OP is pretty set on requiring deposits up front, and she's determined to do it, she can make it work for her. I'm not speculating on the likelihood of how successful or unsuccessful she would be. I've only conveyed that it can work and that I've heard of other providers doing this. Many providers already require deposits for extended sessions, as the stakes are different for a cancelled 90 minute date versus a cancelled six hour date.

There are many providers who fall outside of the norm, but are still able to experience some level of success working in the ways that make sense for them. That is all I'm saying.

This is thoughtful and well stated. There is, however, one correction I should point out. There should be a comma after "case".

[Lena Duvall]

Thank you. I actually found two more corrections as well. Alas, it's been more than an hour.

Originally Posted by daty/o

This is thoughtful and well stated. There is, however, one correction I should point out. There should be a comma after "case".

[L.A.]

Originally Posted by Lena Duvall

I hear what you are saying. It would be impossible to change your or anyone else's opinions on this topic. And even if it were possible, I have no desire to do so. But the reality is a provider's comfort level and autonomy are extremely important. There are limits to trying to be everyone's everything. And for providers, sometimes acquiescing isn't the most sustainable thing. If a provider really wants to or doesn't want to do something, but is just going along for the sake appeasing an ambiguous customer base, that can easily lead to frustrations and burn out. As you've said you can choose which providers you want to see. I don't disagree or think it's crazy.

I am just expressing relevant thoughts I have that, in this case apply to requiring a deposit, but extend to many other aspects of how providers run their business. This could be what services a provider does or doesn't offer. Or something about a provider's aesthetic. For example, perhaps more people in my potential customer base would consider seeing me if I changed my hairstyle, or decided to shave all of my body hair. I know for a fact that many men on here think hairy legs or full bushes are gross. (I've had people inquire with me and tell me they would follow through with booking if I shaved.) But me working in a way that is joyful and where I hold onto to some sense of balance between what others think I should do and what I want to do is crucial.

If the OP is pretty set on requiring deposits up front, and she's determined to do it, she can make it work for her. I'm not speculating on the likelihood of how successful or unsuccessful she would be. I've only conveyed that it can work and that I've heard of other providers doing this. Many providers already require deposits for extended sessions, as the stakes are different for a cancelled 90 minute date versus a cancelled six hour date.

There are many providers who fall outside of the norm, but are still able to experience some level of success working in the ways that make sense for them. That is all I'm saying.

I don't disagree with anything you're saying.

[Clint Reno]

I see a lot of words being written on the subject. For me it's really, really simple.

A deposit requirement = me going elsewhere.

[ManSlut]

Originally Posted by MCMXXX

For those who DONT KNOW I started my Provider experience at a PRIVATE SPA in Oklahoma 3 years ago. Now i'm independent people act as if they can't act proffessional. You don't like it you don't have to book. And its a PERSONAL PROBLEM in my opinion

This pretty much explains alot...Private Spas, are usually where clients are mainly Walk-Ins (you will probably rebut this point that your's wasn't) with multiple ladies working there and you being a young, headstrong, independent lady now, know exactly how to be successful...You're the one who wrote this bullshit, so, in my opinion you are the one with the PERSONAL PROBLEM in my opinion and I WILL take your advice and I won't book...But please, tell us that your Spa had exactly this type, or a similar one, of deposit required way of doing business and it was 100% successful?

Btw..Your use of certain of verbiage, your 'smarter than us and I don't give a shit what others think' (male or female) attitude, and the fact you started hooking at 18 denotes a lack of quality education. Almost like the stupid fucking rappers who use the biggest words they can to impress the idiots who listen to their self-absorbed lack of musical and vocal talents.

[!!Sexy Erotic Morgan]

I don't want to sound rude because I am not being rude but maybe there is something about the way you advertise that is attracting flaky guys. Many girls do not realize how much control they have over who calls them. Keeping everything about your web presence the same and adding a required deposit will not bring more reliable clients to you. All it will do is make guys that would call you not call you. Instead, you should work on making yourself into a provider that a guy is excited to see. If they think you are a special girl and they are in for a special experience, they will never (or very rarely) cancel.

[suiram77]

Originally Posted by !!Sexy Erotic Morgan

I don't want to sound rude because I am not being rude but maybe there is something about the way you advertise that is attracting flaky guys. Many girls do not realize how much control they have over who calls them. Keeping everything about your web presence the same and adding a required deposit will not bring more reliable clients to you. All it will do is make guys that would call you not call you. Instead, you should work on making yourself into a provider that a guy is excited to see. If they think you are a special girl and they are in for a special experience, they will never (or very rarely) cancel.

Very well said SEM!!

[only1]

Originally Posted by MCMXXX

My time is ESSENTIAL to me. I'm a younger provider (21) and deal with my client relations solely and to my best ability. To my dissatisfaction I've found some FLAKES, individuals not coming after they've scheduled, and not doing reviews as promised so I've decided to take deposits for my session. NO ITS NOT SKEPTICAL!! What's the hardship in purchasing a GIFT CARD and booking?
No personal info involved, and only the loaded amount is accessible. Also the deposit goes TOWARDS your session?! If your serious it shouldn't be any hassle. If trusting the provider with a security deposit is an issue all I can say is TRY & SEE . If they are deceptive about the arrangements after you've booked, acknowledge that in the/a review . If you were satisfied and see its professional and prompt REVIEW THAT!!

WTF
This is so one sided comment and you are dis advertising yourself.

[TheEccie214]

If anyone is wondering, Professionalize is a word, I looked it up. However she later misspelled Professional lol.

[bearcub]

People flake out in the hobby? I can't believe it.