The Pre-Internet Escort Business??

[Tumbling Dice]

This is a subject that I've found to be fascinating, as I wasn't old enough to even know how it worked or what it was like and I also am a fan of history (all sorts of history). I am not sure how many of you are willing to raise your hand and admit that you were around the business in the days before the internet (or even before cell phones) but I've been pretty curious about how it worked back then. I know it has changed a ton - the internet and cheap, truly portable (and somewhat anonymous) cell phones have shaped the business a lot over the past 15 or so years.

Things had to have been much different in the 80s and 90s. I know that I didn't touch the internet to any degree until '96 and didn't have regular home access to it until '01 (and internet access on the cell phone wasn't around then). I didn't get my first cell phone until '98 and it was just a very basic one - green screen with black text - no color display, no internet access and not even texting.

So, a ton has happened from the late 90s onward to change things. I would guess that in the 80s and 90s, that there must have been very few truly independent providers. I figure that the difficulty in communicating and advertising was a big hurdle to it. You didn't have internet to advertise with, so advertisement was likely through word-of-mouth and business cards (I am guessing some did this and discreetly handed them out, unless they wanted to foolishly get busted). I imagine other independents advertised in the yellow pages (like I've been told many agencies did) or in the ad section of the local paper (like I've been told many agencies also did). Of course, I would think those would be problematic in and of itself, as cell phones weren't typically around in those days, so a girl would have to use her home phone as her contact on any such ads, which would make it fairly easy for LE to find her.

So, my guess has always been that the majority of providers during this general time period (80s and 90s) likely worked in either of two places - through agencies (the type that would have advertised in the yellow pages or in ads in the back of the paper) or in massage parlors (I know that there were a lot of these in Nashville and quite a few in Memphis as well). I've heard that, back then, there were literally dozens of agencies in the yellow pages. Of course, that probably meant that multiple ads all led to the same exact agency and the lack of communication and information also probably meant that the agencies didn't have much reason to get their clients a quality dates (lets face it - clients had no way to hold an agency accountable other than word-of-mouth - there were no reviews back then!).

Massage parlors were kind of an interesting concept. Today, essentially the only type you hear about are AMPs (Asian Massage Parlors), which somehow manage to exist somewhat under the radar (again, its just beyond me to understand this). I know that there were quite a few massage parlors in Nashville and Memphis, even as late as the 2nd half of the 90s (when it seems that a combination of LE and the rise of the internet phased them out to a large extent). It is interesting to me, as they would have seemed to be very risky, being that they are a fixed target. They could have been busted at any time and, I imagine, they probably were from time to time (even before the big busts of the late 90s). I would guess that, to some degree, LE must have just looked the other way for quite a number of years for the MPs to proliferate to the degree that they seemingly did (some of what I've heard could be exageration - remember, the past was always better, etc.). The fixed business location part of it I am sure was part of the appeal for the guys, as they always knew that there would be somebody available there (versus agencies many of which probably were born and died literally in the same month and were probably unreliable) and could at least go see something of a lineup before agreeing on a girl (at least giving some ability to pick the girl rather than accepting an agency's choice over the phone).

I know there were a couple of other options - I imagine some girls did the same thing that girls still do today - work in the strip club and offer takeout discreetly if a customer (that she feels comfortable with) asks for it. I also am aware that the street scene was apparently much more active in the pre-internet days, as I've heard of the days of driving hookers in certain areas. I imagine that was a viable alternative in those days, considering the limited ability to advertise and communicate, though not really an option today with the ease of access we have to those advertising and communication tools.

So, for those who were there, how much different was it really? Is the picture that I've given fairly accurate on the various avenues of business back then? I've always been curious about how it all worked in the days prior to the late 90s/early 2000s when the 'net and cell phones changed it all.

[Fastcars1966]

I know some escorts used classified ads, and the good ole phone book. But word of mouth was the best way for me to get verified. Seems like they had their own little network of friends even before the internet. Cat houses, and certain bars were also popular back then, but I tried to avoid those places.

[wallywest]

I was around back then. I only hobby when I travel, so I was pretty much dependent on the yellow pages and massage parlors. The yellow pages in any city of any size would have pages and pages of escort ads. The problem was that it was very hit and miss with the girl who would show up. You could describe the type of girl that you liked and amazingly enough, that type girl was always available -- but that may not be who came to your room. Then you were stuck with the decision of whether to go ahead with something other than what you wanted or tell her no thanks. I did occasionally get some real gems that way, though.

I much preferred the massage parlors because as you surmised, there was typically some sort of lineup giving you at least a few choices. Back in the day there used to be a place beside Danny's strip club on Airways in Memphis where full service was provided in small booths. I can't remember the name.

Several times in Nashville I checked out all of the different places (I believe most were on 8th St.). You could just go from place to place until you found a girl that did it for you.

It's fun to look back on those days, but I don't miss them. Today's methods are many many times better!

[britneyboobiesxoxo]

Well you can take my line of profession back to the days of the horse and buggy..where women worked walking t the streets and allies and they hung out in bars. This is the oldest profession in the world ya know ive been in the industry 4.5 years and its always beeen internet but just 6-7 years ago and today too of course...there were the girls in casinos and bars...and yes even girls walkin outside (not all druggies lol) ....so I guess pre intetnet from providers perspective, girls worked mostly in bars, casinos, n the advertising was their actual body and conversation...not an ad. Although newspapers thing is true

[JDNorthface]

Interesting topic, Tumb. Yes, it was different indeed 'back then.' Still quite exciting as in half the thrill of the hobby is in the chase.

The most predominant forms of advertising for agency girls was the yellow pages. It was also the home to many scammers. More reliable was the classifieds where under the PERSONALS column you could find ads for MASSAGES and RUBDOWNS. Most were bland, free of innuendo but some carried a small suggestion that the massage would be 'different.' My favorite girls ran ads that offered a glass of champagne to help relax you and another had a hot tub session with two girls 'before the massage.' From that, you could infer what was being offered. The ads offered phone numbers only and you were given the address only when you called and chatted a moment. Usually if you brought up sex in any form or fashion, they wouldn't give you the address. In the early days, of course, called ID wasn't around (and the thought of it was considered a severe invasion of privacy) so conversations could be blunt without fear of retribution.

Once you passed the 'on phone interview' and got the address you showed up at a prearranged time and met the girl who up until this time was a complete unknown to you. I arrived many times to find stunning lookers--and many times to find otherwise. Again, the thrill of the chase, the luck of the draw. Even then, an experienced hobbyist could discern the type of girl based on her physical address, price range, and the way she sounded on the phone. Upon arrival another 'screening' took place for new clients. Sometimes an ID and sometimes just some conversation. At some point, she would start rattling off rules like "first the money, then the clothes" and you knew it was about to happen.

You were right in your premise, technology has made this a whole different chase. But in the end, it's the same. Beautiful women, fixed-length sessions, and great memories. Some things won't ever change.

[willro]

Great topic. I've wondered about this before also. I too and not old enough to know about the hobby before internet, but I know several local publications were used to place personal ads and escort service ads were also placed in these, as well as the Yellow Pages. That still takes place today, but I'm sure it has taken a major downturn with the prominence of the internet. However, I bet a glance in the 'E' section of the Yellow Pages of any major city will still list numerous agencies.

There is also the methods touched on above about visiting bars or other establishments with a reputation for hobby life, and trying to find someone on the clock that night. I know this still happens all the time in Vegas. There are several casino bars where you can find a girl sitting alone waiting for you to discretely approach with just the right (not overly explicit) words that can work out an arrangement. I've known of a few guys that have found a hobby date exactly like that.

[Abe Normal]

I traveled a lot in the mid 80's, and had pretty good luck with Yellow Pages ads, especially in Chattanooga ( yeah, you heard me right, LOL ) Found one gal through an agency there who gave me her private number, and we saw each other 2 times per month for about a year. Most other cities, my luck was not as good.

Got laid hard and put up wet in a Private booth at Showtime in Nashville once, and on another occasion there gave a very pretty young thang my hotel and room number, never expecting she would actually show up....but she did, and nearly blew my socks off !

Internet changed everything for me in 2000. But then again, the rates went up.

[Guest080613-2]

Ive been in since '99, and then it was basically phone book with a reliable agency, getting in good with the limo drivers, cabbies, and casino clerks/dealers. Business was wonderful then. Not really any scary issues or as many crazy callers as you get off of BP either

[bluffcityguy]

Originally Posted by Mina Parker

Ive been in since '99, and then it was basically phone book with a reliable agency, getting in good with the limo drivers, cabbies, and casino clerks/dealers. Business was wonderful then. Not really any scary issues or as many crazy callers as you get off of BP either

Obviously, technology has not improved the business. At least not for the ladies.

Cheers,

bcg

[JDNorthface]

Originally Posted by Abe Normal

Internet changed everything for me in 2000. But then again, the rates went up.

About $40 back then, best I remember.

[Hannabeth]

Originally Posted by JDNorthface

About $40 back then, best I remember.

I have been in and out of the biz since the 90's in Nashville. I worked for an agency. The going rate at my agency and all the others was 200.00/ hr. If a girl wanted to take a 30 minute booking it was 110.00, but those were not very favored and not requested much.

[tammy4u]

I actually started back in 2001, not even knowing about escorts, but using dating sites and looking for occasional generous friends. Not until someone told me I should advertise on escort sites did I even know it basically was what I was looking for anyhow.

[JDNorthface]

Originally Posted by tammy4u

I actually started back in 2001, ...

I've wasted so many years.

[bluffcityguy]

Originally Posted by tammy4u

I actually started back in 2001, not even knowing about escorts, but using dating sites and looking for occasional generous friends.

I remember very well. I can't totally think ill of a certain otherwise very obnoxious dating site I won't mention now, since I met you through it way back when.

(And to think that I though we'd dance around the issue for a few days; imagine how thrilled (and horny) you made me when, ten minutes into the chat you said, "I know what you want, and you know what I want, so why should we wait any longer?" )

CHeers,

bcg

[tammy4u]

Bcg, I'm glad that we met that way! But you are right, that site has gone to sh*t........and yes I remember dancing around the issue and hinting at what I was looking for........lol I was soooo innocent back then, well still am now.......