To Providers: how can some of you be out of business due to financial difficulties?

I just hope that new ladies are not reading this and thinking they need to lower their rates to accommodate 3 or 4 guys who obviously have nothing better to do than post and complain.

This is all based on ONE guy's experience (if it's real) about ONE provider who couldn't pay her phone bill or Internet...again if it's true, LOL.


IF you can't afford to play, then choose a different "hobby"!

It's simple: Know your hobby budget and play within it...choose wisely. Don't spend your money on someone who obviously has a substance abuse problem, pimp, or loser BF, and if you do...then please do not complain! If you are not satisfied with your experience then use your voice and write a review...her business will suffer in the long run. Threads like this are pointless and only perpetuate the myth that most providers can't handle their money or save. Quite frankly, it's none of your business. Use your head, you know who the good ones are, so go see and support them. Why waste your time wondering what those other girls are doing? Originally Posted by Nicole Preston

I don't fall for it. Im so like aaaaw at these type of threads (bla, bla, bla...) and Im still new myself. I agree mama.

Done here ,
Tatiana

In my experience broke providers are rarely broke because they charge too much. They're broke because of the poor choices they make in boyfriends, habits, etc. Lowering your price doesn't fix that.

In my experience broke providers are rarely broke because they charge too much. They're broke because of the poor choices they make in boyfriends, habits, etc. Lowering your price doesn't fix that. Originally Posted by TinMan

I agree with TinMan on this, but I would make one conceptual edit...

In my experience broke people are rarely broke because they charge too much. They're broke because of the poor choices they make in boyfriends, habits, etc. Lowering your price doesn't fix that.

Change providers with people, and the concept is even more true. Providers are just like the rest when it comes to money. Some make smart choices, some less smart. It's their money, they earned it, they will live with the consequences of their actions.

While I agree with your statement, 69er, that what causes providers to be broke is no different from what causes financial difficulty in the general population, I was focused more on the fallacy that said broke provider could fix everything if she'd just drop her price.

I would bet, however, that the frequency of "broke-ness" (as in, flat-out destitute) among providers is likely higher than the population as a whole. This business involves an occupational hazard (the "hobby lifestyle") that isn't as pervasive or tempting for those not associated with the hobby.

My rates vary from $200 to $250 and I don't have a problem getting calls. I lowered my rates down to $175 there for a while thinking I had to lower my rates to get calls. I have realized I actually get more calls when my rates are $225 or $250. I prefer to be low volume so I figure I will just keep my rates the way they are.

Hi:
I have to think that even if a provider only gets 2 1-hour appt a day, that's still about $400 / day, should be enough to stay afloat. Or am I talking non sense because I'm a guy who does not understand? Originally Posted by dppgblover

You're talking non-sense. No matter how ``good'' a provider is, there will be days she has no appointments even though she is available for someone who calls. The better she markets herself by creating an image that attracts the clients she wants and the better she is at delivering that image reliably, the better her chances of not having too many of those days. I can't tell you how many providers I decided to not see simply because I could get no clear idea of what they were about from their p411 profiles. Your estimate is rather high on average.

I did not read all this, but here is my opinion. There are so many factors, as in any profession. I have been a provider for 12 years and I have seen the market go in all different directions. What these girls call good money now is nothing compared to what I saw in 1997-2000. I have kept track of everything I brought in over the years. Back in 1997 and 1998 I was bringing in $10-$15K a month. I even think when I did a party at SMU that was a $20K month. No Joke guys. This year I bring in any where from $2K-5K a month. Not bad money I can't complain plus I have a husband that brings in a nice pay check as well with good bonus checks even in a bad economy.

Here are some factors you all have to take into consideration....

Operating Expences: Incall, electric, supplies, hobby phone, ads, website, photos, hair, make up, nails, computers (some spend more and some spend less)

Taxes: (for those that do pay) self employment tax, medicare, Social security, and taxes. Also paying cpa, and any investing. Personally we have a college fund for my oldest that I started in 2001. Also retirement and other investments. Those that do not pay taxes can not do this stuff or risk having issues with the IRS.

Personal: rent/mortgage, electric, water, cable, internet, phone, childcare, car payments, insurance, childrens activities, gas, car up keep or repairs, groceries, clothes, prolly lots of other stuff I am missing, LOL.

So here for the economics..... I... as a provider am a luxury for most. Now when people are loosing their jobs they cut back on luxuries. Me, being the first to go. So things do slow down. You also have what I call "Flavor of the Month" syndrome. New girls get slammed and it can last a month or 6 months. In my case I have been around for many moons and the flavor of the month is long gone for me.

I have built my business on my quality of service and as the years have gone on I have raised my rates. This is called inflation and also supply and demand. I have less time than I used to and work less, so to make the same I raised my rates. I was also missing calls due to high demand and could not take the appts. So I made my demand go down for the amount of time I have to offer. I also prefer to take less appointments these days. I offer repeat discounts to those that have shown loyalty and like to come back to see me. I have monthly rates for those that are in for more than an hr here and there.

As far as money management I do save, but I like to spend as well. You just have to balance. We have what we need and lot of extras, but my bills are paid, the kids have activities, and we have pretty much what we want. We also have O SHIT money just incase something bad happens.

I also pay .40 to the government for every dollar I make. So I also pay for all this government assisitance that some receive and don't qualify for or really need. That is a whole other discussion.

Am I broke, nope. Do I see how some can be, yes. It can be all different reasons from bad money management to this is really not the prefession for them. There are too many variables to have one cause for all providers.

Currently I am going back to school for another profession, but I will not turn my back on the one that has treated me very well. I have done well as a provider and the hobby has treated me really good. I also appreciate that I have been able to do this for as long as I have.

Sorry guys I am done rambling now.
Casey

It is entirely possible to be a relatively attractive female, who has nothing but positive reviews for her appearance, personality, and service-- who prices slightly below the market average-- and still has few calls.

The "flavor of the month" syndrome bit me in the ass. I don't have near the volume that I had 2 months ago. So what am I doing about it? Traveling as I am able with my school schedule. When the market shifts you've got to shift with it or be left behind. I've considered lowering my rates back to where they were when I started, but even now I'm still at or lower than most providers with similar performance/track records.

Well, I swore that I wasn't going to post on this thread because of it's touchy subject, but like always, it's hard to keep my mouth shut! LOL!

If providing is the sole income for a lady, then she's in for a very rude awakening! Of course business isn't like what it used to be, so with that being said, it's time for these ladies to seek a part time job of sorts! I work full time at my regular job and provide on a part time basis! Am I financially secure? No, but I will be one day! I don't ask for help from anyone because it is my responsibility to take care of myself and I'm doing just fine!

After much pondering about this subject, I thought I would throw this idea out to the board! Why not encourage these ladies to become more independent by networking! Let's post job fairs, job openings, etc!

Nothing feels greater than having control over your destiny!

Lana.... how did I know you were going to post that, LOL. I do agree. It can be stressful to go looking for a real job, but if this isn't paying the bills you need to find something that will and not rely on the hobby. I have been very lucky to be doing this as long as I have. I also am part of a 2 income family unlike some girls.

Also what many don't realize is you can qualify for Pell Grants and all kinds of funding to go to trade schools or get certification. I can't because of my income, but I still qualify for student loans, but many can go back to school free or without paying much upfront.

I am after something creative to fill my time so photography and cosmetology is what I am looking into. They go hand in hand and also co exist with my childrens' hobbies as well. I am finally in a position to where I can do this, but it has take alot of hard work to get where I am.

Plus who knows you maybe able to get a really good hair cut with some relief, LOL. I know it's a bad joke, LOL

Casey

Casey, I wish you much success in any endeavour you attempt to accomplish. Your post made perfect sense to me and I wish you would post more on this board.

I would love to have a hair cut with relief from you, it was SOP in some salons back in the 70's when I traveled thru Singapore a lot, and it would be awesome to relive those long-ago days.

Honestly I don't have much time anymore. I jump on and off these days, never been one to go into chat either. I don't think I was ever a huge poster and the only reason I have time today is I am at home with a sick child.

Thanks, I have big plans, but I always do. My failed limo company will tell you that , LOL. I am not afraid to try or take risks. That seems like so long ago going to association meetings and conventions to learn about the limo industry, LOL. I failed, but I tried

I will tell all the ladies just because we provide doesn't mean we can't be good business women, mothers, or wives. I struggle with cleaning the house, LOL. Hey I am not Super Woman. I think something has to take the back burner and glad it is cleaning and not other things.

Casey