I hope most here (guys and gals) are mature enough to candidly discuss the issue of rates without digressing to passive aggressive name-calling or actions. Obviously, this is a sensitive issue for both sides of the equation. I think we can all benefit if we all look at things rationally and from the eyes of the other party.
First, I think we all agree that the ladies have the right to set their rates as they see fit. Us guys then have to determine whether or not we are willing to pay those rates. Now, under certain circumstances, "negotiating" might be acceptable (i.e. girl known for offering specials and some type of on-going regular client status); however, we guys have no business demanding a girl lower her rates.
Second, everyone needs to understand this market. I think a lot of ladies do not know this market and do not know how to set their rates to reflect this market. At the same time, guys need to realize there is a reason for girls to have higher rates than what we might expect in say a location like Montgomery or Dothan.
Here's the Panhandle market as I see it. I've been hobbying here for over 6 years or so and have a good feel for this market. First, in my opinion, this market is probably over-priced by about 10% when compared to markets like Montgomery or Dothan. I think this is due to the fact we have a lot of tourists with extra $$$ to spend while here on vacation. This tends to stimulate this market. As guys, we need to realize this. Us locals are competing with Dr. So and So from Atlanta who brings his 6-figure salary with him to the beach while on vacation. Now, the ladies also need to realize that average Joe Six Pack who lives here 365 days/yr only makes maybe $40-50K/year and needs to be more selective and economical in his choice of provider.
Another thing I've noticed in this market is that providers are very transient. Here one day and gone the next. We also get touring ladies who come here-- probably to cater to the tourists. This tends to skew rates as well. We don't have enough local ladies who are consistent in the area with rate structures that support both the realities of the local guys vs the big wallet tourists. Now, I'm not saying ladies should set rates to attract the local guys, but I will say that I think more guys would play if they could afford it.
This brings me to my next point, where people hook up. There's ECCIE. There's P411. There's BP. And, there's a growing "gray" market of UTRs/Facebook girls that operate outside the normal ways of connecting with potential clients. All of these contribute to a wide variance in rates and the expectations of clients (especially local clients).
Let's start with Backpage. It seems to be very prevalent over in Pensacola and to somewhat of a lesser degree in Panama City Beach. I liken BP to being the digital version of streetwalking. I'm not knocking girls who use this method to reach their clients. All I'm saying is that BP is kinda like the lowest common denominator when facilitating meet ups. Yes, I know there are lots of girls who use BP as one of many platforms. I laud that; however, that might be 20% of the BP crowd. The rest of BP is dominated by girls offering QV, hhr, and full hr dates at what could be considered low rates. This attracts the worst of the worst when it comes to clients. For girls who are being managed, they don't know any better. For some girls, they don't care as a John is a John. On the other hand, there are girls on BP who want to weed out the bad clients by joining sites like ECCIE, P411 and the like. I've tried to help a dozen or so girls. Most fail b/c they don't realize how to capitalize on ECCIE or they figure that b/c it is more classy site, they raise their rates. When it comes to BP and girls on BP, there is a certain expectation on rates, and for the most part, the clients who use BP are the clients with a limited budget.
I've also noticed the growing gray market of girls who are UTR and/or use Facebook to find clients. Many times, these are girls that guys seek out. They maybe single moms who need some cash to feed/cloth their kids. One guy finds out about this, proposes a financial solution, and asks if she would be interested in seeing some of this guys friends. Sometimes the girl does agree, and we have word of mouth recommendations going around. Mind you, these are girls who would never under any circumstances seek out to be a provider on their own. They just "stumble" into it, enjoy it and make some extra $$$. I can tell you the girls that come into the hobby this way have no idea on rates and will take what a guy will give them. Most guys are generous and don't take advantage of the girl. The girl is given a reasonable donation and not insulting. Another bonus from this type of relationship is that there is not the same level of BS when it comes to clock watching or activities. It is a much more relaxed situation which works for both guys and gals. Seeing a lady at 200-250 with no clock can be quiet enticing to a guy. Again, these are for the most part local guys who are setting the rate, and we tend to want these kind of rates from all providers. Girls need to realize this is out there in order to compete with it. Guys need to realize these are unique hook-ups and not reflective of the regular rates in the hobby.
When it comes to touring ladies, they do generate a lot of interest, but they are the ones who really don't know the dynamics of this market. It is probably bad form for a guy's first response to be "your need to lower your rates. Come on. She's not a local. She doesn't know the market. She may also already have clients she knows will pay the rates when she comes. A more nuanced approach would be to explain why her rates won't work for you, ask if she has a special, and if not, wish her the best on her visit. To the touring ladies, all I would ask is that you do realize this market operates on two spectrums and to expect a guy to express concern over your rates.
In the end, I don't think anyone is trying to put a provider into poverty. I think this market maybe one of the most challenging for both guys and gals. Guys are going to try and get it at the cheapest price point. Gals are going to try and maximize profits. It has been this way all along. I think all parties need to find their niche and what they are most comfortable with. For some guys, that may mean seeing BP girls. For other guys, it may mean biting the bullet and paying a higher rate for the experience you desire. For some girls, they need to understand guys are coming from the BP market and are expecting BP rates. Bottom line, we should respect each other and not resort to childish behavior or tit for tat actions.