A CIVIL DISCUSSION ABOUT RATES?

So I have a question. There is this rather attractive and somewhat noteworthy touring provider visiting our region and she has now emailed and PM'd me six times in three days advertising her "special visit."

Special to the tune of $450.00 per hour!

I declined politely the first time. On the fourth I asked to be removed from her her marketing/email list.

At what point can I cross that so-called line in the sand of hobby world and tell her IMHO her damn rates are too high?

My goodness, the logic seems too simple. I could see any of my my favorite local ladies (wink if you know who you are) twice this week for the same price she is charging for a first visit.

Sorry for my rant, and if you haven't guessed, I won't be skiing this weekend, no matter how good the SNOW report might be.

Still, I thought it a decent question to pose. We all know it isn't polite to negotiate or offer criticism of a gal's business plans, but at some point direct feedback seems to be needed, doesn't it?

Not to belittle you at all my friend but I know you know that all you have to do is to say right up front; "I'm sorry dear but your rates are beyond my budget", or something like that.
Actually, there is nothing wrong with you negotiating whenever you feel like it. I don't have that freedom but you're not a mod.

On the eleventh email I did exactly that:

"Please stop emailing me, I am not interested--your rates are a bit too high for me--sorry"

Once you had asked to be removed from her list she should have done exactly that - REMOVE you from the list.

If she had to have 11 emails to advertise her upcoming tour, she has to reevaluate her business model.

Lina

When I travel, a lot of gents ask me to "Let me know when you visit <insert city here>".

So I do that. A few weeks before I head out I'll send out either emails or PM's. But ONLY ONCE.

There's no reason to keep sending them over and over again, IMHO.

If her rates are too high, there is nothing wrong with saying, "Sorry I can't see you on your trip here this time, $450 is just too out of my range."

You're not haggling, but it does leave the opportunity open for her to say, "Well, what amount were you shooting for?" and possibly leave an opportunity open for the both of you. Not saying it's guaranteed, but sometimes it's nice for the added date while on the road.

Well, if Aunt Flo is joining her for a duo, that's not a bad price.

If she is charging more 'cause of Aunt Flo, I'll pass. Been there and done that but usually there is a discount offered.

As for rates, I am a frugal dutch captain. If a lady posts ten ads with ten different rates, I will naturally offer the lowest rate for our visit. Been shot down a few times. Got a good rate a few times. I like when a lady gives a repeat client a lower rate. I hate when a lady gives a newbie a lower rate than a regular. Happens too frequently.

In all seriousness though, "Market determines the rate, not the girl." If 90% are selling @ 200, then she better be pretty special to ask for more & get any business. Some girls figure it out pretty fast and make adjustments. I've seen others starve @ 250 rather than take a dozen dates @ 200. or . Look for win-win situations.

I will say quality dates can be had with some imagination on both sides for well under 200 these days in Columbus. That is why 90% of my dates now are local semi-utr with their own private incall. 100-120 per hour is very much the norm if one is patient. If a lady has seen you @ 160-200 motel incall and trusts you, she will see you at her place for 100-120. Saves 50-60 on motel rate + her gas and travel time. Smart girl figures out pretty fast she can make more without leaving the house. Especially during bad weather. Cap

by Cap C: "Market determines the rate, not the girl." If 90% are selling @ 200, then she better be pretty special to ask for more & get any business. Some girls figure it out pretty fast and make adjustments. I've seen others starve @ 250 rather than take a dozen dates @ 200.

The first part is elementary econ.

The last sentence can indicate several things. Either the lady is special and falls into the trap of thinking that will make the difference for her in a falling market OR the lady has a high enough price that she doesn't care if she has fewer dates. She doesn't want to work that hard and she doesn't need the extra money that badly.

Thanks. . .good input here!