Recently, I have enjoyed longer hobbying appointments. It's just more relaxing, casual and memorable. Instead of asking providers for a rate though, I give them my budget for the evening and have them determine the hours available to me.
Basically, I contact a provider and tell them I would like to see them Thursday evening. I go on to tell them that I have 8x$ for spending, for example, and they can determine their own hours. I can easily get screwed with this system so I only do this with previously seen providers. It's worked out great! The provider makes more than if I just asked for 2 hours and I always get more time for the money on a per hour basis.
Now it's worked out so far but is this type of offer offensive to providers? Does it make you uncomfortable to have rates mentioned like this? Do you see it as me negotiating? I have wondered these things, and would regret offending a provider.