It's always amusing to me when men imply that we have trouble getting our clients to come back. ![Thumbsup](images/smilies/modern/thumbsup.gif)
I believe that Gryphon is correct; it is best to pay the full donation, without complaint, and earn a place in our Black Book of Respectable Gents. If you do this, then you will see just how good it can be to have a little place in our hearts.
Originally Posted by China Doll
I'd venture to guess that China has more clients willing than she has time to see...
You have an opinion of providers that you see based on certain criteria, and whether she performs well in those areas.
Well, ladies have criteria for you also. How well you perform in those areas determines our opinion of you, and whether we will see you again, or spend that time with another client. Including categories like shows up with correct amount, shows up clean, and on time. Enthusiastic participation, and manners.
If the first time a client shows up he is a ten in all of those areas, but slowly he begins to digress, and starts slacking in any of the areas, he is going to go from a "good" guy, to a DNS. Sorry, but you guys are quick to DNS us if we start slacking...
Originally Posted by nymphtalk
There was one particular provider where my track record on timeliness was less than stellar (depending on when we scheduled, the commute to her incall could be doubled-quadrupled by traffic). For one hourly appointment, we actually only managed 15 min in the same room (although we had a delightful conversation on the phone while I slogged through traffic). The resultant quickie was actually a lot of fun...and it never occurred to me to offer less than the full donation for our originally scheduled time.
I've been the beneficiary of grandfathered rates, generosity of time, and advertised special rates here and there. Each provider had her own reasons for each of these considerations. Ultimately there are no "one size fits all" business models that are inherently preferable to the other, if it works for the provider involved.
Each provider has the right to determine her own business practices and it's incumbent upon we clients to respect them. Given that there is so much variation within the provider marketplace, however, it's probably not unreasonable to explore alternative pricing or service options at some point to see if there are options that are mutually beneficial to both parties.