Inflation increased by 9.5% in the last 12 months. Naturally the ladies on the coast raised their rates although most of the men are lucky if they aren’t making less wages at work. We didn’t get a raise. That’s for sure. I get that the ladies increased rates due to inflation but it was a bit absurd to respond to 9.5% inflation with a 30% increase in fees. Girls who charged $200 and $250 are demanding $300 - $400 now from men who, again, did not get raises so since the cost of everything went up we all lost 9.5% of our income.
Basically, speaking only for myself, I got priced out of the hobby. $300 an hour (30% increase over the old $200 an hour from a year ago) priced me out of the hobby. They have a right to charge whatever they want. But a 30% increase in response to a 9.5% inflation rate is a bit unjustified. Just my opinion. I make 10% less than a year ago. So… nope. I can no longer afford the hobby. Again, only speaking for myself. YMMV.