I've been a bit disillusioned lately at the traditional hobby scene. It seems that it has become too business oriented which tends to detract from what this should be all about-- having fun. I'm not here to tell providers how to run their business. This is what I have observed lately. Advertised rates have gone up, and customer service has been almost non-existent. Guys tend to call this GPS-- Golden Pussy Syndrome. This is where a lady overvalues the services she offers or has a litany of restrictions and/or upsell charges. I've noticed lately that some providers have become somewhat less friendly and more concerned about the bottom line than about offering a good time that she also actually enjoys.
I'm not placing this all on the girls either. Guys will try to sweet talk a better deal. I tend to be a non-negotiator; however, from what I've observed, there seems to a lot of negotiating that takes place--- even by girls who claim not to negotiate. It is happening. With that in mind, here are some ideas, suggestions, and questions I have.
First off, I think ladies need to do some market research to come up with a donation schedule that a) doesn't make you look like you have GPS and b) be so out of proportion that I guy seeks to negotiate. This market has 2 distinct client bases (maybe 3). The first is the out of town guy who comes to the area for vacation or whatever. These guys tend to have deeper pockets, and of course, the ladies know this and try to set an appropriate rate based on this fact. The second group are the locals here who just like seeing someone new for a good time. Now, this group probably doesn't have the deep pockets like the first group. They are more likely to budget more closely and the ones who might seek to negotiate b/c the donation rate is set slightly out of their comfort zone. Guys also need to realize that some of these providers are basing their rates on a different client base than to which they belong. This may mean not being able to afford a certain provider or reducing the number of hobby dates they have.
Second, I think everyone needs to recognize the hidden costs. If a guy is going to see a girl on an outcall to his location, but he needs to pay for the room, that is a hidden cost. With tourist season in full swing, that may mean over $100 simply to secure a location to play. Then you factor in the donation rate. All of a sudden, that date can be well north of $350. Any wonder a guy might ask to negotiate? On the flip side, if a girl is going to provide an in-call location, that is going to cost her over $100 before she even has a client. Some girls won't even consider getting a room unless she has 2 or 3 clients to help off set the cost of the room. So, that may lead to a confirmed date being cancelled or NCNSd due to a lack of enough clients to cover the cost of doing business. Think about it. A girl with a $250 rate who gets a room for $125 and only 1 client books. Her profit margin is only $125. If she had 2 clients, it goes to $375 and 3 clients to $625.
Since this location can be a boom or bust proposition, it is probably hard for girls to find consistent clients-- especially locals. Here's a question for both the guys and girls. Ladies, would you be willing to offer a somewhat substantial discount if a guy would commit to seeing you a certain number of times per month. For example, your normal rate is 300. Would you take 200 per meeting if a guy promised to see you 2 or 3 times a month? Would you also be willing to do up to 2 or 3 hours on a date with a regular for a set amount? Guys, would you be willing to see a lady multiple times a month if you could get a good deal? I ask this b/c I've become very intrigued with the Sugar Daddy/Sugar Baby type of arrangement. I know for some guys, they prefer variety and by agreeing to a set number of dates that might cut down the number of different girls they could see. I wouldn't mind seeing the same girl.
Another question for the ladies, would you be more accepting of a local negotiating with you if you knew he might become a regular. Guys, would you consider becoming a regular if you knew the provider would negotiate with you on price, time, services, etc?
All I know is this, the regular game has kinda become stale. There are other options our there like UTRs, SBs. etc. I just want to see things be a little more transparent when it comes the normal P4P instead of one where all parties are suspicious of the other party.