Erikshelly

I just have always found it humorous that when you book a massage or hair appointment or most things that require an appointment, they usually have cancellation fees and probably don't experience the same level of abuse that we providers have gone through, not to say they arent abused by the general public, but it doesnt seem to translate for some reason. 
 
i definitely think its a have you actually worked in service before or not kinda line, have always had money or just new to it sorta thing. The difference usually have a respect for peoples time and I’ve certainly had many a client offer a deposit, some have paid up front in full. And then theres the creeps. 
 
granted i also agree that the majority on here are probably not the creeps so dont take it personally, unless it speaks to you so deeply. Also not to mean the ones not paying deposits are also creeps i get there are scammers on both sides hurts us both. But to be so adamant about is silly. 
 
 
http://(https://rent.men/ErikShelly)

Let's see if he shows up and how he goes. Keep tuned!

If folks here are that sensitive, best watch what you post on this forum; it’s evidence, too. And prosecutors won’t have a difficult time connecting it up.

Even with a 9-to-5 job, there’s no guarantee that the job will still be there tomorrow. In my opinion, someone who’s self-employed needs to be adaptable and flexible to survive in today’s ever-changing times. My steady income comes from my customer service skills and my strong work ethic. Unlike many other providers, if a client books a one-hour appointment, they get exactly one hour and I would not short change them time. 
Massage and escorting as created so many opportunities for myself. I would be forever grateful for these opportunities. I have a few clients that have become very good friends and two of them actually came to my wedding.
 

I will be taken Vins advice. First time clients would have to be confirmed via phone call. if a client does book multiple hours, then a deposit would be needed. 
I’m glad this conversation didn’t turn into drama. I appreciate the civility between the client and the provider in having a meaningful conversation that affected both parties positively or negatively.

I doubt there's a genuine fear about a "paper trail" in terms of legality. People are sending each other money via Venmo, Paypal, etc. for all sorts of things (concert tickets, therapy, personal training, vacation costs). A few hundred dollars isn't going to trigger anything. 
I suspect the real concern is for people who are stepping out on their "monogamous" partner, which is wrong and you shouldn't do. 

Agree; many service providers require deposits and/or cancellation fees; why should escorts be different? If you’re against it because of the paper trail, I get it. But otherwise I don’t think it should be a big deal. Of course, it’s not a smart business model if requiring cuts into your bookings. 

I just have always found it humorous that when you book a massage or hair appointment or most things that require an appointment, they usually have cancellation fees and probably don't experience the same level of abuse that we providers have gone through, not to say they arent abused by the general public, but it doesnt seem to translate for some reason. 
 
i definitely think its a have you actually worked in service before or not kinda line, have always had money or just new to it sorta thing. The difference usually have a respect for peoples time and I’ve certainly had many a client offer a deposit, some have paid up front in full. And then theres the creeps. 
 
granted i also agree that the majority on here are probably not the creeps so dont take it personally, unless it speaks to you so deeply. Also not to mean the ones not paying deposits are also creeps i get there are scammers on both sides hurts us both. But to be so adamant about is silly. 
 
 
http://(https://rent.men/ErikShelly)

Talk about hitting the nail on the head....... 
Reputation/Schmeputation!
When Bozo is looking to hire a masseur, and he narrows the choices down to two or three, and one of them requires a deposit, take a guess which one WON'T be hired? Duh! It's really not that complicated.
It's not what you want to hear, but it's the truth.
BTC

I would actually think that the people on this site are somewhat *more* compliant,  punctual, and financially well-to-do than the full pool of all clients on RM (which includes scammers, time wasters, and those looking for a free good time). So I agree- most clients will DEFINITELY say no to a deposit when it is asked of them.
Indeed, if one asks a deposit of every single client they encounter, they may find that they don’t see a lot of people, leading to a general profit loss.
 
I don’t think it is insanity or lunacy to institute a policy of having deposits in some situations.
There are some very understandable situations involving distance, travel costs, prep time, bottoming/fisting prep which for some can mean diet changes, and etc……. in which it would be wise on the part of the provider to ask for a deposit.

I guess this thread and others function as normative battlegrounds on whether deposits should be more of a norm than they currently are. I don’t see these conversations as useless at all. I’m also glad to see more provider voices on here. Increasing frequency of providers raising this seemingly perennial issue may be a positive thing. 
 
At the end of the day, the (local) market of the provider will speak for itself, and hopefully the provider reacts accordingly.
 
Happy to hear you never ask for deposits during your travels. 

This thread will end well.

Most of my regular customers are either out of town or are conserving their money because they’re uncertain about what the future holds under the new administration.

The anger we feel when providers request a deposit should be directed towards irresponsible clients who book appointments without any intention of showing up. Before the advent of burner phone apps, clients were more concerned about their reputation.

Sorry, I will never pay a deposit. It's a deal-breaker for me.

Did you encounter no shows in each of those places? If so that must say something about Americans in general. We Canadians are much nicer people. Trust me. 😂 

you mean, skipping town because they kept the government open... This month I traveled to San Francisco,  LA,  Palm Springs and now Washington DC. I have had 15 no shows. 
but to be honest, it’s their loss. I’ll make sure escorts and massures  know not to book them and I wish they have a happy life.

As I’ve mentioned many times, this website naturally privileges the perspectives (and the financial vulnerabilities) of the client. You will rarely get sympathy here.
You will hear a client retort to you:  “I can be scammed by a deposit! I will never do deposits!” And 10 people liking that post. With no one being aware of the constant bs-ing/timewasting/scamming you all as providers go through. 
Escorts tell me scam calls/texts, clients who just want to sex chat on the phone for free, and “shoppers” (people who contact multiple providers for a night just to meet one and cancel on the others) are something they constantly face.
There really ought to be an escort-centered site in order to air these grievances on a platform less biased against yourself. 
 
I’m very sorry to hear what you’ve been experiencing. If I were you, I would indeed go ahead with the policy of slight deposits if a client wishes to booking ahead of time or if they are quite a distance from you.

I note you are in WashDC. Maybe all your clients were Congressmen or Senators doing important business on the Hill last night and were recovering today. 

I understand that, but I have a great reputation on this website and my reviews. i’ve been scammed as well and every time I’ve been scammed with pay a $50 deposit or $100 deposit they had zero reviews.
well, while I’m typing this my 6:30 PM is now 40 minutes late with no response.. he booked a two hour appointment took up the busiest time of the night.. 

I’ve been in the business for a very long time with over 150 5 star reviews. The amount of no-shows that I have had the pleasure of dealing with this past month is making me rethink the requirement of deposits. Clients I have seen before would not need to pay deposit. The deposit would be $25 just to know that the client is real and has skin in the game. 
I had three no-shows today alone. If you can’t make an appointment, grow a pair of balls and cancel or reschedule it. It’s such an easy concept. I hire massage therapist all the time and if I can’t make an appointment or I am running late I will let the provider know.
 

His Instagram shows he doesn't always have blue hair...so maybe ask about current look if that is a deal breaker for you. 

Cute. Not for me unfortunately. Quoted $500/hr + air travel. 
 

I will only ask for a deposit from a client who has either no showed on me before or one who has repeatedly canceled in the past. Asking for a deposit for the session will most likely guarantee them to show up for their appointment. A no show client will also be charged a $100 no show fee on top of my normal fee if they ever wish to schedule.