Jaroslav

I don’t think asking if a 30 minute rate is any different. And asking isn’t haggling. And if you ask a restaurant for a lunch menu, if they’re a decent place, they’re not going to insult your tastes. The point is, options exist. Asking for options is not the problem. How that’s handled is the issue at hand. I don’t see why that’s so difficult to understand.

But some restaurants offer smaller portions for smaller prices. Lots of folks ask for the lunch menu, which is just that. Which, coincidentally, is likely in part reduced because the clientele is fixed for time and have to eat and run.

Businesspeople negotiate. Haggling is what you call negotiation that you don’t like. Perspective is important.
There’s also a difference between services too. Giving a massage is different than escorting on a vacation. One lends itself to a set rate much more than the other.

I'm assuming that many of you guys are professionals in your field who deal with money a lot. That's my assumption. And as such, you are in business with potential clients etc. You understand the nature of doing business in a market, especially one where prices aren't fixed. You haggle. It's what businessmen do. That's why it's so crazy to me that in this area some would suggest that the gay escort market is somehow immune to haggling. As some like to say in some instances here, an escort isn't a dentist or a doctor and so should be treated differently. Okay. Well, then since I don't haggle with the dentist, maybe it's okay and even expected to haggle with an escort. Why not? What puts them in the category of dentist for this business transaction? If we're to treat escorts like businessmen, then let's treat them like businessmen. 
I for myself don't much like haggling, but I'm not going to fault someone who does – particularly in this kind of unregulated market. It might be seen by some as distasteful, but okay. There are loads of things that I see as distasteful, so I just don't do them. Or I say my piece and move on. But to suggest that it violates some rule is ludicrous. There are no rules for the gay escort market. Whatever works. Less rules than in the boardroom. If you can broker the deal, great. If not, better luck next time. 
It just baffles me that businessmen, or men who live and work in such areas, would think that doing business with a professional escort is somehow exempted from that – especially when we all know there aren't any set rules of the trade precisely because its extra-legal.

There are several threads (or there were) about bargaining. It depends on the context. Prices do not always follow the same rationale.
I remember when I visited Morroc and asked for the price of a silver ring from a street vendor. This was the 90s, so I do not remember the numbers. He gave me a price that I considered too high, and I just thanked him and tried to walk away. I offended him. I was expected to make a counteroffer, he explained to me. I did. He laughed and made gestures with his hands to lower my counteroffer. It was a fun process where I received my first negotiation lesson and paid half of the first price. I do not remember the number, but I will never forget the satisfied expression on the older man's face, shaking my hand enthusiastically for a well-done trade. 
 
HAGGLING OR NOT HAGGLING: THAT IS THE QUESTION - ILikePinga
ILIKEPINGA.COM Haggling has always been an unspoken reality in the gay escorts market. Of course, that is because so far...  
 

I think there’s no good reason for requiring a picture. It’s just because he’s being picky about who his client is, and that is a sign he’s doing the work as a way to earn a bit of money from his sex life. So beware if you’re asked for a pic.
There are ways of getting around the recognition issue of buzzing in to a secured building. Many intercoms don’t have video anyway. Just give the client a password to say. And if meeting in a hotel lobby I usually just tell my client what I’m wearing and where I’m sitting and they find me. 
I saw a client recently at a hotel and sent him a description of what I was wearing once I’d arrived in the lobby. He texted back with his attire. Was easy to find each other. Only once I’d sent the text did I realise that I couldn’t really be missed…I had my portable massage table next to me 😂
 

Anecdotally, a provided told me years ago he would occasionally go to NYC, and stay in the Financial District. Mid-day was his busiest time with guys who just wanted to "pop and go".

Time is money, no?
For some guys- both escorts and clients- 30 minutes might be the sweet spot for not only a good time, but a workable business model.  Turn and burn isn't smart long term strategy, but it can work for quick cash with absolutely zero strings.
I don't begrudge anyone for what they want out of this business.  What I do have an issue with is the communication involved in getting to point B.
If it's not for you, just politely decline and move on.  Don't waste time being offended.  It's a foolish fucking time suck.
 

Don’t you realize? A provider is entitled to that! We clients should understand our place. We should be giddy to pay them for as little possible done! Smallest bang for our buck!
(Meant with all musterable snark)

Because you have your head on screwed on tight and don’t live in a fantasy world. You seem to me very reasonable and sensible – in touch with reality. 

One is ultimately responsible for oneself. We forget that. But I’m not going to disbelieve an escort who says he’s on PreP either. I’m on it so I’m not too concerned, at least about HIV. Monitoring your health and condition should be something you’re doing even if you haven’t been fucking escorts. If you develop a strange rash, see a doctor, regardless of sexual history. That seems self-evident to me.

All these are treatable. Even HIV. And in a city of 10 million, 2000 cases is small.
 I’m not saying that you should ignore the potential for STDs nor take them seriously. But I don’t wear a hazmat suit to go out into the plant at work simply because there’s dangerous chemicals about. When approached appropriately, we can be okay. Absent a spill, hazmat suit unneeded. Absent a known infection, or if you’re on PreP and so is he, all you’re really protecting is your peace of mind. 

Perhaps it’s a bit foolhardy, but to my knowledge, treated STDs (not just HIV) are quite manageable and no longer a death sentence. Given the cost of hiring, it’s probably safe to assume that guys who are engaging escorts can afford treatment for an STD if they should contract one. Add to that that many providers are also on PreP and take other precautions for other STDs, it’s hardly a life risk to go bareback. It’s some risk. Of course. So is walking across the street downtown, but people do it. Or taking your mask off in public now with COVID still among us. It’s a (consciously) calculated risk, but not one that carries with it the danger it once did.

That hasn’t been my experience. I used to be hesitant to ask about bareback, especially if it’s posted safe only, but I have yet to have a guy say no to it or charge more.

@DWnyc, we’ve all deluded ourselves and been the nice guy. Experience hardens the heart like atherosclerosis! 

My cynicism says this is the case 9:10 times…
 

@Simon Suraci, the clue that I was speaking hyperbolically was “my cynicism.” 😜 

My cynicism says this is the case 9:10 times…
 

My cynicism says this is the case 9:10 times…
 

My cynicism says this is the case 9:10 times…
 

Absolutely reasonable for public meets and buzzing a client in. HOWEVER, I do think hiring a provider is different than a hookup app. That being said, I would expect more than "pic?" I assume a seasoned, professional provider would say what they mean, and mean what they say. I would envision something like "I will have to view you on the building sec cam and buzz you in, so I need at least a face pic if you want an incall."

Nope - I will accurately describe myself but will not provide a photo. Since I know what the provider looks like I’ve never had a problem meeting them in a public place 

And ego.
And lest we forget – all money exchanged is *strictly* for time… 😉 

I disagree. I have no interest in giving my money to anyone or any organization that works against my own rights and liberty. So it’s good for me to know that someone is that motivated to be outspoken in such a way that jeopardizes their professional life. That means they’re invested in it and motivated against me. The death row inmate doesn’t willingly sharpen the executioner’s blade…
Unrelated to politics, I can’t be the only one who’s immediately turned off when I hear a provider has done straight porn, can I? I sometimes even hesitate with guys who are bi. Perhaps that’s discriminatory against bi guys, but I really prefer gay guys.

Then happy error! Groceries haven’t decreased in any noteworthy way!