Occasional

I think that there's a psychological issue with paying more than my "usual-comfortable rate" which is this: if I pay the usual/comfortable/market-standard rate and the experience is mediocre, I chalk it up to experience. It's gonna happen from time to time. It's the name of the game. Win some, lose some (hopefully more of the former!) But if I pay [what actually is, or what I perceive to be] a premium rate, and the experience is mediocre, it hurts a lot more, and I don't mean financially. It's the feeling (maybe only half-conscious) that there was an implicit bargain that, by paying more, the experience would be a premium experience. If the actual experience was poor, there is the painful feeling afterwards that the implicit bargain of premium fee for premium service was broken. And that feeling can't be just be shrugged off as part of the inevitable "win some, lose some" sequence, because a premium fee was paid! I wouldn't myself be influenced by good reviews when deciding whether to hire a premium-fee provider. For me, two things are needed. First, a lengthy, thoughtful, profile, that gives a 'real feel' for their attitude and with some feel for what kinks the provider enjoys rather then simply 'provides'. Secondly. a short phone conversation hoping to hear a relaxed, natural, confident-but-not-arrogant tone of voice, and a satisfactory response when I enquire about the provider's kink preferences (if there was any uncertainty after reading his profile).

A provider who has turned on the "Available Now" indicator on his profile is raising the expectations of potential clients. He then has the opportunity to demonstrate his professionalism by responding to phone calls promptly (within half an hour is good, over an hour unimpressive). and by willingness to schedule an appointment that same day, within a few hours (i.e. not "I'm free this evening" to a morning enquiry). I'm always impressed when a provider ticks both boxes, the more so if their call back shows that they've taken a short break from what they're doing to call back (e.g. "I'm at the gym atm, I'll be home around [time] and can see you from [time]"). I don't read desperation into this - keenness perhaps, and I don't see a keen provider as any bad thing! What is NOT impressive is a provider with "Available Now" showing on their profile in the morning, who rings back several hours later on their lunch break from their day job, and offers an appointment that evening.

Depends on the provider. IMO a 'good' profile gives some indication of the provider's preference eg "2 or 3 days advance notice preferred, occasionally available at shorter notice". Many variations on the the theme, in particular some work with same-day bookings only. If not mentioned in a provider's profile - ask!

[my bold] Strong word, "rejection". In fact, a world away from "thanks but no thanks on this occasion". And, you say that what you "convey" is appreciation that "you were liked" - not your appreciation of "what was provided". Maybe the dominant flavour that comes across in your reply is that of "rejection", and that the "appeciation" is seen as perfunctory. I feel that we need to see the exact wording of one of your rejection-replies to be able to offer you any further useful feedback.

.. which surely suggests that the site promoter should be offering established providers a fee-free initial period to check out whether the site produces business for them. And that should work for the promoter as well, who will get more providers on board sooner, thus accelerating the reaching of critical mass when he can start charging to be listed.