So I'm new to this game, and I joined the site to educate myself (and it's been great). There's a provider I want to reach out to, Maybe I'm officially overinformed now, or just overthinking it, but I've got a case of cold feet. I see advice here saying I should lay out all details (payment, logistics, services, etc.) with the provider in advance, so there are no misunderstandings during the meet up. Then I see advice saying that talking rate or desires too soon sends the wrong message. I also see a lot of "I reached out to so and so and he blocked me instantly." I mean I wouldn't be so bold (stupid) as to open with "Hey what do you charge?" or "Hi! Do you swallow?" But I also don't want to waste anyone's time exchanging pleasantries till it feels like the right time to discuss gritty details. I actually feel like a good provider will help lead the conversation, but I don't have that expectation either, so I want to be prepared.
Do you all have a standard opening greeting when making contact with a provider for the first time?