I don't think that the OP is expecting 1990 or even 2000 prices. He is talking about a rate doubling overnight. Big difference. If you walked into your favorite diner and that hamburger that you paid $18 for yesterday was $36 today, I suspect that you would be a little upset. I generally raise the prices at my business on an annual basis, more or less frequently if economic conditions warrant, but I can honestly say that I've never doubled my prices overnight and without warning. That being said, any service provider - whether a lawyer, masseur, housecleaner, or anything else - can set his own prices, and it is up to the end consumer to decide if the service being offered by that service provider is worth the price being charged. As a rule, I never try to "bargain" with a masseur or escort. Their price is their price. I feel like if I ask for a rate that is 25% below what they guy is asking for, he may agree, but he won't be happy about it and I may well end up getting 25% less service. If the asking price seems too high for the service provider and type of service, I just say "thanks, have a nice evening" and I move on.