Rate Hikes!!

[Studsearcher]

Like any job you’re worth what people are willing to pay rather than how much you want/need. If the market justifies higher rates then you’re justified raising your rate, and if it costs you a regular or two, the market will absorb it with new clients. A couple providers didn’t miss me a few years ago when they went from 200 straight to 300. I would suggest tactfully giving notice an appointment or two in advance much like a personal trainer or hairstylist might do.

[MikeBiDude]

I’m trying to think of a situation anywhere else in my day to day where I’m “grandfathered in” and able to stay at a previous fee when it’s raised. Doctor? Housekeeper? Movie theatre? Grocery store?

Nope can’t think of one ?

[BSR]

Like any job you’re worth what people are willing to pay rather than how much you want/need. If the market justifies higher rates then you’re justified raising your rate, and if it costs you a regular or two, the market will absorb it with new clients. A couple providers didn’t miss me a few years ago when they went from 200 straight to 300. I would suggest tactfully giving notice an appointment or two in advance much like a personal trainer or hairstylist might do.

 

Or perhaps after a price hike, the escort suffers a net loss of clients yet makes the same amount or even more thanks to the higher rates. Maybe the escort loses clients and his overall income decreases but he's happy to take the "pay cut" in exchange for more free time. Hey, whatever works for him.

 

Not in this thread but in others, I've read some clients expect to be grandfathered in at the old rate. Like @MikeBiDude says, I can't think of a single case where I am grandfathered in at the old rate. I don't understand anyone would expect escorts to be an exception. To me, that expectation would be a telling indicator of an unprofessional client. So if he leaves in a huff, all for the best.

[+ peterhung85]

I am in a very particular (lucky) situation and I understand that your mileage may vary. I started where I started... from nothing! I wasn't always good (especially back in the day) but many times (according to my clients who were friendly enough to provide their honest feedback about my service) I made up for it with my friendly approach and "can-do" attitude. I am EXTREMELY FORTUNATE that I am mostly booked with my regulars for very extended periods of time. Over the past 10 years, I have managed to build up an extremely loyal clientele who keep me extremely preoccupied.

 

The way I look at it is this:

It is only normal (to me, again others may think differently and that is perfectly fine too) that I provide those people the same old rates and allow them to enjoy their grandfathered rates. This is not something that someone expects from me, it is a courtesy I extend to people and it is also explicitly stated on my website.

Back then nobody knew me and we all started out that way. It is my pleasure for extending this courtesy to those who have been with me for years (or even a decade now). It is one way of me saying: THANK YOU!

 

Since I only have a handful of availability for new clients, it is normal to me to charge a SLIGHTLY higher rate as I have built up my reputation for the past 10 years and I justify my new rates that way. If I don't gain any new business, I won't be suffering but if I do, it is a great gain! Still, every time a client of mine asks me to find a third guy and I look around in the market, I find guys who charge higher (or sometimes substantially higher) rates than me (with really nothing tangible to back up their rates whether it is looks, sophistication, marketing or reputation) and that makes me realize that where I am is probably still consumer-friendly.

 

At the end of the day, treating people with grandfathered rates who have been with me for some time is natural to me. They have been generous enough with me to give their business to me and it is only normal to me to show them that their business also means a great deal. It goes beyond that extra $25 or $50 that I could make extra per hour.

[blightuponyou]

People are entitled to increase their rates for whatever reason, and while being grandfathered in at a lower rate would be nice, I do not think it is my right to force the matter.

 

A rate increase happened with two repeat providers. One I could continue to justify the price while the other I could not.

[ericwinters]

What's really funny here, is how many of the members on this site would go ape ship batshit crazy if their employers never gave them an increase in their compensation model.

 

Many, imo, unless they were born with a silver spoon in their mouth, would never have made it to this website.

[Pepper Young]

I'm still reluctant to pay over $300/hr no matter who it is.

[sexymonk]

I am in a very particular (lucky) situation and I understand that your mileage may vary. I started where I started... from nothing! I wasn't always good (especially back in the day) but many times (according to my clients who were friendly enough to provide their honest feedback about my service) I made up for it with my friendly approach and "can-do" attitude. I am EXTREMELY FORTUNATE that I am mostly booked with my regulars for very extended periods of time. Over the past 10 years, I have managed to build up an extremely loyal clientele who keep me extremely preoccupied.

 

The way I look at it is this:

It is only normal (to me, again others may think differently and that is perfectly fine too) that I provide those people the same old rates and allow them to enjoy their grandfathered rates. This is not something that someone expects from me, it is a courtesy I extend to people and it is also explicitly stated on my website.

Back then nobody knew me and we all started out that way. It is my pleasure for extending this courtesy to those who have been with me for years (or even a decade now). It is one way of me saying: THANK YOU!

 

Since I only have a handful of availability for new clients, it is normal to me to charge a SLIGHTLY higher rate as I have built up my reputation for the past 10 years and I justify my new rates that way. If I don't gain any new business, I won't be suffering but if I do, it is a great gain! Still, every time a client of mine asks me to find a third guy and I look around in the market, I find guys who charge higher (or sometimes substantially higher) rates than me (with really nothing tangible to back up their rates whether it is looks, sophistication, marketing or reputation) and that makes me realize that where I am is probably still consumer-friendly.

 

At the end of the day, treating people with grandfathered rates who have been with me for some time is natural to me. They have been generous enough with me to give their business to me and it is only normal to me to show them that their business also means a great deal. It goes beyond that extra $25 or $50 that I could make extra per hour.

Exactly this is the insight that I was looking from you and thanks for the detailed input and justification. I would add that our small consideration is our way of saying thank you for being there! Many of us have definitely built up a good relationship with you in this process! Also I will say that with time people should be judgemental and do appropriate thing and go beyond by themselves rather than being grandfathered!

[BaronArtz]

Inflation is a fact of life.

 

You can agree or disagree to it, but the cost of living rarely goes down.

 

Yes, but you are not getting any younger.

 

There is always competition, Ready to take your place.

[BaronArtz]

So you negotiate down, and an escort in no position to decline your offer, agrees. Got it.

 

Why would an escort not be in a position to decline the offer? Unless if he is desperate?

 

I don't get it.

[Rudynate]

On what grounds do you deem it appropriate, if any, for an escort to justifiably increase his rate? Would you pay or would you expect to be “grandfathered” in?

 

With heightened experience in any job, one would either expect a raise or price his services accordingly. Factor in increased popularity, an aesthetic overhaul, or years in the business. Do you feel an escort is entitled to increase his rates?

 

How many of you have spent more on your faves due to increased demand? How many of you have severed ties?

 

An escort is entitled to charge whatever he wants. As a prospective client, I'm entitled to move on if I can't or won't pay what he's charging. A smart escort will guage the effect on his cash flow of a rate increase, irrespective of what he thinks he's worth. The market rules.

[down_to_business]

It would be appropriate for an escort to increase his rate providing notification was given in advance of the booking. I do not think it is appropriate to increase rates after a booking is made. I would never expect to be grandfathered in to existing rates, but would absolutely appreciate it (i.e. Peter Hung).

 

In the end, my spending on this activity is somewhat of a budgeted matter. If, for example, an escort was charging me $200 and hour and he increased it to $250, I may hire him 4 times a year instead of 5 to stay within my $1000 hypothetical budget. I would also, more than likely, decrease any gratuity accordingly. However, just like with any other price increase I face (i.e. auto insurance rates going up), there is the very likely result that I will start to see what else is out there. Without that price increase, if I was happy with the service I was receiving, I would never have considered leaving. So the likely outcome would be, initially not much of a change on amount spent and (unless they were truly amazing) long term, a reduction in frequency or total replacement by another service provider.

[Chad Constantine]

Honestly if i was told they would be increasing their rate, even if I really liked them, I would probably ask 1 question before deciding to see them again and that is how much for multi-hours. If there was no discount then I would say it was a pleasure meeting you. I am not the type to haggle or expect to be grandfathered in because the other person needs to do what is best for them. When my hairdresser told me he needed to increase his prices I just found a new one.

[marylander1940]

Yes, but you are not getting any younger.

 

There is always competition, Ready to take your place.

 

Is up to @Benjamin_Nicholas to decide how to handle his own business. Some of us only hire twinks, other clients prefer men in their 30's.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Yes, but you are not getting any younger.

 

There is always competition, Ready to take your place.

 

You're exactly right: I'm not 25 anymore... However, with good connections, healthy body, skincare, smarts and immense travel knowledge, it will continue to serve me well into whatever age I decide to retire from this life.

 

I don't worry much about competition in this industry. I have my own niche- self-built- as long as I want it.

 

Bottom line, someone can't take your place if they don't know how to.

Edited January 3, 2020 by Benjamin_Nicholas

[Milo Farnsworth]

It's all about supply and demand. An escort, say in Los Angeles, raises his rates beyond the going rate is probably going to lose business. L.A. has a plethora of hot, muscular men. Why pay $400 when you can get the same thing for $300? It's like buying a watch. A $50 watch can you tell you the same time as a $100 watch. Why pay more if you don't have to pay more.

[Rudynate]

 

Bottom line, someone can't take your place if they don't know how

 

 

Deep wisdom here.

[Islesguy]

It's all about supply and demand. An escort, say in Los Angeles, raises his rates beyond the going rate is probably going to lose business. L.A. has a plethora of hot, muscular men. Why pay $400 when you can get the same thing for $300? It's like buying a watch. A $50 watch can you tell you the same time as a $100 watch. Why pay more if you don't have to pay more.

Because some people like showing a particular brand of watch. I'm sad to say I get watch envy of people who can afford to buy the brands I can only window shop.

[+ purplekow]

I would pay the going rate if the escort was a truly satisfying experience in each way. I would love to be considered as a regular and get a rate in accordance with that. After all, unlike a new client, I am not likely to not show, not pay or nor abuse the escort in some way. However, as I usually will ask an escort if he wants a meal or offer him a small gift, I might find those extras will be limited as I pay the increased rate,

[MikeBiDude]

It's all about supply and demand. An escort, say in Los Angeles, raises his rates beyond the going rate is probably going to lose business. L.A. has a plethora of hot, muscular men. Why pay $400 when you can get the same thing for $300? It's like buying a watch. A $50 watch can you tell you the same time as a $100 watch. Why pay more if you don't have to pay more.

I used to use a similar comparison but with autos. 4 wheels, propulsion, gets you where you want to, Kia or Mercedes. But there IS a difference. A higher rate doesn’t guarantee a high quality escort. But, like. Mercedes....a higher rate comes with better reviews, more dependability, higher chances of a good experience.

It’s not a simple comparison - we are talking human beings vs watches/autos. But some of us will pay a premium over basic.

Edited January 3, 2020 by MikeBiDude

[+ Charlie]

I used to use a similar comparison but with autos. 4 wheels, propulsion, gets you where you want to, Kia or Mercedes. But there IS a difference. A higher rate doesn’t guarantee a high quality escort. But, like. Mercedes....a higher rate comes with better reviews, more dependability, higher chances of a good experience.

It’s not a simple comparison - we are talking human beings vs watches/autos. But some of us will pay a premium over basic.

I happen to own both a Kia and a Mercedes. The Mercedes is a more outstanding vehicle, but I get plenty of satisfaction out of both.

[coriolis888]

 

Inflation is a fact of life.

 

You can agree or disagree to it, but the cost of living rarely goes down.

 

 

Good points - However, are the escort rate increases really inflation?

 

Not intending to be difficult, but consider the below:

 

US Inflation Rate Above Forecasts

The annual inflation rate in the US increased to 1.8 percent in October of 2019 from 1.7 percent in September and higher than market expectations of 1.7 percent. The index for all items (less food and energy) rose 2.3 percent over the last 12 months. The food index rose 2.1 percent over the last 12 months, while the energy index declined 4.2 percent over the last year despite increasing in October. On a monthly basis, consumer prices went up 0.4 percent, above a flat reading in September and forecasts of 0.3 percent. The energy index increased 2.7 percent in October after recent monthly declines and accounted for more than half of the increase in the seasonally adjusted all items index.

_____________________________________________________________

 

Look at the above annual government calculated inflation rates compared to increased escort rates:

 

Typical escort rate per hour in 2018 - $250 (or lower) -

 

Typical escort rate per hour in 2019 - $300 (or higher)-

 

Rate of increase - 20% from 2018 - 2019 ($50) - not the 1.8% U.S. inflation rate.

 

Many escorts are now charging $350 hourly (and more).

 

Therefore, 2018 average rate per hour - $250. compared to $350 = 40% or more (compared to 2018) if you consider many escorts charge in excess of $350 hourly.

 

I do not consider the increased rates to be inflation.

 

Opportunistic?

 

Copy cats?

 

I don't know the reason but if it is inflation, the U.S. government will have to amend its inflation statistics.

Edited January 4, 2020 by coriolis888

[sexymonk]

It would be appropriate for an escort to increase his rate providing notification was given in advance of the booking. I do not think it is appropriate to increase rates after a booking is made. I would never expect to be grandfathered in to existing rates, but would absolutely appreciate it (i.e. Peter Hung).

 

In the end, my spending on this activity is somewhat of a budgeted matter. If, for example, an escort was charging me $200 and hour and he increased it to $250, I may hire him 4 times a year instead of 5 to stay within my $1000 hypothetical budget. I would also, more than likely, decrease any gratuity accordingly. However, just like with any other price increase I face (i.e. auto insurance rates going up), there is the very likely result that I will start to see what else is out there. Without that price increase, if I was happy with the service I was receiving, I would never have considered leaving. So the likely outcome would be, initially not much of a change on amount spent and (unless they were truly amazing) long term, a reduction in frequency or total replacement by another service provider.

Yes I agree to your points! peter hung is of different category by himself! He is altogether at a different level which many will long for!

Edited January 4, 2020 by sexymonk

[sexymonk]

Good points - However, are the escort rate increases really inflation?

 

Not intending to be difficult, but consider the below:

 

US Inflation Rate Above Forecasts

The annual inflation rate in the US increased to 1.8 percent in October of 2019 from 1.7 percent in September and higher than market expectations of 1.7 percent. The index for all items (less food and energy) rose 2.3 percent over the last 12 months. The food index rose 2.1 percent over the last 12 months, while the energy index declined 4.2 percent over the last year despite increasing in October. On a monthly basis, consumer prices went up 0.4 percent, above a flat reading in September and forecasts of 0.3 percent. The energy index increased 2.7 percent in October after recent monthly declines and accounted for more than half of the increase in the seasonally adjusted all items index.

_____________________________________________________________

 

Look at the above annual government calculated inflation rates compared to increased escort rates:

 

Typical escort rate per hour in 2018 - $250 (or lower) -

 

Typical escort rate per hour in 2019 - $300 (or higher)-

 

Rate of increase - 20% from 2018 - 2019 ($50) - not the 1.8% U.S. inflation rate.

 

Many escorts are now charging $350 hourly (and more).

 

Therefore, 2018 average rate per hour - $250. compared to $350 = 40% or more (compared to 2018) if you consider many escorts charge in excess of $350 hourly.

 

I do not consider the increased rates to be inflation.

 

Opportunistic?

 

Copy cats?

 

I don't know the reason but if it is inflation, the U.S. government will have to amend its inflation statistics.

Very good analysis!

[MikeBiDude]

Good points - However, are the escort rate increases really inflation?

 

Not intending to be difficult, but consider the below:

 

US Inflation Rate Above Forecasts

The annual inflation rate in the US increased to 1.8 percent in October of 2019 from 1.7 percent in September and higher than market expectations of 1.7 percent. The index for all items (less food and energy) rose 2.3 percent over the last 12 months. The food index rose 2.1 percent over the last 12 months, while the energy index declined 4.2 percent over the last year despite increasing in October. On a monthly basis, consumer prices went up 0.4 percent, above a flat reading in September and forecasts of 0.3 percent. The energy index increased 2.7 percent in October after recent monthly declines and accounted for more than half of the increase in the seasonally adjusted all items index.

_____________________________________________________________

 

Look at the above annual government calculated inflation rates compared to increased escort rates:

 

Typical escort rate per hour in 2018 - $250 (or lower) -

 

Typical escort rate per hour in 2019 - $300 (or higher)-

 

Rate of increase - 20% from 2018 - 2019 ($50) - not the 1.8% U.S. inflation rate.

 

Many escorts are now charging $350 hourly (and more).

 

Therefore, 2018 average rate per hour - $250. compared to $350 = 40% or more (compared to 2018) if you consider many escorts charge in excess of $350 hourly.

 

I do not consider the increased rates to be inflation.

 

Opportunistic?

 

Copy cats?

 

I don't know the reason but if it is inflation, the U.S. government will have to amend its inflation statistics.

Interesting...and irrelevant in an entrepreneurial vocation.