$250 for a massage is not a massage

[needbodywork]

Also for a lot of masseurs (or escorts) to look the way you want them to they need to invest significant money into themselves.

Gym memberships, proper nutrition (high protein clean food is expensive especially if bought in a hurry), proper rest (a comfortable clean quiet living space), keeping stress levels low (ability to travel/enjoy life), grooming (waxing, tanning, haircuts), skincare.

So for the hot guys to charge min $200 an hour for MT/HE in a major city I think is fair. Even a therapeutic massage at a spa will be $120 minimum now.

[Jamie21]

17 hours ago, Capitano said:

I get that, but I refuse to pay rates that surpass the rate of wage inflation. Everyone is taking a hit in their living standards, and masseurs shouldn't expect to simply price in everything. I get a sense that some are trying to go beyond that.  It is their legitimate right to try, but it's also my legitimate right to resist and to talk about it here too 😉 

I’m always surprised at the complaints over pricing. If you can’t afford it don’t buy it. No one is forcing you to buy the service. 

[Bluefin]

Eventually the price will settle at its correct value. Either masseurs will have no issue finding clients willing to pay $200/hour or they’ll either lower their prices or stop massaging all together.

[EastbayMike]

21 hours ago, needbodywork said:

Gym memberships, proper nutrition (high protein clean food is expensive especially if bought in a hurry), proper rest (a comfortable clean quiet living space), keeping stress levels low (ability to travel/enjoy life), grooming (waxing, tanning, haircuts), skincare.

Seriously!?!  This is why I stopped hiring masseurs. 

[+ ButchAtl]

On 4/24/2022 at 4:56 PM, needbodywork said:

Even a therapeutic massage at a spa will be $120 minimum now.

That's not my experience in Atlanta in my few experiences.  Its been more like $70-80 for theraputic. Some still at $60 even. 

[Eagledriver]

On 4/25/2022 at 10:06 AM, Bluefin said:

Eventually the price will settle at its correct value. Either masseurs will have no issue finding clients willing to pay $200/hour or they’ll either lower their prices or stop massaging all together.

It’s the old principle of supply and demand. If the price is seen as too high, it will drive down demand. 

[jtwalker]

Let’s be honest, there are plenty of places to get a legit massage for $100/ hour or less.  I go to one of these places all the time.  $85 with tip.

If you’re on here, you’re looking for a pretty special massage and that just costs more.  

[pubic_assistance]

On 4/24/2022 at 4:47 PM, Capitano said:

It is their legitimate right to try, but it's also my legitimate right to resist

The correct price is what you can get someone to pay.

There are plenty of wealthy men in the US who are willing to shell-out big numbers for high quality service .

If you don't like the prices / don't shop there.

 

Edited April 27, 2022 by pubic_assistance

[Kody S]

This is a very helpful conversation about price. I am grateful for this site and everyone’s perspective.  I recognize that prices for everything have gone up significantly and that people are needing “touch” just to say sane.  We are made to need touch and covid and now MP are warring against that.  I have received a superb massage for sometime for around $150/90min (before tip) from private well trained masseurs who are extremely health conscious and take all the precautions with clean sheets and towels and you name it.  If those providers go up in price, I will pay the increase.  But others who charge higher than $180 for so much less, I can’t risk that.  I will pay for good quality and value but not for something that doesn’t help my own quality of life. I think individual experience with masseurs and hiring and one’s own needs helps sort through where the risk lines are.

Edited August 28, 2022 by Kody S

[+ MakeMeCowboy]

On 4/25/2022 at 10:26 AM, Jamie21 said:

I’m always surprised at the complaints over pricing. If you can’t afford it don’t buy it. No one is forcing you to buy the service. 

Of course. For me, the issue is about value and how providers seem to be leveraging the morass of 'extras.'  If you're advertising an erotic massage, that (at one time) included something more i.e. nude, touch, h/e, tonsil massage, etc.  In some instances, the $250/hr guys are negotiating these extras while you're on the table and things get very pricey.  I'll pay for value but I don't like sneaky, particularly when I'm there for relaxation.

[Jamie21]

36 minutes ago, MakeMeCowboy said:

Of course. For me, the issue is about value and how providers seem to be leveraging the morass of 'extras.'  If you're advertising an erotic massage, that (at one time) included something more i.e. nude, touch, h/e, tonsil massage, etc.  In some instances, the $250/hr guys are negotiating these extras while you're on the table and things get very pricey.  I'll pay for value but I don't like sneaky, particularly when I'm there for relaxation.

Oh yes I agree. They should be clear about what’s included in the price. I don’t think doing ‘in massage’ upsells creates the right atmosphere. I always agree everything that’s to be included in the massage with my clients beforehand and never do upsells during the massage unless they want to extend the time. Primarily I’m doing a massage service, it’s got to be a great massage. But also include all the things you’d expect from a sensual massage (that can vary though between masseurs) so including tonsil massage, h/e, nudity, touching me etc. If it’s clear they want more of an escort type session then that’s a different discussion and a different rate. 

[BeefyDude]

On 4/12/2022 at 6:12 PM, Phil_musc said:

And remember - you'll want to add a 20% tip - at least some of you will.😀

If someone is charging 180+  AND getting all of that (vs a spa where they get a portion) why should I tip?

[BeefyDude]

On 4/25/2022 at 10:26 AM, Jamie21 said:

I’m always surprised at the complaints over pricing. If you can’t afford it don’t buy it. No one is forcing you to buy the service. 

You are 100% correct.  I think the issue is that its hard to find one UNDER 180-200 these days.

I'm seeing  MORE and MORE of 200+ as the norm.  This has been happening over the last year or so.  YES covid and inflation is part of it, but it can't be all of it.  Yes   people's rent etc are going up.  But to charge $50+ more is insane.  Lets say an average masseur does very conservative 10 a week, that's $500 or $2k a month (again i'm being super conservative, that number is likely MUCH higher).

Just like the masseurs are being charged more for things, so are the clients (my utilities, gas, food etc) is also skyrocketing.

Also I see many ads justifying there cost with amenities - table, etc etc. But when they are traveling MOST of them don't have these amenities, so why still charge? 

Sorry to rant about this.  While Jaimie is correct, its just harder and harder for one to find a decent massage at a decent price.  

Thanks for listening

[Jamie21]

17 minutes ago, BeefyDude said:

 Lets say an average masseur does very conservative 10 a week, that's $500 or $2k a month (again i'm being super conservative, that number is likely MUCH higher).

Don’t overlook though that whilst a masseur might charge $200 for an hour he’s doing more work outside that hour that isn’t directly compensated.

There’s all the time spent talking with potential clients. There’s time spent on personal hygiene and trying to keep fit (it is after all physical work and clients do like fit masseurs generally), there’s time updating social media and advertising, cleaning studio and washing towels etc. There’s also overheads like oil, room rental, travel costs, taxes, insurance. So what looks like to you is income of $200 an hour is really $120 for 3 hours. 

Then there’s all the time wasted because clients book but then don’t show up, like happened to me yesterday. I saw the signs but gave him the benefit of doubt and booked him in. Sure enough…he first says he’s running late then it just goes silent.

The rates we charge reflect the value we assign to our services. If a clients budget aligns with that then we’ll get bookings. Obviously there will be people who aren’t prepared to pay that price. It’s only a problem to me if no one is prepared to pay. But that’s not the case, I get clients booking, and returning, so I’m fine with my price. If I didn’t get any clients then my choice is reduce the price or leave the market. 

[BeefyDude]

Jaimie, as you and I have talked many times, private and public, you are the obvious exception to the rule.

I'm talking about the trend in these prices over the last year, mostly people who DO NOT offer what you do, DO NOT offer any experience etc etc.  Remember the clients costs for everything else is going up to.  I don't mind paying for a decent massage.  Generaly rule anything over 180 is likely not a massage.  So why not kid everyone by calling it a massage.  Personally I think guys who hire the 200-400 "masseurs" sleep at night by saying they hired a masseur vs. an escort.  Lets be honest those charging 200-400 are clearly escorting. 

I recall a year ago  the average rate for a decent masseur was in the 120-150 range now its the 180-200 range.  Thats a HUGE jump.  I'm sorry you cannot say all of that is based on price hikes etc. I think one member put it correctly by saying they are testing the waters to see what they can get away with.

But when clients book them and pay that it enables it. I get that. 

But there are many here who publicly state they won't book a masseur if they don't kiss, nip play, FK etc.  To them I say go hire an escort

I'm not the only one who has expressed this.  Sorry to keep  harping on this

[Jamie21]

59 minutes ago, BeefyDude said:

Jaimie, as you and I have talked many times, private and public, you are the obvious exception to the rule.

I'm talking about the trend in these prices over the last year, mostly people who DO NOT offer what you do, DO NOT offer any experience etc etc.  Remember the clients costs for everything else is going up to.  I don't mind paying for a decent massage.  Generaly rule anything over 180 is likely not a massage.  So why not kid everyone by calling it a massage.  Personally I think guys who hire the 200-400 "masseurs" sleep at night by saying they hired a masseur vs. an escort.  Lets be honest those charging 200-400 are clearly escorting. 

I recall a year ago  the average rate for a decent masseur was in the 120-150 range now its the 180-200 range.  Thats a HUGE jump.  I'm sorry you cannot say all of that is based on price hikes etc. I think one member put it correctly by saying they are testing the waters to see what they can get away with.

But when clients book them and pay that it enables it. I get that. 

But there are many here who publicly state they won't book a masseur if they don't kiss, nip play, FK etc.  To them I say go hire an escort

I'm not the only one who has expressed this.  Sorry to keep  harping on this

Hey don’t be sorry! It’s your perception. I’m bound to put the masseur’s perspective. There clearly are guys chancing their arm out there. Look for someone who’s been around a while with good feedback etc. I think the ‘chancers’ are new to the market and making hay out of their novelty. They tend not to stick around because they’re not really invested in doing a good job and getting repeat clients. 

[rackes]

Its a scam massageforhim   Paying 30 seconds for a video, its a joke

[Jamie21]

7 hours ago, rackes said:

Its a scam massageforhim   Paying 30 seconds for a video, its a joke

Your comment is wrong. There’s over 80 full length massage videos on there. 

[BeefyDude]

22 hours ago, Jamie21 said:

Hey don’t be sorry! It’s your perception. I’m bound to put the masseur’s perspective. There clearly are guys chancing their arm out there. Look for someone who’s been around a while with good feedback etc. I think the ‘chancers’ are new to the market and making hay out of their novelty. They tend not to stick around because they’re not really invested in doing a good job and getting repeat clients. 

Jaimie, thanks. I always do my home work.   I read reviews, look to see how long they are on. I also like to call (not text - those that say text only are red flags to me).   AND another trick:  If i see a review on RM, i email them directly and ask if there is anything they didnt share etc.  rent masseur.com/username - you can then click email them.

Thats why it bothers me here when I post a 411 about a person. Then the next day I get an email about a response. I get excited and check here - only to find out someone posts about their DK or AS pics or anything else NOT related to the masseur - very IRRITATING

[Jamie21]

17 minutes ago, BeefyDude said:

Jaimie, thanks. I always do my home work.   I read reviews, look to see how long they are on. I also like to call (not text - those that say text only are red flags to me).   AND another trick:  If i see a review on RM, i email them directly and ask if there is anything they didnt share etc.  rent masseur.com/username - you can then click email them.

Thats why it bothers me here when I post a 411 about a person. Then the next day I get an email about a response. I get excited and check here - only to find out someone posts about their DK or AS pics or anything else NOT related to the masseur - very IRRITATING

Sounds like you do a good due diligence! Sensible if you’re spending a fair bit of money. 
I get massages myself, so can see the perspective from both sides; provider and client. If I have a bad experience with a masseur (it’s actually rare; I do check them out thoroughly too) then I feel irritated at paying them for poor value. But the irritation is mostly directed at myself for picking the wrong guy. Even though the experience might have been average there’s usually something I can learn though, so it’s kind of nothing lost. Even if he wasn’t great it’s kind of reassuring to know that the competition is rubbish!! 

[LaCapGuy87]

My favorite masseur is priced $220 (he actually just went down to $200 upon me checking) for 90 and is certified and all the perks are in the price . I recently tried another "certified" masseur from RM with similar pricing. Because I booked through a professional site versus RM, he charged a little less ($185- this site shares what the going rate is, and he's above it, but still comparable by what's in the area). After the massage, I shared that I saw his RM ad before. He said oh would've been the same massage just a little more interactive ($250 price on RM). I laughed because the massage was underwhelming (C- at best), and he mentioned he puts nudes up to get appointments and tease but doesn't play or engage. So even at that $250 (60 mins) price point he's fine with taking a gamble and getting what he can. In turn, he's often advertising many places because he doesn't have many repeats. I say this to say, I'll always pay what someone is worth by way of their skill level. I just haven't met a certified therapist at that price point. The times I've paid that much, it's usually with tip factored in OR I knew I was getting more than a massage at some point. I never challenge someone on their price. I just look at pictures, reviews, check the forum, and decide if I want to pay it. If not, I move on. 

[pubic_assistance]

Some of these people talk about hourly rates from masseurs as if they work on a coveyor belt at a factory. They aren't doing massages every hour for eight hours . This is how they make a living and the price their session according to how many sessions they are likely to book during a week and how much they need to live and save