Recession Pricing

[Howard123]

One of the more interesting parts of the escort business is the economic decisions escorts have to make. Thru the last several years, prices of escorts have skyrocketed to where $300-$350 is the norm versus the $200-$250 of pre-Covid. Now that inflation is making excess funds for hiring more difficult how will providers respond? Would you rather hold out for the $300-350 rate and get less business or will you lower rates to get more business. The "cost" of providing service is relatively low in your home city so most any income goes straight into your pocket. Have you seen business start to decline in recent months and are you making any changes to your business model?

[Kody S]

25 minutes ago, Howard123 said:

One of the more interesting parts of the escort business is the economic decisions escorts have to make. Thru the last several years, prices of escorts have skyrocketed to where $300-$350 is the norm versus the $200-$250 of pre-Covid. Now that inflation is making excess funds for hiring more difficult how will providers respond? Would you rather hold out for the $300-350 rate and get less business or will you lower rates to get more business. The "cost" of providing service is relatively low in your home city so most any income goes straight into your pocket. Have you seen business start to decline in recent months and are you making any changes to your business model?

Also have the same question! Thanks.

[Jamie21]

I think it’s a common assumption that the costs are low. Clients think it’s just costing my time to provide a service, especially if it’s an outcall and they’re effectively providing the venue. However it’s a lot more than just my time and a bit of massage oil. There’s cost of advertising, and for me there’s costs associated with renting a nice studio to work from, the cost of being available almost all hours (when often you can’t do other things in case someone wants to book), cost of trying to keep fit (trying!!!), regular waxing sessions, and keep healthy (regular testing) plus the cost if you catch something you can’t work for a week at least. I get regular massage training which also costs. Then there’s tax to deduct from the gross income on top of all those expenses (only some of which are tax deductible). So it’s a misconception that if you pay the guy $300 then he’s got almost $300 to spend. I’d say at least half that goes on overheads.

I think the recession will be a dampener on rates but I don’t think you’ll see them reducing much (for guys providing a professional style service). I think the supply of guys will reduce as people leave the industry so that will act to stabilise rates. 

[Shawn Monroe]

To add to this, our costs, just like yours, are also skyrocketing. We have to operate in nice desireable areas (you probably wouldn’t come see me if I lived in south atlanta) and our rents are increasing 30-40% YOY as well. 
 

to think that we are immune to the factors affecting society just because we are providers is misguided. 
 

that said, I don’t know what will happen to business in the future. We all thought it would go away in the pandemic but the amount of requests I had changed very little. 

[+ Pensant]

2 hours ago, Jamie21 said:

I think the supply of guys will reduce as people leave the industry so that will act to stabilise rates. 

Or perhaps more will enter if unemployment rises?

[CalTec]

In my view, I see it as being dependent on one's own specific situation. Are you marketing yourself heavily and have a solid following to easily justify a price adjustment?  Are you travelling with some sizable costs over your head that need to be eaten before turning a profit?

To @Pensant 's point, I wouldn't be surprised to see an influx of fresh (and inexperienced) meat looking for some easy money in the next year +-.

[Storm4U]

Rates will not go down.

Edited June 19, 2022 by Storm4U

[BonVivant]

What happens to rates will depend on the impact of the rising interest rates and their impact on asset values. If you don’t think falling asset values won’t have an impact then I have a new alt coin for you: cock$coin. Issue face value is $0.10 only.  My prediction: rates will fall and more providers will join or rejoin the trade. 
 

Happening already…. Just got a call from someone who had “retired.”  

Edited June 19, 2022 by BonVivant

[Guest]

On 6/18/2022 at 3:38 AM, Howard123 said:

 will you lower rates to get more business. 

nope.

 

On 6/18/2022 at 3:38 AM, Howard123 said:

Have you seen business start to decline in recent months 

nope.

 

On 6/18/2022 at 3:38 AM, Howard123 said:

are you making any changes to your business model?

nope.

 

I can't speak for the industry just for myself. If I had to guess, I would agree with @Jamie21's prediction that providers and clients leaving or entering the market will be a more common response than rates changing dramatically. 

The OP's title mentions  recession (which as far I know, we're not experiencing at the moment), and the text mentions inflation. I think it's worth considering these two things separately in terms of how they might affect providers. 

When it comes to inflation, it's been pointed out that inflation affects our expenses as well, both business and personal, so it's hard to see any escort reacting to inflation by doing the same work for less. I'm also not 100% sure that inflation means less "excess funds" means less hiring. When the price of everything goes up, and a person's budget remains the same, then obviously they have to decide what's still worth spending on. If a vacation, say, or a new car, is more expensive than before, and an escort's rate has stayed the same, then what's more worthwhile now? I'm not an economist, just seems like a premature assumption that hiring will be the first thing to get cut from a budget. 

 

Edited June 20, 2022 by Guest
hit post too early by accident!

[+ The Big Guy]

All I know is I am still horny regardless the state of the economy, so I will still pay what is required to service that need.  

[+ nycman]

Just now, The Big Guy said:

All I know is I am still horny regardless the state of the economy, so I will still pay what is required to service that need.  

Amen brother!

[+ augustus]

On 6/18/2022 at 7:59 AM, Shawn Monroe said:

We have to operate in nice desireable areas (you probably wouldn’t come see me if I lived in south atlanta) and our rents are increasing 30-40% YOY as well. 

That is hideous.  I've read about it on the news with all these skyrocketing rents.  

[Jarrod_Uncut]

On 6/18/2022 at 6:14 PM, Calix_V2 said:

In my view, I see it as being dependent on one's own specific situation. Are you marketing yourself heavily and have a solid following to easily justify a price adjustment?  Are you travelling with some sizable costs over your head that need to be eaten before turning a profit?

To @Pensant 's point, I wouldn't be surprised to see an influx of fresh (and inexperienced) meat looking for some easy money in the next year +-.

Catch 22: that’s already been happening though. For awhile. Look at Denver, look at Nashville, look at Phoenix and Dallas and other “medium” markets. All those places have doubled or tripled the amount of providers over the years, and especially since the re-openings/vaccines. 

On 6/18/2022 at 9:28 AM, Pensant said:

Or perhaps more will enter if unemployment rises?

Depends…

On 6/19/2022 at 8:59 PM, The Big Guy said:

All I know is I am still horny regardless the state of the economy, so I will still pay what is required to service that need.  

Sex sells lol. 

8 hours ago, augustus said:

That is hideous.  I've read about it on the news with all these skyrocketing rents.  

That’s partly why I haven’t rented in a number of years. I just base myself with a couple of trusted ”sponsors” who lend me their space when I’m not traveling or staying at my family’s ranch. But just as I was starting to go house hunting again, it seems once again I’m going to have to hold off. But…if rents plan to go down in a deeper recession, that “might” be a good time to make a move. 
 

The concept of apartment renting in itself sucks. I put in over $35k over a course of a few years for a condo that I eventually had to leave. Then those same places sold from $65k in 2010 to $150k in 2021 and I’m pretty sure the LL cashed in.
 

Some of the larger cities tend to be a bit overrated and run thru. Sure you get to be around more people/restaurants/nightlife, but that’s also more ads for clients to choose from  and more spending money to be there. 

Even in Washington DC. It’s great and fun, but there’s also a steady stream of new/established providers for the same clientele. 

Edited June 21, 2022 by Jarrod_Uncut

[Jarrod_Uncut]

On 6/18/2022 at 5:38 AM, Howard123 said:

One of the more interesting parts of the escort business is the economic decisions escorts have to make. Thru the last several years, prices of escorts have skyrocketed to where $300-$350 is the norm versus the $200-$250 of pre-Covid. Now that inflation is making excess funds for hiring more difficult how will providers respond? Would you rather hold out for the $300-350 rate and get less business or will you lower rates to get more business. The "cost" of providing service is relatively low in your home city so most any income goes straight into your pocket. Have you seen business start to decline in recent months and are you making any changes to your business model?

This is a good topic, I was going to ask the same thing! 

 

 

I know some guys sound very optimistic and practical about our prices: but unfortunately I think we’ll find out otherwise. I’m already debating dropping my rates a little, even though I just put them up the other month. 
 

Things are very slow, in a lot of markets. There is a place about 2.5 hours north of me that is usually always good: I went 2 times this past month, and got 0 clients. And there’s barely any competition except 2 or 3 providers. It sucked so much that I cancelled going to their Pride and catching Todrick Hall performing in the drag show. 
 

On the flip side: I think there’s more factors: I think the news relies too heavily on “struggling families” as the ones dealing with inflation, but never says much about single gay or coupled gays with no kids. Why not? 
 

Sometimes I feel things are over sensationalized. Even with gas prices: if a client lives a few miles from work, or doesn’t have a car: that’s a non factor. In addition, many clients make the money that can suppprt a family, and it’s just them. So even if things go up a couple bucks here and there, they still won’t be so out of pocket to afford $250/300. The cost of a kid is MUCH MORE than $300 every so often 😆 
 

However, on a larger scale there’s other demons to contend with. As I’ve said before, the hookup apps. Let’s face it: there’s many clients out there who aren’t bad at all in the looks department. However, I understand the main reason is not wanting to deal with the riff raft of apps. 
 

I’m almost considering staying away from the apps for the pure fact that I don’t want to contribute to the industry’s demise. But, it’s almost not much choice because nightclubs in the Midwest outside of Chicago are lame, it’s hard to make hookups and friends unless you’re connected to a big social net (which is usually centered around drugs and foolishness). 

What I’m not going to do though, is be hooking up at random. I treat it as a social app and if I do like the person and see they’re putting effort into doing more than sex, then I will. 

Edited June 21, 2022 by Jarrod_Uncut

[Massageguy99]

Well as a client I can answer I do not often hire providers. In my market it is difficult to find someone that fits what I enjoy and often I feel I didn't get my money worth so to speak. 

 

The last actual orovider I hired in market was ore COVID and it was $250 which I found fair and I had a great time. 

My b day is coming up so I reached out to 5 providers to get a feel for them. All of them quoted me $400 to $500. At that price point I will not be hiring a provider. 

I just can't justify that price point on the unknown. If that was a provider I knew had good trusted reviews then I would consider it but many of them have only 1 review or no reviews and minimal pictures. 

I will stick to sensual massages because at that price point I feel like at worst I get a lack luster massage but I am not out heavy cash to do so

[Jarrod_Uncut]

1 hour ago, Massageguy99 said:

Well as a client I can answer I do not often hire providers. In my market it is difficult to find someone that fits what I enjoy and often I feel I didn't get my money worth so to speak. 

 

The last actual orovider I hired in market was ore COVID and it was $250 which I found fair and I had a great time. 

My b day is coming up so I reached out to 5 providers to get a feel for them. All of them quoted me $400 to $500. At that price point I will not be hiring a provider. 

I just can't justify that price point on the unknown. If that was a provider I knew had good trusted reviews then I would consider it but many of them have only 1 review or no reviews and minimal pictures. 

I will stick to sensual massages because at that price point I feel like at worst I get a lack luster massage but I am not out heavy cash to do so

I think that could be the effects of “dual income” providing. Perhaps if they have extra things going on, they can ask for a higher amount. Good for them, not great for those hiring. 
 

That’s why I prefer to be in the 175-250 range to start. Even though I am getting more variety and better quality of clients, it still seems like the amount overall has dropped off a bit. I can see somebody else being like: I’ll just do this “on the side” and get my 1 or 2 $500 client per month and I’ll be straight.

Fantasy doesn’t always become reality…

[KrisParr]

I’m headed to a larger city in a few weeks on business.  I contacted a very well known provider to set up an appointment. He was cordial and quoted me a rate of $800 for a two-hour minimum. So I asked if he’d be open to a one-hour for $500. No deal. In the past, my encounters rarely run past 60 minutes and I’m not wanting to spend $800, because unless the encounter would include some other activities, I’m sure I’d be ready to exit much sooner.  He is definitely my type and I get aroused just reading his texts. And I can well afford it, but it just doesn’t feel right. Do I go ahead and hope we can find enough to keep us occupied for two full hours? Am I overthinking this?

[+ keroscenefire]

15 minutes ago, KrisParr said:

I’m headed to a larger city in a few weeks on business.  I contacted a very well known provider to set up an appointment. He was cordial and quoted me a rate of $800 for a two-hour minimum. So I asked if he’d be open to a one-hour for $500. No deal. In the past, my encounters rarely run past 60 minutes and I’m not wanting to spend $800, because unless the encounter would include some other activities, I’m sure I’d be ready to exit much sooner.  He is definitely my type and I get aroused just reading his texts. And I can well afford it, but it just doesn’t feel right. Do I go ahead and hope we can find enough to keep us occupied for two full hours? Am I overthinking this?

Does he have masseur skills? Is he vers and into/open to lots of stuff? Are you open to lots of stuff? Two-hours is fine if like it can turn into a hot massage/fisting/toy session or something like that. But I do agree if it's just sex...that can be a bit long. Just depends.

[KrisParr]

1 hour ago, keroscenefire said:

Does he have masseur skills? Is he vers and into/open to lots of stuff? Are you open to lots of stuff? Two-hours is fine if like it can turn into a hot massage/fisting/toy session or something like that. But I do agree if it's just sex...that can be a bit long. Just depends.

Excellent points. I’d be very interested in massage, even swapping since I have some experience as a giver and receiver. I’ll ask - thanks for the post.

[pubic_assistance]

On 9/12/2022 at 12:04 AM, Massageguy99 said:

I will stick to sensual massages because at that price point I feel like at worst I get a lack luster massage but I am not out heavy cash to do so

This advice may not help you in time for your birthday but in general and for the future...guys who do massage and offer "erotic" sessions, do so at a more reasonable cost. I've become aware over the years that many of these guys also will do escort services for select clients..and they are not asking for a ridiculous sum if they like the client.

[GTMike]

5 hours ago, KrisParr said:

I’m headed to a larger city in a few weeks on business.  I contacted a very well known provider to set up an appointment. He was cordial and quoted me a rate of $800 for a two-hour minimum. So I asked if he’d be open to a one-hour for $500. No deal. In the past, my encounters rarely run past 60 minutes and I’m not wanting to spend $800, because unless the encounter would include some other activities, I’m sure I’d be ready to exit much sooner.  He is definitely my type and I get aroused just reading his texts. And I can well afford it, but it just doesn’t feel right. Do I go ahead and hope we can find enough to keep us occupied for two full hours? Am I overthinking this?

Is this someone you might value in establishing a longer lasting client provider relationship with?  Meaning someone who after this encounter next time you're in the city you could visit again or potentially he to you in the future? 

[KrisParr]

20 hours ago, GTMike said:

Is this someone you might value in establishing a longer lasting client provider relationship with?  Meaning someone who after this encounter next time you're in the city you could visit again or potentially he to you in the future? 

Sure, that could happen although he doesn’t travel much and I don’t see myself going to his fair land all that often. Thanks for the thought.

[GTMike]

2 hours ago, KrisParr said:

Sure, that could happen although he doesn’t travel much and I don’t see myself going to his fair land all that often. Thanks for the thought.

Yep. All good. Where i was going with the thought is that i personally may not (in my opinion how i assess, i would be reticent to pay too much of a premium) above what i typically find as "market". However if i think i might want to establish a longer-term repeat client type situation and that may be the only way to meet the person to find out then under a scenario like that I might (still more unlikely) but consider it.

[rn901]

Unemployment is low and wages are up. There's a labor shortage. Employers are providing more competitive offers to get hires. The world of escorting hasn't been untouched by such dynamics. Despite inflation, the effect has been opposite. People have been able to raise their rates with ease and little loss if any.  There was a short-lived dip when monkey pox rates were looking bad and as there was a struggle to get vaccines out, but that subsided by mid to late August. Other than that business is at pre-covid levels or better. I don't see why providers would lower their rates. 

Edited September 27, 2022 by rn901

[rn901]

It has been my experience that the state of public health and the response to pandemics have greater effect on business than inflation. Fear of catching the omicron virus last winter or something as painful as monkey pox were more of a deterrent in hiring providers than paying an extra couple bucks for a gallon of gas. When public health is good, business tends to be good.

Edited September 27, 2022 by rn901