Anyone noticing a drop in massage rates?

[d.anders]

6 hours ago, Monarchy79 said:

They rope suckers in by the hot pics and the “idea” and “innuendo” of what’s to happen, all for the customer to end up snookered, with an empty wallet, and a pair of blue balls. 

It is a strategy for far too many guys. The lure of easy money is very real and it's powerful. They know there are a lot of gay men out there (straight/bi too) looking for sensual touch (or just a less lonely handjob), with money to spend, and they abuse the work by disrespecting it and taking advantage of vulnerable, horny men. Sites like RM make a ton of money off the opportunists. Forums like this help expose the flaws and frauds.

There are a few gems in the hay stack of dreadful and disappointing. There are men who know their healing powers and who truly enjoy making another man happy and stress free.

If you are talented, massage is a great job to have because of the joys and freedom of self-employment. There will always be bad apples to spoil the cart. The key is to find the cream that always rises to the top, and if you can avoid temptation, remain loyal once you've found it.

Far too many gay men find loyalty unexciting. They need a new massage guy every month or every week. As long as those customers exist, it's open season for the blue ball brigade.

[Monarchy79]

On 8/16/2023 at 6:59 PM, BeefyDude said:

SAME here... ATL  Prices keep creeping up YET the quality is going DOWN (IMHO).  I see some of these ads and ask myself why the __ are they charging so much

I get it you need to make money.  But if you want me to be a repeat, make it a reasonable rate.  Just sayin

You’re absolutely right. Unfortunately, the masses of victims who make the mistake in hiring these guys, aren’t aware of this site, which has saved many of us allot of wasted time and money. 

[DFdub]

On 7/1/2024 at 6:16 PM, fancyboot said:

If I pay $200 or more for a session where I have no previous experience, then I'm an idiot. 

I guess I'm an idiot every so often. 🤣 Or, I like twentysomethings and $200 is insignificant to some. 😉

[Kneads]

After working 27 years in thr Massage and Bodywork industry,  I keep my rates low, you shouldn't have to chose between groceries and a massage. I make enough to pay bills and vacation. 

[d.anders]

On 7/2/2024 at 11:54 PM, Kneads said:

After working 27 years in thr Massage and Bodywork industry,  I keep my rates low, you shouldn't have to chose between groceries and a massage. I make enough to pay bills and vacation. 

Wish there were more like you. Most of the 60-minute massages in my life cost around $80 with tip. The massage was $60, and I tipped $20. I was a very regular customer, once a week, sometimes twice. When prices rose to $150, I had to cut back. Anything over $200, I'd be lucky to get four a year. Covid killed everything for me, so now I'm starting from scratch. I can barely afford to fantasize about the $300 guys.

[jharrison10343]

One concept I think a lot of masseurs (especially younger ones) don't understand is that they'll probably make more money by offering lower rates because it will attract more new clients and encourage more repeat visits from existing ones. Kind of like how people spend usually more money on cheap stuff that doesn't last very long versus expensive versions that last longer and save more money in the long run. And going over $200 seems moronic to me because it seems like a lot more money psychologically than $160 or $180 even though it's just slightly more (which is basically why retailers always use left digit bias pricing).

Edited July 7, 2024 by jharrison10343

[UncutDad]

I'm pretty loyal to the very few massage men that I see...only (3) now sadly.  But they actually do excellent bodywork.  Some extras are thrown in, but I don't demand that much.   

I  inquired with a provider two weeks ago that first gave me a quote of 250.  When I didn't respond he texted back 180. I still didn't answer.  I'll go up to $180 if the masseur is super hot.  But if I feel it's a bad session, I will absolutely leave the appropriate review on R.Masseur.  There are too many other guys that maybe are not as handsome, but at least they respect money.

The high dollar fast cash  guys don't seem to last very long, as they shouldn't.  When I see the "ASK" option only for payment on Rentmasseur, it's a significant turn off for me.  My opinion is that part of something is better than ALL of nothing.  But I shouldn't expect lazy minded men to come to that conclusion.

There was a guy years ago that did a sliding scale for me.  He was more of a scort.  He gave me a reasonable rate for less time spent.  I had a great time and I've been a loyal client every time he comes into town...12 years now.  If more massage men and escorts realized that, they'd probably have more longevity. 

Edited July 7, 2024 by UncutDad

[d.anders]

13 hours ago, UncutDad said:

When I see the "ASK" option only for payment on Rentmasseur, it's a significant turn off for me.

I don't mind it because it offers hope, that maybe a price is negotiable. Since I'm no longer interested in extras, I often ask if there's a rate for massage only. Many guys come back with something more affordable, but I won't spend anything if a guy does not convince me he's a professional.

Also, since so many of the HE guys have a menu, what good does it do them to offer a single number? A lot of the HE guys do not like CHEAP, and they just don't want to deal with hagglers. ASK seems the only logical place to be if you want to offer varied services.

[UncutDad]

If they want to offer a menu of pricing that's fine.  But a client should at least be able to know where the range starts.  There is a significant difference between a 150 starting price and a 300 starting price.  

[hopeman]

My 2 cents:

1. I have one consistent provider I've been seeing for over 5 years (lives nearby) who charges $120 for 90 mins and a HE. I pay him $200. 

2. I just saw a brand new guy (also lives near) who charged me $200 for 90 minutes and a HE. I gave him $240.

3. I saw a rentmen guy (traveller) with a big dick who gave me an amazing "workout" for $350 for 90 minutes. On a bed. No table. No fucking.  He tried but it was just too big. And I'm not ready yet! He got $400.

 

 

[Existinguser]

On 7/2/2024 at 11:54 PM, Kneads said:

After working 27 years in thr Massage and Bodywork industry,  I keep my rates low, you shouldn't have to chose between groceries and a massage. I make enough to pay bills and vacation. 

You're a wise person. I've maintained business relationships with some providers for over seven years where they contract me prior to coming into town, we schedule a session, they come to my house and because they kept their rates inline, I tip them well. It's definitely a win/win.

Edited July 22, 2024 by Existinguser

[d.anders]

On 7/9/2024 at 2:50 PM, UncutDad said:

If they want to offer a menu of pricing that's fine.  But a client should at least be able to know where the range starts.

It's not the masseur's fault if the website does not offer a "Prices start at" option on their price menu. I wish they did. It would be a great service and eliminate the need to dig further.

[BigNoiseDallas]

3 hours ago, d.anders said:

It's not the masseur's fault if the website does not offer a "Prices start at" option on their price menu. I wish they did. It would be a great service and eliminate the need to dig further.

I hate the providers whose say "Ask". I'm much more inclined to book someone who publishes their rates and clearly outlines what's included. I saw a masseur here a while back who charged a flat rate for 60 minutes and one for 90 minutes, regardless of modality or "extras." And I seem to recall the prices were pretty reasonable. 

[BeefyDude]

4 hours ago, d.anders said:

It's not the masseur's fault if the website does not offer a "Prices start at" option on their price menu. I wish they did. It would be a great service and eliminate the need to dig further.

Or the site could remove "ask me" so they have to put something in

[BigNoiseDallas]

16 minutes ago, BeefyDude said:

Or the site could remove "ask me" so they have to put something in

100% percent -- it's the old saying, "If you have to ask the price, you probably can't afford it" -- or something like that.

[BeefyDude]

14 minutes ago, BigNoiseDallas said:

100% percent -- it's the old saying, "If you have to ask the price, you probably can't afford it" -- or something like that.

Normally I would an agree.  But with most here I suspect it's a luring in to get you to view their profile IMHO

The site should remove it, it's useless to have that.  I then have to reach out to the masseur only to find out too $$ for me - wastes both people's time

[d.anders]

On 7/23/2024 at 2:34 PM, BeefyDude said:

wastes both people's time

It can be a time waster, but I imagine many, many providers like and want the Ask Me option. Since the providers are paying for their ads, they need to pleased.

[Capitano]

On 7/6/2024 at 4:34 PM, jharrison10343 said:

One concept I think a lot of masseurs (especially younger ones) don't understand is that they'll probably make more money by offering lower rates because it will attract more new clients and encourage more repeat visits from existing ones. Kind of like how people spend usually more money on cheap stuff that doesn't last very long versus expensive versions that last longer and save more money in the long run. And going over $200 seems moronic to me because it seems like a lot more money psychologically than $160 or $180 even though it's just slightly more (which is basically why retailers always use left digit bias pricing).

I agree 100%! Many providers around the Tampa Bay area as well as visitors quote $200 an hour but are suspiciously frequently "available" on rentmasseur and masseurfinder. Some quote even more, but cracks seem to be appearing, I was just quoted $180 for erotic massage and even that seemed negotiable.

I have a couple of decent, if not perfect, local options who charge $160, so I'll hire at $200 if the masseur is super hot and has stellar reviews here. Guys charging more or those with no or sub-par record here need not apply. BTW, I can still get professional therapeutic massage at $120, so that should be the anchor. And yeah, I'll tip generously, but this part should be discretionary, not expected for just any kind of service.

PS It's good to revisit this topic once in a while and be aware of what's going on in different markets. Those not interested can just skip it.

[viewing ownly]

What I've found to be fascinating in the last couple of years is how the bottom has dropped out of the opposite sex and the rates they aren't charging anymore. It was commonplace - now I'm referring to the "seeing me for fun and the massage is secondary" massages - for women to be at least a third more than men, but not uncommon to be around double. Those days are gone. And it's not because men are just as much with a higher rate, but because the market is so competitive, rate drops were pivotal for women to get more business. 

[Capitano]

More fishing for customers willing to pay $200 or more on a random Sunday afternoon?

[UncutDad]

I recently got a massage from one of my favorite traveling massage therapists.  He charges $140 for the hour and I told him that he should be charging more for his massage.  I mean, the guy has to pay for a hotel, gas and vehicle maintenance.  He literally travels from coast to coast.

He is an older guy that still looks good and his  massage is really far above average.  But he countered my suggestion, explaining to me that although he's struggling to keep his rates low, he leaves it to the client's experience if they want to tip him.  If you didn't tip this guy for the massage he gave, you'd really be clueless of what he does for your body.

From my experience, 95% of the guys on these sites may be hot, but they are NOT good and they try to charge more and give less.  So, if you get a good massage, at a reasonable price, tip the guys that strive keep thier pricing rooted in reality.  When your body is tense and you're needing true bodywork, they are the one's you'll be looking to - Not the pretty boy rub, tug and go guys.

Edited December 24, 2024 by UncutDad

[Capitano]

I've started "polite market feedback" recently and here is the latest update on what I see around central Florida (Tampa, Orlando, etc.).

Many masseurs, especially visitors, are quoting some sort of "base rate" of $200 and want $250 for both nude and mutual touch with HE. When I respond that I prefer to keep it under $200 and will go back to one of my local favorites instead, they quickly backtrack and say that $200 is ok. Unfortunately, it's too late at that point. I don't want to get a massage from someone who is not happy with their compensation. Massage is a very personal and somewhat luxurious experience, so it is essential for both sides to be happy to be there under the terms that are agreed upon. Making it bazaar-like cheapens it and introduces a very wrong vibe that kills the experience IMHO.

I'll report if I observe any adjustments in quoting behavior, some may realize that getting more clients at $200 makes more business sense than fishing for the ones willing to shell out $250 or more. Some have even quoted $300 or $350. Hence my "polite market feedback" policy, I see it as community service 🙂

[Pittlookalike]

On 12/23/2024 at 10:01 PM, UncutDad said:

I recently got a massage from one of my favorite traveling massage therapists.  He charges $140 for the hour and I told him that he should be charging more for his massage.  I mean, the guy has to pay for a hotel, gas and vehicle maintenance.  He literally travels from coast to coast.

He is an older guy that still looks good and his  massage is really far above average.  But he countered my suggestion, explaining to me that although he's struggling to keep his rates low, he leaves it to the client's experience if they want to tip him.  If you didn't tip this guy for the massage he gave, you'd really be clueless of what he does for your body.

From my experience, 95% of the guys on these sites may be hot, but they are NOT good and they try to charge more and give less.  So, if you get a good massage, at a reasonable price, tip the guys that strive keep thier pricing rooted in reality.  When your body is tense and you're needing true bodywork, they are the one's you'll be looking to - Not the pretty boy rub, tug and go guys.

Agree with the last paragraph.  Most of these gents are not professional masseurs.  The "massage" is just foreplay for the HE.  Yes, there are few good masseurs, but they are the minority.

From my experience, many higher priced masseurs will negotiate and there's no harm in asking for a lower price or stating what you're willing to pay.  Many who advertise at $200 or above, will take $150; of course, some won't.  It benefits all of us clients if you negotiate to reduce the prices, particularly of the majority of masseurs who don't massage well and are just in it for the rub and tug.  

[Ali Gator]

I'm curious about how traveling providers determine their prices from one location to another.

I'm in Providence, and I can't believe the number of travelers (for both escort and massage) who prices themselves right out of the market.  For example, many of them visit Boston first, then hit the road and visit Providence for a night or two - yet they charge the same amount as in Boston, even though they are in two completely different markets. 

Some of my 'regulars' even comment on the world of difference between pricing at Boston hotels vs Providence hotels (under the same brand), as well as the price of take-out food, chain drugstores, etc. As consumers themselves in the two different markets, in which they see the vast difference in consumer pricing, wouldn't that influence them somehow in pricing of their own services ? 

Just a curious rant. 

[Capitano]

On 3/8/2025 at 7:50 PM, Pittlookalike said:

Agree with the last paragraph.  Most of these gents are not professional masseurs.  The "massage" is just foreplay for the HE.  Yes, there are few good masseurs, but they are the minority.

From my experience, many higher priced masseurs will negotiate and there's no harm in asking for a lower price or stating what you're willing to pay.  Many who advertise at $200 or above, will take $150; of course, some won't.  It benefits all of us clients if you negotiate to reduce the prices, particularly of the majority of masseurs who don't massage well and are just in it for the rub and tug.  

It is a legitimate take, negotiate for a lower price and go for it if they agree. If they don't they still get a signal that their rate may be too high. My approach is to politely thank them and clearly state that the price was too high for you, with the idea that they may eventually reexamine their rate. Of course, most probably won't but smarter ones will. I also suspect that many who see this as a quick way to make money by charging insanely high prices get disappointed and leave the business.