Anyone noticing a drop in massage rates?

[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.