Discounts for Regular Clients

[ICTJOCK]

So I have a particular regular client who occasionally "hints" about the desire to get a discount since he is a regular.  I don't dismiss the idea,  but am a little reluctant.

Do any other escorts here give regulars a discount?    If I give one a discount,   I'd feel the need the "give all"  to be fair.  What qualifies as a "regular"?    In the end it might diminish my work since I'm giving discounts.    I do have a lot of regulars,  but if someone books me  once a week do they get a discount while the regular who books  once a month doesn't?     What about the "irregular regular"  lol.

I think it is a "slippery slope"?    Thoughts?       Maybe throw the regular a bone occasionally.... or "boner".  ha

[uclablueyes]

I met a provider one and we made a deal that it would guarantee one visit per month at x price (it was a masseur with benefits). It was so structured that at the start of the month, I will get the automatic Zelle request and I will pay and I would be able to book whenever. We did this for 8 months until he moved back to Canada but I took it as the same as having a Burke Williams subscription and worked great. He knew he had assured income and I got a discounted experience. And he always over delivered because he wanted to keep me on the schedule. It was a win win for both. 

[Jamie21]

Rule no.1….Never discount. 

[+ keroscenefire]

If you have a good relationship with your client and enjoy doing things together, you might consider a more "time-based" discount. I've had that with a few guys before. When we just have a regular hour-long session or whatever, it's always the same price. But if we kind of make it into a boyfriend experience date-night thing, then the guys have offered a bit of a discount. Like if normally it would be $600 for 2-hours, instead it's $600 for three hours and we also go have dinner as part of it or something. 

From the guys perspective, the likelihood of finding 2-3 clients the same evening (And the chance of being able to perform for them) is less likely then the guarantee of being paid by a regular client can be appealing. And if you can add to their experience that is always helpful. I had one guy who was always really into live theater and so we often watched a play as part of our time together. 

So maybe approach it in that way...try to see if a regular client is into a longer session that you can maybe discount a bit from what it would normally be as an incentive to the client. But I agree that to charge $250 an hour instead of $300 for a regular is probably not needed and indeed a slippery slope. 

[BonVivant]

Another option: don’t increase his rate when you next raise them. 

[DWnyc]

People don’t really compare notes on rates for specific providers that much .. your secret deal with someone can remain a secret and not affect transactions with others

In this business, most people don’t believe providers who say “never!” on flexibility on terms. So it’s not like people assume you’re rock solid on rates at any time.

It’s more important that you remember any specific terms beyond your norm that you have with someone so when speaking with them in the future you know what they think is a track record for reference. If you wrote off extra time / have a holiday discount / lowered 2nd hour rate in a two hour booking etc - you’ll need a reason for not doing that again if so. 

Pretty much every service provider I deal with - lawyers, auditors, management consultants … gardeners and plumbers … all have variable fees that one is privy to thorough asking / repeat business / buying in bulk / being respectful … despite initial posturing. 

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Discounting, no.

Keeping your longtime clients at a lower rate as your standard rate increases, more appropriate.  

That said, clients have to prove they're long-term and how long that period is would only be something the escort can figure out.

Like a good blackjack player strategically increasing their bet, an escort needs to know when to take advantage of his best years and increase his rate.

 

[Guest]

There are  many many ways to show your appreciation, gratitude, and giving back to people that have been good to you... I don't know that starting a thread on "discounts" will equally please folks.... I do believe in getting even with those that have ever helped me, they're the only ones I ever want to get even with.   I always say the beginning of all blessings is gratitude and that's coming from an extremely non religious person too 😉

6 hours ago, ICTJOCK said:

So I have a particular regular client who occasionally "hints" about the desire to get a discount since he is a regular.  I don't dismiss the idea,  but am a little reluctant.

Do any other escorts here give regulars a discount?    If I give one a discount,   I'd feel the need the "give all"  to be fair.  What qualifies as a "regular"?    In the end it might diminish my work since I'm giving discounts.    I do have a lot of regulars,  but if someone books me  once a week do they get a discount while the regular who books  once a month doesn't?     What about the "irregular regular"  lol.

I think it is a "slippery slope"?    Thoughts?       Maybe throw the regular a bone occasionally.... or "boner".  ha

[JamesB]

I have gotten some kind of discount from 2 different providers. One who had to travel for over an hour to meet me, used to charge me a "travel fee". After a few sessions, he stopped charging me that fee. The second one just extended the booked time. I usually book him for 2 hours but he stays well over that time. 
Just to be clear I have never asked a provider for a discount. 

[marylander1940]

6 hours ago, ICTJOCK said:

So I have a particular regular client who occasionally "hints" about the desire to get a discount since he is a regular.  I don't dismiss the idea,  but am a little reluctant.

Do any other escorts here give regulars a discount?    If I give one a discount,   I'd feel the need the "give all"  to be fair.  What qualifies as a "regular"?    In the end it might diminish my work since I'm giving discounts.    I do have a lot of regulars,  but if someone books me  once a week do they get a discount while the regular who books  once a month doesn't?     What about the "irregular regular"  lol.

I think it is a "slippery slope"?    Thoughts?       Maybe throw the regular a bone occasionally.... or "boner".  ha

Nobody else needs to know what kind of arrangement do you have with him and therefore they will never find out if you give him a discount.

I agree with those who wisely said never to give a discount but I would consider doing it if he hires you once a week. The fact the keeps on bringing it up makes me wonder if that's a condition for your relationship to go on or not... Maybe he's just cheap... 

 

Edited September 24, 2023 by marylander1940

[ICTJOCK]

36 minutes ago, Vin_Marco said:

There are  many many ways to show your appreciation, gratitude, and giving back to people that have been good to you... I don't know that starting a thread on "discounts" will equally please folks.... I do believe in getting even with those that have ever helped me, they're the only ones I ever want to get even with.   I always say the beginning of all blessings is gratitude and that's coming from an extremely non religious person too 😉

Hey Danny, a thread on this topic is right on the”money (so to speak).  We get the discussion on alternatives, which is awesome as we get a conversation on how to reward regular clients, which is probably more prudent.  I’m liking this discussion!

[dbar123]

For regulars you are always better off adding value vs. subtracting price.

Make the session longer or go out of your way to do something more special or unique for that client. An escort that I used to see started wearing a harness out of the blue which was a real turn on. Maybe introduce shibari or some other skill into your session. Bring food and eat it off him. The possibilities are endless.

[ICTJOCK]

1 minute ago, dbar123 said:

For regulars you are always better off adding value vs. subtracting price.

Make the session longer or go out of your way to do something more special or unique for that client. An escort that I used to see started wearing a harness out of the blue which was a real turn on. Maybe introduce shibari or some other skill into your session. Bring food and eat it off him. The possibilities are endless.

Well said, some great ideas!

[Mr.E]

I think asking for a discount shows a lack of class as well as putting a provider in an awkward position if he's not of mind to offer one. if he says yes, he accepts devaluing his services. If he says no he risks losing a client. Any discounts or extras should be at the discretion of the provider.

Edited September 24, 2023 by Mr.E

[ICTJOCK]

5 minutes ago, Mr.E said:

I think asking for a discount show a lack of class as well as putting a provider in an awkward position if he's not of mind to offer one. if he says yes, he accepts devaluing his services. If he says no he risks losing a client. Any discounts or extras should be at the discretion of the provider.

I like this, thank you!

[JamesB]

In my humble opinion, it's simply good business practice to acknowledge and appreciate your loyal customers. Neglecting them might open the door for competing providers to step in. However, it's worth noting that offering reduced rates may not always be the most effective approach. It's the provider's responsibility to understand their clients individually and determine the most suitable way to show appreciation for each one.

[DWnyc]

Whenever this comes up I wonder if some forget that the hobby is ultimately a business transaction, not some elaborate social ritual where need to question m what is “classy” or not etc 

Surely both sides in a negotiation would seek what is best for them, keeping market realities but also some basic practices for fair play in mind, eg

- not pressuring the other side using any leverage they may have

- not acting unilaterally or at the last minute

- always giving the other side a chance to accept/decline a proposal or to negotiate further

That applies to providers and clients equally - so a provider should never have to justify his right not to leave anything on the table that the market allows him to have (earn)

I can see sensitivity on fees if, for instance, I was employing a family member or friend, or if the work came through a sensitive referral. But surely the client provider relationship we discuss here is free of all that - and either side can walk away without anyone else being involved. 

Capitalism enables the hobby in the first place. Since when did capitalism also include a prohibition on revising terms through mutual agreement or seeking improved options for either or both parties? 

And, if a provider can maintain revenue (or doesn’t mind a revenue hit with the long term in mind) - we can have discussions on devaluing service etc and prices that never change under any circumstances etc but again this is business, not about self-worth. 

 

[soloyo215]

8 hours ago, ICTJOCK said:

So I have a particular regular client who occasionally "hints" about the desire to get a discount since he is a regular.  I don't dismiss the idea,  but am a little reluctant.

Do any other escorts here give regulars a discount?    If I give one a discount,   I'd feel the need the "give all"  to be fair.  What qualifies as a "regular"?    In the end it might diminish my work since I'm giving discounts.    I do have a lot of regulars,  but if someone books me  once a week do they get a discount while the regular who books  once a month doesn't?     What about the "irregular regular"  lol.

I think it is a "slippery slope"?    Thoughts?       Maybe throw the regular a bone occasionally.... or "boner".  ha

I'm a client. This is just my opinion and view of that. As a client, especially if I see my provider regularly, I should know better than asking for discount, knowing well, (a) the line of work we are talking about, (b) the fact that providers (at least some, I'm sure not all) depend on the service that they provide to make a living, and (c) it's not that the escorting profession has a 401k, health insurance or benefits packages. I am sensitive to the nature of this line of work. Also, I am well aware not to bother calling any provider if I cannot afford him.

One of my masseurs, however, offered me a discount for a second session after I had the first. he was actually my very first provider. I didn't see that as a regular, ongoing thing. I saw it for what it was, a one-time offer to build loyalty, just like other businesses do. Also that was not an escort, it was a masseur.

I think you are right about it being a slippery slope. Who's to say that he will not continue demanding more discounts, free sessions, or other "perks"? And how do we know that if you do that with just him, that he will keep it quiet? Personally I find that insensitive and somewhat distasteful. This is your business and as a business man, your rates should be respected. We take them, negotiate beforehand, or leave them. But asking for some kind of loyalty discount, doesn't sound right to me.

[+ KensingtonHomo]

1 hour ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

Discounting, no.

Keeping your longtime clients at a lower rate as your standard rate increases, more appropriate.  

This is what I've most experienced and appreciated from providers we see regularly. Either keeping the price the same when they're charging new clients more or not watching the clock as closely, e.g. letting an hour-long massage session go into 1:15 or coming over for 2 hours and staying 2.5. And we tip a bit more in those instances. 

[+ KensingtonHomo]

6 minutes ago, soloyo215 said:

One of my masseurs, however, offered me a discount for a second session after I had the first. he was actually my very first provider. I didn't see that as a regular, ongoing thing. I saw it for what it was, a one-time offer to build loyalty, just like other businesses do. Also that was not an escort, it was a masseur.

Yes, I've seen this not only among masseurs I see but also masseurs advertising lack a package rate (3 massages for X price). I suspect they're trying to drum up business like any service provider. 

[ICTJOCK]

29 minutes ago, KensingtonHomo said:

This is what I've most experienced and appreciated from providers we see regularly. Either keeping the price the same when they're charging new clients more or not watching the clock as closely, e.g. letting an hour-long massage session go into 1:15 or coming over for 2 hours and staying 2.5. And we tip a bit more in those instances. 

I always value your opinion.  Makes sense!

[+ purplekow]

When I first finished my residency, I was working running a residency program.  The hospital allowed me to have a small practice out of my hospital office and supplied me a single exam room.  One of the first patients I saw was an elderly Italian woman who was about 4 11 , 80 pounds and dressed in all black.  She was clean but her clothes were threadbare and her shoes were well worn.  After the visit, she asked me what the fee was.  I did not have a receptionist nor secretary at the time.  And though she was old she did not qualify for Medicare.  I initially told her there would be no fee.  I was not depending on this practice for anything significant financially and her appearance made it seem as though she needed the money more than I did.  She insisted that she pay something, so I told her ten dollars.  She seemed skeptical but ultimately said alright.  With that she opened a battered pocketbook and took out a thick wad of $100 bills.  She must have had $5000 in cash and she asked if I had change.   I did not and eventually I had to spend time getting the bill broken down to smaller bills.  

She said she was quite pleased with our encounter but that she would not be coming back.  When I asked why she said something to the effect:  If you do not value your time and your expertise professionally, how good can the service be?  I want to see a doctor who knows what his work is worth. 

Over the many years of practice, I did take that opinion somewhat to heart, but when I was going to do something nice financially for a patient, usually an uninsured patient,  I always told them, the usual fee and then would tell them that I so appreciated their trust in me that I would like to give them a discount, if they were comfortable with that.   Most would thank me, a few would refuse and occasionally, one would ask that I put that money on the side and use it for a patient that needed the help more than they did.    When that happened, and I eventually told the recipient of that gift, pay it forward,  why they were being given a discount, they were uniformly appreciative.  

I know the services that the escorts here supply are discretionary and so there is not an exact parallel, but the old Italian lady's advice is just as valid.  Know what your work is worth.  The client who appears to need a break may not.  That may be a large roll of 100 dollar bills in his pants and not just that he is glad to see you.  

Edited September 25, 2023 by purplekow

[+ azdr0710]

don't discount, but offer lunch/dinner one day, or make the meeting longer, or offer a nice birthday/Xmas present, etc., etc........perhaps grandfather him in at the same rate for perpetuity.... 

[+ nycman]

 

I agree with the other suggestions to make your client feel "valued".

And that can easily be done without discounting yourself.

[KeepItReal]

21 hours ago, ICTJOCK said:

So I have a particular regular client who occasionally "hints" about the desire to get a discount since he is a regular.  I don't dismiss the idea,  but am a little reluctant.

Do any other escorts here give regulars a discount?    If I give one a discount,   I'd feel the need the "give all"  to be fair.  What qualifies as a "regular"?    In the end it might diminish my work since I'm giving discounts.    I do have a lot of regulars,  but if someone books me  once a week do they get a discount while the regular who books  once a month doesn't?     What about the "irregular regular"  lol.

I think it is a "slippery slope"?    Thoughts?       Maybe throw the regular a bone occasionally.... or "boner".  ha

There are reasons why my two regulars enjoy spending time with me. It may be mostly about the rate I am willing to pay for their time.  I am also low drama (discount requests count as drama). Never try to short change them (no discount requests). Adjust rates upwards every other year (again, no discounts). Annual Christmas bonus, even if it isn't a huge amount. Always treat them better than I would want to be treated. 

It is a slippery slope. I'm sure alternative arrangements can work, but I learned long ago that they don't work for me. Keep it simple stud.