Making Money On The Road

[Rudynate]

On 10/18/2024 at 6:56 AM, JamesB said:

 

This might not work as well as one may think. Personally, I don't reach out to traveling providers until they’re actually in my city. I’ve learned not to waste time on “traveling” providers who don’t end up making the trip. I’m sure I’m not the only one who does it this way.

True - I have booked with travelers who ended up canceling because they didn't book enough business to make the trip worthwhile.

[Rudynate]

On 10/18/2024 at 1:45 PM, Simon Suraci said:

@TAMPAMUSCLEDAD I’m a masseur (and escort) based in San Diego. I travel to other US cities about 1/3 of the year, over the course of a few trips lasting 3-6 weeks each, sometimes a week or a few days for nearby cities in the southwest and west coast.

You’re a masseur only. That means you need to travel with a table. No self respecting masseur will offer bed-only massages. It makes for a poor client experience and it’s tough on your body, not to mention it screams unprofessionalism.

So, that means air travel is out. Any standard table will not fit the dimension limitations for checking a bag, and if the airline will take it, it’s pricey to check. Nevermind any other equipment or supplies such as a towel warmer or large quantities of oil, or all the linens you need. Oh and by the way your regular travel bag with clothes, toiletries and essentials.

Then there’s ground transportation. Rideshares, shuttles, and taxis are expensive. Public transportation is incredibly inconvenient, slow, and unpleasant in most places (if available at all).

Frankly, to do the traveling masseur correctly and profitably, air travel is simply impractical. You have to drive. Having a car saves you time, money, gives you space, convenience, flexibility, and reliability. Shop for groceries using your car whenever you need them rather than paying a premium to eat out. Spend money on cheap gas in many parts of the country. For me, almost anywhere is less expensive than my home city in CA. Airfare is not only more expensive, it takes loads of time getting to/from the airport, security, and buffer time, lines, waiting, and not to mention air traffic delays. At that point, you would have already made it to your destination just driving.

Select your travel cities wisely. Determine these on several factors like overall metro area population, amount of relative competition / market saturation, demand for your skills and looks, geography, distance from your home city and/or distance from other cities on your circuit, time of year, special events, holidays, etc. and last but not least, existing client base in those cities.

There is always some risk in visiting a new city. Even cities you’ve done well in before can be less profitable if you visit at the wrong time. For Austin, that’s roughly June-August but March-May is great. For Buffalo, the bad times are roughly October-April. Every city is different and it takes some trial and error. Canvassing cannot predict what you will make. It only frustrates clients and those who book ahead cancel and change plans last minute anyway. You can’t avoid the need to take educated, calculated risks. Boots on the ground, accommodations costs paid. Miles driven. There is no other way. 

Space your city dates to give yourself enough time to make decent money, but not too much time to run out of work. Clients lose interest if you’re there for too long. When you’re slow, spend less time in that city or skip it next time. I find a week is a good sweet spot; it gives clients a variety of day/time options to fit with their availability. Give yourself a full day between cities for driving. It’s not uncommon to drive for 4-8 hrs between cities. I shoot for around 6 hours assuming a 9am checkout and a 3pm check in, disregarding any time zone changes. Don’t take clients on your travel day. You need the rest. It gives you an opportunity to get groceries after you arrive, and a good couple of hours to set up, unrushed. Then unwind and get to be early for a good night of sleep. Any traffic delays or road closures will not matter because you’re not trying to rush into town to make an unrealistic 4:00pm client appointment on your first night. Don’t do that to yourself or your clients. Take the rest so you will be ready to start fresh the next morning, no stress, no rushing, no overpromising, or under delivering.

Advertise travel prior to your arrival, but not too soon. A month is too much, in my experience. You spend way too much time fielding inquiries for times that you are not advertising for (because clients don’t read the ad or travel dates). Or they see you around for weeks and take you for granted or get bored and move on to the next new face. Or overthink booking you and never book. Or they can’t plan that far ahead. Or their plans change and they more frequently need to cancel or change their appointment with you. So many reasons why too much notice is a bad thing.

Advertising only a day ahead is too little. Few people will see and respond to your ad that quickly. By that point you don’t have your first couple days booked up yet and you don’t want to waste precious work time (for which you’re spending a lot of overhead) sitting around waiting for clients to text. 1-2 weeks is the sweet spot IMHO. It’s enough time for your clients to see you before you arrive and waffle about reaching out, and they have enough notice to plan around their lives. Then there are the people who will not reach out until after you are in town, no matter how open or flexible their schedules are. They are jaded by canvassing masseurs flaking on them because the masseur decided not to make the trip. Also some clients have good old fashioned poor planning skills, impulsivity, or only find a time pop up short notice that he couldn’t have planned for if he wanted to based on his family or jobs or whatever. This is why you have to actually GO to a city, not just attempt to gauge interest from afar.

Accommodations are tricky. You need to have the right combination of convenient location, [perceived] safe location, free/convenient parking, and level of quality to attract the clients you’re going for. Motel 6 on the outskirts of town won’t cut it. Neither will the Ritz in the center of downtown. That’s why I rent short term units, usually houses, sometimes other types. I can find the right balance of cost, convenience, and quality that way. Also: private dedicated laundry! Which you need if you’re soiling six clients worth of linens per day. Find what works for you. If it’s too expensive, skip that area or that city. Let the economics of the thing drive your decisions. At the end of the day, you need to make money. If you’re spending a dollar to make only a dollar back, that’s free labor you’re offering.

You’re right. Overhead is high. It’s difficult to make a profit traveling. I make a profit by doing high volume, often 5-6 clients a day. I escort too, so that boosts my income and makes it more realistic. I might do 0-2 escort appointments per day, and 4-6 massages a day. That’s a LOT of work, typically spanning over 13-16 hrs a day. You can’t make this model work taking only a couple massage clients per day. Volume is where it’s at. Select the right cities, the right times, the right accommodations, and your clients will line up to see you. Trial and error. See what sticks.

Do your research. Ask around. Book. Then hit the road!

 

Wow!! You could teach this model at a business school.

[TallMuscl37]

On 10/22/2024 at 10:23 AM, Rudynate said:

True - I have booked with travelers who ended up canceling because they didn't book enough business to make the trip worthwhile.

So going back to that: I know there’s a general understanding that a provider shouldn’t stay too long in a visiting area, which can be true: however, my experience has shown some cities are okay for quick ins and outs, whereas others it takes staying there days, even weeks and months to get people to notice or initiate. It can take practically moving there.

St. Louis was an example: I used to try to stop thru there years ago and never seen anyone each time. Once I started visiting for longer and never imagined moving there, I began meeting more locals, crossing paths with others from elsewhere, (then it went back to sucking this year) etc.

San Francisco, New Orleans on the other hand: have been okay for quickie visits. Maybe the touristy nature.

Washington DC has also shown me I’ve had to hang around for days also, to book stuff. Of course not always in the form of booking hotels, as it would be a waste of money quickly. I’d catch friends there for conventions and then after 3-4 days get the ball going.

Florida: my home state can suck to tour also, but living there over 2 years I began to meet more people. Traveling Orlando and Miami it can take awhile to find the right people. Many clients in Florida are terrified of being scammed, or even scammers themselves. I no longer tour there EVER unless I have good reason to do so: which hasn’t been since 2021.

I think it’s just the reality, not all clients are looking or available during the specific times we arrive. I actually believe 2-4 days just isn’t enough time anywhere anymore FOR ME particularly. Even though, I will only spend a day or 2 just to save money. But I wish I could stay longer. I beat myself up staying in Minneapolis for only 3 nights last month. But I couldn’t afford to stay longer unless I wanted to burn my earnings. And then 3 people inquiring to book on my last day, didn’t. So I was like Fuck it, I’m leaving.. at 9 p.m. at night 😤 when I really didn’t want to. That’s why I try to go places where I can sideline until I get the bookings going. Or prebook before going.

But not encouraged I can go back to booking rooms 2-3 days straight, only to freak out by day 2 if anyone doesn’t show up. Too risky. Clients might not like but, oh well. Write to the politicians or board of hoteliers about it. A room shouldn’t cost $150-$200 for one person. Charge the 1 person less. Let the dual income guests, pay full price 🤷🏾‍♂️ 

Edited October 24, 2024 by Jarrod_Uncut

[Rudynate]

6 hours ago, Jarrod_Uncut said:

So going back to that: I know there’s a general understanding that a provider shouldn’t stay too long in a visiting area, which can be true: however, my experience has shown some cities are okay for quick ins and outs, whereas others it takes staying there days, even weeks and months to get people to notice or initiate. It can take practically moving there.

St. Louis was an example: I used to try to stop thru there years ago and never seen anyone each time. Once I started visiting for longer and never imagined moving there, I began meeting more locals, crossing paths with others from elsewhere, (then it went back to sucking this year) etc.

San Francisco, New Orleans on the other hand: have been okay for quickie visits. Maybe the touristy nature.

Washington DC has also shown me I’ve had to hang around for days also, to book stuff. Of course not always in the form of booking hotels, as it would be a waste of money quickly. I’d catch friends there for conventions and then after 3-4 days get the ball going.

Florida: my home state can suck to tour also, but living there over 2 years I began to meet more people. Traveling Orlando and Miami it can take awhile to find the right people. Many clients in Florida are terrified of being scammed, or even scammers themselves. I no longer tour there EVER unless I have good reason to do so: which hasn’t been since 2021.

I think it’s just the reality, not all clients are looking or available during the specific times we arrive. I actually believe 2-4 days just isn’t enough time anywhere anymore FOR ME particularly. Even though, I will only spend a day or 2 just to save money. But I wish I could stay longer. I beat myself up staying in Minneapolis for only 3 nights last month. But I couldn’t afford to stay longer unless I wanted to burn my earnings. And then 3 people inquiring to book on my last day, didn’t. So I was like Fuck it, I’m leaving.. at 9 p.m. at night 😤 when I really didn’t want to. That’s why I try to go places where I can sideline until I get the bookings going. Or prebook before going.

But no way in heaven or hell will I go back to booking rooms 2-3 days straight, and going crazy by day 2 because nobody shows up. Too risky. Clients might not like but, oh well. Write to the politicians or board of hoteliers about it. A room shouldn’t cost $150-$200 for one person. Charge the 1 person less. Let the dual income guests, pay full price 🤷🏾‍♂️ 

I understood why he had to back out - It was the kind of scene you have complained about from time to time - he thought he had booked enough business to make the trip worthwhile,  most of them cancelled, so he had to cancel the trip if he didn't want to lose his ass. What I should have done was pay his expenses.  I have never seem myself as doing that, but it seems to be the only sure way to get who you want, where and when you want them.

[marylander1940]

On 10/22/2024 at 1:23 PM, Rudynate said:

True - I have booked with travelers who ended up canceling because they didn't book enough business to make the trip worthwhile.

Now at least they have a choice of canceling and keeping the money as a voucher in all major airlines.

 

[marylander1940]

On 10/16/2024 at 9:00 PM, Thelatin said:

I’m not exactly sure how it works.  But one of my regular providers basically flew for free?  His boyfriend or some such was a flight attendant etc.  Had a hookup that way, but was always had to wait for an open seat. 
 

And then if you have friends you can crash with in larger cities.  Maybe a travel companion etc.  

I'm sure flying for free happens but don't know how often and how many guys can do that. 

@TAMPAMUSCLEDAD

The best is having an anchor client who will fly you for an overnight or multiple hours appointment and stay on your own after. 

 

Edited October 24, 2024 by marylander1940

[marylander1940]

On 10/16/2024 at 9:46 PM, Wanderoz said:

The East Euro-Russo blueballer scammers & Asian Roulette guys are often sharing,  two to four in one room!  They divide hours amongst themselves for room use for clients.  

They use Google calendar. First come first served.

I know stories of two guys traveling together but I wouldn't recommend more than that.

[TallMuscl37]

13 hours ago, marylander1940 said:

I'm sure flying for free happens but don't know how often and how many guys can do that. 

@TAMPAMUSCLEDAD

The best is having an anchor client who will fly you for an overnight or multiple hours appointment and stay on your own after. 

 

Meh, even that isn’t any guarantee. In a perfect world yes, but flying out to meet a stranger in a new city can be A) beyond someone’s comfort zone and B) no guarantee you’ll find clients to pay the overnight or multi hour rate. Especially if you don’t know or never met the client: I would never suggest flying out or flying someone out. It could be a disaster, and then you’re stuck until the flight leaves.

I also know a porn daddy producer and he told me, he used to fly guys out to do performances but now: he waits for guys planning to come to the area and then schedules shoots. Simply because sex work isn’t as niche as it once was: everybody and their brother is doing and watching porn/some form of sex work. So it’s not the same profit margins.

What does work, as I’ve stated: plan visits strategically: make sure “inquiries” are putting forward money in the form of even a nominal deposit OR have a place of their own to host. It’s also great to “tour”, meaning hitting more than just 1 or 2 cities…so that way one can almost use the money made in one city, to fund the commute to the next city. And so on and so forth. And once I’m on the road, I’m less likely to cancel upcoming trips because the ball is already rolling. If I traveled from one state to another; it’s going to make it easier to get to the next one, if it’s only 4 hours away. 

[marylander1940]

6 hours ago, Jarrod_Uncut said:

Meh, even that isn’t any guarantee. In a perfect world yes, but flying out to meet a stranger in a new city can be A) beyond someone’s comfort zone and B) no guarantee you’ll find clients to pay the overnight or multi hour rate. Especially if you don’t know or never met the client: I would never suggest flying out or flying someone out. It could be a disaster, and then you’re stuck until the flight leaves.

I also know a porn daddy producer and he told me, he used to fly guys out to do performances but now: he waits for guys planning to come to the area and then schedules shoots. Simply because sex work isn’t as niche as it once was: everybody and their brother is doing and watching porn/some form of sex work. So it’s not the same profit margins.

What does work, as I’ve stated: plan visits strategically: make sure “inquiries” are putting forward money in the form of even a nominal deposit OR have a place of their own to host. It’s also great to “tour”, meaning hitting more than just 1 or 2 cities…so that way one can almost use the money made in one city, to fund the commute to the next city. And so on and so forth. And once I’m on the road, I’m less likely to cancel upcoming trips because the ball is already rolling. If I traveled from one state to another; it’s going to make it easier to get to the next one, if it’s only 4 hours away. 

As you can imagine the anchor (stranger) would pay a deposit at least just like you want others to do. That's better than flying out on your own.

Porno is not the business it used to be, plain and simple. Producers can't afford flying someone.

Why this insistence on the client hosting? Is commuting to someone by car/uber safter than hosting at your hotel/motel? Are outcalls less likely to be fake? 

Edited October 25, 2024 by marylander1940

[TallMuscl37]

5 hours ago, marylander1940 said:

As you can imagine the anchor (stranger) would pay a deposit at least just like you want others to do. That's better than flying out on your own.

Porno is not the business it used to be, plain and simple. Producers can't afford flying someone.

Why this insistence on the client hosting? Is commuting to someone by car/uber safter than hosting at your hotel/motel? Are outcalls less likely to be fake? 

Getting flown out may be 1 strategy for going to one particular city: however it’s not going to be something to rely on when traveling all the time. Many cities are within 200-300 miles of each other. Not necessarily worth buying doing a plane ticket and going thru all the hassle mentioned. Plus I can’t imagine many will fly someone out for an hour or 2. It would be an overnight most likely or few hours. That’s why I say it would be better if with someone previously met. 
 

Not to mention, no secret that flights usually have to be booked weeks ahead for a good deal. Meaning if anyone or anything comes up between that time, you’re left scrambling to cancel it.

I’ll say too: there’s no 1 way fits all when it comes down to touring. Someone can do the same strategy that worked for another, and it not work for them. Sometimes the season dictates success, or there’s stuff like election season that has people acting all kinds of weird vibes and shit. Sometimes just a whole city or state isn’t worth going to. Almost just have to take different strategies and build one that works for the individual. 

Edited October 25, 2024 by Jarrod_Uncut

[marylander1940]

8 minutes ago, Jarrod_Uncut said:

Getting flown out may be 1 strategy for going to one particular city: however it’s not going to be something to rely on when traveling all the time. Many cities are within 200-300 miles of each other. Not necessarily worth buying doing a plane ticket and going thru all the hassle mentioned. Plus I can’t imagine many will fly someone out for an hour or 2. It would be an overnight most likely or few hours. That’s why I say it would be better if with someone previously met. 
 

Not to mention, no secret that flights usually have to be booked weeks ahead for a good deal. Meaning if anyone or anything comes up between that time, you’re left scrambling to cancel it.

You travel to nearby cities by car. I guess mostly because of the area where you live even though you've been talking about moving for a long time.

Most guys I know in DC take the train to New York and fly everywhere else. 

You are accustomed to do a road trip most guys don't, they fly from A to B. 

[TallMuscl37]

59 minutes ago, marylander1940 said:

You travel to nearby cities by car. I guess mostly because of the area where you live even though you've been talking about moving for a long time.

Most guys I know in DC take the train to New York and fly everywhere else. 

You are accustomed to do a road trip most guys don't, they fly from A to B. 

Re: what I said in the post above yours…

I also never said I only travel to nearby cities. I was referencing one particular strategy, that would not involve having to fly somewhere. I’m in area 2 time zones away from where I normally reside…and I did not fly. 

Edited October 25, 2024 by Jarrod_Uncut