A naive question about up-sells

[Exploritor]

I'm sure it's tricky to answer this publicly, so please feel free to DM me, but I need to ask.

How do upsells work?  Do they offer services before you get there?  Are you mid-massage, and there's a sudden offer?  Do they bluntly say, "For another $, I can ___ for you."

I might not be hot enough.  I don't know.  But I haven't been up-sold yet, so curious how it happens.  Was I supposed to make an offer to them?

[+ Nyctravelers]

For me, it has always come at some point during the massage. 

[+ JamesB]

It’s up to the provider when the upsell happens, if it happens at all. Some do it before the session starts, but most will bring it up in the middle of the session, which I really dislike because, in my opinion, it kills the mood.

[panpanda]

The providers will usually bring it up either before or during the session. Most of the time, I hate having to keep track of how much extra a service is going to cost, so if I get any hint of upsell, then I tell them sorry, I'm not the right client for you.

Edited October 29, 2024 by panpanda

[+ Jamie21]

I never upsell. I think it’s bad practice to do so, especially during the massage. I think you agree the content and the rate beforehand and stick to it. Offering an upsell mid massage is taking advantage of someone when they probably aren’t able or willing to decline it. If someone asks for more services mid massage (and it’s something I’d usually charge extra for, such as to bottom) then I usually suggest they book that for next visit. 

[+ Mplsgymguy]

I’ve experienced this with only one provider. The massage began with me naked and facedown on the table and the very muscular masseur in T-shirt and shorts. In the first few minutes of the massage, provider kept touching my butt and inner thighs in a way that was getting me aroused, so I said I thought he’d be naked also, whereupon he told me that would be an extra charge. I don’t remember the amount now, but it was little enough that I agreed. He undressed and then, after I turned over onto my back, he kept putting his fairly large penis close to my face. I reached up to take hold of it, but he said that would be another charge, too. So, apart from a routine HE, that was the end of that.

[+ Kevin Eagle]

I never upsell as it is definitely a mood killer. I hated it as a client (but still took the options!) It's not a problem if the rates are upfront, but not during the massage

[DunwoodyGuy]

Upselling in the middle of a session is an old and despicable practice, as old as, well, the oldest profession. The client is in a vulnerable state, having been relaxed and aroused, and any practitioner who takes advantage of that moment to weasel more money out of the client is, very simply, a thief.

[pubic_assistance]

15 hours ago, DunwoodyGuy said:

Upselling in the middle of a session is an old and despicable practice, as old as, well, the oldest profession. The client is in a vulnerable state, having been relaxed and aroused, and any practitioner who takes advantage of that moment to weasel more money out of the client is, very simply, a thief.

Perhaps.

I have a different viewpoint.

You're there for a MASSAGE.  If you haven't discussed anything other than a massage it's reasonable once you're rock hard, cock dripping for them to ask " you want me to finish you ? "

If you already agreed to a Happy Ending and the provider starts offering blowjobs or more...than yeah..that's a buzz kill..but I don't just assume an ejaculation is included in my price.

[Simon Suraci]

I don’t like upselling either, from a client standpoint or as a masseur on the other side. I do think it’s ok to charge more for a higher level of service, but only at the client request for more, not in the heat of the moment after the masseur has intentionally aroused the client. The client and masseur should discuss higher rates after the session for the client to consider calmly and carefully before booking for more services next time. That’s the difference between a likely repeat/regular and a one-and-done client. 

Then of course the masseur could be more generous in his offerings included in his regular pricing, such as working nude and allowing mutual touch. Assuming his base rates are reasonable, I see this as a good value-added proposition. Nobody should be expected to do this, it’s just nice when they do. Nickel and diming the client is annoying for both parties. Kills the mood.

I prefer to split service rates cleanly between massage with whatever extras I include as standard, and a higher rate for full service, if the client requests it ahead. No “touch my dick and it’s this much more”, then “put your mouth on it and it’s this much more”. Come on. Either do it or don’t. You’re not a stripper twerking for tips.

[Quiet]

28 minutes ago, Simon Suraci said:

I don’t like upselling either, from a client standpoint or as a masseur on the other side. I do think it’s ok to charge more for a higher level of service, but only at the client request for more, not in the heat of the moment after the masseur has intentionally aroused the client. The client and masseur should discuss higher rates after the session for the client to consider calmly and carefully before booking for more services next time. That’s the difference between a likely repeat/regular and a one-and-done client. 

Then of course the masseur could be more generous in his offerings included in his regular pricing, such as working nude and allowing mutual touch. Assuming his base rates are reasonable, I see this as a good value-added proposition. Nobody should be expected to do this, it’s just nice when they do. Nickel and diming the client is annoying for both parties. Kills the mood.

I prefer to split service rates cleanly between massage with whatever extras I include as standard, and a higher rate for full service, if the client requests it ahead. No “touch my dick and it’s this much more”, then “put your mouth on it and it’s this much more”. Come on. Either do it or don’t. You’re not a stripper twerking for tips.

As always, Simon provides the most appropriate response. Such a class act. 

[Rambles]

I’ve only had it happen to me once, about 15 minutes into the massage at a semi-professional establishment. He stated a price and vaguely described what it would entail. This was while he honed in on my glutes and inner thighs. I was clearly uncomfortable with the convo and did not appreciate it happening while I was trying to relax. But I was also super pent up. I talked him down and he took off his clothes. We exchanged bjs, he rimmed, and f* me. It was a fun time, but I kind of regret it as I originally paid for a massage and didn’t really get one. He then told me that I was the best he’s had in a while, gave me his number, and asked me to text him. I felt like he basically wanted to f* me, so he propositioned, and got paid to do it. Next time I’ll just get the massage and go on grinder after. 

[Bokomaru]

I’ve had mixed experiences. When booking I always say therapeutic massage. But I often get aroused and at the end have gotten the awkward question, “Is there anything else I can do for you?” Nope. I’m relaxed. Thanks and good-bye. 
 

But sometimes they will subtly approach it with touch and not even ask. In that case I’ve never been up charged. But of course you end up paying via tip anyway. 
 

My experience may be different than others because I’m probably a bit younger than the  average client and I’m in decent shape. 

[+ Jamie21]

I use the low cost airline pricing strategy for up selling: I’ve got a rate marker tottood on my cock. First inch inside is £50. Want the next inch? That’s another £40. Next is a further £40…Balls deep the total comes to £330 (those who paid attention in maths class will be working out my size)….

Once it’s in then I ask how many thrusts the client wants. They can buy the Platinum service (£100 for unlimited thrusts) or package of 20 thrusts for £5. The final pull out is free. If they want to change position then that’s like buying a new ticket: they need to pay by the inch again. 

If I’m bottoming I don’t charge by the inch (it wouldn’t maximise income from less well endowed clients…and if I find someone with 12 inches then he’s welcome to use them all for a flat rate tbh). 
 

 

[pubic_assistance]

1 hour ago, Rambles said:

He then told me that I was the best he’s had in a while, gave me his number, and asked me to text him. I felt like he basically wanted to f* me, so he propositioned, and got paid to do it.

Me luv u very much.....

[BaronArtz]

1 hour ago, Bokomaru said:

I’ve had mixed experiences. When booking I always say therapeutic massage. But I often get aroused and at the end have gotten the awkward question, “Is there anything else I can do for you?” Nope. I’m relaxed. Thanks and good-bye. 
 

But sometimes they will subtly approach it with touch and not even ask. In that case I’ve never been up charged. But of course you end up paying via tip anyway. 
 

My experience may be different than others because I’m probably a bit younger than the  average client and I’m in decent shape. 

Interesting!  That comes very close to my own experience hiring masseurs in NYC for the last 20 years.

I always ask for a sensual or sensual/erotic combo.  With the exception of only 1 provider, no one has asked me for an upsell.

I do not go in a first meeting with a detailed script.  I let the guy take the lead as to where he wants to take it.  It can be as simple as feeling his tongue probing my ass - with enthusiasm .  Another guy took two breaths and lowered himself on my erection, then rode me to completion.  A recent example is a guy who took my hand and inserted my middle finger into his hole - for starters.  When that happens, I do tip well.  Usually 109 above what the massage asking price was.

When the first experience is positive, I like to give the guys repeat business.  That way, it is sort of 'understood' between us what the deal is and it is understood what I am paying.  

I am not saying that my approach is the best, but it is working very well for me.

 

[+ ApexNomad]

28 minutes ago, Jamie21 said:

I use the low cost airline pricing strategy for up selling: I’ve got a rate marker tottood on my cock. First inch inside is £50. Want the next inch? That’s another £40. Next is a further £40…Balls deep the total comes to £330 (those who paid attention in maths class will be working out my size)….

Once it’s in then I ask how many thrusts the client wants. They can buy the Platinum service (£100 for unlimited thrusts) or package of 20 thrusts for £5. The final pull out is free. If they want to change position then that’s like buying a new ticket: they need to pay by the inch again. 

If I’m bottoming I don’t charge by the inch (it wouldn’t maximise income from less well endowed clients…and if I find someone with 12 inches then he’s welcome to use them all for a flat rate tbh). 
 

 

It’s a Friday Jamie, you can’t be throwing out math problems on us. I thought we were your friends. For the mathematically impaired, that’s 8 inches. I didn’t calculate the thrusts, but I do appreciate the complimentary pull out.  😘

[+ Jamie21]

12 minutes ago, ApexNomad said:

It’s a Friday Jamie, you can’t be throwing out math problems on us. I thought we were your friends. For the mathematically impaired, that’s 8 inches. I didn’t calculate the thrusts, but I do appreciate the complimentary pull out.  😘

Yeah I figured that if I charge for the pull out, and he’s run out of money at that point then we have an impasse 😳. Happy Friday friends 😘

[+ ApexNomad]

12 minutes ago, Jamie21 said:

Yeah I figured that if I charge for the pull out, and he’s run out of money at that point then we have an impasse 😳. Happy Friday friends 😘

For you, an impasse. For him, an extended stay. 😉 

[pubic_assistance]

1 hour ago, BaronArtz said:

I let the guy take the lead as to where he wants to take it.

 

1 hour ago, BaronArtz said:

When the first experience is positive, I like to give the guys repeat business. 

 

 

I completely concur.

I hate starting out with a scripted encounter. 
Let the provider do his thing...see where it goes. If you enjoy his company/ looks/ general vibe...then TIP WELL, hire him again and continue to do so and see where that friendly business relationship can take you. Conversation about sexual fantasies is always more comfortable with someone after you've established yourself as a GOOD PAYING customer.

[JayinHKNYC]

@Jamie21, thank you for the end-of-week humor.

One of my "favorite" experiences of this sort ended up with me making a joke of it was a spa on 10th Avenue and 47th/48th Street in NYC where the masseurs were primarily Russian. I was only expecting a good, deep massage, and maybe a basic HJ for an HE. The masseur started asking me 15 minutes in if I wanted more... when I asked what he meant, I'm not exaggerating when he started listing $25 to take his shirt off, $25 to take his shorts off (underwear still on), $50 to take his underwear off (no touching), $50 to touch his privates, $50 for me to get an HE, so I just went ahead and asked how much to blow him ($150). I asked if any of this was cumulative though I knew I wasn't going to go there, and when he said no, all individual charges, I laid there, still on my stomach, and did the math quickly, and said plus the $75 massage for the house, that would be about $425. He said yes. I told him just to finish the massage.

[guyfouryou]

Yep had it happen a few times and usually don't repeat but several years ago the masseur offered an extra i very much wanted with him. His base rate was low so I assumed it would be purely therapeutic. Nevermind I had to check my wallet to see if I had the cash on me lol. I ended up seeing him many times after, was a regular for years until he moved.  So I guess it CAN work out sometimes. 😝

[+ nycman]

I seriously hate mid-stroke upsells. Charge whatever you want. Offer whatever service you want. I don’t care. Just make it clear up front. Any attempt at up-selling during the massage will quickly lead to me saying "no thanks, I’m good" followed by my immediately getting dressed and leaving, never to return.

I go into every massage with ZERO expectations. A happy ending is nice. And it’s likely to result in a large tip and a repeat customer…but it’s never expected. I have had massage therapists discretely mention after the massage that more options are available during the next visit at a higher price, if I’m interested. I have no problem with that straight forward approach.

Surprise "money up front" demands and mid-massage up sells are both dick killers. 

Edited November 5, 2024 by nycman

[GHart]

On 11/1/2024 at 12:53 PM, Jamie21 said:

I use the low cost airline pricing strategy for up selling: I’ve got a rate marker tottood on my cock. First inch inside is £50. Want the next inch? That’s another £40. Next is a further £40…Balls deep the total comes to £330 (those who paid attention in maths class will be working out my size)….

Once it’s in then I ask how many thrusts the client wants. They can buy the Platinum service (£100 for unlimited thrusts) or package of 20 thrusts for £5. The final pull out is free. If they want to change position then that’s like buying a new ticket: they need to pay by the inch again. 

If I’m bottoming I don’t charge by the inch (it wouldn’t maximise income from less well endowed clients…and if I find someone with 12 inches then he’s welcome to use them all for a flat rate tbh). 
 

 

This reminds me of the time I lived in Russia. The first time I ordered a glass of wine at a cafe, I was asked, “How many milliliters?” I responded, “Just one glass.” My answer was insufficient. I quickly got in the habit of requesting “Сто восемьдесят миллилитров.”

[+ Lucky]

Recently on W. 72d St. I went for a pedicure advertised outside the place as $56 including a 20 minute massage. I got my shoes off and put them in the empty foot bin when the person assigned to me brought over a menu of (higher) prices. I said I wanted the advertised massage and price. She actually denied that such an ad was out front. So socks came back on as she came down in price but I thought her lying finished my interest.

Interestingly enough, a Black man came in wanting either a pedicure or a manicure and they turned him down. Not enough staff, they said, despite my freeing up one of them. I followed the Black man outside to see that he has a car and driver awaiting him. I wonder how they happened to pick that place.