Do providers generally appreciate advance booking?

[bbbzhong]

Hello,
I travel a fair bit - mostly work trips that I often stretch into a little leisure - in places like LA, NY, and Chicago. When I’m hoping to see a provider, I’d much rather arrange something ahead of time so I can plan around meetings and flights.

The thing is, most of my early, polite inquiries never get a response. It makes me wonder if the norm is more “reach out in the moment” than “book days out.”

Is that just how this world works? Or am I missing a key bit of etiquette here? I’m genuinely curious because I’d rather be respectful than clueless.

Thanks for any perspective.

[NYXboy]

I'm thinking it probably depends on how far in advance you are reaching out to them.

I also travel a bit for work, and often check out what is on offer in the city I am heading to. I think a weeks notice is good - I message by text 'hey saw your profile, I will be in town next week, a bit about me - I am (insert height/weight/age/sexual position). do you have any time between Wednesday-Friday that works for you, and can you let me know your rates?" 

I have a lot of success with this formula. I think if you reach out with 'hello how are you?" then they reply and find out you are not looking until next month, they move on to people who are require more immediate attention.  It's best to put it all out there upfront. If I don't get a reply for a day or two, I can move on to my next preference. 

[williamv]

I always give at least a 24 hour notice and send $100 deposit. Any reputable provider will honor the commitment or reimburse you if he cannot accommodate.

[+ Jamie21]

Yes, book in advance. I’ve someone booked for next May! That’s extreme. If you leave it to ‘hey are you available today?’ I probably reply with ‘sorry I’m busy’ because I plan things ahead. I’ll probably have someone booked, or another commitment. Last minute rarely works. Last minute clients are usually flaky anyway; they haven’t mentally committed to it, it’s a whim. ‘Hey, free now / next hour or so’ is a big red flag. 

[jeezifonly]

The business practices around advance booking are as widely varied as the meaning of 8"

Ask. If they give no option for advance commitment to perform, you can cast them as an understudy. 

[Becket]

One provider told me that advance bookings, for him anyway, have about a 75% cancellation rate. He much preferred same day bookings.

[jmichaeliii]

I find its mixed depending on the provider.  When I travel for work I like to try and book several weeks before so I have something thats close to a sure thing.  

That also gives me a chance to see if I have a good vibe with the provider beforehand or should just move on.  I just booked something in CA for early November and it took several tries to find someone I believe was really interested in my business.

[56harrisond]

 

[Simon Suraci]

YES