Clients, I need your input...

[JoeyBryant]

Was trying to think through a current situation right now and needed to know if some of you could help me figure out whats going on.

 

On the one hand, I just moved to San Antonio and its looking like a mistake. Contrary to my trip here last year, the demand for working guys is almost non-existant. It used to be I could put up an ad on one of the non-escort sites when things got slow in other cities but in this town, its obsolete. I thought that visiting here 3 times and staying for up to a week would give me somewhat of an idea of how things are. Now its just the opposite

 

On the other hand, I've spoken to friends in 3 other cities who are also saying hobbying is down for them around this time. Its unclear as to whether its just the month or the town or what. People also have different measures of busy and not busy...then there's dead, which is how it is over here.

 

I have another source of income, but this is definently a good part of that...when its busy. So I do want to keep this integrated with it. Unfortunently, it doesn't seem to be doing that here!

 

On to the question, need to know what you think are some of the better cities to go to, for someone like myself. Also, do you generally just stop all hobbying around this time of year? Feel free to even email me in private some suggestions. I don't want this thread to be confused as asking for pity or sympathy. Just would like to have some suggestions because returning to one of my previous bases is looking very likely at the moment. There is just nothing going right now and my hobby phone is just sitting here collecting dust. Its gone thru an entire billing cycle filled with nothing but corny texts and thats it. I know that it can be better than the way it is now.

[uwsman2]

re January

 

My impression from escorts I've known over the years is that January can be a slow month. For salaried guys who make enough to hire with any frequency, January is when federal tax withholding resumes and suddenly your take-home pay is reduced by several hundred dollars per pay period. (Those of us who earn above the rate base enjoy extra cash when tax withholding falls out, usually during the summer or fall through the end of the calender year.) So you have to adjust to less cash and some discretionary purchases get put on hold until you do.

 

And then, it just may be that San Antonio was a mistake. I've only been there a few times for conventions, and was disappointed to find that there were few escorts plying their trade in those parts - a signal that there is not enough local business to sustain the trade. You can't survive on convention/business visitors alone, since most won't be repeats, I imagine, and I'm told that real success as an escort in terms of the financial end comes from developing continuing relationships with clients.

 

The solution is either to pick a livelier home base, or to become a frequent traveler - but the latter is probably inconsistent with holding down another regular job, unless you're like George Clooney flying around to fire people.... )

[JoeyBryant]

Thanks Uwsman for going over what happens in January. You are correct though, there are quite a few who come in the area to visit. I guess I was mistaken by the intial number of calls I recieved during the first 2 times I came here, and was surprised that there was very little 'flaking' going on as compared to some other cities. Guess it was just a moment of glory, happy to see something other than the typical thats probably been rolling through here.

 

The locals here are mostly made up of those with Mexican heritage or stationed Military personnel. And its no secret that most of them are totally against what we do...not for it. They are coming off as unduly cheap and disrespectful to the profession. I ended up meeting the nicest guys from here during my visits, so its easy to believe why I did not pick up on that during the those times.

 

And like you said, the ones who are working here seem to be fly by night...here one day and gone the next. I just had to find out

 

In the meantime, I'll have to sit on this one. I was becoming quite established in Dallas so that'd be the quickest solution, but I want to check out 2 other cities first, maybe even just go back to Florida. Traveling would be great too, but at this point I don't see myself doing it any more than once a month, so not really considering it as a solution.

[josephga]

Iv heard Washington is a good area to be home based. Iv also hear Chicago is another great place. There's been a few over the years who have left Atlanta to move to Chicago.

[JoeyBryant]

Do you mean Washington DC, or Washington state? I think you mean DC right LOL?

 

I think Chicago is just too...big and spread apart. There's so many people there. And if people are moving from Atlanta to Chicago..thats more Black people in an already high Black city. Which means working even harder (in terms of advertising) than I would in a more balanced city.

 

I want to be like Denzel Washington in The Book of Eli. Where are you going? "West"

 

Now another place I went to was Boston, which is more compact and IMO easier to get around. Except there isn't 2.8 million people living there LOL.

 

I think up north would be great, but its just the winters (and autumns). People who never left Florida don't understand why its called the sunshine state til they realize its one of the few states that never stay overcast for more than 1-2 days at a time. I left almost 2 years ago and still havent gotten adjusted to this country's weather pattern.

 

Montreal and Toronto are also on my list (cold, I know) but they both seem like amazing places to visit and one of my friends bought a place up there. Won't know til I try though.

[BigK]

Tough Times

 

Firstly, I think the economy is really bad and advertising with a below market rate might yield some results.

 

Secondly, San Antonio is known for its low cost of living, and it's within driving distance to 2 other major Texas cities. Sounds like you already have a client base in Dallas. I'd test a regular schedule of a day or two a week in Dallas and Houston and see if you can fill your schedule that way. Good quality inexpensive hotels are available on priceline.

[josephga]

I think Toronto would be good too.

[+ purplekow]

After the X-mas buy binge that many go on, January is pay the bills month. A lot of discretionary income was used indiscreetly and so it takes a few months to get one's feet back on the ground. Don't make any hasty decisions. Would come up with an temporary plan, such as the local travel idea previously suggested, and wait and see. New Orleans is a nearby city with a paucity of good escorts. It may be worth a twice a month plunge.

[JoeyBryant]

The local travel idea sounds pretty good...but I just don't like it here enough that I'm willing to travel back and forth to Dallas or Houston. In that case, I might as well stayed in Dallas and just used this place as a get away place.

 

I know it seems like a hasty decision, but I tend to pick up on things rather quickly. I'm really not seeing myself here no longer than a few weeks, maybe even days. San Antonio can be a wonderful place to visit, and the Riverwalk is a great area of town, and thats it! Everyone comes with different things they are looking for.

 

If I compare San Antonio to Tampa, Florida...a city that I 'grew' to hate with a passion over the years I was growing up there, I would have picked Tampa by a long shot. Looking at it from here, I actually wish I was in Tampa Bay right now LOL. So to be in a town that I cant stand even more than the place I was raised...Whats the quickest way out?

[JoeyBryant]

Firstly, I think the economy is really bad and advertising with a below market rate might yield some results.

 

It would appear that would help, but unfortunently some people are set in their ways and have no desire to be generous. With those types, it doesn't matter if its $20 or $200. Certain groups are notorious for being cheapskates, so it wouldn't make a difference.

 

Another reason too I won't consider Chicago is because they're all full of shit up there. Whenever I see a 773 or someone on a4a from Chicago, I'm just like "here we go". No offense to anyone, but they are really full of it up there. They come all the way to Texas to get on our nerves.

[seeker630]

Not sure how to take this

 

It would appear that would help, but unfortunently some people are set in their ways and have no desire to be generous. With those types, it doesn't matter if its $20 or $200. Certain groups are notorious for being cheapskates, so it wouldn't make a difference.

 

I find these remarks a bit confusing. You set a price, people decide if they're interested enough to pay. There seems to be some implied criticism here of people who aren't willing to pay what you have decided is a reasonable rate. But that's basic market economics.

 

Also, I confess to a certain knee-jerk reaction when anyone starts talking about 'certain groups...'

[JoeyBryant]

I find these remarks a bit confusing. You set a price, people decide if they're interested enough to pay. There seems to be some implied criticism here of people who aren't willing to pay what you have decided is a reasonable rate. But that's basic market economics.

 

Also, I confess to a certain knee-jerk reaction when anyone starts talking about 'certain groups...'

 

Lets clear the confusion. Its not that I'm criticizing those who wish to pay a lesser rate. What I'm saying is there are people who flat out, "won't pay for it", or "its not their thing". Reacting by changing my rate is not going to solve it. I've tested several rates in the past and I have an idea of what goes and what doesn't.

 

I've put up ads here on other sites with alternative services, with lower prices and people here still won't go after it. Like I said, $20 or $200. They wont do either one because "its not in their nature to pay", verbatim from someone who answered my ad said en route to my place

 

Knee jerks or not, most keyword most military and Mexican peoples in this state really don't like to pay for their pleasure. Unfortunently they make up an enormous amount of the local population here, which is why Im so frustrated at the rate of things. Thats what I meant by certain groups. I know its harsh, but its true. I've heard it enough around here to know.

[justaguy]

I can second PK's response. I was very good to myself in Decemeber so this month the play budget is on the short side.

[seeker630]

Thanks for a good response!

 

Lets clear the confusion. Its not that I'm criticizing those who wish to pay a lesser rate. What I'm saying is there are people who flat out, "won't pay for it", or "its not their thing". Reacting by changing my rate is not going to solve it. I've tested several rates in the past and I have an idea of what goes and what doesn't.

 

I've put up ads here on other sites with alternative services, with lower prices and people here still won't go after it. Like I said, $20 or $200. They wont do either one because "its not in their nature to pay", verbatim from someone who answered my ad said en route to my place

 

Knee jerks or not, most keyword most military and Mexican peoples in this state really don't like to pay for their pleasure. Unfortunently they make up an enormous amount of the local population here, which is why Im so frustrated at the rate of things. Thats what I meant by certain groups. I know its harsh, but its true. I've heard it enough around here to know.

 

I think perhaps I interpreted your frustration as implied criticism. As we all now, it's sometimes difficult to know what's BEHIND the word.

Back on track, Ithink that the post-holiday period and the current state of the economy have probably made the situation worse than normal. Wjether it would still be acceptable is another story. A lot of people lost jobs last year - 20% of my department left in December, and I'm out next December!

[+ Axiom2001]

Joe, it's great seeing a "brother" in the field of escorting, as they have been very few and far and in between during my 12 years of hiring. Think about traveling and coming to San Francisco for a week! I'm certain that you should be able to build a client base there which should carry over throughout the years to come!

 

Sorry that I cannot send for you personally!

[JoeyBryant]

Well being that we haven't met yet, I can understand that LOL. San Francisco also sounds like a great place to visit. Cali is definently on the list for later on this year...but I'm still narrowing down between 3 other cities there.

 

I think perhaps I interpreted your frustration as implied criticism. As we all now, it's sometimes difficult to know what's BEHIND the word.

 

Its ok...sometimes I tend to assume people pick up on my implied meaning, but its good that you asked the question, otherwise people would have thought I think less of people who want to pay less.

[GoodFella69]

Chicago

 

Joey,

I truly hope you will give Chicago another try and arrive at a more positive conclusion of our City and its residents the next time around. During my brief time living in Chi-town, I've found the gay community in general to be pleasant, generous and welcoming to "outsiders." Every Chicago-based escort I've hired in the past nine months has told me they were keeping busy (even through the recession) with a good blend of regulars and visitors. Of course, as you have suggested, "busy" is a relative term.

 

You seem like a great, well-intentioned, conscientious young man. Keep your spirits up. I wish you an abundance of success wherever you settle.

Goodfella

[JoeyBryant]

Joey,

I truly hope you will give Chicago another try and arrive at a more positive conclusion of our City and its residents the next time around.

 

I'd love to return to Chicago...afterall I missed on going to the beach that week because the weather just didn't permit. Driving down Lakeshore did feel a bit like Collins Ave.

 

As far as hobbying, I still have to say Chicago didn't meet my expectations. At the moment of time, since I'm unable to travel very often, I wouldn't want to take the chance again unless I was specifically invited up. I can only allow a city 1 chance, and if it doesn't work out I won't return right away. I usually stay in a city for 4 days or up to a week depending on the flow of things. If I think its too quiet by the 3rd or 4th day, I just buy my ticket and leave.

[+ Travis69]

One escort I spoke to recommended visiting another city during the week, not the weekend, as married men and business travelers are available to play during the work week and not so much on the weekend. Also do the research and find a hotel convenient to the downtown area and gay areas. Sometimes location can make or break your business. Just some thoughts.

[JoeyBryant]

One escort I spoke to recommended visiting another city during the week, not the weekend. Sometimes location can make or break your business. Just some thoughts.

 

Yeah, thats a good idea. Although I know in tourist type cities, weekends have actually been the better times.

 

Location does have alot to do with, however I think downtown areas are 'iffy'. Someone told me once he wouldn't of seen me if I stayed downtown due to parking, etc. Even I find downtown locations a bit of a hassle due to the parking and the usually higher cost (and lesser value) of hotels. But up north, downtowns are good because its easier to get around.

 

In the case of Chicago, I stayed all week and 1 weekend day. I was in a good part of downtown, but realized I was a bit far from the more happening area.

 

If I remember correctly, don't they crush cars in Chicago if no one claims them within 24 hours of being booted?