'Ask me' and 'varies' $$ listings

[+ not2rowdy]

Recently playing with the advanced search function on rentboys.com and designated specific 'in rate' and 'out rate' values. Quite a few hits came back listing only 'ask me' or 'varies'.

 

- For escorts: Is there a function that allows escorts to set a $$ response value to a search inquiry even though the ad does not list an actual $$ amount?

 

- For either escorts or clients: Are 'ask me' and 'varies' rates typically more, less or about the same as the prevailing rate for the area they serve?

[Michael Wayne]

a true professional will post an hourly rate. "ask me," or ,"rates vary," is BULLSHIT and a SCAM!

[EastbayMike]

Personal preference, but I always ignore adds that don't state rates.

[instudiocity]

a true professional will post an hourly rate. "ask me," or ,"rates vary," is BULLSHIT and a SCAM!

Amen

Personal preference, but I always ignore adds that don't state rates.

 

So be it. I'm of the same ilk.

[orbital sander]

Amen

 

 

So be it. I'm of the same ilk.

 

 

I am absolutely the same, no rate, no hire...ever

[dapurplebear]

I think most of us do - too bad sometimes - but wtf???

[Epigonos]

I only use rentboy to locate guys I might consider hiring. If I find someone who interests me I look for reviews on this site. If the guy has reviews they will clearly state his rates regardless of what he has or has not posted on rentboy. If he doesn’t have any reviews I immediately loose interest in hiring him. I have made exceptions to this rule but they have been VERY few and VERY far between.

[MiamiLooker]

For either escorts or clients: Are 'ask me' and 'varies' rates typically more, less or about the same as the prevailing rate for the area they serve?

 

It could mean if his rent is due, the fee is negotiable.

[Guest Merlin]

I have had no problem with guys who advertise "ask me" or "varies". They usually charge about the going rate. Escorts who want really high rates are more likely to advertise them to avoid the many calls from guys will cannot or will not pay it. I think many charge differently for different services, including travel time. Not unreasonable. Some no doubt believe that the ad is less evidence of illegal payment-for-sex if the ad says "ask me".

[instudiocity]

I have had no problem with guys who advertise "ask me" or "varies". They usually charge about the going rate. Escorts who want really high rates are more likely to advertise them to avoid the many calls from guys will cannot or will not pay it. I think many charge differently for different services, including travel time. Not unreasonable. Some no doubt believe that the ad is less evidence of illegal payment-for-sex if the ad says "ask me".

 

Thanks, for a different perspective. I'm still happier if RATE is prehandled and not a part of the negotiating.

[AdamSmith]

My experience has been the same as Merlin's. If I see an ad I like, but no rates, I call and ask. If the rate is fair and reasonable, I book. Only once or twice have I been quoted what seemed an unreasonable or above-market rate; I just said no thanks. No trauma!

 

Also, some guys who travel a lot tell me they choose to post "Varies" or "Ask" because they adjust their rates somewhat according to the cost of living in whatever city they are visiting. Seems not unreasonable.

[rossthebosssf]

I don't think that one can just assume it's a scam. If the escort is on M4RN they might be advertising in various markets that they plan on visiting. If so, they may have different rates depending on the market. It is after all fair as they have different overhead when they travel.

 

On Rentboy I have experienced established escorts who sometime replace their rate with "Ask Me." The reason is they might be offering specials that day or week but they don't want to publish the lower rate publicly. It does come down to just asking. If the rate is too high than don't hire.

[uwsman2]

I've been very hesitant over the years about contacting guys who don't advertise a rate, because I always assumed it would be a rate well above market - the sort of thing "if you have to ask you probably can't afford it." I hadn't heard about the idea that some guys don't list their rates for other reasons, including discounts, etc. How common is that?

[orbital sander]

I've been very hesitant over the years about contacting guys who don't advertise a rate, because I always assumed it would be a rate well above market - the sort of thing "if you have to ask you probably can't afford it." I hadn't heard about the idea that some guys don't list their rates for other reasons, including discounts, etc. How common is that?

 

I would say that is the exception rather than the rule.

If you look at all the top guys out there, almost (I said almost) seem to have no issue posting their rates. Also, if you look at the sites like men4rent, etc, many escorts OPENLY advertise special rates in their ads. Could you imagine going to fill-up your tank at the local gas station and the sign said "just ask"..how many would accept that?

[Mark Gordon]

Could you imagine going to fill-up your tank at the local gas station and the sign said "just ask"..how many would accept that?

 

Escorts & gas: such a charming analogy. Do you enjoy watching the meter run while you get filled-up?

[orbital sander]

Escorts & gas: such a charming analogy. Do you enjoy watching the meter run while you get filled-up?

 

Sorry if you felt slighted.

[Guest Merlin]

Think of it this way Rosstheboss. If he advertises "ask" but has a very large fee in mind, he will waste his time with a lot of calls ending in "thats too much". He will soon change his ways. Simply decide ahead of time what you think is reasonable and say no thanks if he exceeds it.

[KMEM]

Escorts & gas: such a charming analogy. Do you enjoy watching the meter run while you get filled-up?

 

Yes, I do, although I have never heard "it" called a meter before. Oh, wait, you mean a car, don't you?

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[lerbut23]

Maybe too much is being read into this.

 

I have found it to mean "depends on what you're looking for".

 

Some escorts charge different rates depending on what is being asked of them.

[+ ArVaGuy]

I generally skip over the "ask me" or "varies" advertisements. I'd rather see a rate quoted to eliminate any unnecessary back and forth communications.

 

Also, for me at least, the term "varies" means "open to negotiation" so the rate the escort may quote is not exactly firm in my view. It invites a counter offer which some guys get really bent out of shape over. Well...they said the rate was variable so don't be surprised if some clients take that to mean "ask-bid-settle". So to avoid such headaches I just move on to the ads that quote a rate.

[essjay]

Taking this from a business perspective there are many professions that do not post fixed rates - I can think of painters, electricians, accountants, business consultants. You ask for a quote and if it doesn't meet your budget or expectations you either make a counter offer or move on to someone else.

[instudiocity]

Taking this from a business perspective there are many professions that do not post fixed rates - I can think of painters, electricians, accountants, business consultants. You ask for a quote and if it doesn't meet your budget or expectations you either make a counter offer or move on to someone else.

 

True, but all your examples can quote an hourly rate then add materials, travel, and other expenses

[orbital sander]

Taking this from a business perspective there are many professions that do not post fixed rates - I can think of painters, electricians, accountants, business consultants. You ask for a quote and if it doesn't meet your budget or expectations you either make a counter offer or move on to someone else.

 

All of these service people I use have fixed rates

 

Painter $33.20 per hr

Electrician $82.50 per hr.

Accountant $180.00 per hr.

Plumber $95.00 per hr.

 

Plus materials...hehe I use these guys all the time at my properties...and they do a great job. I would not use a contractor who did not have an hourly rate, no way no how! If the job is large (compare to an escort vacation rate), then the job is "quoted" in a bid...which often saves me money. Actually I had never thought of it much before, but it is very similar to hiring...

[Mark Gordon]

Sorry if you felt slighted.

 

I believe it was unintentional, thank you.

[instudiocity]

My doctor charges $350 for an intermediate level visit

My lawyer charges $450/hour unless I bring him a project and ask for a quote.

My accountant charges $250/hour no matter how loud I yell. I guess it beats bottoming for the IRS...