Of these 5 rate choices, which do you think is reasonable and list your city

[JoeyBryant]

Lately I've been grappling with what to charge locally. Part of it has to do with the fact that the market in my area seems to have such wide disparity between rates. I'm seeing everything from $150 for an outcall to $120 for an outcall to $250 for both in and out. On the same site.

 

It's making it tricky to find the middle ground and what rates would be considered cheap, affordable, normal, and too much. It's like I would like to stay at $200, but when there's other competitors asking for $50 less than that...there's still the chance that a client would either expect me to come for that amount or go to that person for their price. And even if I did, there would still be others asking $200-250 or more and possibly getting it. Then I'd be like, why am I shorting myself?

 

That's not to say that I can't charge the rate anyway and that I'm not unique, and have a good track record enough to do so. But, I won't become complacent and not think that there's a chance of a client viewing it as too much due to the fact of a few others are all asking $120-150. A lot of times I hear around here that all people have is X amount. But is it really a matter of them actually having that amount, or is it a matter of them seeing others of similar racial background as me asking that amount and then expecting me to go for that?

 

Like for example, there's a guy in my area on rentboy only charging $120 for an incall. Like I want to personally contact him and ask what is he doing and why. But I know it's not my place to dictate what someone else is asking for. However, I feel when I continually see people charging that, it keeps the market on the low end and if that guy ever decides to up his rates, his $120 clients won't pay him and newer ones will expect that rate from him AND me. He'll be stuck on minimum wage (in the sense of what others in the area are charging).

 

Anyhow, I know it's going to vary so much by location and a host of other variables; but I'm just wanting to know which of these rates sound reasonable in your area:

 

$150: incall/outcall

$160 in/$180 out (what I have charged occasionally)

$180 in/$200 out (my current rate)

$200 in/$220 out (my travel rate)

$250 in/out (I can get this amount, but don't care to charge it)

 

In addition, I must add that I don't look to get a large amount in any hourly appointment but generally most of mines come thru the longer appointments, which believe it or not is easier to figure out for me than even the 1 hours.

[jjkrkwood]

I think when considering rates and what is fair (or should I say what WE are willing to pay) there are several considerations that come into play.

 

Basically, the "LOOK" of the escort is most important, and than the menu of his services is to be considered. As weel his "rank". Is he top-tier ? A pornstar ? I think this is more of a 3 dimensional consideration as opposed to a uni- dimensional one. I know some guys will say what they are willing to spemd on ONE particular guy might be different than what they would spend on another.

 

And then the city plays a huge part as well. Whats fiar in one place may not seem fair in another.

[Keenan]

In my area I'm charging $150 in/out though it ranges from that on up to about $250 in my area. Charge what you think clients will pay you and what you feel comfortable charging.

 

Keenan

[JoeyBryant]

In my area I'm charging $150 in/out though it ranges from that on up to about $250 in my area. Charge what you think clients will pay you and what you feel comfortable charging.

 

Keenan

 

But what I feel comfortable charging and what clients may want to pay may be 2 different things LOL.

 

I know this probably shouldn't be made into a comparison or what not, but there is 4 gas stations in my neighborhood that I watch a lot. There's Shell by my house which is always like 20 cents higher than the one at the next intersection. Then there's another Shell and then there's grocery store gas and then grocery store gas's competitor right across the street. People will line up at the grocery store gas even though they know Shell is probably better quality. The competitor store just doesn't get as much business even though their price is the same. The Shell by my place that is 20 cents more has more customers than the Shell within walking distance that's cheaper.

 

I also find that rather than locals, when I get my business from men4rent and rentboy it's usually someone traveling in or when I'm out of town. It's why once in awhile I'll put something on back page and offer something limited because it's like $100 seems to be the threshold here for locals. It's like why do I have to be traveling thru someplace just to get my full rate from everyone?

 

Whats fiar in one place may not seem fair in another.

 

But that's why too I advise against people tampering with rates too much. Tampering as in making them lower than whats achievable. There's some very isolated areas where $250-300 comes easily. How is that? Because they don't write off someone's value based on what another guy is asking because there isn't any guys who are asking!

[Guest JackF]

The answer to your question(s) will vary depending on who you talk to. I will think more before I give more input online. However, I personally feel that the guys who "claim to have XXX$ on them versus the guys who say they will only pay XXX$" are probably the ones that are comparable to coupon clipper/discount/negotiators.

 

Whether they truly "feel better" if you agree to a slightly lower rate than what you advertise or if they really only have XXX$ on them at the time, I don't always buy that. In some cases it may be entirely true & valid, but I don't give everyone the benefit of the doubt, especially if they've been excessively texting/calling/harassing me. That's why I say walk to an ATM, go to the bank, no I don't want a check, etc. If you knew you wanted to see me well in advance, then you wouldn't have to worry about having enough cash on you.

***I'm not trying to sound like a prick, so for those who read this, please do not take it that way.

[bigvalboy]

In LA I have never paid as low as 150 - 180 range for escorts, or any city when I have traveled to for that matter. Those are massage rates. I have found rates are about the same nation wide, at least in major cities. For escort services, I have always paid somewhere around 200(and I consider that low) and go to about 250. Anything more than 250 there better be something special about the escort, IE: porn star, or a stellar reputation for providing the ultimate bf experience, or someone that I have always lusted over and felt that I just had to have.

 

Now on a couple of occasions I did pay 300, but that was only for the first hour, and I received a lower per hour, for a multiple hour hire. His rate dropped significantly the more hours you committed to. In the end it came out to about 200 per hour. I thought was very fair. the incentive was for the client to do a multi hour hire, a win win as far as I was concerned, as I got in the end a longer time with the escort and I paid a reasonable rate per hour, and he took home more money in his pocket.

[JoeyBryant]

In LA I have never paid as low as 150 - 180 range for escorts, or any city when I have traveled to for that matter. Those are massage rates. I have found rates are about the same nation wide, at least in major cities. For escort services, I have always paid somewhere around 200(and I consider that low) and go to about 250.

 

But that's not everywhere though. Gosh, this town would have a heart attack if a massage costed $150. Even some of the escort guys here who have been advertising steadily over time are only asking $175 for out calls approximately.

[uwsman2]

My experience is similar to bigvalboy.... It's been a long, long time since I paid less than $200 for an escort - it's usually at least $200, and depending when and where, upwards of that. But then I'm hiring either in my home city of NY, or in a major metro area like DC, Chicago, SF...

[josephga]

I think 150 to 180 is to high for a massage. I charge 60.00 hr 85.00 ninety minutes from therapeutic. 75.00hr therapeutic/sensual 100.00 ninety minutes. 100.00hr or 125.00 ninety minutes. for therapeutic/erotic That includes hot stones in all massages, steamed towels and me being licensed. people here won't pay 150 for a massage unless your will to provide oral..

[JoeyBryant]

My experience is similar to bigvalboy.... It's been a long, long time since I paid less than $200 for an escort - it's usually at least $200, and depending when and where, upwards of that. But then I'm hiring either in my home city of NY, or in a major metro area like DC, Chicago, SF...

 

I'm starting to feel cheap LOL. But then again that's the going rate here. I mean I've occasionally seen 300 in a hour, but it's not common. There's some guys asking for $250 here and they don't even have it going on.

 

A lot of these new guys popping up on men4rent in my area are only asking for $125, $150 for escorting. And that's what flies here because people suggest it.

 

That's whats so confusing. You have people putting these rates up, but I know what's typical. But what if the market is like, "screw typical, screw $200, I want to do $150 because that's what the other guys are asking, I don't have to pay $200"?

[josephga]

back when craiglist had the adult service some guys had ads for 75.00hr I emailed one of them and said dude do you know what escorts make? have some self respect

[bigvalboy]

I agree that my experience is strictly major cities. LA is a unique market for almost everything. In LA, while we got hit with a recession like the rest of the US, there is still a lot of money here. In LA we are part of the 'Pacific Rim' and most imports from China, Japan and all over Asia come first through the Port of LA. That brings a multi national force of foreign investors, tourists, and a constant source of jobs, which drives up prices from food in restaurants, to gas and real estate, and everything in between. Most importantly, it also drives up wages, so while things are more expensive on the West Cost, people tend to have a larger disposable income. As long as you have someone willing to pay 150+ for a massage then others will follow with the same price structure.

 

Like I indicated, when I travel it is only to major cities on the East coast, like NYC or DC so I am not familiar with say the Midwest where escorts can't command those kind of prices.

[josephga]

also to think about do you want a price that gets the client in once. Or gets the client in once a month

[JoeyBryant]

also to think about do you want a price that gets the client in once. Or gets the client in once a month

 

Good point. But for a client to come every month I think I'd be compromising the rate quite a bit. We're talking $100. That would benefit the guy hiring monthly but wouldn't look good on my ad.

 

I had actually worked out a nice deal with a guy who'd come that often...but then overtime he was wanting to go on dates and movies without them being business. He hasn't hired me since last Sept, and ran into him at the bar the other week. Said he'd come see me last week, but didn't. Guess he figured all our 'paid arrangements' didn't eventually lead to not having to pay anymore and he moved on.

 

I also can't guarantee that if I charge $120, the guys will come back more than once. Some clients pay $300 even upwards to $600 and $1,000 and come back not every month...but for years. Or $500 twice in 2 months, maybe they get busy for a month or 2 and then come back again and stay for an even longer visit or perhaps a vacation.

[+ Travis69]

I am single therefore I don't have to justify my finances to anyone. Some clients who are partnered or married have to explain their finances to their partner or spouse. They are not trying to be cheap. They are tying to have fun without raising too many flags. They might pick the escort/massage who is the lower price, although they would prefer the higher priced person, just to be able to do it and not have someone ask "Honey, why did you have to take $300.00 out of the ATM on Monday and then again $200.00 2 days later? What happened to the money?".

[JoeyBryant]

I am single therefore I don't have to justify my finances to anyone. Some clients who are partnered or married have to explain their finances to their partner or spouse. They are not trying to be cheap. They are tying to have fun without raising too many flags. They might pick the escort/massage who is the lower price, although they would prefer the higher priced person, just to be able to do it and not have someone ask "Honey, why did you have to take $300.00 out of the ATM on Monday and then again $200.00 2 days later? What happened to the money?".

 

I can see that being true...but I don't know about that being an excuse though. That's about as good as, "I'm married and have to call private. Matter of fact, I can't call either because my spouse checks the bills, I can only text you."

[BewareofNick]

I'm starting to feel cheap LOL. But then again that's the going rate here. I mean I've occasionally seen 300 in a hour, but it's not common. There's some guys asking for $250 here and they don't even have it going on.

 

A lot of these new guys popping up on men4rent in my area are only asking for $125, $150 for escorting. And that's what flies here because people suggest it.

 

That's whats so confusing. You have people putting these rates up, but I know what's typical. But what if the market is like, "screw typical, screw $200, I want to do $150 because that's what the other guys are asking, I don't have to pay $200"?

 

Atlanta has a rather large selection of rentboys and the prices are range from $100-$300 depending. For erotic massage, however, I think Joseph is right on the money, so to speak.

 

I think you could command $200/hr or more here based on your look.

[JoeyBryant]

Atlanta has a rather large selection of rentboys and the prices are range from $100-$300 depending. For erotic massage, however, I think Joseph is right on the money, so to speak.

 

I think you could command $200/hr or more here based on your look.

 

On one of my visits this month (not to Atlanta), every client was giving me 20-40 more than my listing of 200. So I know I can get more...200 was a cancellation fee the other week, and I didn't even have to ask for it.

[BewareofNick]

On one of my visits this month (not to Atlanta), every client was giving me 20-40 more than my listing of 200. So I know I can get more...200 was a cancellation fee the other week, and I didn't even have to ask for it.

 

I wasn't suggesting otherwise. I think a lot of it really boils down to: what the market will bear and what your income needs are. If the tips are good, I think $200 is probably the right rate.

[JoeyBryant]

I wasn't suggesting otherwise. I think a lot of it really boils down to: what the market will bear and what your income needs are. If the tips are good, I think $200 is probably the right rate.

 

yeah but that didn't happen here, that happened in another state. From what I been looking around on the sites, many guys ask for less than that in this area. In addition I'm just not feeling I'm seeing enough people at that rate. Then again, I wouldn't even doubt those charging a bit less are seeing anymore. I spoke to a kid the other day who told me he was "desperate for clients" and was asking me for tips on how to get them. I'm like first off, you need to put an ad up. And 2nd, I'm not going to give you clients. If it was that easy, I could call every client I've ever met and ask them for appointments when I need it.

 

Like I said, people out here expect free sex more than anything. That's why adam4adam in Denver is full of masseurs and has always been like that. Every now and then, like now...you'll get a couple copy cats who start throwing up ads just because I put one up. I mean of course you have the hiring population but I think it pales in comparison. Adam4Adam Denver is terribly unproductive, yet earlier this week I had 2 in 1 day someplace else and even other times have come thru well. I don't know what's the matter with this place sometimes. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it isn't but lately it hasn't been.

 

Even one of my really good regular clients I've been seeing for over a year now came to town and wouldn't even hire me because he didn't have his 'fix' and I couldn't do anything about it. I just went ahead and saved him as "don't ever answer again". Sometimes I just want to hangup my boots for awhile. Once I get this lawsuit money, I'm taking a break and focusing on school and other stuff. 2012 has bought out some lunatics and we're only 3 months into it.

 

Like I said, I love escorting and all...but some things need to change: namely advertising costs and rates. Or maybe I just need to move the hell out because I didn't have this issue earlier this week when I was out of town. It's not the act itself I don't enjoy or the clients. It's the little nitpicky things that add up that I tend to get annoyed about. Otherwise, I love it.

 

 

 

So a message to Denver: step up the game or I'm out of here. I already know where I want to move next, and I'll soon have all the resources at my disposal to make that move.

[JoeyBryant]

LA is a unique market for almost everything. In LA, while we got hit with a recession like the rest of the US, there is still a lot of money here. In LA we are part of the 'Pacific Rim' and most imports from China, Japan and all over Asia come first through the Port of LA. That brings a multi national force of foreign investors, tourists, and a constant source of jobs, which drives up prices from food in restaurants, to gas and real estate, and everything in between. Most importantly, it also drives up wages, so while things are more expensive on the West Cost, people tend to have a larger disposable income. As long as you have someone willing to pay 150+ for a massage then others will follow with the same price structure.

 

I also wanted to say thanks for that brief rundown on the LA market. I won't be able to get out that way until later this season, but it certainly explains why things are the way they are there. I use gasbuddy.com for my travels to make sure I know where to gas up at and the map consistently shows Cali and the West Coast states with the highest gas prices.

 

I've been a bit undecided on making a visit out there for a few variables, but if it's not as bad as the media and everyone else makes it out to be then I suppose it wouldn't hurt. I need to get out to California anyway to network with some photographers out there. I've already done shoots with 2 photographers from LA in both San Antonio and Denver. Denver has no photographers that know how to shoot Black models. Sickening.

[whyamihere]

In addition, I must add that I don't look to get a large amount in any hourly appointment but generally most of mines come thru the longer appointments, which believe it or not is easier to figure out for me than even the 1 hours.

 

If you prefer longer appointments make that plain in your future advertising. Specify your basic 1 hour rate - but then make a comment regarding longer time period rates. It may not even be necessary to specify actual numbers. Maybe something like "I discount for longer appointments - let's talk!".

 

If you have a good experience with a client you could make them feel a little special by giving them a "discount code" to use when making their next appointment. Just make sure it's not compromising if found by their significant other - maybe some generic dry cleaning business card :-)

[+ FreshFluff]

Denver has no photographers that know how to shoot Black models. Sickening.

 

Some hints here:

 

http://www.rickhughes.com/2010/06/photographing-black-models/

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/beyond-basics/148339-tips-shooting-black-model.html

 

Maybe you can find a photographer who is open minded about trying new techniques and have him read these?

[JoeyBryant]

Some hints here:

 

http://www.rickhughes.com/2010/06/photographing-black-models/

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/beyond-basics/148339-tips-shooting-black-model.html

 

Maybe you can find a photographer who is open minded about trying new techniques and have him read these?

 

LOL, I actually did meet a pretty good one here who took my last photos but he was from L.A. originally. But, I was basically going by what he told me when I mentioned that I generally met more photographers in other areas. At this point though I'm getting a few requests from San Diego area so mostly networking out there for the moment.

[scottspearsxxx]

I only do outcalls in whatever city I am in and my rates are the same regardless:

 

1 hr $150, 3 hours: $350, overnight is $700, etc... you can find all of my rates on my website at http://www.ScottSpearsXXX.com

 

Thanks,

Scott