The cancellation carousel continues

[Michael Wayne]

What was hopefully a minor blip has now become a full fledged trend and a new reality in our ancient profession guys! During my recent (and soon to continue) tour of Tampa/Orlando I have met 7 new and excellent clients! Amazing times and sure all will be regulars when our schedules match as they have indicated such. That is the positive. In some senses business has NEVER been better. The down side is that there were 7 cancellations. 2 with notice. 3 last minute and 2 no notice, no call, no email, no text-just totally blew me off. Guys that is a 50/50% cancellation to completed call percentage. Have talked to other providers who are all reporting the same thing. The reasons (when reason was given) would make for a great situation comedy/tragedy/drama unprecedented in human history ,......lol..... 1. "I got called back into work" now this one is believable except that in these cases the real clients will re-schedule with you. The gameplayers will not. he did not. 2. "cough, cough, snif, snif, hack hack, I am sick and just got back from the dr. on antibiotics so missing work and have to cancel our date." This one was hilarious, a real good acting job! Sounded like me when I used to call in sick to work so I could get a free day at the beach. What can you say to that? And I had seen him before and I know he likes me so I just accepted it and gave him a get well wish. 3. "I just found out i have to fly to ohio tommorrow so i have to cancel our appointment" no, my competitor is 50 dollars cheaper and you booked with him cause he told me so. client did not realize that my competitor is also my friend and as we were comparing schedules my clients name popped up on my competitors schedule at the exact time he was to be in ohio. 4. "had my phone off during business meeting as my company was buying a tampa company. during a break i got two emergency mesages from my mom and my wife that my dad had just had a massive heart attack. as i was arranging a flight out of tampa i got word he died." now, this last one only gave me this explanation after i contacted him at 930 about our 9 pm definite 2 hour call at his hotel . Did hid Dad really die? Who knows? I was very sympathetic and compassionate and he has no idea how much the cancellation destroyed my saturday night schedule. 5. "I had an accident and hurt my foot/ankle and then had no phone. i am not a gameplayer....." no phone dude? It is 2012. what you dont know is that you pulled the same shit on my friend 6 months ago. same story......... We could go on and on and those were just the ones who bothered to try and contact me or respond when I contacted them... Bottom line: our business is mainstream now and big time. There is more COMPETION and more choices for the clients. Back in the day I very rarely got a cancellation- almost never! But now as I said 50%. And it is not because I am an older escort. This stuff is happening to my 20-30 year old competitors with 12 abs! What clients may not realize is how this affects our attitude as providers. I try to be upbeat and cheerful but damn it is hard when your mind questions every single client and you almost expect the worst. http://www.rentboy.com/mikey9nola1

[jjkrkwood]

What was hopefully a minor blip has now become a full fledged trend and a new reality in our ancient profession guys! During my recent (and soon to continue) tour of Tampa/Orlando I have met 7 new and excellent clients! Amazing times and sure all will be regulars when our schedules match as they have indicated such. That is the positive. In some senses business has NEVER been better. The down side is that there were 7 cancellations. 2 with notice. 3 last minute and 2 no notice, no call, no email, no text-just totally blew me off. Guys that is a 50/50% cancellation to completed call percentage. Have talked to other providers who are all reporting the same thing. The reasons (when reason was given) would make for a great situation comedy/tragedy/drama unprecedented in human history ,......lol..... 1. "I got called back into work" now this one is believable except that in these cases the real clients will re-schedule with you. The gameplayers will not. he did not. 2. "cough, cough, snif, snif, hack hack, I am sick and just got back from the dr. on antibiotics so missing work and have to cancel our date." This one was hilarious, a real good acting job! Sounded like me when I used to call in sick to work so I could get a free day at the beach. What can you say to that? And I had seen him before and I know he likes me so I just accepted it and gave him a get well wish. 3. "I just found out i have to fly to ohio tommorrow so i have to cancel our appointment" no, my competitor is 50 dollars cheaper and you booked with him cause he told me so. client did not realize that my competitor is also my friend and as we were comparing schedules my clients name popped up on my competitors schedule at the exact time he was to be in ohio. 4. "had my phone off during business meeting as my company was buying a tampa company. during a break i got two emergency mesages from my mom and my wife that my dad had just had a massive heart attack. as i was arranging a flight out of tampa i got word he died." now, this last one only gave me this explanation after i contacted him at 930 about our 9 pm definite 2 hour call at his hotel . Did hid Dad really die? Who knows? I was very sympathetic and compassionate and he has no idea how much the cancellation destroyed my saturday night schedule. 5. "I had an accident and hurt my foot/ankle and then had no phone. i am not a gameplayer....." no phone dude? It is 2012. what you dont know is that you pulled the same shit on my friend 6 months ago. same story......... We could go on and on and those were just the ones who bothered to try and contact me or respond when I contacted them... Bottom line: our business is mainstream now and big time. There is more COMPETION and more choices for the clients. Back in the day I very rarely got a cancellation- almost never! But now as I said 50%. And it is not because I am an older escort. This stuff is happening to my 20-30 year old competitors with 12 abs! What clients may not realize is how this affects our attitude as providers. I try to be upbeat and cheerful but damn it is hard when your mind questions every single client and you almost expect the worst. http://www.rentboy.com/mikey9nola1

 

Mikey, if you are clearly aware of the Evolution of your business, certainly the "cancellation" trend should not come as a surprise. EVERY business has its downside. No-shows are a downside in escorting, while some clients are not sincere, some are not reliable, some are not REAL, etc. What it has always boiled down to is RESPECT, for your time. Clients perceive escorts as people that sit around all day with nothing to do but wait for a booking, and think a cancellation has no impact on your schedule. This will always be the reality. and then there are cases where things DO happen, which forces a cancellation, although those REAL excuses seem to pale in comparison to the phony ones....

 

If you enjoy your work, just suck it up, move on, and try to fill in where a void has opened.

[KMEM]

If you can't be discreet about visiting with your friends and competitors about who your clients are, at least be discreet about mentioning it in public.

 

Best regards,

KMEM

[rguer]

Assuming it was practical to collect, what would be a reasonable cancellation fee in these cases?

 

Not zero, because you've been inconvenienced and possibly lost some income. But also not the full fee, because that would make you look like one of those airlines that charges a full cancellation fee and then might resell the seat for twice the original cost.

 

I suspect that any client who would go to the trouble of getting the fee to you would also have gone to the trouble of giving you advance notice.

[gallahadesquire]

1. Although I've never cancelled or even made an appoinment with him, one escort has asked for half of his fee via wire before he'll make one with me.

2. I've had escorts who, despite texts and emails (I hate "cold calling"), don't get back to me.

 

This is going on for more than a few years. It's a two way street, Gents. Let's meet in the middle and NOT play Sharks and Jets.

[RockHard]

Blow High, Blow Low.

 

What clients may not realize is how this affects our attitude as providers.

 

It is not the customer's responsibility to nurture your professional attitude. That's your job. If the service business kitchen is too hot for you, then maybe it's time to consider getting out.

 

I try to be upbeat and cheerful but damn it is hard when your mind questions every single client and you almost expect the worst.

 

+ 50%? Some see a glass half empty while others see a glass half full. I prefer to fuck an optimist. Optimists are so much more fun.

 

I'm no fan of inconsiderate behavior. But whiners aren't sexy either.

[jjkrkwood]

I understand Mikeys concerns, and also that his style and persona is either to boast or whine. That doesnt lessen his concern with the issues he faces. however as RH states, this is the job, a job he has chosen, and if the job is no longer fun or fulfilling (my words, not his) perhaps its better to re-think ? While admittedly Mikey is a favorite with a wide client base, RH also is correct in stating that some clients might find his attiude "off-putting", as is also the case with Joey Bryant, based soley on their presence and comments on this site. As I have said before, often times, LESS is more, and while I am for full disclosure and honesty, there is a fine line between that and being considered a disgruntled "complainer"....

[jimboivyo]

ask an escort is turning into complaints only board.

 

what it's really doing is just outing the true colors of those who I had a feeling about already. a smart working guy would never come to this board to vent. too many eyes. too much lost revenue for some.

[rguer]

If they're going to vent, wouldn't you prefer it to happen where you'll hear about it?

[jjkrkwood]

If they're going to vent, wouldn't you prefer it to happen where you'll hear about it?

 

NO, as i have said before, when I hire, all I want the guy to do is come to the party and do the job. Leave your baggage at the door. And escorts venting their issues on a website could severely impact their business, unless of course you are a therapist and his "issues" turn you on. ?

[rguer]

If you don't care about what the escorts think or feel, perhaps you should avoid the "Ask An Escort" forum.

[jjkrkwood]

If you don't care about what the escorts think or feel, perhaps you should avoid the "Ask An Escort" forum.

 

Dont dramatize. If they are ASKED a question, we would like an answer, but that is CLEARLY not the same as them coming here to whine and complain.

 

Perhaps thats why its called "ASK AN ESCORT" ?

[Guest countryboywny]

It's not good business to whine and complain to your potential customers, plain and simple. When I hear someone complaining about the pit falls of their given profession my initial thought is "What are YOU doing to make it miserable for yourself?" I know a few great escorts and none of them have ever complained to me. It's not professional and it brings me down. Every business has it's down falls.. there's no free lunch. I'm with you, JJ, "suck it up".

[raife]

If they're going to vent, wouldn't you prefer it to happen where you'll hear about it?

 

Totally agree, I come here to get a read from the pro rentboys' perspective, sounds like it's the clients that are doing most of the whining and complaining on this board. I'd much rather hear about the escorts' issues here and adjust my expectations accordingly.

 

Mikey, your candor and honesty are both refreshing and appreciated. Glad you guys are able to compare notes and ditch some of the fraudsters that are a drain on your profession.

 

Back on topic: I expect you're seeing competitive pricing pressure in action... The higher you raise your rates, the harder your clients are going to hunt for alternatives and the more cancellations you will have to endure. I've also heard about this effect firsthand as my regular hires have raised their rates on new clients.

[bigvalboy]

Totally agree, I come here to get a read from the pro rentboys' perspective, sounds like it's the clients that are doing most of the whining and complaining on this board. I'd much rather hear about the escorts' issues here and adjust my expectations accordingly.

 

Mikey, your candor and honesty are both refreshing and appreciated. Glad you guys are able to compare notes and ditch some of the fraudsters that are a drain on your profession.

 

Back on topic: I expect you're seeing competitive pricing pressure in action... The higher you raise your rates, the harder your clients are going to hunt for alternatives and the more cancellations you will have to endure. I've also heard about this effect firsthand as my regular hires have raised their rates on new clients.

 

I'm with you raife and rguer on this one...I love Mikey's honesty and candor also and I believe that he is a valuable contributor to the M-F....

[Michael Wayne]

thanks for the support guys! My point was not to vent or to complain but to bring a real issue to the surface that is changing our biz. for the record: my biz is better than ever and I love my job and am not quitting. I love it! I appreciate all the comments and the only one I disagree with is the guy who questioned my discretion. That is hitting below the belt and is a lie! There is nothing wrong with having a bf or a buddy or a fellow pro know who you are seeing and when and where for personal protection in case something happens. It is not violating discretion for one or two close friends to know who you see. To not do this is DANGEROUS because there are crazies out there who want to hurt us. As a client, now, SOMEONE should know who you hire and when and where because there are also providers who hurt and rob clients. that is a fact. never go alone where no one knows where you are! safety first guys just like wearing a condom. Finally: back to the topic- 2 more cancellations for wednesday. One was legit as his meeting was cancelled. one gave no reason at all. This is part of the biz as JJ says. My point here is to state that it is a BIGGER part of the biz than ever and we have to ADJUST to it and suck it up. great advice. We have no choice but to adjust. It is not affecting my attitude in the presence of the clients and it never will but it hurts. We have feelings and we take thing s personal sometimes cause we are human. I know some of yall hate me and nothing I say will go without criticism but I love all of yall, love Daddy, and love the forum. http://www.rentboy.com/mikey9nola1

[Michael Wayne]

i don't believe in cancellation fees. better to hope he books with you in the future and be nice to him.

[Michael Wayne]

I also have never and will never accept any money before the date. ever. plane ticket, yes, but advance money-never!

[Michael Wayne]

to answer Jimbo: my REVENUE is higher than ever. more good clients than ever. Along with that comes MORE cancellations and more gamplayers and jokers. it is the price of success. I can deal with it. As far as loss of revenue the FACTS are that most (the vast majority) of potential REAL new clients do not currently and never will read or join this forum. Some do read the reviews and I hope they do. I have NEVER recieved a negative review anywhere and anyone who has actually met me has had a great time with me. On here you get guys who have never met someone and yet develop a negative perception of him. The real clients out there are married deeply closeted guys. They find us from the ads and they DO NOT write reviews much less read the forum. http://www.rentboy.com/mikey9nola1

[josephga]

just curious the cancellations do you know the ratio of those who canceled that originally booked from a blocked number or by email without providing a numbers. vrs those you booked or finalized from a unblocked number. I do agree I don't think anything said on here would have much impact. I've mentioned this forum to a few of my massage clients only 2 have ever heard of it..

[SteveEscort]

Leave your baggage at the door. And escorts venting their issues on a website could severely impact their business, unless of course you are a therapist and his "issues" turn you on. ?

 

Oh dear, I suppose us working boys should just put up and shut up. I've never heard so much nonsense. We are entitled to opinions lol

[jjkrkwood]

Oh dear, I suppose us working boys should just put up and shut up. I've never heard so much nonsense. We are entitled to opinions lol

 

Dont misquote me Steve. Noone is suggesting your opinions be stifled, and Opinions are always welcome, especially when requested. BUT having an opinion is quite different than a constant whine and complain, especially about your clients. Its time you learned the meaning of the expression "Dont bite the hand that Feeds you"....

 

And FYI, we are ALL "working boys" albeit working in diff professions....

[Michael Wayne]

to answer Joeseph: surprisingly I had phone numbers on all but one of them and they did everything right. It seems after having a long nice and friendly exchange last night with my latest cancellation that this disturbing phenomenon is occuring in EVERY profession. This client who is very honest and forthcoming had his meeting cancelled in Tampa with no notice and thus he is out alot of money and has subsequent business headaches. It appears also that companies are sending people out on no notice and changing travel iteneraries last minute more than ever. Question is why?. This is the nature of the biz now and we are just going to have to keep a positive attitude about it and realize that it is the new reality. Someone sent me a nice pm suggesting to just not take advance appointments. That is not practical because most good clients give advance notice and prefer to work on an advance appointment basis. That would be cutting off your nose despite your face. An escort sent me a pm saying he now double books to cover the possibility of cancellation. I have NEVER done that. It seems unprofessional to me but I now understand why he does it. If they both end up doing it he just says he is running late to the second apointment. second client either patiently waits or cancels and calls someone else. Hope everyone is having a good week. I am headed back to TAMPA and Orlando. http://www.rentboy.com/mikey9nola1

[jimboivyo]

Oh dear, I suppose us working boys should just put up and shut up. I've never heard so much nonsense. We are entitled to opinions lol

 

of course you're entitled to speak. I'd never cut off someone's voice.

 

what is counterproductive are those who complain endlessly here and expect possible clients to find that attractive. If you have a gigantic public chip on your shoulder about anything, it can be very off putting to someone who had previously considered hiring you.

[jjkrkwood]

That's exactly the point, Mikey was writing about "the hand that is not feeding him".

 

Sincerely, Anton.

 

Understood and agreed. Perhaps it was Mikeys presentation I had an issue with. ? Although I had gotten used to Mikeys style, it seems to me, as I stated, that his posts READ to me as either BOASTING or complaining, and we will often write a followup post to explain his comments. Of course the information presented is useful and often of interest BUT I feel that presentation can either "make it or break it". I certainly have no issue with him presenting the pitfalls of his business. But with such an extensive client list as mikey purports to have, I am sure he can quickly "fill in" a skipped appt. ? So in his particulr case, the issue doesnt seem to be as critical, at least not to me. But I did understand his comments to be more a critique of the current climate of the escort business.