Slow going in Las Vegas

[Rudynate]

That is exactly what I hear from my best friend/escort buddy in LA. Tough business on the West Coast.

 

If that were generally true, why do we see the upward movement in rates? I agree with @Keith30309 that there's been an uptick in rates.

[Mocha]

If that were generally true, why do we see the upward movement in rates? I agree with @Keith30309 that there's been an uptick in rates.

 

Because, the COL has gone up everywhere too. To rent an apartment in many cities, 1 and 2 bedrooms have surpassed rental home prices.

 

Here's my other take on the situation: let's not give these apps too much praise for affecting business. I don't know the exact time frame, but does anyone know which came first between Adam4adam or rentboy? I'd think around the same time. But, Adam4adam I'm sure was seen as the end of civilization when it came out. But, people carried on and now they've embraced it.

 

In addition, apps have been blamed for possibly decreasing the amount of people at gay bars. Though that's probably true on a weekday, gay bars are still bustling as ever on weekends. In fact, the last 2-3 guys I've met have been at gay bars.

 

I can't imagine my 60 year old clients who have demanding careers and mcmansions have time to troll around on apps.

 

Unfortunently and fortunately, i think the real reason is the current political situation. I'm not going to make any assessments, but lots of people do seem ready for a change in policy. Whether they get it is left to be found out.

 

I always say, i don't care what anyone else says: things started going downhill in the business after Obama's second election....that may have coincided with the invent of apps, but if someone's gonna get it for free, they're gonna get it for free. If they gone pay, they gone pay.

 

But i do wish the apps would do like Adam and allow proper paid escort ads. It would give them more money and decrease all the surprises guys tell me about when they meet a guy off grinder, talk for days, and then find out they're looking for money.

[+ Lance_Navarro]

Who can afford to live in SF?

 

Ive only been in my apartment for 5 1/2 years, but I'm rent controlled and my rent is pretty reasonable, by SF standards anyway. I moved to SF after 2 years in Sacramento, where I had a 2 bedroom townhouse for $900. I couldn't believe how much more I had to pay for a small studio in SF, but now I'm so thankful to have a place here for a decent price.

 

As far as the OP's observations and concerns, most has already been said. If something isn't working, you gotta figure out why. I can understand how advertising as "straight" is probably more of a turn off than turn on. I reject the notion that business is tough as one gets older. The market is flooded with guys in their 20's, but some of the most successful guys I know are in their 40's and 50's. Many, but not all are attracted to youth, some prefer the wisdom and passion that come with age. There are times when business can be a little slow, but I just keep fostering my current relationships, plan my future travels and live with optimism and love.

[Mocha]

Some great Responses here. It Isnt just Vegas. Its ALOT of Cities. Business is ...lackluster. Most of my Hires have been from Clients whom I've already seen. The Rise of the App sites have made escorting...ALMOST Null and Void.

 

 

While I still have hope I really cant see this being a Profitable Business 5-10 years from now.

 

 

Then again thats just my 2 cents.

 

I also want to add: part of it too is because of America. Many Americans can be stingy, entitled, critical and judgemental and think you should "work hard" and accept no handouts. But they're more than happy to get handouts of your dick and ass for no money down.

 

I was in Kentucky the other month, and the only person who showed up and actually paid was a 26 year old Brazilian kid who didn't even speak English. That wasn't Miami, but Kentucky.

 

I really just want to say, "SO LONG STUPID AMERICANS" like the movie mannikin on the move. But until then, we all have each other:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBQVrCflZ_E

[+ Keith30309]

Because, the COL has gone up everywhere too. To rent an apartment in many cities, 1 and 2 bedrooms have surpassed rental home prices.

 

Here's my other take on the situation: let's not give these apps too much praise for affecting business. I don't know the exact time frame, but does anyone know which came first between Adam4adam or rentboy? I'd think around the same time. But, Adam4adam I'm sure was seen as the end of civilization when it came out. But, people carried on and now they've embraced it.

 

In addition, apps have been blamed for possibly decreasing the amount of people at gay bars. Though that's probably true on a weekday, gay bars are still bustling as ever on weekends. In fact, the last 2-3 guys I've met have been at gay bars.

 

I can't imagine my 60 year old clients who have demanding careers and mcmansions have time to troll around on apps.

 

Unfortunently and fortunately, i think the real reason is the current political situation. I'm not going to make any assessments, but lots of people do seem ready for a change in policy. Whether they get it is left to be found out.

 

I always say, i don't care what anyone else says: things started going downhill in the business after Obama's second election....that may have coincided with the invent of apps, but if someone's gonna get it for free, they're gonna get it for free. If they gone pay, they gone pay.

 

But i do wish the apps would do like Adam and allow proper paid escort ads. It would give them more money and decrease all the surprises guys tell me about when they meet a guy off grinder, talk for days, and then find out they're looking for money.

 

No doubt this is true. Part of the appeal of the apps is they are more or less instantaneous in response - either a yes or no (not yet).

Conversely setting something up with some professionals can be really frustrating and cumbersome.

I've been trying to hire since Monday and still no luck (Appointment Monday missed - he overslept; plan B -Wednesday appointment missed - he had confused times on his calendar; plan C - Wednesday appointment - response to my initial query text took 4 hours then another 3 hours for him to respond to specific logistics; plan D - text & email sent 5 hours ago and still no response to either; plan E - just now... guy responded to my text immediately but he's not feeling well (I actually appreciate his response; neither of us would have likely enjoyed that).

Apps may provide a lousy experience but at least it's instant feedback.

[DonaldTramp]

Yes...its Obama's fault! `eyeroll~

[jjkrkwood]

Hey Mocha, just because people are finding OTHER, more creative ways to have sex, and at no cost, DONT BE A HATER.... All good things come to an end, and maybe your time has ended. ? That's what progress and technology is.

[escortrod]

Hey Mocha, just because people are finding OTHER, more creative ways to have sex, and at no cost, DONT BE A HATER.... All good things come to an end, and maybe your time has ended. ? That's what progress and technology is.

From my perspective technology has enabled sex work a great deal. It has made it somewhat safer for escorts, and much easier for clients to find precisely the type of guy that fits their tastes. A lot of the guys I met in London used 'dating' apps and were perfectly successful on them, but found hiring escorts to be much more reliable.

[+ Lance_Navarro]

Some great Responses here. It Isnt just Vegas. Its ALOT of Cities. Business is ...lackluster. Most of my Hires have been from Clients whom I've already seen. The Rise of the App sites have made escorting...ALMOST Null and Void.

 

 

While I still have hope I really cant see this being a Profitable Business 5-10 years from now.

 

 

Then again thats just my 2 cents.

 

I just don't agree that hookup apps inherently are having a negative impact on escort business. Before the apps it was chat rooms, before that, personal ads and of course the bars. As long as what you offer is superior to what one can get through a random hook-up than you should be able to make a decent living. If you're not, you need to ask yourself 3 things.

 

Is my heart really in it?

 

Do I need to learn, grow or develop in some way?

 

Am I effectively & authentically communicating my "product" (a culmination of who you are and what talents and skills you possess)?

 

Blaming something that you don't have any control over only disempowers you from making the necessary changes.

[jjkrkwood]

From my perspective technology has enabled sex work a great deal. It has made it somewhat safer for escorts, and much easier for clients to find precisely the type of guy that fits their tastes. A lot of the guys I met in London used 'dating' apps and were perfectly successful on them, but found hiring escorts to be much more reliable.

 

The more options one has, the better, but from Mocha's standpoint, technology is taking the food out of his mouth. But that's just another thing for him to lament. If it aint this, its That....its always something.

[BaronArtz]

If that were generally true, why do we see the upward movement in rates? I agree with @Keith30309 that there's been an uptick in rates.

 

There are no hard data to assess the escort market. Could it be a 80/20 thing? 20% of the 'prime' escorts making 80% of the revenues? My best guesstimate is that 20% escorts make most of the money and have no problem increasing their rates a bit. That leaves 80% of the escorts barely scraping by.

 

My impressions are purely anecdotal, are based on conversations with LA escorts and masseurs - many of them visit NYC on a regular basis. They wouldn't do that if LA and possibly Las Vegas would be such abundant markets for them.

[Mocha]

Yes...its Obama's fault! `eyeroll~

 

Lol. Good one. That did sound like obama bashing. Let me implicitly explain, which I should have done when I wrote that. I wasn't suggesting it was BECAUSE of Obama or his (congress) policies. It was simply something I noticed at the time. I was going to Salt Lake City for awhile, and when their Mormon nominee at the last election didn't win...it was like things did a 360. I used to stay there for a whole week and be busy. but then I started staying for just a night or 2 because it was gamers or nothing going on.

 

I don't think the apps did that because it was almost in sync with the results after that election...and I was very much in demand.

 

Hey Mocha, just because people are finding OTHER, more creative ways to have sex, and at no cost, DONT BE A HATER.... All good things come to an end, and maybe your time has ended. ? That's what progress and technology is.

 

I'm all for it. Hell, I'm certainly using the apps to my advantage. Scruff is my favorite right now. But Grindr is mainly for "missed connections" and such. Had a guy in South Miami I was so wanting to talk to at the Home Depot, but he was with a woman. He ended up hitting me up on Grindr. But...I was in the Chevy SS and made it to Fort Lauderdale when I noticed the message.

 

The more options one has, the better, but from Mocha's standpoint, technology is taking the food out of his mouth. But that's just another thing for him to lament. If it aint this, its That....its always something.

 

2 other posters mentioned the apps playing a role in affecting business. I said that I didn't feel the impact is as credible simply because, like @Lance_Navarro stated, there has always been ways of having non paid sex. I even suggested the apps would be perfect if they allowed escort ads. They'd get paid, and advertisers would be more transparent. There wouldn't be surprises. However, I would be on the fence as to the quality of paid encounters on the apps. I know of 1 app that would be a definite no no. Another app, could work but be timewastery. And then, one other app that I know definitely would work...because I used it and met a decent client.

 

For example, adam4adam's main pitch line is: FREE DATING/CHAT HOOKUPS. But, I've just had 3 clients off there, 2 who are regulars in less than a week. So, I'm certainly for technology, for without it non of us would be in business.

[LADoug1]

No doubt this is true. Part of the appeal of the apps is they are more or less instantaneous in response - either a yes or no (not yet).

Conversely setting something up with some professionals can be really frustrating and cumbersome.

I've been trying to hire since Monday and still no luck (Appointment Monday missed - he overslept; plan B -Wednesday appointment missed - he had confused times on his calendar; plan C - Wednesday appointment - response to my initial query text took 4 hours then another 3 hours for him to respond to specific logistics; plan D - text & email sent 5 hours ago and still no response to either; plan E - just now... guy responded to my text immediately but he's not feeling well (I actually appreciate his response; neither of us would have likely enjoyed that).

Apps may provide a lousy experience but at least it's instant feedback.

Unless you start chatting with major time wasters of which there are MANY!

[AdamSmith]

Blaming something that you don't have any control over only disempowers you from making the necessary changes.

That!!

 

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Edison

[jjkrkwood]

 

I even suggested the apps would be perfect if they allowed escort ads. They'd get paid, and advertisers would be more transparent. There wouldn't be surprises. However, I would be on the fence as to the quality of paid encounters on the apps. I know of 1 app that would be a definite no no. Another app, could work but be timewastery. And then, one other app that I know definitely would work...because I used it and met a decent client.

 

For example, adam4adam's main pitch line is: FREE DATING/CHAT HOOKUPS. But, I've just had 3 clients off there, 2 who are regulars in less than a week. So, I'm certainly for technology, for without it non of us would be in business.

 

Come on mocha, stop with that crap. You know, and as we have all seen here recently, there are plenty of paid escorts whose quality & stability are quite questionable. Escorts are not GODs, they are a business and provide a service, and often that service is not 5 stars.... And I am almost certain a lot of those "quality" escorts are using those apps to find FREE sex for themselves.

[Mocha]

Come on mocha, stop with that crap. You know, and as we have all seen here recently, there are plenty of paid escorts whose quality & stability are quite questionable. Escorts are not GODs, they are a business and provide a service, and often that service is not 5 stars.... And I am almost certain a lot of those "quality" escorts are using those apps to find FREE sex for themselves.

 

I was referring to quality of the overall interaction. As in, exchanging 300 Grindr messages for $80 isn't quite efficient. But, that's likely what would be commonplace if they were to allow data entry clerk ads.