I'd still like to hear an explanation why there are so many indies charging significantly more than the agencies. There are lots of lovely ladies at very reputable agencies at a rate of $250-$300. The indy rate seems to start at $300 and then go up by $50 increments. I know there are expenses to be paid but no more, I'd imagine, than an agency and the pot is not split as many ways as agencies have to.
So I'm interested in hearing valid reasons why there is an apparent difference in rates between indy and agency.
Expenses? Let's see:
Hotel - Quality of hotel choice + deposit up front. Financial district you're looking at maybe $300 per day on average for this, if not more depending on fluctuating rates.
Condo - Depends if it's a monthly fee or a per day basis. $50-100 per day/$1500+ per month are some I've seen. If it is their place of living as well then it can be cost effective versus booking a hotel every time.
Advertisements - Depending on where you advertise, those fees can essentially run you a few hundred dollars a month, I'll ball park at $200-300 if you advertise on several other boards/sites.
Personal Upkeep - Make-up, nails, hair. Per month, you're looking at maybe $100-150. I'm being extremely generous in my estimates here. My upkeep is personally quite more expensive than this.
Transportation - Parking, Gas, Taxis, TTC, drivers, whatever way you get to and from your appointments adds up per month. $200 on average.
Work phone/Miscellanous Neccesities - $100
Now I've left out a lot but I think these are big expenses to think about for an Indy. All with one client base.
An agency has a client base that varies for many different girls on their roster. They still gain around a 40% revenue per girl per client. If multiple girls are busy, that is quite lucrative for an owner.
However, when you think about it, some agencies book multiple rooms or multiple condo spaces which obviously means house cost is higher. They advertise multiple girls and on some avenues, this is costly.
The expense scheme is slightly different. Agencies definitely incur more cost, but I also think the value is relative in comparison to both.
One thing I will say about increased rates is that I do think clients sometimes forget to take into account the amount of upfront expenses we occur.
When we book the $3-400 hotel rooms and bring out the champagne and make sure we are dressed to the 9s, it's all quite expensive.
When a girl realizes she is focusing on marketing herself towards a different niche in terms of service, visual effects, AND all the extras, her costs incurred increase just as well. Charging more to offset those expenses is usually what will occur.
Take it as a compliment! She's getting better for you!
