Yeah, things are tighter all around, I do find myself sticking to regulars, just because of established relationships. I know what I'm going to get. I almost always see indy girls, so the range is 250-300h, with bbbj included, the main sticking point, just to differentiate services....
I used to go for twice a month, 1hr (just because I like to get to know the provider, it provides for much better experience), usually 1 TDL, let's see, and then 1 regular. Now it's once with a regular, don't want to chance it, and then buyers remorse...
Basically econ 101, D&S, like any other service. This service being a pleasure item, it's usually the first to drop off, like travel, Netflix, etc. You need food and lodging at the end of the day...
Alison_xox, I really like all your posts, I find you the most level headed of all the professional SPs. I haven't seen you, simply I can't do deposits (no judgement, my personal situation) and not the services you provide, but I already know we would be getting along, based on your posts.
Should you raise your prices? Only you can answer that for yourself; hear everyone, don't listen to anybody. There is the personal subjectivity to objective reality; part time SPs vs full time (like yourself, I believe). Since you have long time regulars, should they add an extra 20, to match reality? I don't think they would mind. There is also new clients vs old, and there can be a price difference there, and that's not unusual. I noticed discounts, dropped screening requirements, even from professional SPs lately... On and off...
Should you do it because of your colleagues? IMHO, no, but then yes if you can...
Ultimately this economic situation is the worst for new SP entrants, I think... good luck, genuinely, and have a lot of patience to build up. At the end reputation is everything, really.