I need Opinions Please .....
- Thread starter LadyTY2Uall
- Start date
IMHO, there does seem to be an attitude on this site that anyone charging less than 140/hhr is a crappy sp, but i think differently. I like to waste my money wisely and realize that there are good independants out there for less, if you do your homework........so good luck.
If you do decide to lower your rate, just be careful not to lower it too much. If it's too low, not only will you be making less, you will likely be getting a lower quality clientele. Some indy SPs who I know quite well temporarily lowered their hourly rate by $50. They noticed that the lower rate brought many undesirable clients out of the woodwork. Good luck.
B88
B88
To me, the first step is to analyze the market, so that you understand what factors are affecting you. My friend who is an SP is super busy, I keep urging her to raise her prices because she is working so hard, and could make more money. I am not sure that the overall market has decreased either. Perhaps something has affected your market in particular: a new competitor in your niche, a bad review, loss of an important marketing channel (CL?) or something like that? It is good to understand before you make major changes.
I agree with you and some of the other posters who say that there can be bad consequences of lowering prices, such as bad customers and a perception of less value. To me, it would be better to reposition your offering in another way (as others have suggested), such as:
- hour for price of half hour.
- buy two sessions third is free.
- buy regular session, get anal/golden shower/role play/video included (I do not know your offering, I am speaking in general).
With these, you might get more business, but without getting some really cheap customers.
Good luck.
I agree with you and some of the other posters who say that there can be bad consequences of lowering prices, such as bad customers and a perception of less value. To me, it would be better to reposition your offering in another way (as others have suggested), such as:
- hour for price of half hour.
- buy two sessions third is free.
- buy regular session, get anal/golden shower/role play/video included (I do not know your offering, I am speaking in general).
With these, you might get more business, but without getting some really cheap customers.
Good luck.
Certainly there is no easy answer.
I think your plan of attack also depends on the type of business relationships you are trying to cultivate. By that I mean, are you looking to generate more new customers, or get more repeat business from existing customers? doggee_01 made a point about TOFTT going by the wayside. I wonder how many guys reading that statement nodded their heads in agreement. If that's a reasonably valid generalization, then perhaps going after new customers isn't the best approach, and the focus should be getting more from on your existing clientele.
I believe that every man has his price point when it comes to hobbying. There may even be different points for "new explorations" vs "familiar territory". Those price points differ for every individual, so it's important to understand for *your* client base what those price points are and where they have moved.
4tees made a good suggestion about offering reduced introductory rates or reduced repeat rates, and those might help to stimulate the appropriate client base. I think it's important, though, to frame any discount as a benefit to the customer. For example, "I know you're dying to see me, and I know times are tight, so here's what I'm gonna do to encourage you to pick up the phone and make that call..."
Another thought might be to try and convert your "short stays" into longer appointments. Rather than charge the same hourly rate whether it's for 1, 2, or 3 hours, perhaps the discount would apply for longer stays.
Just my $0.02 ...
SH813
I think your plan of attack also depends on the type of business relationships you are trying to cultivate. By that I mean, are you looking to generate more new customers, or get more repeat business from existing customers? doggee_01 made a point about TOFTT going by the wayside. I wonder how many guys reading that statement nodded their heads in agreement. If that's a reasonably valid generalization, then perhaps going after new customers isn't the best approach, and the focus should be getting more from on your existing clientele.
I believe that every man has his price point when it comes to hobbying. There may even be different points for "new explorations" vs "familiar territory". Those price points differ for every individual, so it's important to understand for *your* client base what those price points are and where they have moved.
4tees made a good suggestion about offering reduced introductory rates or reduced repeat rates, and those might help to stimulate the appropriate client base. I think it's important, though, to frame any discount as a benefit to the customer. For example, "I know you're dying to see me, and I know times are tight, so here's what I'm gonna do to encourage you to pick up the phone and make that call..."
Another thought might be to try and convert your "short stays" into longer appointments. Rather than charge the same hourly rate whether it's for 1, 2, or 3 hours, perhaps the discount would apply for longer stays.
Just my $0.02 ...
SH813
I agree with several of the above posters who have said that lowering your rates doesn't necessarily equate to low rates.
If your rates are in line with the average rates and you drop it by $20/hr or so, then I doubt you will raise any intelligent person's eyebrows. Now if you cut your rate to $20/hr and still promise all the same services I'm betting the warning flags will be waving frantically as most of realize that "if it sounds to good to be true it probably is".
As for the girls still advertising @ $400+/hr I'm guessing they have either found enough clientele to satisfy them and/or aren't really worried if they get business or not.
If your rates are in line with the average rates and you drop it by $20/hr or so, then I doubt you will raise any intelligent person's eyebrows. Now if you cut your rate to $20/hr and still promise all the same services I'm betting the warning flags will be waving frantically as most of realize that "if it sounds to good to be true it probably is".
As for the girls still advertising @ $400+/hr I'm guessing they have either found enough clientele to satisfy them and/or aren't really worried if they get business or not.
One important thing to remember is that, as you state on your site, your rates are already reasonable. I suppose that I am in the minority by saying this (but who cares) I purposely save up to see YOU only, and I don't want to bother "shopping around". I want to assure you that I am not saying this for me (you know me), but purhaps offering "special deals" once in a while, with lowered rates for a limited time, will help out until this "crunch" has passed us by.
Another thing, for anyone else who doesn't know Lady Ty, I would encourage you to get to know Her because She is the best!!!!!
Another thing, for anyone else who doesn't know Lady Ty, I would encourage you to get to know Her because She is the best!!!!!
Alright, so the common thread seems to be....I should be ok lowering my rates $20 or so for the time being provided my menu and quality of service remains the same high quality I have always prided myself on. That adding extra time to the same rate may be an alternative.....that intelligent men do nto view price lowering as an act of desperation......times are tough pretty much all over and offering my regulars special discounts would be a positive thing.....and most importantly, the gentleman on this site are not only intelligent but thoughtful, considerate and caring of others. Thank you for that.
I have also learned that wording my adds is oober important, and I thank you for that.
I realize I need some serious advertising/marketing advice lol.
I am also realizing that there are more of 'my guys' here than I had realized....ahem!!!!!!!
As mentioned a few times Reviews are crucial.....perhaps if more of my clients were encouraged to post their honest reviews
I have also learned that wording my adds is oober important, and I thank you for that.
I realize I need some serious advertising/marketing advice lol.
I am also realizing that there are more of 'my guys' here than I had realized....ahem!!!!!!!
As mentioned a few times Reviews are crucial.....perhaps if more of my clients were encouraged to post their honest reviews
1. lowering prices to adjust to the economy makes good business sense. All customers will appreciate it.
2. quality is something you build and with any good business and try to maintain. If the quality remains high, people will let others know (reviews). if low, the same.
3. raising prices to adjust to the economy makes good business sense. Nothing new, supply and demand.
Thank you oasis77, I appreciate the comment. I am also impressed that one of my lurkers has come out of hiding Welcome to the boards.
Welcome to the boards. If your regulars are seeing you less, and it is due to current economic climate, and you like them, then I would target your reductions to them: people who like you and whom you like and are comfortable with, encouraging them to repeat more often, a win/win for both. Offering a general discount only invites new people that you might not enjoy. Target your current customer base and any new clients that you want. Let the others pay full price.
I'd pay full price if you would just stop using the green Type!!!!!!!!
....wait a minute.....charge the same rate but advertise yourself as eco-friendly! The Green SP.
You have my permission to use this idea without royalties! LOL
....wait a minute.....charge the same rate but advertise yourself as eco-friendly! The Green SP.
You have my permission to use this idea without royalties! LOL
My 2 cents, price with-in reason is well down the list when selecting whom I wish to see. First when selecting someone new would be the visual attraction(Advertising), then reading their comments in the ad or hear trying to gain a sense of the person, services, availability, location and then price. Typically the industry works on an hourly rate, half for some but never of interest to me. If you are less busy and truly enjoy your time with those you see perhaps a longer session instead of a reduced rate. I have always savoured my time with those I chose to spend time with and the longer the session the better !
Which ever way you choose to go I wish you the best in all you do !
Which ever way you choose to go I wish you the best in all you do !
Since this is an "underground" industry one can never know the actual size of the market. I still think the industry is catering to an aging client base whose main priorities are probably debt reduction and saving for retirement. The few young men are in school, unemployed or working at Wal-Mart, get freebies, paying off student loans/mortgages, etc. and don't have any money.
He wasn't offended. He was just giving constructive criticism. It's good to get all viewpoints. Good luck.
I agree with what most of the people say here.
20 dollars is not a drop that might get keep people away. Hey, if you are worried of that, raising 20 dollars might mean you get more clients
But if you think your regulars will come more if you lower your prices then that would be something I would consider. I am sure you could even ask them since you probably have a good relationship with them. Of course I would need the same discount for this advice if I would become your special friend lol
PS You could also look at other venues to make money. Your website mentions you offer 'entertainment' over the phone or webcam but the prices seem to be very high.
20 dollars is not a drop that might get keep people away. Hey, if you are worried of that, raising 20 dollars might mean you get more clients
But if you think your regulars will come more if you lower your prices then that would be something I would consider. I am sure you could even ask them since you probably have a good relationship with them. Of course I would need the same discount for this advice if I would become your special friend lol
PS You could also look at other venues to make money. Your website mentions you offer 'entertainment' over the phone or webcam but the prices seem to be very high.
