Agreed it's awkward to have to ask.
But, when entering and not getting a hello or hug but greeted with "put the money over there and take a shower" does not inspire confidence in the punt lol (a TDL woman - who did not last long in the gig thankfully, kudos to TDL dropping her).
Despite my plain appearance my reg ladies make me feel young and handsome! But part of the secret to a good punt - that shockingly many blokes have not realised - is to make the lady feel as comfortable as possible with you. If she feels confident that you won't try to run out without pay, that you won't go poking things into places she does not want, that you won't stealth her, that you'll be sparkly clean everywhere, she can trust you and relax and really let her talents flow. Thus, it's 100% in your own interests to do this!
Thus, be polite and punctual.
Have the shower and get sparkly clean..
Give her a classy way to count the dough by dropping it before the shower so she can count it whilst you're soaping up.
And always ask before attempting any poking anywhere.
If you're a pay at the end type, the whole time she's with you she will wonder if you're "one of those scamster types", and this will constantly run in the back of her mind. Thus, you will NOT get her "A" game.
BTW, only once i counted out the $ to the ladies directly and Melissa C was there for that at our "reunion trio" with the Roses (Kimberly & Melissa). It is of course a more dear allotment of funds, and I had to rush out out to make the appointment driving in from a couple of hours away. Thus I got paranoid I didn't have the right totals and wanted to make sure I did and each lady got the same and correct amount. (BTW i reviewed that meeting here, and it was freakin' gold!!)