Would you be miffed?

[DB123]

Here is my take on discount:

If we take it or ask for it, we are being labelled cheapo or worst disrespect providers. They might even put you on their 'banned list'..

How about just extend extra half hr while the client pay for only 1 hr?

See, now this has been offered to me and I HAVE taken them up on it. I think its best case for everyone.

 

[Catherine St.Claire]

As usual Cat, your insights are always invaluable. What I take from your reply and other SP's who have chimed in...is that a discount offer is not really worth the virtual paper that it is printed on...that if you choose to exercise said discount you will look like a cheapskate or a POS...noted. That the purpose of such a gracious offer is to make the wrongly-done-by-client feel good about about the business acumen of the provider for offering to make things right.

Look at any discount offer in print and there will be terms and conditions that apply. Obviously there was no communication concerning these details so they are fluid and open to interpretation by both parties. If you are a valued regular, there will be more understanding and flexibility but waiting six months to redeem an offer is a wee bit entitled. When a provider offers a discount it's for one of two reasons - she fucked up or business is slow. Either way, my advice is to use the offer as soon as possible after the fact. I only advertise my retainers at Christmas but if someone asks about them the other 11 months, I see it as a mutually beneficial arrangement; not haggling because they are wanting to set something up that is good for both of us. A one off with a Baskin Robbins hobbyist who wants a discount long after the fact? That's a bit of another story. Then to come on here and discuss it even without naming the provider? That's chutzpah. And good on Peachy for posting her reply; we all know how active the pm system is on here for naming names. She is a provider who genuinely busts her ass to keep her clients happy while living a life and getting an education. She replied with grace and dignity, explaining her situation and her reasons for refusing. Bottom line is if a provider is offering a special or a discount, it's got a short shelf life as this business can turn on a dime and offers come off the table quickly if the phone starts ringing. Trying to collect long after the fact does put tend to put one in the same league as the hagglers, hustlers and the quintessentially cheap...

cat

 

[birddogs]

Look at any discount offer in print and there will be terms and conditions that apply. Obviously there was no communication concerning these details so they are fluid and open to interpretation by both parties. If you are a valued regular, there will be more understanding and flexibility but waiting six months to redeem an offer is a wee bit entitled. When a provider offers a discount it's for one of two reasons - she fucked up or business is slow. Either way, my advice is to use the offer as soon as possible after the fact. I only advertise my retainers at Christmas but if someone asks about them the other 11 months, I see it as a mutually beneficial arrangement; not haggling because they are wanting to set something up that is good for both of us. A one off with a Baskin Robbins hobbyist who wants a discount long after the fact? That's a bit of another story. Then to come on here and discuss it even without naming the provider? That's chutzpah. And good on Peachy for posting her reply; we all know how active the pm system is on here for naming names. She is a provider who genuinely busts her ass to keep her clients happy while living a life and getting an education. She replied with grace and dignity, explaining her situation and her reasons for refusing. Bottom line is if a provider is offering a special or a discount, it's got a short shelf life as this business can turn on a dime and offers come off the table quickly if the phone starts ringing. Trying to collect long after the fact does put tend to put one in the same league as the hagglers, hustlers and the quintessentially cheap...

cat

I think this is a little harsh and presents quite a poor picture of the industry. If this is the general view amongst providers, it makes me feel more guarded and much less generous in my dealings here.

There are good providers and good clients, but even then there can be misunderstandings. I agree that trying to collect on a discount (offered in good faith) long after the fact is awkward, but to label the client a "haggler, hustler, or cheap charlie" is just wrong.

 

[Catherine St.Claire]

Let me start off with ...

Ryan, I apologize for seeming to imply that you fall into the undesirable category, it wasn't my intention...

Allow me to clarify my post a little more for those who feel my words have been too biting. My responses were mainly for those reading to have a little insight into these kinds of situations...

If it seems I painted a poor picture of the industry, it's because I simply elaborated on a single snapshot of one aspect of it. If the good hobbyists had any inkling of the scams that guys try with us, they would be shocked. We have good reason not to trust clients until they've proven themselves trustworthy. A woman who trusts clients without question will burn out quickly from dealing with those less ethical. It doesn't mean there isn't positive interaction in our days, just that there is a constant potential for negative that we need to be aware of and on guard for. I wrote my thoughts for the countless others that seem to forget that little girls don't grow up wanting to be fuck dolls. Most providers are in this because it fits with their life situation, not because they want to have sex with multiple random strangers every week, especially when many of the men want to push hard limit boundaries both in services and prices; not all but many. The problem is we never know who is worthy and who isn't until they are thru our door and we're face to face. I was trying to convey that providers understand this but that it makes it difficult for the good guys but until we know who's decent and who isn't, our guard is up. The women who are truly professional easily find the good in their days and deal with the bad without fanfare.

Ryan1967 is a valuable member of the Ottawa community and it wasn't my intention to make an example of him here. I was simply pointing out how the unintended consequences of his action have reflected and tried to give food for thought on how to handle situations like this in the future when one arises. We all know this industry is unique but it's easy to forget and attempting to compare it to other businesses will result in inaccurate, futile and unproductive conclusions...

cat