YMMV by first impression?

[Lou Siffer]

I've been wondering about something but I'm not sure how to explain it.

I think the basic question is this:
Do you think the guy who shows up in a suit and tie gets better service from your average SP than the guy who shows up in jeans?

Background:
One of my personal goals in life has always been to live and work on my own terms, where and when I want to. And for the most part that means not wearing a suit. I've always seen the suit as the symbol of a guy who is living by other people's rules, chained to the establishment, unable to break free of the bonds that society imposes on him and all that other bullshit. Otherwise, why would anyone wear a suit. I mean nobody would wear one on their own time, right?

I'm a reasonably successful person, at least by my own standards. I run my own relatively small corporation with multinational clients. I travel and live pretty well. To get to this point, I have lived the suit wearing life at times. Not as much as some of my employers might have wished, but enough to get the job done. I still wear a suit when necessary...conferences, corporate clients, etc. But on a day-to-day basis, its jeans and t-shirts. And not nice designer jeans but old Levis, probably with some paint on them or a grease stain or something and an old t-shirt or sweatshirt. And in the summer it'll be shorts.

When I visit an SP, I often find myself thinking I should change into something nicer. It's a "date" right? But I usually don't. About half of my SP visits are to "lower end" SPs just because I feel dressed more apropriately for that.

I'm rambling, but I often note the wording of some of the SP ads and webpages, especially higher end ones. They usually make comments about looking for "discerning gentlemen" or an "executive". When I show up I look more like an aging highschool student.

So back to the original question, I guess. Does it make a difference what you wear? I mean regardless of how successful you are and how much you're paying, do you think SPs make an initial assessment based on what you're wearing and conciously or subconciously adjust their service? Would your answer change depending on if the SP is 200/hr or 500/hr?

All of this is assuming that hygiene is not an issue. I mean the clothes and I are both old but get washed daily.

 

[Herodotus]

That's life - everyone is judged by a first impression. The mark of a true pro in any business is someone who quickly gets over that and takes care of business like a pro.

 

[A.J. Raven]

My YMMV is generally based on how I am feeling at the time of the date, and further influanced by the client's hygiene. If I am feeling a little sour in the stomach, which we all do occasionally to one extent or another, then some things are off the menu. Of course, once I get "in the mood", things can change... or not. It has more to do with me than the client, most of the time.

 

[tboy]

Well, maybe MMV because of the way I dress or the fact that I live and work in a wood shop but if it has? MY LORD I'd die if the service got any better actually.

I think it has more to do with your demeanor, your attitude, and the way you treat the ladies than anything else. I can't speak for the ladies but I know some guys who wear suits all the time and are total dicks.

As for living in a shop, I had one sp come over and wanted to play with my table saw....I said "Hey, we can build something afterwards but this my playtime lol". Another spent the first 15 checking out all the stuff I was working on, all the various hand tools, etc......

 

[squash500]

I think the basic question is this:
Do you think the guy who shows up in a suit and tie gets better service from your average SP than the guy who shows up in jeans?

LS, my answer would be definitely yes. When someone is wearing a suit and tie society assumes that these people are successful. Successful people might intimidate some sps which might lead to better service and more respect on the part of the sp. When I was in my late twenties----I made a bet with a friend. I was fixed up with a woman on a blind date and decided to wear a suit. The ironic thing was that I was unemployed at the time. To make a long story short-----I purposely arrived for the date 20 minutes late looking all flustered. I told her that my business meeting ran rather late and I apologized to the woman profusely. The woman said that she understood and liked hard working ambitious men. To make another long story short---I wound up getting laid by her but once she found out I was unemployed she became very angry and threatened to cut off my .

 

[mindingmyownbusiness]

I think wearing a suit will improve your chances. On the flip side I have learned to never wear a suit when bringing my car in for servicing!

 

[a 1 player]

Maybe not a suit, but business casual is always ok. In my opinion, looking clean and well respectable counts for a lot. Nothing wrong with jeans, so long as they are clean and with a nice casual shirt and no running shoes. But hey, that is just one mans opinion. I like to look nice when I am out in public all the time, makes me feel better. (Sunday mornings at Home Depot do not count).

 

[oldjones]

…edit…I mean nobody would wear one on their own time, right?…edit…

Wrong. If I wore a suit to work, everyone would offer their condolences and ask when the funeral was. But nothing makes me feel more elegant and a man of the world than putting on a suit I don't 'have to' wear.

 

[The Houdini]

As long as you don't look like a dirty dishevelled slob and your hygiene is A1, you'll do just fine. But I also find humour, confidence, and respect of the lady will grant you an abundance of mileage.

 

[great bear]

Have never and I repeat never worn a suit and tie when out playing. If you have self confidence it shows regardless of what your wearing. Clothes don't make a man, a man makes the clothes.

 

[tboy]

As for society assuming someone is successful because he's wearing a suit, that only applies to idiots...really. You can buy a suit for $79.00 just about anywhere.......

Now if you know your stuff and see someone in a Bill Blass or Armani, then that's another story. But if you assume something be prepared to make an ass out of u......I had a few friends who were well off (10 mill plus) and they NEVER wore suits, they hated them. For eg: look at Bill Gates, I don't think I've ever seen him in a suit and Ross Perot, I think I've only seen him in suits at press conferences or board meetings.

Sorry, when I see someone in a CHEAP suit I think: loser trying to look like he's all that.........

 

[great bear]

As for society assuming someone is successful because he's wearing a suit, that only applies to idiots...really. You can buy a suit for $79.00 just about anywhere.......

Now if you know your stuff and see someone in a Bill Blass or Armani, then that's another story. But if you assume something be prepared to make an ass out of u......I had a few friends who were well off (10 mill plus) and they NEVER wore suits, they hated them. For eg: look at Bill Gates, I don't think I've ever seen him in a suit and Ross Perot, I think I've only seen him in suits at press conferences or board meetings.

Sorry, when I see someone in a CHEAP suit I think: loser trying to look like he's all that.........

TBoy, is it a bad idea to flash the "Moors" label on the suit your wearing?

 

[papasmerf]

Clothes don't make a man, a man makes the clothes.

Wrong again..children in third world sweat shops make the clothes

 

[Lou Siffer]

Hell, I don't even dress up for my regulars...........lol. I much prefer to be comfortable in a pair of nice-fitting jeans and sexy top. My favourite tops are my workout tops with a workout jacket over that. Yes, it's a very casual look, but still sexy I've been told. I've even had clients thank me for dressing like I did!

That's interesting. I've often thought it would be nicer if SPs wore more 'regular' clothes. There's something really sexy about watching a woman undress or undressing her yourself.

 

[Lou Siffer]

Seven jeans? Bill Blass?

OK, I know what they are, not that I'd bother, but....

Hickey Freeman and Hart Shafner? No offense DairyQueen, but are these clothes or gay anchormen?

Does nobody shop at WalMart?

 

[Herodotus]

That's interesting. I've often thought it would be nicer if SPs wore more 'regular' clothes. There's something really sexy about watching a woman undress or undressing her yourself.

Speak for yourself.

Seriously, please don't get the ladies going down this path. If I wanted girls wearing regular clothes, I would just deal with regular civilian girls. Part of the allure of the hobby is the fantasy - having an extraordinary encounter with an exceptional and hopefully in some way, exotic lady.

 

[BallzDeep]

I usually change into my birthday suit not long after I arrive.

 

[bogo]

That's interesting. I've often thought it would be nicer if SPs wore more 'regular' clothes. There's something really sexy about watching a woman undress or undressing her yourself.

I agree, not that I mind the lingerie but a pair of jeans and a nice top would be a welcome change.

 

[Jade4u]

All this being said do not show up with a pair of sandles, no shirt wearing a pair of loose fitting shorts or sweat pants that come off easily with no underwear. This makes you look like you are in a big rush to get right into it with no foreplay. (wham bam fashion) Yes it has happened and yes I did mention it and laughed about it. I even got an honest answer of that was why. ahhh the memories.

None the less as long as you are not a jerk no matter what you show up like and as long as you are clean all is fine for the most part. But, helping a man to remove his belt is part of the fun too.

 

[Never Compromised]

I don't work in the corporate world, so I rarely wear a suit to hobby, although it does happen once in a blue moon. I don't think that the sessions depend upon what I'm wearing when I walk in the door. Attitude, respect, and proper hygiene seem to be far more important.