Economy

[Guest *ig*a**]

I was wondering for the hobbiest is the weaking economy and the high price of things leaving you with less disposible income for hobbying and to the sps are you noticing a downturn in business.

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[bigwilly 933]

I can say from my experience that yes the economy is killing my income and thus my chances to hobby. I was working at a restaurant that got hit hard. Was working 5-6 hours a day and as a cook in Ottawa that barely covers rent lol. I just started a new job getting more hours but that does not really help and I have had to cut back a lot and I really don't like that. I also noticed that some SPs are raising prices. They must be busy enough to do that, so maybe it is just a few of us getting hit by the way the economy is going down....

[Boomer 33202]

As a retiree I rely quite a bit on my investment income, and the markets sure aren't performing very well. Strategically I guess I am a little bit more careful about what I spend in this hobby, don't try taking chances with new unknown ladies.

[Capital Hunter 18263]

Ottawa particularly was hit hard by this ultra conservative regime in power. The cutbacks to federal budget also removed lots of spin offs for private companies and hence less employment and money to go around. Situation in Europe is still deteriorating and the US facing the possible economic cliff may mean another recession in Canada and more hard times or lay offs .

 

People who are seeing even chances of being laid off don't spent on luxury (and yes hobbying is a luxury not necessity) and try to save as much as they can for the coming rainy days or spend what there is left on food and housing and thus less demand for providers of all kinds. I know that dancers have been hit hard past year. Me too am very surprise to see some providers are raising their fees. Not sure it is because they have lots of business though.

 

Personaly I haven't yet changed my spending habits (on luxury) as yet but I may rethink my policy lol and soon.

 

On the positive note I am confident that we can overcome. We have gone through a number of recessions (the early 80's, mid 90's, 2008-2009) and everytime came out of it stronger.

[PistolPete 61421]

I had left the government some time ago and am in business for myself. The local economy, private sector is booming, ie construction,road work,sewers,water mains,home construction, plumbing,electrical etc etc... however you choose to look at, some are finding the economy great... while others are not. I have had no issues to date, that's just my own perspective on it.

[whiteman 14028]

I've been cutting way back for quite some time now. Sticking with old favourites, rather than trying new girls. Also much reduced frequency. Also replacing with cheaper forms of entertainment as much as possible, such as going to stripclubs.

[The General 11309]

I haven't really found the stripclubs to be cheaper, unless you just watch. going to the CR for a few songs with a couple of ladies and next thing you know, you could have spent a full hour with one of the lovely SP ladies. That said, I dabble in both.

 

For me, I have not been affected, but know many that have or are very nervous about what may happen in the near future.

 

I've been cutting way back for quite some time now. Sticking with old favourites, rather than trying new girls. Also much reduced frequency. Also replacing with cheaper forms of entertainment as much as possible, such as going to stripclubs.

[mrgreen760 37785]

My discretionary dough had remained the same but my overal intertest in the game has waned big time...

 

Peace

MG

[Guest Ou**or**n]

It's been up and down over the years both in terms of interest and funding. Times are good now in my part of the economy and there is lots of work. Interest is also high lately.

[whiteman 14028]

I haven't really found the stripclubs to be cheaper, unless you just watch. going to the CR for a few songs with a couple of ladies and next thing you know, you could have spent a full hour with one of the lovely SP ladies. That said, I dabble in both.

 

For me, I have not been affected, but know many that have or are very nervous about what may happen in the near future.

I've gotten my own stripclub routine down, and I can keep it low cost for that reason.

[PhantomKnight 7914]

I personally find this hobby well worth the three jobs I try and juggle. With all the costs rising, I think I'll have to decide in which of my two hobbies are most important to spend my time and money on. (Visiting Gorgeous women and spending quality time or... Working on my mustang)

 

Either way I hope that the U.S can pull their financial stuff together, and that we can keep on track as well.

[bob54 2157]

As in any service; Hobbyists choose among a multitude of SP's offering varying qualities and prices. Some have fixed prices; others have special offers or have some flexibility in their price. The hobbyist, as a service buyer, normally shops for value within his range of affordability. This shopping pattern forcibly creates a competitve market for the SP's, who in turn will respond to the Hobbyists choice pressure by raising or dropping their price. This is a different kind of price push that occurs, regardless of, or perhaps in parallel with, the general fluctuation of the national economy. The bottom line is; The Hobbyists shopping pattern may have as much an impact on SP pricing as the downturn/upturn of the economy.

[CristyCurves 169032]

I also noticed that some SPs are raising prices. They must be busy enough to do that, so maybe it is just a few of us getting hit by the way the economy is going down....

 

If an sp raises their rates I would suspect they are doing it to keep up with all the other rising costs. Sometimes some forget how much we need to spend to prepare ourselves and our location to be "hobbyist ready". I feel for you and your situation but when gas, food, rents, power, supplies, when all these costs rise our rates have to as well, or what would be the point of working. As much as we may enjoy our work it is still work so the amout of time we put in has to be factored into to our costs as well.

All in all a bad economy affects us all. Some hobbyists will have to hobby less, some drivers will have to drive less. But I will never charge less because I am getting fewer customers. I prefer to cut back in other ways as my services, their value and quality never change so why charge less.

[Guest S**a*Q]

It's quite possible that girls are raising their rates due to the decline in clientele. If you make more from one person, you don't need to see as many people to make the money you need.

 

I prefer to keep my rates the same, although I am a little higher than some. My rates are all inclusive and reflective of the services I offer. I don't think cutting my rates by 40$ will give me new clients, maybe a one off, but in the long run it's not worth it.

 

While I don't negotiate on my rates for first timers, I have no qualms making deals for regulars.

[aimtoplease1 1839]

I for one am glad to hear that I'm not the only one that feels the economy hit. I got back into seeing SP's about a year ago after being out of it for 3-4 yrs. It was a shock to me because when I was hobbying before... a 1/2 hr. was $60-$100 and 1 hr. was $140 - $180 for most of the SP's and my salary has not increased in 6 yrs. I know that's not anyone's falt except my employer but it sure makes me cut back on my visites & I find myself always looking for a deal. It sucks but that's the reality of it!!

[jafo105 39057]

I am definitely feeling the crunch. I used to see SP's twice a month and now I can only afford to see them two or three times a year. :icon_cry:

I also find it difficult to keep groceries in the house.

It really sucks being on a disability pension.

 

The things I miss the most are the cuddles and hugs. :makeout:

[Capital Hunter 18263]

I for one am glad to hear that I'm not the only one that feels the economy hit. I got back into seeing SP's about a year ago after being out of it for 3-4 yrs. It was a shock to me because when I was hobbying before... a 1/2 hr. was $60-$100 and 1 hr. was $140 - $180 for most of the SP's and my salary has not increased in 6 yrs. I know that's not anyone's falt except my employer but it sure makes me cut back on my visites & I find myself always looking for a deal. It sucks but that's the reality of it!!

 

I think you were lucky to have come across those rates as even 6 years ago I don't think in Ottawa the rates were that low!! I think that $120 to $140 for half and $200 (or $240 for outcall) has been standard prices in Ottawa at least since 2007. Unless you were in Montreal 6 years ago which I think what you quoted still is the standard price there.

 

Going back to economy, I think we are unappreciative a bit here lol. Economy is much worse in other industrialized countries. Europe especially is again in recession with massive debt, cutbacks and layoffs and US just above it. If you want to calculate (cummulative) US debt likely your computer will break lol.

 

In Canada we have a growth rate of 2%. Not spectacular compare to 5 to 10 years ago (when we had between 3 to 4% annual growth) but still the econmy is growing and unemployment relatively low (I remember double digit unemployment not long ago). Hard to find the first time job but not impossible as in US and Europe. The inflation rate officially is at 2%. One good news for those in Hi-Tech is that this industry will be growing slowly over the next decade and for those in government, finance minister said recently that there won't be any more cuts (other than those already announced) in the future.

[piano8950 32577]

I started my business during the recession, so in a way it's been a blessing that I've only worked during a bad economy (can't wait for things to get better).

 

But despite the bad economy, I raise my prices every year or every time I reach a milestone in my work. I understand when SPs will not roll back prices because it sets a precedent. I've seen other photographers do it, and it ends up in a downward spiral. I decided that my time was worth a set amount of $$, if I do get clients, great, and if not, I'd probably live of savings and focus on school or find another job. Thankfully, even though clients have become more frugal, I've gained a reputation and some see the value in that.

 

But to answer the OP's question, I've visited an SP very erratically, no set times per month, just when I feel like it and have the time. So it hasn't made a difference

[DukeSSk 3430]

I would think that the economy would have an impact on those who visit a lady often, but for those who only do about once a month, I don't see much impact.

[whiteman 14028]

I don't think anyone should expect an existing provider to lower their prices. If they already have an existing business and they're doing fine, then what's the point, right? On the other hand, you'll likely see newer providers coming into the business who need to establish themselves who will come in with the lower prices. You're starting to see it already. And they're not just fly-by-night operators, you're seeing some highly rated newcomers coming up with some very economical options if not their whole package being lower-priced.

[Juice 2105]

It's quite possible that girls are raising their rates due to the decline in clientele. If you make more from one person, you don't need to see as many people to make the money you need.

 

Over the years I have noticed that peelers and SPs follow this principle . . . but in every other business, when demand goes down, you lower prices to attract more business! These ladies follow the opposite logic.

 

On other boards many people have mentioned that this is a main reason why full service SCs have died. The fewer clients went, the more the strippers raised their rates, which in turn caused even fewer people to go. I hope the same thing is not going to happen to the escort business. At some point 2 SPs for $500, and you might as well buy a tciket to Dominican Republic.

[whiteman 14028]

Over the years I have noticed that peelers and SPs follow this principle . . . but in every other business, when demand goes down, you lower prices to attract more business! These ladies follow the opposite logic.

 

On other boards many people have mentioned that this is a main reason why full service SCs have died. The fewer clients went, the more the strippers raised their rates, which in turn caused even fewer people to go. I hope the same thing is not going to happen to the escort business. At some point 2 SPs for $500, and you might as well buy a tciket to Dominican Republic.

Though not officially acknowledged, at least in the SC industry, I've noticed that the girls are offering more bang for the buck these days per $20 dance. Also noticed that the girls who are only doing it for the money are dropping away, as they don't have the right attitude that guys are looking for, and guys don't have the discretionary income to give them the benefit of the doubt. Slowly, but surely, Darwin's Laws also apply to this industry, much as they protest that it doesn't.

[aimtoplease1 1839]

Over the years I have noticed that peelers and SPs follow this principle . . . but in every other business, when demand goes down, you lower prices to attract more business! These ladies follow the opposite logic.

 

On other boards many people have mentioned that this is a main reason why full service SCs have died. The fewer clients went, the more the strippers raised their rates, which in turn caused even fewer people to go. I hope the same thing is not going to happen to the escort business. At some point 2 SPs for $500, and you might as well buy a tciket to Dominican Republic.

It's you mention the Dominican. I spent a week in Cuba last Feb. & had a 23 yr.old girl stay with me for 5 days for $150us...the trip cost less than $700. I'm just saying.

[Katherine of Halifax 113931]

It's quite possible that girls are raising their rates due to the decline in clientele. If you make more from one person, you don't need to see as many people to make the money you need.

 

I prefer to keep my rates the same, although I am a little higher than some. My rates are all inclusive and reflective of the services I offer. I don't think cutting my rates by 40$ will give me new clients, maybe a one off, but in the long run it's not worth it.

 

While I don't negotiate on my rates for first timers, I have no qualms making deals for regulars.

 

I totally agree with Sara, the service I offer is unique and weather my donation is $100 per hour or $1000 I have a certain loyal following that see me for their own reasons.

 

I offer much more that an hour of what one may consider every day service . I am not a cookie cutter SP and work in alternative ways. So to echo Sara's comment , I don't see any value in lowering my donation . That is just me and everyone is differnet with different needs and expectations.

[whiteman 14028]

It's you mention the Dominican. I spent a week in Cuba last Feb. & had a 23 yr.old girl stay with me for 5 days for $150us...the trip cost less than $700. I'm just saying.

I've never done anything like this myself, but a friend of mine also swears by Cuba. The only problem you might have is that if you're in a high-security government job of some sort, there may be some questions awaiting you when you get back. You can't forget that Cuba is still a communist country.