Am I about to make a mistake? (Naive first timer?!)

[Katie-J]

Hi Ladies! I've been lurking for a few days and have read a fair few pages of the questions and answers forum. I've decided to start escorting to pay off some debt. It's not something I've only just thought of either, it's been playing on my mind for a while now so I feel mentally prepared. So as I've read quite a bit now I'm a bit worried about my first night. I was wondering if I could ask your advice to see if what I'm about to do is a mistake?! I've decided to go via an agency first to see if I can do it.

Here are the facts-
I replied to an ad on Craigslist (which now I'm not so sure I should have done through reading this forum)

I've been having a chat with a lady via whatsapp and have spoken to her on the phone. She was very blunt and to the point about what they do but sounded genuine.

The way they work- driver takes me from job to job, asked for my address for pick up but I've asked to be picked up from a public place  instead for privacy and they said that's fine. Said I'll be safe as the driver will wait for me and can ask him for help should there be a difficult client.

I've sent photos, my stats etc and I'm meant to be starting tonight. When I said I hadn't done it before she explained it all over the phone.

I just feel a bit uneasy.. she's said what I'll need with me - condoms, luve, stockings, wipes etc and to wear heels or at least bring them with me.

Does any of that not sound right to any of you ladies?! I don't want to fall victim to a con or scam etc. They haven't asked for any money upfront but do take 50% of fees..

I actually do really want to do this but the more I read the more I'm doubting the method I've chosen..

Any words of wisdom or advice would be greatly received.

Katie x

[SimplySinful]

First of all a 50% cut is high even by agency standards.

Second, I've never done agency, but I understand the lure of it all seeming easier as the agency supposedly take care of everything. The truth is no-one can look after your safety and security, not to mention screening like YOU can.  The majority of agency do not screeen, they don't care two hoots about you as long as you make money for them.

I'm not saying this to scare you, but it's the truth in the majority of cases.  And having an ad on Craigslist just doesn't sound like a professional way for an agency to be promoting themselves.  You don't know the driver from Adam, or how safe you will be with him.

Honestly if you have this many doubts, I think you are answering your own questions. The other thing is agencies don't employ you, you employ them and if you feel this uncomfortable you do not have to go ahead with this.

Is there any reason, having read thro this site, that you can't put up a profile on Adultwork and start this way.  I appreciate it can seem daunting setting up on your own, but there's loads of advice for Independents on here, and we are here for you, if you have any additional questions.

[barbie88]

Hey Hun is this a uk based agency?

I started off working for  a agency I did not know what the hell I was doing I remember the first agency I applied for was in London I got picked up by a driver was told to wear a sexy dress and heels thats all I was told I was shaking I got picked up by a guy who spoke no English I was 19 I think . I went to office was told nothing bout what goes on I was taken to like a bowling and 24 hours like food place where all the drivers and girls go I was nervous I actually did a runner got on the tube . When i tried again I was more happy with the agency and had a nice driver . I have worked for all different types of agency's they all work different every thing sounds right about from the add on craigslist . What agencys usually do especially if your new they will make sure your first night is really busy busy and gogo .  If its a good agency they will send you to all there nice regulars .

All agencys that use drivers that I have worked for take 50 percent also drivers expect like a tenna or 20 at end of the night ill be honest over the years I have had nightmares with agencies and drivers but remember they need you more than you need them . Good luck Hun . xxx

[Treetop]

I've only done agency a couple of breif short times tbh but this all sounds right to me. Everything in your post sounds like standard agency practice,just dont let them take the piss or encourage you to do anything your not comfortable with, theres twice the money in indie work if it all goes wrong so keep that in the nack of your mind if the agency annoy you.
 You wont find too many peole here with positive things to say about agency but sometimes i think agency is a good way for people to learnt the ropes if agency makes them feel more confident. Good luck with your first day! Try to relax and get a work persona going,once youve done it once it gets soooo much easier! Have a good night. :-)

[Katie-J]

Thank you everyone, , all very good advice. Just had confirmation of driver pick up with his name and mobile number. I said I'm happy to make my way to London (as not from the area) but she said she doesn't like her girls travelling and my preferred pick up place is absolutely no problem At all. She said my profile will be up by 5pm and she will send me the link when it's ready. This makes me feel a bit more confident as I was worried that maybe the person I've been talking to had no affiliation to the agency.

I absolutely do want to go 'Indie' when I've got a bit of experience as know you can earn so much more and would like to screen my own clients. Whilst we are here.. there's loads of acronyms going around and I have no idea what any of them mean! I know OW and OWO but that's it! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Xx

Just off out now to get supplies!

[Katie-J]

ANd doing a runner on the tube is definitely something I would do haha! 

[Beachbunny82]

Hi Katie, I'm a complete newbie too. I'm going for an informal chat with a local agency here in the morn. I can't do indie ATM as I have zero cash and cannot do in class at mine. This agency have houses so I'll go there. Not sure in their commission yet but even if I do it temporarily until I've saved some money up to get my own flat then I'm fine. I don't have any nice lingerie or anything ATM either! Has the agency told you how it works from the get go? I.e what the client expects and what you do ? Xx

[Anais]

Just ask, re the acronyms.

Break a leg, as they say.  Do report back xxx

[Emma_C]

Normally they will get you to meet them in person first to take photos for their website etc. I'd feel dubious if I'd not met them in person & totally green. 50% is too high a cut, it's usually around 30%.

[barbie88]

Ha ha Hun there are loads of tube stations lol . You be ok I'll be up late tonight so if you need a chat
 Pm me and I'll give you advice . You be really busy Hun my friend does reception for a agency and all new girls are given the most work for a week so they think it's busy all the time and stay especially if your new to this Job you will do well but there be a lot of bloody idiots out there that will try it on because your new so maybe don't tell them your brand new . Remember money up front I usually ask for it with in the first 5 mins never later . If there gonna extend make sure you take it upfront . You can decide what services you want to offer its what your comfortable to do don't let the agency tell you what to do .

I would also take a little blanket with you  guessing you could be in a car or office all night xx

[Katie-J]

So I've kind of done a runner from my driver.. will explain all once I'm safely on way way home defiantly going indie!!!! Xxx

[amy]

So I've kind of done a runner from my driver.. will explain all once I'm safely on way way home defiantly going indie!!!! Xxx

Well that doesn't sound like it went quite to plan!

Assuming you're safe, on your way and somebody knows where you are you can fill us all in when you get back and we can all help come up with a Plan B .

[Katie-J]

I've just popped up a a new thread.. explained all on there! I'm safe but a little bit stuck with how to get home but I'll figure it out! Xx

[SimplySinful]

Ok here is a thread to start you off; one of  the best thing you can do if going Indie is swot up on screening procedures:

http://www.saafe.info/main/index.php?topic=13274.msg300281#msg300281

We were all new once. I've always been Indie but made some glaring mistakes initially (only came accross Saafe when I'd been doing it 6 months unfortunately)

There is a whole section on here about Adultwork too, which is how a lot of Indies start off, check that out too.

[JustAnotherHooker]

Hi Ladies! I've been lurking for a few days and have read a fair few pages of the questions and answers forum. I've decided to start escorting to pay off some debt. It's not something I've only just thought of either, it's been playing on my mind for a while now so I feel mentally prepared. So as I've read quite a bit now I'm a bit worried about my first night. I was wondering if I could ask your advice to see if what I'm about to do is a mistake?! I've decided to go via an agency first to see if I can do it.

Here are the facts-
I replied to an ad on Craigslist (which now I'm not so sure I should have done through reading this forum)

I've been having a chat with a lady via whatsapp and have spoken to her on the phone. She was very blunt and to the point about what they do but sounded genuine.

The way they work- driver takes me from job to job, asked for my address for pick up but I've asked to be picked up from a public place  instead for privacy and they said that's fine. Said I'll be safe as the driver will wait for me and can ask him for help should there be a difficult client.

I've sent photos, my stats etc and I'm meant to be starting tonight. When I said I hadn't done it before she explained it all over the phone.

I just feel a bit uneasy.. she's said what I'll need with me - condoms, luve, stockings, wipes etc and to wear heels or at least bring them with me.

Does any of that not sound right to any of you ladies?! I don't want to fall victim to a con or scam etc. They haven't asked for any money upfront but do take 50% of fees..

I actually do really want to do this but the more I read the more I'm doubting the method I've chosen..

Any words of wisdom or advice would be greatly received.

Katie x

It all sounds perfectly reasonable to me except them taking 50%, that IMO is a tad too much, I've worked for agencies and 40% was always the most and this included the drivers fee, the drivers were useless because they didn't always sit outside for the full time, if they had another job then I would be left and sometimes I had to get a taxi back, I also once texted the driver to say I felt uncomfortable and could he come to the door and get me, he replied 'just leave'!! He was in his 60s right enough but ffs!! The client ended up being okay but still...