ilikecuffs

There are market forces at play here just like in any business. An sp is free to set her rates as she desires to give her a living she enjoys. You're not likely to see anyone lower their rates by much. You're more likely to see, with a perceived higher income, an increase in the number of total service providers, and new entrants into the business may charge a lower rate, and that's how you can not feel "gouged" if that is the case. There will always be terrible entrepreneurs in the marketplace, and they survive as long as customers continue to put up with them. We have boards like this to protect our resources and communicate with service providers. It makes no sense to complain about the price of any recreational service, if you want something that is out of your price range save up or move on. Respectfully. An sp can't stay in business if nobody pays her rate. If a rate is too high for you, then you're not one of her customers. Do remember though, that there are customers who are paying that rate and they are clearly enough for her. Maybe you (and I) can't afford a Rolls-Royce or Bentley, but somehow those companies manage to stay afloat.