Slow Times in this business - Ever wonder what causes them??

[Chanel Reign 28097]

Im wondering if perhaps the tone of the board lately is indirectly the reason there have been an increase in no-shows and just plain slow days. Not thinking this is true...just a thought. :confused:

[mod 135640]

This is a very common thing with the ladies... Always looking for the "Reason" the business gets slow at times and always looking for answers as to why they get no shows and cancellation more at different times of the year.

 

Most NO SHOWS can be stopped by screening your calls properly. Use the Caller ID and CALL BACK the number to verify it. Most guys will not pull a NO SHOW on someone without having the decency to call and properly cancel if you have their number. They know that come appointment time one very upset SP is going to give them a call asking WTF! It's not 100% but it sure helps for those who screen calls. It also makes the call a little more safer as that phone number is now a connection between the guy and the lady... I doubt someone dangerous is going to want to leave a number that can be traced back to them.

 

Most of the ladies look for reasons when things are slow. I guess most of us do that when the business we are in takes a drop in sales/traffic/work load/etc....

 

You can spend a good portion of your day trying to figure this one out but it's not really worth the effort. It's WAY easier to just plan for these lows (Put some money aside for the slow periods) and just accept that this is part of EVERY business and it will happen. Stop stressing out and trying to point a finger at what you think is causing the slowness as your just going to convince yourself of something that is probably not correct.

 

We have been tracking patterns in this industry since 1996 and the answer for this is... (Drum roll please)... It has no pattern EXCEPT for a few obvious LOW spots.

 

1) The end of Aug is SLOW every year! (Kids out of school, getting ready to go back to school, family summer vacations, etc...) This is the most popular summer weekend in the tourist industry!!

 

2) 1 week before and 1 week after Xmass (No need to explain this one right?) New years day too? NOT...

 

3) January/February for 2 weeks every year (We sum this up to winter blues and getting your credit card statements from Xmass! but we never know what two weeks it will be but for sure 2 weeks around this time it does drop... one year we did not see this and come April we saw a real low drop for 2 weeks and that was obvious weather patterns (Long winter/early spring ... warm winter/cold spring etc...) it does effect this business and you never know when this is coming exactly... so just put some cash aside for these times.

 

4) First nice weekend of spring (A lot of the ladies take this time off too)

 

5) Thanksgiving, Easter, Valentines, long weekends, really large sporting events (etc)... they also effect the business.

 

The rest has NO identifiable pattern. You can try to blame it on the economy as a low economy brings more people into this business causing more competition and the overall amount of "Recreational money" the guys have gets a lot smaller so yes the economy does effect it but a low economy BUT it also brings more guys (New guys) in to the mix as well so it's not hit as hard as one would assume.

 

Remember money and sex are the two big things couples fight about... When the economy drops and the money gets tight the stress levels go up, the fighting between couples goes up and the sex stops!! FACT OF LIFE... and I hate to admit it but that is good for this business for all you ladies!! When economy starts to get good again business will decrease a little at first! It's OPPOSITE of what everyone ASSUMES!

As for NO SHOWS... This time of year it will obviously be higher. Kids are still home from school, Family vacations, relatives coming for visits, back to school shopping, etc.. etc... and all those people taking time OFF work for family vacations makes other people have to work more (Overtime to cover shifts, higher work loads, etc) it's all relevant....

 

A lot of LAST MINUTE things come up this time of the year for the "Family Man" and well... kids and family (for most people) come first so recreational visits take a back seat so stuff will get canceled more this time of year.

 

Picture this... The guy is all ready to come see the lady he has chosen and the door bell rings and it's his brother or uncle or who knows who just "DROPS BY" for a visit... URH!? Probably with his annoying kids and wife... (Many of us have been in similar situations)

 

This happens EVERY YEAR... Come September 17th (Or around that time) once the kids are back in school and the routine is back... things will pick up.

 

Summer sucks as a lot more things can get in the way or throw a guys schedule off. Don't spend all your time looking for reasons why the business slows down.... it happens to EVERY PROVIDER & EVERY BUSINESS ... It can not be busy 100% of the time and it does take a little planning and anticipation.

[Chanel Reign 28097]

Well this certainly makes sense and I think I'll print it out. Being an SP for about 8 months you learn something new all the time. Everything you mentioned I do, and Ive only had less than a handful of no shows.

 

I was just confused about the slowness. It kind of shook my confidence a little until it was somewhat explained to me. The thought of the negativeness was just something I was throwing out there.

 

Thank you for taking the time and effort to create such a post. May I suggest you sticky it in the Newbie Section as it is very clear.

 

:D

[capitalman 3861]

Wow, that just about sums up everything Mod!

 

I would like to add, that when I see a post from an escort to the effect of "Things are so slow, I'm offering a discount!" or "Things are so slow I'm quitting, maybe I'll come back later in the year." I run like hell. Why are things slow for her? Why don't guys like her? It's a warning to me.

 

When I see things like, "Hey guys, I"m here as usual....come get me!" and I don't get an answer when I call, or her voicemail is full or I don't get a PM for a couple of days, I know she's hot and in demand and that makes me want her too! ;-)

[mod 135640]

Most of the ladies do not have MBA's so expecting them to do what mainstream business's do (In the way they operate the business) is not realistic (Wrong expectations!)

 

Mainstream business men and women with either a business education or years of being in a professional business environment learn certain "rules" for successfully marketing a and operating a company. These are things you LEARN over time but can benefit greatly upfront if you learn them early.

 

For Instance... Such things as..

downturns (How to anticipate and how to ensure security)

never admitting your slow (sales are down) most business professionals know NEVER to do this (Always say your doing great)

ROI (Return on investment - how to make 10.00 into 100.00)

landing a deal (Market, Sales Pitch and HOW TO seal the deal!)

Addressing your customers needs (It's not always about the sex or the looks - the personality is very important and the way you make your customer feel is very important)

phone sales (Mannerisms... not to answer the cell phone while driving or with screaming kids or yelling friends... or loud music playing)

Time Management

scheduling

Follow Ups

Repeat sales (Return clients)

etc...

A lot of the ladies learn this over time and trial and error... (and that can hurt a ladies reputation before she even gets started full swing).

 

Things many people who work in mainstream business assume are common knowledge or obvious choices allude many people who have no formal business experience - and it's easy to forget that at times.

 

This business has no prerequisites, you do not need any business skills to make money as a provider but if you had those skills you could make a LOT MORE money. A few of the ladies over the years have had MBA's and they usually excel rapidly and really do well in the business... and really you do not need a MBA to learn these things. Most are common sense but often overlooked or viewed as not as important.

 

The most successful ladies are the ones who have the ENTIRE PACKAGE (Sell the fantasy, polite on the phone, never miss appointments, treat the guy like he is a god, have lots of fun and enjoy people).... It may just be a big act or illusion ... or it may be the lady really likes her job (Either way the customer should NEVER be able to tell the difference). If you do this you will rarely have slow times as your "Regulars" will keep you busy during these off season times.

[PistolPete 61421]

Another thread on the topic, if you read the last page and the last comment from Emma Alexander she tells as it is, as I know that this time of year is always slow for the ladies. MOD gave you ladies some great detailed info, so you will know the other months ahead what to expect.

http://www.cerb.ca/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=31629&highlight=slow+business

[Cleo Catra 178382]

I would like to add, that when I see a post from an escort to the effect of "Things are so slow, I'm offering a discount!" or "Things are so slow I'm quitting, maybe I'll come back later in the year." I run like hell. Why are things slow for her? Why don't guys like her? It's a warning to me.

 

I totally agree with this. I'm genuinely not trying to ruffle any SP feathers with what I'm about to say, but I think questions about business should be kept in the SP-only section. Why? Because these men are not here to help our business! Reminding them that we are 'working' or are not busy are not the ways to change that. We are part of a fantasy for them, and reminding them of the business aspect ruins that in many ways.

 

I've heard from many hobbiests that they've been messaged on chat or PM, by girls saying things like 'I've just had a cancellation so I'm all alone, come visit me!', or 'I've been alone all day, waiting for someone, want to come over'. These attempts at receving a visitor have NOT been successful, and I can see why - this is just tacky. Our ads, photos, and reviews are what are here to entice these gentlemen, but if they do not make the choice to contact you, sorry, no matter how busy or not busy you are, you shouldn't be making the choice to contact them. The choice to see or not see a lady is up to the hobbiest - it's a big part of why they choose SPs instead of going to a bar!

 

Slow business sucks, I've encountered this in many jobs in my life, but it's something everyone has to deal with. Also - every hobbiest knows that you should NEVER ask a lady 'how's business', 'how many clients have you seen today?' and the like. So I don't see why we should be asking them why business is slow. It's the opposite side of the same coin.

 

I'm in no way trying to single anyone out, especially not the OP here, just giving my two cents. And I'm sure things WILL be getting better for everyone soon, as MOD points out above it's a busy time of year for family men!!

[fortunateone 156618]

A lot of experienced sps do take scheduled time off during the summer months. Or at least a more limited availability, in order to take advantage of the weather! At the very least, the days you do work will be busier than if you are just ready as per usual.

 

I think the mod is fairly accurate about the usual slower times. The no show thing tho, I can guarantee that most sps already use some sort of verification, and the same thing is happening. (most do not accept block call appts, so the # is for sure there). The best thing to do is to limit the info given re: address. Give out a general area, then the street address when they get there, then when they are at the street address, the rest. that way you don't waste too much time and energy giving out full address info to someone who may or may not arrive, and who has to travel 30-45 minutes to get there too. You allow the time wasters too much power over your schedule if you give out too much too soon. Time wasters are very common -- they collect addresses, they try to book you for times with no intention of showing up (possibly in order to make their fav sp the one guys go to see because you are busy. Just don't give anyone the power to waste more than about 30 minutes of your time, and always offer the next caller a callback to fill the space when someone no shows).

 

The other thing is the 8 month thing. MOST new sps do not realize that they are busy because they are new and THIS WILL NOT LAST. The only way to deal with this is to make bank during those first 6 months, work smart, and prepare for the slow down becuase it WILL happen. Many clients are not big repeaters, especially ones found thru review sites who specifically like to see the new girl, then move on to the next new girl.

[40ishsxaddict 203]

I agree with some of what Cleo said, but i dont mind being contacted by an sp. I don't have a regular sp, but i have been with a certain lady 5 times simply because she texts or calls me and remembers things about me or our encounters. I find its a nice personal touch, and adds to the fantasy ...lol... Obviously this should be cleared with a client though, as many are married and with gf's so wouldnt want to be contacted. Me however, i'm happily single, and dont mind a lady saying hi, would you like to get together tonight/tomorrow !

[Cleo Catra 178382]

Obviously this should be cleared with a client though, as many are married and with gf's so wouldnt want to be contacted. Me however, i'm happily single, and dont mind a lady saying hi, would you like to get together tonight/tomorrow !

 

Of course it's different if it's been cleared before, I have had gentlemen ask me to let them know when I'll be in a certain area of town, and I always ensure to do so. But that's different than just messaging out of the blue asking for business of course!

[Andee 220524]

Chanel: The MOD is right, summer months are traditionally slower due to family vacations, etc. as indicated above. It's got nothing to do with you personally.

 

There is no science for predicting when you'll be busy, but you can probably be rest assured that after Labour Day, you will see things start to pick up if you continue to advertise your availability. If you're not available every day, it's important to still maintain an on-board presence by advertising your services for when you are available. Having a week-ahead schedule helps. I find that advertising for same day or even next day appointments don't always yield the best results.

 

Like Cleo suggested, when you're new, you will get more calls in the beginning. After that, you have to work at it a little bit more creatively to attract clients and that also includes advertising in more than one place.

 

That is something you might want to discuss with other SPs off-line. From what I know of you, you are smart and savvy and you'll find your own groove. Just hang in there.

[Chanel Reign 28097]

Chanel: The MOD is right, summer months are traditionally slower due to family vacations, etc. as indicated above. It's got nothing to do with you personally.

 

There is no science for predicting when you'll be busy, but you can probably be rest assured that after Labour Day, you will see things start to pick up if you continue to advertise your availability. If you're not available every day, it's important to still maintain an on-board presence by advertising your services for when you are available. Having a week-ahead schedule helps. I find that advertising for same day or even next day appointments don't always yield the best results.

 

Like Cleo suggested, when you're new, you will get more calls in the beginning. After that, you have to work at it a little bit more creatively to attract clients and that also includes advertising in more than one place.

 

That is something you might want to discuss with other SPs off-line. From what I know of you, you are smart and savvy and you'll find your own groove. Just hang in there.

 

Thanks, and Id like to say your Finishing School rocks. Just sometimes my confidence takes a hit. :oops:

[Megan'sTouch 23875]

When I was a stripper, there were always women in the dressing room complaining about not making enough money. Every single shift has a reason to be bad: Nice weather, bad weather, sports game, long weekend, you name it, there was a reason she wasn't making money and it certainly had nothing to do with her!

 

I never participated in these discussions, and instead decided to take responsibility for my own income rather than handing it off to events over which I have no control. I've always kept a positive attitude, and I was a top earner at the strip club.

 

I kept this attitude when I went into massage, and business has been great, if not overwhelming. I could flatter myself and say it's my looks/service, but ultimately I think it comes down to my attitude.

[Winnipegcub 21293]

I could flatter myself and say it's my looks/service' date=' but ultimately I think it comes down to my attitude.[/quote']

I am certain that your positive and responsible attitude has alot to do with it. But don't discount your beauty and high calibre of service. To me it's the package of all that which makes the woman.

[Nicolette Vaughn 294340]

Chanel Honey,

 

Advertising as an SP is like having investments... you have to diversify your advertising. I'm not sure if you just advertise here but that is not going to cut it if you are looking for stable appts everyday or even just a couple of times a week. You also have to continually create a stronger presence for yourself whether it's through multiple adult sites and/or a website. There are free websites that cater to the adult industry.

 

When I returned to the business I really wasn't thrilled with advertising on CL but I gave it a try. While I have changed my schedule from what it used to be a few years ago to accomodate other obligations in my life, I have also switched gears by catering to a different group of clients by offering half hours which I never did before. It was always 1 hour appts. I honestly thought CL was going to be bad but I have met some really nice clients there and they have been gentlemen to me. Sure, there are some times wasters, no shows and the wassup guys but those people are easy to identify. I rarely encounter them. You should give it a try. You have nothing to lose.

 

Also take into account that July and August are the slowest times of the year while September and October have always been the busiest. You also create your own world whether it's postive or negative energy. Try to keep a positive attitude.

[Andee 220524]

Also, bear in mind the word "busy" doesn't mean the same to everyone. le.

 

A busy day for one, might be 2 clients a day, for another, less than 5 is not busy enough.

 

I do believe positive attitude does account for a big part of it, but there are always mitigating factors that we have no control over, and has been suggested, we need to plan for those times and be grateful whether we are busy are not because those times will come when we will reap the benefits and possibly like Megan suggested, even have to turn down business.

[mrgreen760 37785]

To me the key is definately attitude, positive attracts positive and negative is well negative. Like in any field of endeavour when business is rolling it's vital not to take it for granted, the "tire kickers" or perceived "time wasters" of today may in fact be the bread and butter of tomorrow. I've contacted some in the past and if I wasn't ready to book right then and there I was sort of blown off partially because at that point in time they had no shortage of bookings. Times do change and flavours of the month change as well.

 

It's always good to be prospecting because you never know who your next regular might be and it's the regulars who'll help get you through the slower times.

 

Peace

MG

[mod 135640]

I was told my previous post sounded a little harsh (and that was not my intention - I was just doing it in a hurry I guess) I revisited it and the member was correct it was coming across a little rough and could be mistaken so I reworded it. Sorry if anyone else felt I was out of line - really that is not what I intended it to read like.

[Guest f***2f***]

I have friends in Retail Sales and it is the same for them right now. It's the time of the season. I agree with all that's been said already and in any business customer service is important. Keep pleasing the regulars and constantly working on expanding your client base.

[Ryo83 604]

 

Picture this... The guy is all ready to come see the lady he has chosen and the door bell rings and it's his brother or uncle or who knows who just "DROPS BY" for a visit... URH!? Probably with his annoying kids and wife... (Many of us have been in similar situations)

 

 

 

This has happened to me! Believe me, Ladies, you're not the only one disappointed when this can happen!!!

[Chanel Reign 28097]

Chanel: The MOD is right, summer months are traditionally slower due to family vacations, etc. as indicated above. It's got nothing to do with you personally.

 

There is no science for predicting when you'll be busy, but you can probably be rest assured that after Labour Day, you will see things start to pick up if you continue to advertise your availability. If you're not available every day, it's important to still maintain an on-board presence by advertising your services for when you are available. Having a week-ahead schedule helps. I find that advertising for same day or even next day appointments don't always yield the best results.

 

Like Cleo suggested, when you're new, you will get more calls in the beginning. After that, you have to work at it a little bit more creatively to attract clients and that also includes advertising in more than one place.

 

That is something you might want to discuss with other SPs off-line. From what I know of you, you are smart and savvy and you'll find your own groove. Just hang in there.

 

I know the mod is right; and I know how many times you have told me in the last few weeks. In another thread I posted:

 

 

Ok lets put this into prospective with a trend toward any generic business:

• Business is slow at some times of the year but not in others.
  
• Customer service and satisfaction should be of the utmost importance.
  
• Staff get ill, have lives and family emergencies.
  
• Customers get ill, have lives and family emergencies.
  
• Some companies have better reputations than others.
  
• As a consumer you can always vote with your feet, and should do so if the business is not to your satisfaction.
  
• Any company still reserves the right to refuse service in this country.
  
• No customer should be harangued by staff.
  
• No staff should be harangued by customers.
  
• Some companies are final sale.
  

How is this any different than this business?

_____________

 

Yes I am educated, but have zero entrepreneurial skills unless you want to consult about horticulture, medieval history or government tendering. :)

 

Angela I really thought it was funny that you said "From what I know of you...". It took you 30 years?? :idea: :D

 

This thread is allowing me to see things from all sides. For a person who's glass is always usually 3/4 full, this is a good thing.

 

Thank you

[Guest wi***w]

Also, bear in mind the word "busy" doesn't mean the same to everyone. le.

 

A busy day for one, might be 2 clients a day, for another, less than 5 is not busy enough.

 

 

You're so right Angela, I only book 1 or 2 clients per day and I'm busy and booked up.

I always allow myself one day off per week to run errands/do chores/be available for friends and family, and one day to relax/refresh. This leaves me available 5 days a week and due to my 1 or 2 per day rule daytime only visits (11am-7pm), I'm almost always booked ahead for a 2 week period. This has it's downside as some clients want to book immediately and would rather not wait a week or two, but it doesn't seem to deter many of my regulars. Also I think it depends on the age of the provider, the age of clients you attract and the area you live. The majority of my clients are near my age or older and not affected by "back to school" or x-mas approaching. These months are usually the busiest for me.

[RubJunky 1954]

Mods understanding of a business slow times is fairly accurate specially in the sex trade biz. I would like to add a few professional tips here too. I own business for 15 yrs and yes downturns can be expected but they can also come when you're not expecting them. Plan for a 3 month income strategy, what you make today is your income in 3 months, yes it takes some savings but in the long run any downturns in business can be easily adjusted and you have 3 months to find new business before all hell brakes loose.

[Meg O'Ryan 266444]

Mods understanding of a business slow times is fairly accurate specially in the sex trade biz. I would like to add a few professional tips here too. I own business for 15 yrs and yes downturns can be expected but they can also come when you're not expecting them. Plan for a 3 month income strategy, what you make today is your income in 3 months, yes it takes some savings but in the long run any downturns in business can be easily adjusted and you have 3 months to find new business before all hell brakes loose.

 

I can certainly relate to this and agree 100%. This "business" is no different than any other and a back up plan should always be in place!

[Chanel Reign 28097]

Mods understanding of a business slow times is fairly accurate specially in the sex trade biz. I would like to add a few professional tips here too. I own business for 15 yrs and yes downturns can be expected but they can also come when you're not expecting them. Plan for a 3 month income strategy, what you make today is your income in 3 months, yes it takes some savings but in the long run any downturns in business can be easily adjusted and you have 3 months to find new business before all hell brakes loose.

 

Thank you. THIS is exactly what I needed to hear as my life is about to seriously change (for the better) and my options are not wide open, but rather limited. So I have to be a littlemore business savvy.

 

And my preference is to only see 3-4 clients a week.

 

Im already planning for the future as in; take a month off in August and go camping, and take Feb off for a sunny destination. :D