I came a bit late to this thread (or its revival should i say) so i really breezed fast over it from page 5 to 10 but here is my take.
Personally i am very satisfied with some agencies services. If a booker is honest, knows you etc, he can recomand the type of girl you wanna see. He can let you know about services provided etc. Yes a ymmv situation CAN happen, but that could also happen even if an indy agree by mail/text to deliver said services. I even like more to deal with agencies unlike that person above who says he only do business with indies because i find it easier to deal with the same guy (or 2/3 guys) over "starting over" with every indies. You never know how they will react to the way you type or whatever. I know some clients have a "blockage" of the whole "pimp" thing, but i don't see agencies as "dealing with a pimp" personally. I see it the same as a dealing with a modeling agency representing a model or talent agency for a pornstar.
About expenses... I understand indies do have expenses, but agency girls actually pay a cut to the agency too. I mean, for having seen it first hand, if for instance an agency charge 220, there may be like 160 going to the girl. Usually 20 to the driver, 40 the agency. This may differ in some agencies etc but the point is the agency girl is fine with doing 160/h in her pocket. So i don't see why the indy shouldn't be fine with doing the whole 220 per hour. The remaining 60 going into her advertisement, transportation and other expenses. Ultimately maybe an indy will pay a bit more in expenses, but i don't think the difference is a valid argument to justify a 45% to 95% upcharge.
Now ultimately there is the old saying of "price and demand" and every provider can charge what she feels like it. Thats totally true. 400$ is the ultimate maximum i would pay, and i would do it ONLY if i REALLY want to see someone. We are talking like "face pics (or met in person in a party), extreme beauty like model type, some services i want allowed and included, and/or a "famous" status like pornstar. I didn't do it often, actually i think it happened only once that i paid 400$. I never regreted it. I had a blast and got what i wanted. But this was 2017 and the up price (compare to agency rate) is the sole reason why i have not booked that person again, otherwise i would have. But i totally respect her right to charge that price, just like other 400$ providers. If they find clients at that price range, why should they go lower? There is a lot of rich guys who don't even come on merb that are willing to pay that eyes close. But me and my budget, 220/240 is already a fair chunk of money. Its around a weekly pay for me... And considering the quality of agency girls we have in Montreal, its what i am drawn to. I mean i could go and pay 150$/h im sure on humpshies and other site like that, but those type of booking im not interested. I want a certain standard. Agencies provide that standard for still an affordable price.
To get back on indy prices, there is some providers i seen charge 400 who have raise their rates fast in the last 2 years, from 400 to 450 to 500 and more. But those girls are used to luxury stuff. I see them post a lot about handbags at 2000$ (something i can't comprehend how this exist lol) or shoes or other stuff. Often they post on twitter saying they would like something and its "only 600$" lol. And the funniest thing is that they often get their wishes filled. Now granted i know this could be a ruse and they could very well make that up to make other guys feel "cheap" or "undervalued". Kinda like some guys have "financial domination" fetish. They see others guys pay her stuff, they want to do it too and be her favorite. Those girls have crafted their skills at promotions and hustle... Its up to guys to be carefull. For disclaimer i have no proof or anything just an impression.
I saw an indy recently mention how the USA's rate was around 600$ or more and question why providers do not charge that in Toronto and Montreal. She may charge that herself now (i dunno) but she also travel a lot including the US and other countries. She is very established for years. I really doubt a new commer could start and charge 600$ while staying in Montreal and only working in Montreal. Even someone with a great reputation, i don't think at 600 she would have a lot of booking per weeks, even if really beautifull. But thats my take, i could be wrong.
I think right now the current agency pricing is alright. I know eventually it will raise again. When i started 180 was the regular price (with smaller agencies at 160) and top superstars at 200. Now 220 is the base price, and some superstars are up to 250. In 10 years its not "that bad" of a raise. But if agencies would raise the price to 300 base price, like most indies seem to charge now, first personally i would have to reconsider my hobbying ways, cause it would definately change how i can meet personally, but i think the market wouldn't be sustainable for some providers.
For all the well established agency ladies that can command a bigger price, there is a lot of ladies who still do not get fully booked at 220/h. Those would see even less jobs probably.
Anyway thats just my take on the subject, and everything i said may be took with a grain of salt. Ultimately offer and demand will always prevail. So as we say in every domains, vote with your wallet guys, sample as that. There is a list of around 6-7 providers currently working that i was at one point interested to meet but had to permanently cross off my list due to the price they ask now. As much as im sure i would have a good time with them, i can't shred an extra 200$ for same ammount of time while i can call one of my fav agency and have as much of a blast for half the price. If they still get the ammount of business they wish to get, hey props to them, they are just outside MY budget.
