I have thought about becoming an escort many times in the last few years (no, not always when money has been tight) but it is only in the last few weeks that I have had the courage to start looking in to it seriously and was a little surprised at how little advice there was on offer (I only found this site last night, thank god I found it).

I have known girls who have been escorts in the past but never gone in to details with them about how they did it or how to go about it so, I think obviously, I figured the best way to start would be to join an agency and take it from there.  I assumed they would offer decent advice about the what to do and what not to do?s and hoped they would make it an easy transition from ?normal? career to new career and when I started doing my ?research? I have to admit that I thought that the less experienced ladies must be crazy to work independently.  I think I thought an agency would offer a certain amount of reassurance or security or something?. I don?t really know exactly.

I went for an interview today and by no means am I slagging the agency off or suggesting they are scammers, completely the opposite infact.  I got the impression that all agencies work pretty much the same but it wasn?t what I hoped for.  The place was dirty and stank of weed, he was stoned and the only girl I saw had her nails chewed down to the knuckles (I don?t think that part is how all agencies are but this one was).  During our ?interview? he excused himself when the door rang saying it was a punter (please tell me I don?t have to refer to clients as punters? im not a snob but client sounds so much nicer). 

I was so upset when I got back to the motorway that I ended up crying as I drove (only a little bit, no sympathy needed here).  It made me think? your not bloody crazy to work as indie?s (not even sure if that is real terminology) your just very clever.

Am I wrong in assuming that as a clever, intelegent, witty and attractive woman that I cant sort out my own photo?s, web page, phone, appointments, security etc.  Even if I  have to do all of that in a bit of an amature way for the first month or so?. I didn?t feel that for the 30% fee I would be charged (and I got the impression it would be difficult to get out of that unwritten contract) that it would be offering anything I couldn?t do for myself.

I don?t consider myself to be wearing rose coloured specs about the business (maybe a slight dusting but surely that?s just survival instinct!!) but I certainly didn?t expect to come away today feeling like this. 

If there is anyone out there who could give an example of how they went about things in the beginning I would appreciate it.  I?m more determined than ever that this is right for me so I want to get it right.  No more scammers calling me and no more making me feel cheap because of the choice I am making.  I?m putting on my business brain and realising that I?m in this to make money for me and no one else.  I still wish I had found an agency I felt comfortable with so that I could start working sooner rather than later but so be it.

Thank god I found this site because I don?t think I would have really understood independent ladies without it.  You could call it inspirational if you like. thank you. x

The combination of the internet and mobile phones has made a huge difference to this industry - when I started, it was a choice between an agency (and some of that sounds familar) or street work. The latter was waaay too scary for me, and there were not many agencies.

There are better agencies, and what they're offering in exchange for a cut of your money is time: time not spent answering calls, advertising yourself, sorting out security etc. Agency work is good if you have another job / are studying or don't have particularly good English.

But, yes, it's quite possible to do it all for yourself from the start. And, yes, you have a big advantage in being here.

Hi Lexie

Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience at your 'interview',i can understand why its put you off working for an agency.

There are some good agencies out there but sometimes it takes a while for you to find them,i joined 2 agencies both of which were no good before i found the one i am with now,which is female ran (and i personally wouldnt work for a male ran agency) and the owner could not be kinder or more helpful and i have met some very nice clients through it.

So sometimes it can be good to persevere and you might end up finding a decent agency that you are happy to work through on the other hand if you want to go independent then all power to you and best of luck

This "establishment"  doesn't sound anything like an escort agency to me.  Do they have a website or field reports? If the agent is on drugs then he really isn't an agent or any kind of businessman.  It should be apparent to you immediately where the agent's commission is going, and I mean that in a good way!  Find out where they advertise, what their business hours are, and what kind of security measures they have. 

Don't discount male agents.  I like mine, and have worked with him for a year now.  As long as they do not get involved with the girls in any way they tend to be OK.  I have no real ethical objection to an agent shagging the girls, but this is an absolute disaster from the point of view of business.  An "agent" who does this may simply be looking for a girlfriend. I worked for one such agent who was not interested in me and therefore gave me no bookings. Female agents are often not agents at all, but independent escorts who pose as agents in order to get their competitors out of the business.  My first "agent" was one such beast. 

I had to go through two agencies in order to find a functional one.  Even though I like my agent, there are definite downsides to agency work.  Thier commission is always an issue.  An agent may send you to clients who, although not dangerous, are not clients you yourself would choose.  The upside is that you can discuss bad experiences with an agent whereas as an independent you would be on your own. 
A good agent may be able to market you in ways that do not occur to you.  Agencies should have a regular client base, which will provide that crucial starting point.