Miffy,
I think we are somewhat similar, not much of risk takers but risk takers nonetheless. I also keep my communications in written form for the most part but then request a confirmation phone call because I am not as comfortable as you relying on my intuition alone. I do not (yet) assess clients against anything specific but think it is advantageous to do so on many levels, especially if interacting in public with clients as you mentioned. I want to change my process to feel slightly more secure/confident in my approach to this work. I will definitely consider those points you raised. May I ask if you use the AW system and which criteria factor in your assessment? Also, what tends to be the general response from potential clients when they hear that you screen using ID?
As you already know, there are many men who don't need to see a face picture before booking. For those who need this, there are plenty of escorts who do show their faces, so if it is really important to them, they will seek them out rather than ask you. To my mind, someone approaching me and asking for something I don't do is a boundary pusher, not a potential client. Why should I, (or you), want to accommodate them?
At the outset, I was aware AW would not be the right market for me given my screening process and various other factors, so did not use it. Even so, and some time later (and out of desperation between pandemic lockdowns), I did try AW. As suspected, it wasn't the right market for me, not just because of my screening process but also due to my style of service and a myriad of other reasons.
My aim is to screen out as many men before they even contact me. More than a few clients have told me how magnificently off-putting my website is at first glance, but once they read through it, everything is crystal clear from my screening process (and what information they must supply). Rather than hide behind the promise of a bespoke service, I am transparent about everything. All of this further screens out clients. To aid this further, I have two contact forms. The time-wasters/those trying to avoid being screening always use the one that is just a blank message box. Those who are serious about booking me use the other form that states exactly what information I need from them to successfully facilitate a meet - it is always supplied.
I have no doubt that not using AW affords me more agency to work exactly as I please. But then I also know that I am targeting a very specific client who accounts for a tiny percentage of the overall number of men who seek out paid services. It is worth understanding that if you want to screen and/or exchange pictures, you will be cutting out a huge swathes of potential market.
I have noticed many escorts who have their own website and use the same screening methods as I do, also use AW and/or agencies. On their AW profiles, they do not ask for screening, just AW feedback, and as we know, agencies don't really screen. This in itself suggests that they might struggle with their own screening systems/finding clients via their website so have to use other avenues.
Ultimately, there's a degree of trial and error with this. If you can afford to potentially miss out on clients while you start using a new process, go for it. And if you do, don't rely on AW alone. That would be my advice - make your own website.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly - learn to start listening to your intuition. Many, including me, will tell you this is the most powerful screening tool there is.
However you proceed, good luck
Topic: Anyone videocalling/asking/exchanging pics with clients prior to first booking (Read 1768 times)