Hi everyone, I'm new both here and to escorting, and some advice would be appreciated.

I started looking into escorting about a year ago as an indie, but after a couple of of timewasters left me in a very dubious situation, I tried a few agencies with no luck. Life got in the way, and escorting got put on the back burner, although it was still something I wanted to try.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, and I stumbled upon SAAFE. It's given me some much needed advice and the confidence to try again, knowing that there are many experienced and knowledgable people on here who I can get the opinions of if something doesn't seem quite right! I have several security buddies lined up, including the person who first encouraged me to try escorting but isn't so good on the advice front, and it makes me feel more confident that I have people who I can rely on and trust.

I started advertising a year ago using business cards, I'm thinking of usng that approach this time around. I advertised in a couple of sex shops in my area, and in mens toilets. Does this sound ok? Is there anywhere else it's ok to leave cards, or is it a bad idea full stop lol?

I have no idea what sort of rates I should be charging, as I have had no punters. Is the best idea to see what other ladies in my area charge, and go from there? I have been advised that I start VERY low (under ?100 an hour) as I have no experience, but on the other hand, I don't want the wrong sort of punter coz my rates are too low...

Cards are only a problem legally if they are in or near a public telephone. I do wonder what sort of calls you would get as a result of leaving them in toilets (and how you got them there, but...)

As you might imagine, the 'what should I charge' question is a popular one - a search should find several threads, including a very recent one. The short answer is 'it's up to you' but if you are very different from what others similar to you are, there can be issues.

Slightly off topic re purpose of cards
but useful, for me anyway.

I've had business cards produced by vistaprint.com (?30 per 250 cards IIRC)
I never use them in the way you are thinking.
But I do use them in a corporate business way.
When I meet a client, I offer them my card, just like any other professional.

Most of the time they don't take the card, for discretion reasons.
But if they do, there is potentially more repeat business.
Also it's different! Who else in escorting does such a thing.
<<<It makes you stand out<<<, in a good way.
It also suggests you are a serious provider rather than a noob or a dabbler.
That's reassuring for the client.

I actually did this when I first started out and was just massaging. I still have a box of cards:-)

Cards .............. if not used in a responsible way like Jodie T uses them, is in my mind about the level of a street walker ... and you don't want to go there.

Read all the advice you can on this forum and others then read it again .... and again .... and again .... and again, then decide what and how you are going to work.

It is not the easiest time of the year to start out so I would use the time sensibly and prepare myself in all  aspects of the work.  It is preparation that helps us from making mistakes.

?100 may not in our business be a lot of money but to the outside world so I wouldnt go about saying it is 'very low'.   In many places you would be very lucky to make this amount per hour.

Good luck and remember read read and read again ... and then decide.