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Author Topic: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?  (Read 1952 times)

LotusFlower

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Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« on: 21 October 2018, 01:34:37 pm »
OK, so I know the basic rules of products financials and how to improve the bottom line - increase rates, produce (sell) more or reduce on costs. I dont want to increase (nor can I justify) my rates and am already at capacity during my work days.

I work 3 days a week. I'd love to work more, but I can't.

I make good money but I do pay a lot on overheads and potentially I am not claiming everything I am liable to claim for in expenses.

I tried to rent out my apartment on the days I am not there but between having to clean the entire place before and after use (to a level that one would expect in a hotel or serviced apartment), faffing about with key collection and then the risk of my own belongings etc being there, I determined that the reward was not worth the cost.

I need to look at ways to reduce my overall costs so that I can pocket more of my cash and not feel that half of it is being spent on the luxury of working so hard.

My flat rent with bills is £1300 a month, so that's the clear one that has to go. I am looking for a new one that is cheaper.

Other expenses I have noticed I am continually paying are: stockings (snag within the first use - I think it's the washing machine in the flat which is destroying them); towels (again, I think the washing machine is destroying them); toiletries.

I really dont know where else I can address? For what I make each week, I should have a lot more cash to play about with, but don't. :( :(

jetaimemelancolie

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #1 on: 21 October 2018, 01:51:49 pm »
Some very rudimentary advice that I've recently implemented that's made a big difference (not just for escorting, but in my day-to-day :D) re: laundry is putting stuff in netted bags. I've done this for lingerie and tights, and I've noticed such a difference - no snags, no bobbles, they stay silky. You can get them from pretty much anywhere it seems, a quick google showed you can get them from H&M (!). I got mine from Wilko and have replaced them every 3 months. I bought loads and they're really cheap.

Likewise, for your towels, a larger bag could be of use? If they are losing absorbency then refrain from fabric softeners etc. I was so sad when I learned this because I LOVE my laundry to smell good haha.

Good luck with finding a new flat. I moved two months ago and am paying £300 less rent (850 --> 550) and it makes such a huge difference!

lilith

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #2 on: 21 October 2018, 02:16:45 pm »
Really interesting...
Yes, when you can't earn more, cut the charges!

For your washing machine problem, you can begin by using a "filet" to protect your stockings.
Best way to do it is using... an old mesh stocking! Cut it make a knot, put your things in it, make an other not.
I'm sure there is a way something similar for towels. If not, you for sure can invent one.
Keep an eye on internet, when people have to move quickly, they often sell their nice working machine for a ridiculous price.

Buy condoms in bulk. Stockings too.
Private sales on internet for good quality lingerie, that will last for several years.
Being able to saw is always usefull. A two minute fix can save an entire outfit.

If you go outcall, try to use the bus or subway for the main part of the journey.
I bought a cheap car with low gas consumption for this purpose. A tiny one that I can park everywhere at street rate, not parking rate.

If you go high end with looks, it's worth it to learn to do all your beauty cares with professional results.
It takes time, but absolutely no money. Youtube and blogs are your best friends.
Fidelity/reward cards are the way to go for cosmetics. Often 30-40% reductions on special days.
Only having the minimum needed make up : one eyeliner, one fondation, favorites eye shadow colors and a few lipsticks.
No use in owning a sephora store that will never quit the box and take crazy space in your home.
I did it as a stripper and saved more 3k a year just by being reasonable, patient for shopping and learning to do everything by myself with perfect results.
Ten years later I'm really happy to have put effort into this! Just do the math...

Hope this will inspire you!




ParisB

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #3 on: 21 October 2018, 02:26:49 pm »
£1300 a month. Bloody hell are you In london
Is your apartment 1 or  2 bed
Could you rent a two bed 2 bath for less or the same and then rent out the second room so that effectively your rent / overheads is covered
You could let the ladies work on the days you don’t work if you don’t mind that and you could still be in the flat when they are there
Some ladies wouldn’t like that but plenty wouldn’t
If you rented the second room at £80 a day over 4 days that’s £320 over a month that’s £1300  so would effectively be living rent free

Put a lock on your bed room door and keep your personal stuff in it

Even if you didn’t rent it out every week it would give you extra cash to play about with

Lushblossom

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #4 on: 21 October 2018, 02:42:53 pm »
No need for expensive perfumes.  Buy Avon ones on ebay!

Sorry only got very few tips lol.

I have also gone over to Aldi hot cloth cleanser and mimox face serum (Lacura).  Amazing!  Cost so much less than what I was using before.

neutralC

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #5 on: 21 October 2018, 03:43:28 pm »
Some not work saving tips: write in your diary how much you spend eating out and how much you spend weekly on uber. Believe me, for some of us it can make such a big difference! Try to cut excessive amounts of it.

Also talking about rates maybe think about leaving your old rate for your regulars and if you can raise your rate for new clients? If your regulars make at least 50% of your clients.

As for renting place, if you manage to do it, say that minimum to rent it is 2 or 3 days, that's how you won't need to leave/collect keys everyday

LotusFlower

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #6 on: 21 October 2018, 06:38:49 pm »
That's a great idea about a laundry bag, I have never thought of that! Unfortunately, I can't replace the machine as it came with the flat and is one of those integrated ones, but hopefully a laundry bag will help.

In terms of rates, I really can't increase them any further. I increased them around 2 / 3 months ago and they are the top for what clients will readily pay in my area. I am happy with the rates I charge, just not so happy about the rent I pay. I had considered giving the flat up and going back to hotels, especially day rooms at £50 a day, but I like knowing that everything I need is in one place and that I can swing by and do an odd booking here and there when my schedule allows it.

I've been doing my own nails for months now, when I religiously went to the salon. I don't take taxis and I either bring food from home or cook at the flat, so I really don't eat out often at all when at work.

These are all great tips for smaller cost reductions so thank you very much for those but unless I am prepared to rent out my flat (which I am kind of hesitant to do due to the legalities and then higher footfall), it looks like I will have to down size and move to a cheaper area to really cut the costs. Looking at it now, yeah, the rent is extortionate!! And no, it isn't in London but at that price, it could well be!
« Last Edit: 21 October 2018, 06:55:23 pm by Veggiegal »

Kay

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #7 on: 21 October 2018, 07:39:07 pm »
I've not really heard of towels wearing out, or do you mean they're getting stained or something? I've got some that are 20+ years old. Maybe look out for e.g. a John Lewis sale and buy some better quality ones? You can also buy special towel softeners.

Personally, I don't think there's any need to buy expensive cosmetics. If you read review sites, Maybelline etc. often come out just as highly as MAC. I've got some great lipsticks that really last from NYX, Bourjois rice powder is way better than Chanel's, Max Factor foundations fine etc. The only thing I would avoid is cheap perfume, but you can get bargains on the good stuff online or in sales etc. and a bottle should last a year (plus you only need two: summer/day and winter/evening).

Shower gels etc. are the same, both for your own use and for clients - Wilkos is a great place to stock up.

Agree about using a net for stockings, but handwashing is probably even better.
"There is no sin except stupidity" - Oscar Wilde

LotusFlower

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #8 on: 22 October 2018, 09:50:46 am »
The towels are getting stained. The were beautifullywhite when purchased and I purposefully bought good quality ones at £20 a pop. But I seem to have clients that leave streaks on them even when I havent been near his ass :-S the stains just wont budge and the more I wash them, the deeper they become engrained!!

Lola xxx

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #9 on: 22 October 2018, 10:29:58 am »
The towels are getting stained. The were beautifullywhite when purchased and I purposefully bought good quality ones at £20 a pop. But I seem to have clients that leave streaks on them even when I havent been near his ass :-S the stains just wont budge and the more I wash them, the deeper they become engrained!!

I always buy dark coloured towels. Black mainly. I was told when I first started it was better than white. Not sure why though lol. I dont have a problem with stains though.

Mirror

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #10 on: 22 October 2018, 03:21:01 pm »
I hand wash all lingerie bar cotton thongs, definitely makes a difference.

V24

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #11 on: 22 October 2018, 04:05:50 pm »
The towels are getting stained. The were beautifullywhite when purchased and I purposefully bought good quality ones at £20 a pop. But I seem to have clients that leave streaks on them even when I havent been near his ass :-S the stains just wont budge and the more I wash them, the deeper they become engrained!!

Once the white towels are stained just get a dye and dye them, that's what I do x

Kay

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #12 on: 22 October 2018, 07:41:11 pm »
I always buy dark coloured towels. Black mainly. I was told when I first started it was better than white. Not sure why though lol. I dont have a problem with stains though.

I don't like black or very dark towels as they fade. If stains are the problem, a mid-shade with a pattern is best.
"There is no sin except stupidity" - Oscar Wilde

chocoholicgirl

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #13 on: 22 October 2018, 08:25:10 pm »
I use grey towels, not the most sexy but they work fine, not too dark or too light and also a bit masculine although that's largely irrelevant! They show no marks and wash perfectly well, 2 for £7 at Asda. You really need things like this that last or you are throwing money away. I wouldn't ever use white towels apart from the hotel ones, someone doesn't have to be dirty themselves to mark them, lots of guys come from work in manual trades and dirt comes off their clothes.

Also didn't the OP say it was rent AND bills that was £1300, not just rent? Still seems high to me but it's all relative to where you live, type of property etc.

Regarding stockings, the best I've found are the M&S autograph ones at £6, I think the non hold up ones are £5 a pair. They last for a lot of wears without snagging and even when you do, they don't run. Just wash them carefully or the washing machine will spoil them but I think they are good value considering how long they can last.

Nora batty

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Re: Increasing the profit margin... Ideas?
« Reply #14 on: 23 October 2018, 02:07:10 am »
I use white towels, I bought from Costco as hotel quality for heavy use.  Always use a product like Vanish with every wash.  My towels get nasty with massage oil and occasional skid marks.  They look as good as the day I bought them and were cheap 6 bath towels £18.

do you really want to rent a flat if you don't want to use it full time?  At the rent you pay, would it be an equal or less amount to book a serviced apartment or hotel, also wiping out your running costs.  Or maybe a change of location to a cheaper area?

Maybe consider having a room mate part time permanently?  Do you mix socially with other sex workers who you click with to let into your space, would help financially but it can be more stressful that it's worth.