There is an thread about outcall bag contents somewhere which was bumped/merged fairly recently; I'll have a look for it

As with all outcalls the priority is your security checks; you need proof of residency to avoid a wild goose chase and an agreed system with your security buddy for before and after so that they can raise the alarm if they don't hear from you. I don't visit private residences (and I haven't done an outcall in years now), but if you have no other way to check then a scan of a bill and a deposit would be better than nothing.

For security calls I'd suggest a call just before you arrive, another once you're in and have been paid and the last one once you've left (NOT before you do - you need to be safely away). Agree a length of time before they try to contact you (I used to do ten minutes max) and a course of action for if they can't get hold of you - calling the client first and then the police, for example

As ever, Amy’s advice is priceless.

I only do outcalls and will not visit private residences as I prefer the security of a hotel.  As you are electing to visit private residences, it is even more vital you do have a safety system in place with a friend. Also, if you are taking advance bookings, I would suggest asking for a deposit as this will cut down on time-wasters and those looking to send you on a wild-goose chase.

Be sure to keep all your things together, and pay attention to how the front door/any doors are locked.  Also, if you are offered any beverages, be sure they are from an unopened bottle - have a sealed bottle of water in your bags just incase all drinks have been opened.

I'm currently mainly outcall, Miffy's advice is the same I would give. I do visit homes, private residences. Women have been imprisoned in hotel rooms, watch out for those who might give a different room number, my security buddy always has the room number.

For private homes ask for parking information (if driving), colour of the door, is the number on the door? Any special directions? I learned this after arriving without a door insight, I want to make sure I can find the door and that it's the right one. I also ask for towel, soap, heating on many people including very respectibles forget this. I do carry a small towel in one of my outcall bags but the other bag is not quite big enough.

I've merged your post in here Cgiw, since it's not part of the warning thread.

My answer above is the same now as it was then, although I do a handful of (hotel) outcalls now and again. It's one of the vanishingly small number of situations where I would ask for a deposit if somebody was unable to prove their whereabouts, but there will be people here more up to speed with checking private residences and they'll have more ideas .

I've merged your post in here Cgiw, since it's not part of the warning thread.

My answer above is the same now as it was then, although I do a handful of (hotel) outcalls now and again. It's one of the vanishingly small number of situations where I would ask for a deposit if somebody was unable to prove their whereabouts, but there will be people here more up to speed with checking private residences and they'll have more ideas .

Thanks Amy, appreciated.