I just had a new client call today which didn't go well and lost a client. I'm feeling panicked and upset. I hoped my first post was better.

I put up a profile on an escort site. I marked my availability as this Saturday and am still writing my profile. I didn't expect it to be live straight away which was silly of me. I have read lots of advice by established escorts and have been reading the 'Things Clients Do to Annoy!!!' topic. I only do in-calls at home because hotels are difficult for me currently.

I must finish my profile and ensure I am very clear about the kind of clients I will meet and what I provide. About a new client? I am asking for an email with face picture and a pre-booking discussion to establish what is offered and get to know and verify the client. The telephone line wasn't clear today with this one call and this potential client began trying to play me off against other escorts on the site. He called my verification process a  rigmarole. He also began trying to query my price. I know I'm not the cheapest but I'm not the most expensive. I'm sure he may find other escorts hotter for his tastes or better value. My view is this is my home and there is only one me and this is the price. I may review my rates but this is my decision not a discussion welcome with a client.

This call upset and panicked me a lot. I also felt he wasn't the kind of man I was catering to and unhappy he began trying to cheat a deal. I know my profile ad isn't complete yet and my verification is an extra hoop. I'm feeling devalued and wondering if I am capable of providing good service. I'm feeling upset about this and wondering if I'm doing things wrong or expecting too much. I want to stick to my guns and not let clients dictate my self worth. He did say he wouldn't call again and I added him to my block list. I wish this call hadn't gone this way but perhaps this was for the best?

You aint going to get many if any men sending a face pic, its totally bonkers

I totally agree.  For most clients, discretion is of the upmost importance and they're unlikely to send face photos to a total stranger ...

You're right that your rates shouldn't be up for discussion, but I fear you'll get very, very, very few clients if you insist on asking for a face pic first. I don't show mine, and I'd never dream of asking for one.

I would finish your profile ASAP and say everything you want to say on it, and then gauge how you'll get on with the client - and if you want to see them - in a phone call.

Finally, I don't mean to sound harsh, but sex work isn't a job for sensitive snowflakes. Your sense of worth and self-esteem have nothing to do with how much you charge for the hour or the services you provide. You're going to have to deal with a lot of idiots, criticism of your looks etc.

Thank you, Kay, for your advice. I'm beginning to realise this now. Accepting the rough with the smooth is best. It's been a rude wake up call but beneficial. Thank you again.

Thank you, Shewolf. What you say is so true about clients!

I will adjust and get back to my feet again. I can use the bad call today as positive learning too given all your good advice.

I have considered adjusting my prices or offering 'opening sale rates'. I worried I was undervaluing myself and too low would not price out clients I want to avoid.

I'm glad I made mistakes now. I'm feeling sore with myself about mistakes but this is experience has been very steadying now I've reflected.

Do you mean my asking for a face pic is too demanding? It's a hurdle I know. I don't believe it's unreasonable to ask but realities? This is a bump down to earth!

I was asked today by another man if I would wear leather he supplied. I am concerned about hygiene. He said he had lots of new or nearly new leather he had bought for others to wear. I'm not sure myself in case it's infected. I would like to buy leather but can't afford this. I only want to wear costumes I have sourced myself. Am I overcautious? He was very polite and sounded like an older man and was travelling a distance. Have I lost a good client?

Way to demanding to ask for a face picture
With regards to the clothes the only reason I wont wear clothes that punters bring Is because thru can never ever get the size right
Money is no guarantee of a decent client if you think that then I would definatly rethink things
Dickheads come in all shapes and sizes and do there wallets

Tickle

A client isn't a client until he turns up, the person you 'lost' may not have gone through with a booking and there's a lot of those out there.

I've experienced a lot of similar not following through and fantasists on adult sites. When I asked for opinions chats concluded they are very similar.

I have never worked in a customer facing role and was concerned my profile and call handling could be better. I'm taking this in my stride. I have read about sales turn rates and feel very comfortable with providing a secretary with stockings experience for one man who called today. It's all good experience and within my zone.

I've had good cam feedback. My availability is this weekend onwards. I'm nervous but positive providing something real.