I’m just getting back into Outcalls in London. I feel safer staying with someone so they know where I am. I have a male friend who can let me stay but asked for a percentage of my earnings. Is this normal, has anyone done this?

Do you mean your friend comes with you on outcalls to act as security or driver - you don't need a regular security buddy to be physically present just to do security calls?

Or when you say you're staying with him, do you mean like a lodger or just crashing at his place inbetween bookings? If somebody is providing you with a service like driving or somewhere to stay it's reasonable to pay them something, but the amount shouldn't have anything to do with how much money you've earned.

Either way, 'no thank you' is the usual appropriate response to anybody asking for a percentage of your earnings, especially when it's not in return for anything you can't get for free. Your friend sounds like what used to be called a ponce (even pimps serve some purpose by getting you work), and that's pretty much where the prostitution food chain ends.

I’ve basically got free accommodation from him. He helps me with adverts too and is there if I need help for safety. But he’s not driving me or anything. Not sure what to do…

So you don't live in London but want to work here - why not book a hotel so you have somewhere to stay and can do incalls too? Obviously hotels aren't free but you'll likely make more money

Is he also a sex worker? If not, what would he know about advertising (unless he's an interfering 'helpful' punter, and there's certainly no shortage of those).

I was basically broke when I asked  to stay. He’s not a punter or a sex worker, he’s an ex colleague (restaurant job) and a friend. I think I like the company and moral support in between but not sure if I want to share money…

Thanks for all the advice x

He's trying to take advantage of your situation and also take your money, despite knowing you're broke and having nothing useful to offer you bar company (the chances of him being better than you at writing ads are zero). He is not your friend.

Thank you. I’ll take your advice x

I’m staying with them for free right now.

I think the percentage actually may help, as last week was so slow, maybe a percentage with a cap on what I give him?

He’s not coming for outcalls but it’s reassuring someone knows where I am.

I think the percentage actually may help, as last week was so slow, maybe a percentage with a cap on what I give him?

So what about when you have a busy week? What would your cap be then?

I'm not going to keep beating my head against a brick wall, but why do you think your 'friend' who has nothing to do with your business should get more money for doing/offering the same thing just because you - the person who has actually done the work - earned more?

Working out how much to pay friends to cover some of their rent/bills when you're staying with them - fair. The amount you are costing them doesn't increase just because you're busier, so (as Lora says above) percentage=pimpy.