Can only share my own experience, I'm fairly new myself but this is how I did it.

I set up independent straight away. After I got established I researched agency work but couldn't find any local agencies that suited what I wanted, so I stuck with it.

I put up an ad on Adultwork first, and have now got my own website (well, it's almost finished, still a bit rough around the edges). At the moment I'm getting more than enough work from AW but if it slacks off (which I've heard it does when you've been around longer) I'll be looking into the paid advertising on other sites a bit more.

For me being independent is ideal because I can choose my hours (and change them last minute, which is nice if I want a lie in or a shopping trip!) and I can set my rates - and keep all my money! I can also be as picky as I want with my clients, not that I generally am but it's nice to have the option.

Of course I have no experience of agency work, it might have it's own advantages. I have an acquaintance who's mother was an escort who is constantly horrified with me for the risks I'm taking working without an agency, and keeps trying to pursuade me to sign up with one. I imagine there are good and bad points to both ways of working - you will have to decide what feels best to you.

I worked with an agency for a couple of months first. It wasn't for me, but we're all different and it works for some people! I don't think that I would have been very confident just starting out as an independent, and being with an agency allowed me to practice without having to worry about transport or security or anything like that - all I had to think about was being with the clients themselves.

Rates wise - and what the agency deducts - seems to depend on the particular agency that you are with. Mine gave about a third to me, which wasn't very good!

Apologies if doesn't make sense, I've had a few drinks this evening! x

Agencies should keep up to date with warnings, maintain a blacklist of problem clients, do location checks to make sure you're not being sent on a wild goose chase, and make sure you're ok after the booking's due to have ended. Some are really good, but others are totally crap so I would never rely on an agency for my security until I felt like I could trust them to do their job properly. At the least, get yourself a security buddy so you've got someone else to check in with.

All the things I listed are things you can do yourself. The only benefits an agency has are in keeping a blacklist, and possibly being better placed to send some burly guys over if they don't hear from you. I think the benefits of an agency are more to do with convenience than security.

30-40% is a typical agency fee. Some charge less and some charge more. Another bit you need to consider is whether they have drivers. A good driver will wait for you until you finish your job, so they're very useful for security. Not all drivers wait though, and some agencies maximise their resources by just using them as taxi drivers, so they'll be out taking other girls to and from jobs until you're due to finish. Ask if the agency has drivers, whether you're expected to use them or if it's optional, what the rates are and what you get for your money.

I suppose it is because you can charge what you like, but off of that has to come fees for your driver if you choose to have one or other methods of transport.

From the experience point of view, I guess it depends on whether you pick things up quickly or if you find a way of working that suits you well straight away. I probably did a couple of week worth of nights, if that, spread over a couple of months and that was it...

absolutely! By reading through SAAFE and the forum I can hopefully gather enough info. together to set my self up- I am being more swayed in to going solo. Deducting that much is unappealing to me. I would like to be earning a clear 150-200 quid atleast- I have 3 months to decide and I'll be reading and gathering as much info as I can until then. Thank you so much for your points of view so far.  !!

Hi cassie  thanx for that. I am sorry if I am posting too much, and please correct me if I am over doing it!
I tried my luck a few days ago and sent in an application to an agency. Really didn't expect to get a call back, but I have. I have three months left at uni, n' I really have to concentrate.
My plan has been to start working when I finish my degree, thinking that a change of life style like this can possibly be quite exciting and equally disruptive.
Regardless of that, my curiosity has set in and I'm going for an interview this Monday 29/March tehehe-
In the interview, I have gathered so far from the website, that these are the qst's I should mention, and please add or correct when  you see fit:

•   Ask how your working hours would be managed, as this varies: I will ask if there is flexibility on the days- as I can only do 10-6 on Sat's and Sunday : infact would even just like to start with two clients a week- if possibly. just to try it out-
•   Ask what the agency does to protect you.

•   They should do some kind of check to confirm each client's location (this usually means calling the hotel if they're in one, or using directory enquiries or the electoral roll to confirm their home address),  : I would not know how to check if the agency has indeed confirmed and checked- I would feel safe knowing if I have done this myself- but how could I tell- just by taking their word for it? well I'll ask that at the interview as well.

•   keep up with warnings in the area,

•   and check you're OK once the booking is over.

•   They may also have drivers who can act as security for you (although you'll have to pay the driver's fee yourself).

That's all fine, but my qst would be, how much does the driver cost....

and sorry of this is a proper silly qst // but why does one need a driver? apart from security reasons- if you have a buddy you can call and make sure you are safe and the agency has done the same.... are they just for convenience- if the location is hard to reach/ without London transport links?

I think I will go indie eventually- but if I get agency work 1st I might go for it

perfect- thanks for the clarification