I wouldn't meet a punter I hadn't seen before in a public place - I'd want to know the hotel room I was going to was the one it was supposed to be, apart from anything else (and so would my security buddy).

If he won't budge on that, I suppose I'd just count it discreetly when I was sitting at the table. You could always tuck it in the top of your bag, or something?

Thanks Amy, yes I initially wanted to meet at the hotel first but he wanted to have lunch first before going there. He's paid a small deposit but won't be checked in til next week so I don't know the room number.
OK, I'm going to ask if we can meet in the room to get the business out of the way first (it's close by anyway). Not at all comfortable about counting the money in public!

I agree with Amy. I won't normally meet in a public place only his room get the money sorted then roll.
I have done it a few times though and been lucky. I open the envelope and count it discreetly on my lap. No one gives a shit, they're all too busy stuffing their faces. Done it on bar stools where there's zero privacy...no one cares.

The small deposit guarentees nothing. He can still fuck you off in several well known ways eg watching you enter and laugh at you sitting waiting then not show himself. Or delaying full payment for an hour or two then not pay at all as he knows you're unlikely to make a fuss in public. Not saying he will but lots of tricks they play.

Haha Grace! And you're completely right, which is why I said to give him the heads up, so to speak. Lets him know he won't be getting over on you.
I could get into the whole shebang confrontation deal about what me & my temper would do if the $$ WASN'T correct when I counted it in the bathroom, but I've done enough of those, lol.

Suffice to say: Release The Kraken!!!! 🐉 ☠️👹

Thanks ladies, he's agreed to meet in the hotel room to get the paperwork sorted out first beforehand. The hotel is just round the corner which is good. In future though I'll try and stand my ground about the order we do things.
Salty, good point about the potential to be messed around and laughed at in a public place. Yep, I'm much more comfortable meeting in the room!

enjoy yourself !

Thank you!