SAAFE forum
Adverts => Spamming in the Lion's Den => Topic started by: youngblackstud on 11 June 2015, 02:45:53 pm
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Hi everyone, I am currently developing a secure downpayment website for independent escorts and was hoping to get some review on the idea.
The idea is that clients can make a down payment on the website to secure a booking, this will show the escort that the client is serious and prevent both the client and the escort from encountering time wasters.
Some features I was thinking about include;
1) Client book independent escort from where ever for a specific date/time,
2)The escort can ask client for a down payment using the service that am developing
3) the client transfer credit to escort via the service
4) credit stays in pending for max 48 hours before automatically transfer to escort if client cancelled or got booking
or
credit gets refunded to client if client open support ticket about no show escort or the escort cancel booking
5) both escort or client can leave review/ratings on escorts profile for other users to see.
It would be free to register for the service and we would only charge %5 on each transfer made between client and escort.
Please do let me know what you guys think, and if this is a service you would use.
Client can purchase credit on the site while escort can request cashout via bank transfer, skrill or pioneer ; tansaction would take up to 5 working days to reach escort and the same for a full refund to client.
Ok, Please leave comments thanks :).
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Please do let me know what you guys think, and if this is a service you would use.
I'm a bit pushed for time, so in a nutshell:
1: I think you should read a forum's rules before bulldozing in and posting in the wrong section.
2: No I would not, and I'd be incredulous if my clients would either. Are you familiar with the term 'if it isn't broke, don't fix it'?
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Sorry for posting in the wrong forum, and thanks for your review.
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I think you should consider the legal implications of providing a financial service.
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Why? He hasn't considered anything else...
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In a nutshell:
No. It won't work. And here is why.
Deposits are a funny issue. I know why girls like them, and in certain circumstances I think it's resonable to ask for one (overnights when you have to travel a distance to get there/foregin travel and so on). Clients don't like them on the whole, and you only have to spend time in certain places on line to see and read why. They are sending cash to strangers on the internet, in a business where both girls and clients already have a million and one reasons not to trust each other. There could also be any number of reasons why they don't go through with an appointment - we think they are timewasters, and yes often they are, but there are circumstances where things happen and rightly or wrongly the guy doesn't let the girl know. What happens to his money then? Girls in turn would be trusting you with bank details (or paypal details, or whatever) and real life IDs. Also why would I pay you 0.5% of a percentage of each booking fee when I can just take cash at the time and get it all?
Do you have a deticated data compliance officer? How will you store/protect that data?
Also will you be complying with FSA guidelines for running a financial business? Are your funds underwritten and guaranteed?
Do you realise you would technically be taking a 'cut' of a booking fee and therefore be operating as a pimp?
I know where your thinking comes from and I can see why you've thought of this, but it wont' work. Sorry.
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I have spoken to the FSA (Financial Service Authority) they said that if the credit are like store card / club points it should be OK. Of course, I would have full documentation, privacy and cookie policy, terms of service and FAQ posted on the website. There would be 24/7 customer care working to assist the service users.
I have worked at as an escort for 3 years now, there is nothing more annoying than travelling to London from Nottingham and the client wouldn't pick up their phone or I would put bookings off for a particular client that doesn't show up for an incall.
RE: post by Curvygal.
You have raised some very valuable points, the system that I am creating not only protect escorts, but also the clients too, as they can rest assure that if the escort doesn't carry out the booking they will get a full refund (of course both parties would have to provide evidence according to our terms of service).
A full operational ticket system would be put in place where users can raise concerns that they may have at any time.
Also, the service provides full anonymity to both escort and client, since the escort or the client would need to verify themselves with the payment gateway (bank, PayPal, etc), we do not need personal detail from them.
I was hoping the service could be used for long distant bookings.
But thanks for the reviews guys, keep them coming, please.
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Do you realise you would technically be taking a 'cut' of a booking fee and therefore be operating as a pimp?
To be fair, anyone silly enough to try this wouldn't be controlling the work so they could legally gain from it.
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I have spoken to the FSA (Financial Service Authority)
That's quite impressive, given that it hasn't existed for two years.
.. There would be 24/7 customer care working to assist the service users.
And how's that going to work? It translates as at least five full time positions - from the very start - if you're paying people.
I have worked at as an escort for 3 years now, there is nothing more annoying than travelling to London from Nottingham and the client wouldn't pick up their phone or I would put bookings off for a particular client that doesn't show up for an incall.
That does at least explain the username, but it really is not difficult for you to take deposits now. In secure anonymous ways that the clients can not get back. (And clearly need to do so, if you're travelling that far.)
the system that I am creating not only protect escorts, but also the clients too, as they can rest assure that if the escort doesn't carry out the booking they will get a full refund (of course both parties would have to provide evidence according to our terms of service).
Client pays deposit. Client wants it back, because they say the escort never showed up. Escort says they did. Who are you going to believe and why?
Also, the service provides full anonymity to both escort and client, since the escort or the client would need to verify themselves with the payment gateway (bank, PayPal, etc), we do not need personal detail from them.
I was thinking that not mentioning PayPal was the one sensible thing you did do... When you get a payment via them, you get to find out what PayPal thinks is the sender's real name. How's that going to go down with clients?
(Oh, and obviously there's the usual risk of PayPal closing accounts associated with sex work without handing over all the money.)
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if the escort doesn't carry out the booking they will get a full refund (of course both parties would have to provide evidence according to our terms of service).
Also, the service provides full anonymity to both escort and client, since the escort or the client would need to verify themselves with the payment gateway (bank, PayPal, etc), we do not need personal detail from them.
What evidence could either party give that would show that the booking did not take place?
Unless there is some way of giving that evidence that you have thought of, I can see the full refund policy being massively taken advantage of.
Also wanted to give you a heads up that paypal don't allow you to use their service to pay for any sexual services in the UK (unless they have changed it very recently) so not too sure how you would get around that.
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Hi XW5,
Thanks for taking the time out to review my post, really appreciate it.
That's quite impressive, given that it hasn't existed for two years.
If you find some time, feel free to have a look at Q40. "Limited Network Exclusion" of the FSA website. Since the service is only available to a closed group for a specific service, it does fall under the exception rules.
And how's that going to work? It translates as at least five full-time positions - from the very start - if you're paying people.
Thanks for your concern.
That does at least explain the username, but it really is not difficult for you to take deposits now. In secure anonymous ways that the clients can not get back. (And clearly need to do so, if you're travelling that far.)
Escorts rely on trusting strangers so things like that do happen to the best of us.
Client pays deposit. Client wants it back, because they say the escort never showed up. Escort says they did. Who are you going to believe and why?
This is where we will do most of the work, I did mention, a user rating system, it will be similar to eBay's. Our terms which all users would have to agree to will allow us to carry out any investigation related to booking. Do bear in mind that the plan is to provide a prepayment service and not a payment gateway as mention earlier.
I was thinking that not mentioning PayPal was the one sensible thing you did do... When you get a payment via them, you get to find out what PayPal thinks is the sender's real name. How's that going to go down with clients?
Paypal will not be used to receive payment, but they got a lovely mass transfer feature, so does skrill, payza and pioneer. UK residents will have to option to use bank sort code and account number.
PS... I know the idea sounds insane, but technology is moving forward and escort should be using it to their advantage, apart from you guys no one really cares about us, so we have to look out for each other right?
Any Ideas for the website name?
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I personally wouldn't use your service.
If I am ever going to travel a long way just to do one booking, I will ask the guy for a deposit myself. I simply open my mouth and say, 'I'd like a 50% deposit please', either paid into my aw account or if he's not from aw, I'll give him my account number so he can transfer it over.
Easy peasy and I don't have to pay a pimp for the privilege of getting my money (minus 5%) several days after the booking did or didn't take place.
If a client is not willing to pay me a deposit then he's either a time waster or doesn't trust me, I can't imagine why he would trust a third party more than the person he's actually doing business with.
Idea sounds quite dodgy to be honest with you.
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Ideas for the website name...............................................Deposit pimps r us............................trust another stranger.com.................yet another person trying to take a cut of your money.co.uk................I could think of a few more but I've got a booking to get ready for, and i dont have to give anyone 5% of my fee, thats novel!
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If you find some time, feel free to have a look at Q40. "Limited Network Exclusion" of the FSA website. Since the service is only available to a closed group for a specific service, it does fall under the exception rules.
I'm not arguing about the rules, but it's going to look a bit better if you got the name of the organisation right. The FSA was abolished two years ago.
Escorts rely on trusting strangers so things like that do happen to the best of us.
There's being trusting and there's being gullible. There is no shortage of black male escorts in London and while it's obviously flattering for someone to want you to travel there, they can pay - at least - the costs of that travel up front.
This is where we will do most of the work, I did mention, a user rating system, it will be similar to eBay's. Our terms which all users would have to agree to will allow us to carry out any investigation related to booking.
Investigation = work for you, and you'll still be faced with one person saying it happened and one saying it didn't. If you automatically go with the one with the highest rating, there's no incentive for anyone new to use it..
.. and a big one to game the system by having some fake ratings. I've just decided I'll have some clients paying one quid deposit. Oh look, I've just got ten positive ratings for the cost of 50p.
(There's no incentive anyway, because perfectly usable - better! - ways to get a deposit already exist.)
PS... I know the idea sounds insane, but technology is moving forward and escort should be using it to their advantage, apart from you guys no one really cares about us, so we have to look out for each other right?
And sometimes, that involves saying 'give up this idea now' - this is one of those times.
Any Ideas for the website name?
Something you can use for something else ;D
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I'm one of those old fashioned type of girls. ........I like my money in cash, right where I can physically see it. Your idea seems logical on paper, but putting this service into practice will be difficult. The reasons all mentioned above. Also it benefits the client not the escorts. The escort doesn't gain anything from working this way. The escort has to wait days for her money, then give some to you......you would be better off starting your own escort agency, at least you have a chance, if you do your research regarding screening, safety, advertising, marketing, drivers etc however this is just my opinion. There are too many things that could go wrong with your current idea.
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Also wanted to give you a heads up that PayPal don't allow you to use their service to pay for any sexual services in the UK (unless they have changed it very recently) so not too sure how you would get around that.
Thanks for the heads-up, did spoke to Paypal today actually, their concern is accepting payments on the platform, but they are OK with the us using their transfer feature with our API, it is something we are debating right now.
I should stress that the service will not allow users to advertise on the platform, however, users can create a profile, access their account history, pending transfers and so on.
Regarding evidence: email, text, what's app and so on, normally comes with date and time attached to them, travel tickets, etc. Safety tips will also be posted on the site to help users retain evidence for processing should something goes wrong.
I personally wouldn't use your service.
If I am ever going to travel a long way just to do one booking, I will ask the guy for a deposit myself. I simply open my mouth and say, 'I'd like a 50% deposit please', either paid into my aw account or if he's not from aw, I'll give him my account number so he can transfer it over.
Easy peasy and I don't have to pay a pimp for the privilege of getting my money (minus 5%) several days after the booking did or didn't take place.
If a client is not willing to pay me a deposit then he's either a time waster or doesn't trust me, I can't imagine why he would trust a third party more than the person he's actually doing business with.
Idea sounds quite dodgy to be honest with you.
Thanks for your review foxy roxy, my team and I have taken it on-board.
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If we can't advertise on the 'platform', how is anybody going to know that the person claiming to be us (to whom they're being asked to send money despite having never seen us in person) actually is us? Anybody could set up an account claiming to be me - it's not as if any of us work under our legal names, and I doubt very much anybody is going to be sending you their personal information any more than we would any other random internet strangers.
I can see why you thought it would be a good idea (and I'm sure your 'team' think it's great too), but it's doomed because it's superfluous. As has already been posted ad nauseum, there are already ways to get upfront deposits if we need them, none of them involve giving aforementioned random internet strangers money and for the rest, why would we want to lose 5% of our earnings and have to wait for the rest when we can just take a phone booking, have a punter turn up within the hour, pay us, punt and bog off again with everybody having got what they wanted?
If you're travelling hundreds of miles without any payment upfront to cover at least your expenses if not your travel time, more fool you. An awful lot of being successful in business isn't patting yourself on the back for the things you get right, it's recognising and pinpointing where you're going wrong and being self-aware enough to do something about it.
you would be better off starting your own escort agency, at least you have a chance, if you do your research regarding screening, safety, advertising, marketing, drivers etc however this is just my opinion. There are too many things that could go wrong with your current idea.
To be fair, as crap as the above idea is, it's still better than encouraging yet another clueless pimp to start yet another bloody useless agency. As for fewer things potentially going wrong, most people would count winding up in court being prosecuted for controlling prostitution for gain and having all their assets seized and their bank accounts frozen under POCA a fairly bad day at the office.
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Sorry OP, but I think your idea is bonkers.
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If you find some time, feel free to have a look at Q40. "Limited Network Exclusion" of the FSA website. Since the service is only available to a closed group for a specific service, it does fall under the exception rules.
I'm not arguing about the rules, but it's going to look a bit better if you got the name of the organisation right. The FSA was abolished two years ago.
Escorts rely on trusting strangers so things like that do happen to the best of us.
There's being trusting and there's being gullible. There is no shortage of black male escorts in London and while it's obviously flattering for someone to want you to travel there, they can pay - at least - the costs of that travel up front.
This is where we will do most of the work, I did mention, a user rating system, it will be similar to eBay's. Our terms which all users would have to agree to will allow us to carry out any investigation related to booking.
Investigation = work for you, and you'll still be faced with one person saying it happened and one saying it didn't. If you automatically go with the one with the highest rating, there's no incentive for anyone new to use it..
.. and a big one to game the system by having some fake ratings. I've just decided I'll have some clients paying one quid deposit. Oh look, I've just got ten positive ratings for the cost of 50p.
(There's no incentive anyway, because perfectly usable - better! - ways to get a deposit already exist.)
PS... I know the idea sounds insane, but technology is moving forward and escort should be using it to their advantage, apart from you guys no one really cares about us, so we have to look out for each other right?
And sometimes, that involves saying 'give up this idea now' - this is one of those times.
Any Ideas for the website name?
Something you can use for something else ;D
10/10 to Ian picking up on my trick question - you unfortunately didn't. You do seem to be slightly more clued up and with it than I initially thought, but I still wouldn't use your service I'm afraid.
What concerns me most I guess is this element of the client saying the booking didn't go ahead and getting a refund. What proof or evidence could you possibly be wanting to collect? If I go from Scotland to London on an overnight booking tonight, and the guy says tomorrow I didn't turn up, I say I did, could you talk me through how you would deal with this? We have the same number of points on your ratings system.
What would you do, what evidence would you look for and how would you conclude?
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How do texts, messages and whatsapp show if a client or an escort is a no show? How could you possibly prove you turned up?
You haven't given any real examples of how you could prove chargebacks because honestly, I don't think it's possible. You're opening yourself up to huge scams. As a new site you would have entirely new customers... so who would you trust? And as others have said it is open to ratings abuse.
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Slightly old thread but in case this is still going I'm wondering why no one has mentioned the big obvious concern with this one., MONEY LAUNDERING REGULATIONS