Question about Booking Agencies

[atxdream]

So for the first time, I'm going to go on an "official tour" this summer. There's no *one* best place to advertise for all cities and I'm concerned about keeping up with the volume of inquiries. I still plan to stay pretty low volume on tour so I was considering a booking agency to help weed through the 'lookie loos' and those that don't have refs.

Providers - have you ever used a booking agency? What sort of things did they help you with? Were they worth the cost? Did you feel comfortable with their level of security?

Hobbyists - have you ever booked with a provider through a booking agency? Did you refuse to see a provider because someone else booked her appointments? Did you have any problems with over booking or security concerns?

PM me if you'd prefer. Thank you!!!

[Paven]

Personally I wouldn't rely on anyone but myself to get the job done. It might work for others but not everyone is reliable and that is imperative.

I'm about to go on tour myself and yes it is a lot of admin work but I know it's getting done right because I am doing it!

Good luck!

[guest043013-2]

To each his own, and the ability to facillitate an arrangement between a guy and a gal might make a booking agent a good idea.

I would rather deal with a lady direct. I want to have a feel for her personally before I walk in the door.

That said, I have never booked with a traveling lady for multiple reasons. One of those is my schedule is often abruptly changed by my customers and thus I would hate to schedule with a lady traveling and them have to cancel, totally disrupting her schedule and budget.

[plainjoe]

I prefer talking and working with the providers directly, but I have worked with a few "assistants." For the most part, the ones I have called and arranged visits were professional and efficient. The ones that were not so friendly or "user friendly," I passed on, even if the pix of the providers were enticing.

Of course, I also do my research, so know if a provider uses an "assistant" or not.

From the provider's point of view, it depends upon the "assistant." He or she could be a great asset, if they ensure that your interest and safety is #1. Of course, he/she could be a detriment if they piss off hobbyists. Do not know how you could screen an"assistant" or booking agent.

Good luck!

[pyramider]

Who cares? As long as the appointment is made, the session occurs, and I stagger out of the door ...

[Cpalmson]

I have no problem with using booking agents, pimps or assistants. They just facilitate the fun. Of course, research is an important part of my decision making process, so by the time I dial the phone or send the appointment request, it really doesn't matter who sets up the date.

[Courtney]

Its all up to u . . I did that on a trip to Austin. Did really good the 1st day. The 2nd day I didnt get anything come to find out she had deleted me off of the site after I had brought her the fees & did 6appts through her so I wAs depending on her like a dumn ass. wont happen again . & also I have worked from agencies out of the phone lines / yellowpages. they are ok but not great

[atxdream]

This is all really good advice. Even when I travel, I stay low volume. I just get really worn out talking to 50-60 people to find 2 that meet my criteria. From talking to other ladies who travel often & my own experience... The creepy, weirdo timewasters feel braver targeting travelling ladies. When you're in an unfamiliar city and having use other means to advertise, tracking down refs can be tricky. Id rather be chatting with already screened confirmed appts building up to our time together than filtering through the nonsense. At the same time, I don't want to compromise anyone's security including my own. I wouldnt hire an agency without talking to other providers that used them, but I guess I'm still undecided. I appreciate the above feedback and anyone else who'd like to chime in