Agency v Independent Provider
Legal Issues: Agency Escort v Independent Provider
Working for an agency that provides companionship compared with going it alone, has certain legal benefits, particularly since the introduction of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and the inevitable blitz on street working or curb-crawling, both of which are illegal. Working as an escort indoors, for an agency, on the other hand remains legal, provided the worker is 18yrs of age, or over and works within the legal framework.
Potential Earnings
Research has revealed that (with notable exceptions) escorts working independently are subject to greater fluctuation in earnings and generally command lower fees than escorts working through an agency. Independent escorts, for example, typically charge for their services in shorter time units, sometimes as little as 10 or 15 minutes a time; escort agencies, on the other hand, usually charge a minimum hourly or half-hourly rate, with starting prices often much higher and appointments lasting longer.
Did you know that ...
... an escort agency normally charges their escorts either a flat fee per client or, in some cases, a percentage of the agreed rate? An agency cut of anything between 30 and 50 percent is typical.
Security
Security is another important issue for the independent provider. Whereas escort agency providers are protected, to an extent, by their employers who essentially manage their appointments on their behalf, independents are exposed to far greater risks, on a daily basis. As a result, it's not uncommon for independent escorts to pay other individuals to act as their personal bodyguards. This, of course, comes at a price, thus further eroding the independents' potential earnings.
Fluctuating Demand
Although volume of work is an issue for both types of escorts and subject to local and seasonal demand, escorts working for agencies are less likely to be affected by the ups and downs of being a lone provider.
Independent Provider: The Positives
Despite its downside, being an independent escort also has its positives, many of which are linked with being self-employed. In short, if you're hard-working, talented, capable, and basically a cut above the rest, you'll rise to the top of your profession faster than if you're employed by someone else.
Other Important Issues
Flexible working hours, the option to decline clients who simply don't appeal and, importantly, the autonomy to set your own fees and keep 100% of your earnings are other significant plus points. Exclusivity is another important factor. It's much easier to earn a top-notch reputation for being the best in the business when you can set your own standards and don't have to comply with agency regulations.
Ultimately, working for an agency v working solo is largely down to individual personality, drive and personal circumstances. Many escorts start as independents and then move on to work for an agency; others follow the opposite route.
Fascinating Facts
A 2007 survey by EscortPages.Net UK Directory of 8,000 escorts working in Britain showed that 84% were employed by escort agencies, with only around 16% working independently.
Working for an agency that provides companionship compared with going it alone, has certain legal benefits, particularly since the introduction of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and the inevitable blitz on street working or curb-crawling, both of which are illegal. Working as an escort indoors, for an agency, on the other hand remains legal, provided the worker is 18yrs of age, or over and works within the legal framework.
Potential Earnings
Research has revealed that (with notable exceptions) escorts working independently are subject to greater fluctuation in earnings and generally command lower fees than escorts working through an agency. Independent escorts, for example, typically charge for their services in shorter time units, sometimes as little as 10 or 15 minutes a time; escort agencies, on the other hand, usually charge a minimum hourly or half-hourly rate, with starting prices often much higher and appointments lasting longer.
Did you know that ...
... an escort agency normally charges their escorts either a flat fee per client or, in some cases, a percentage of the agreed rate? An agency cut of anything between 30 and 50 percent is typical.
Security
Security is another important issue for the independent provider. Whereas escort agency providers are protected, to an extent, by their employers who essentially manage their appointments on their behalf, independents are exposed to far greater risks, on a daily basis. As a result, it's not uncommon for independent escorts to pay other individuals to act as their personal bodyguards. This, of course, comes at a price, thus further eroding the independents' potential earnings.
Fluctuating Demand
Although volume of work is an issue for both types of escorts and subject to local and seasonal demand, escorts working for agencies are less likely to be affected by the ups and downs of being a lone provider.
Independent Provider: The Positives
Despite its downside, being an independent escort also has its positives, many of which are linked with being self-employed. In short, if you're hard-working, talented, capable, and basically a cut above the rest, you'll rise to the top of your profession faster than if you're employed by someone else.
Other Important Issues
Flexible working hours, the option to decline clients who simply don't appeal and, importantly, the autonomy to set your own fees and keep 100% of your earnings are other significant plus points. Exclusivity is another important factor. It's much easier to earn a top-notch reputation for being the best in the business when you can set your own standards and don't have to comply with agency regulations.
Ultimately, working for an agency v working solo is largely down to individual personality, drive and personal circumstances. Many escorts start as independents and then move on to work for an agency; others follow the opposite route.
Fascinating Facts
A 2007 survey by EscortPages.Net UK Directory of 8,000 escorts working in Britain showed that 84% were employed by escort agencies, with only around 16% working independently.
