FAQ's
I have put together a quick FAQ for girls thinking of entering the industry but more detailed food for thought can be found at www.saafe.info
FAQ for girls thinking of entering the industry
As an established independent escort, I often get asked advice from girls who are either new to the scene or who are thinking of becoming an escort. What I have tried to do here is replicate the most common questions as a guide for girls in that position. All answers are purely my opinion based on my experience and observations. If anyone would like to add a question and/or answer or indeed offer alternative or more detailed advice do please mail me at webmaster@prettybigescorts.com so I can add it to the site.
www.saafe.info, which has been compiled by a variety of working ladies, is also a good resource for those starting out
Can I get rich working as an escort?
Like anything in life, that depends on how hard you work and how well you handle your money. If you are thinking of becoming an independent don’t be fooled by the sound of £150 per hour, thinking it will buy you a mansion within a year. Sure if you were working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks of the year you’d be netting over £300K but you are more likely to be working between 3 and 15 hours a week and taking time off for various reasons so be realistic. And don’t forget, working as an independent, you’ll be paying your own advertising, building up a stock of outfits, paying rent for incalls, travelling expenses for outcalls, maybe commissioning a web site, phone calls, paying your fair share of tax and national insurance, the list goes on.
Of course if you work in a parlour, you’ll have less expenses and you wont have to deal with all your own bookings admin. However, the hourly rate will be less plus of course some of what you earn will go to the ‘house’ who need to cover their overheads.
What is an independent?
An independent is exactly as it sounds. If you choose to work this way, you will typically do all your own advertising, personally deal with your email and phone calls (this will probably take you more time than you would expect) and only have yourself, your clients and the jolly ole taxman to answer to.
What is a parlour?
A parlour is an establishment where a number of girls work, typically in a residential flat. The owner will take responsibility for the daily running of the place and do all the advertising. A good example of a well respected parlour that is female run and has a BBW working at the premises is Giggles in Ilford, Essex.
What is an agency?
An agency is essentially an organisation that will advertise on your behalf and get you bookings. Sometimes agencies will charge you to go on their books, other purely charge a fee for each booking they make for you, this can be around 15 - 25% of your total fee. I
Isn't this all illegal?
Working as an Independent escort is not illegal, even being paid to have sex is not illegal. Solicitation is, as is having more than one girl working on a premises at one time which is sometimes the case with parlours.
What is incall and what is outcall?
Incall is when you are working from your own place (perhaps you have rented a flat specifically for working). An outcall is when you go to the clients house or meet at a hotel. Obviously, your own security is important and checks should be made.
I have a full-time job, can I realistically do escorting part time?
Yes and plenty do or indeed have other commitments, childcare for example. If you are worried about having your face seen by a colleague/friend then you could always blur out your face on any photos or stick to Newspaper advertising or find a site that will list your details without a photo.
Do I have to pay tax on my earnings?
Don't we all!!! But you could get a good accountant and he/she will advise you on what you can claim as expenses to reduce your liability or fill in your own tax forms and use the Inland Revenue themselves as an information resource.
What about National Insurance?
Oh yes, whether you choose to work as an Independent or for an agency or a parlour, you will usually be self employed and as such have to pay Class 2 contributions which are currently £2 per week.
How many clients am I likely to see a day?
Most independents see no more than 2 or 3 clients day, often less. In a parlour it will depend on how busy the parlour is and how long your shift is. Some parlour workers do 12 hour shifts.
I don’t have the time to do all my own advertising and bookings, what options do I have?
Join a reputable agency or think about working at a parlour and pay someone to do it on your behalf.
Is it safe?
There are no guarantees but there are things you can do to make yourself safer. Working on the street (which I have not covered elsewhere in this FAQ as I have no experience in the area) is undoubtedly the most dangerous. You can and must take measures to look after yourself regardless of where you are working from. For example, if you are working as an Independent always make sure there is someone in the next room or at the very least someone who knows where you are that you can call to say you are safe. Many girls don't accept calls form withheld numbers as they feel this will cut down the risk. Most girls never give their real names or work from their own home. If you can, get yourself a support network and get to know other girls who can share details of good and bad clients. www.escortwatch.co.uk is one place on the web where girls (and clients) can share details of bad experiences.
I need the money but don’t think I could get intimate with strangers.
Money is not a good enough reason to do this job. Sure a lot of girls start working because they have debts to clear or children to support but it really is best left to those who enjoy it.
Should I tell my friends what I do for a living?
Up to you. I know escorts whose partners don't even know they work. You need to remember that many people have closed minds and still believe that workers in the sex industry are forced into it and that we all have low self esteem and are poorly educated. In my experience this is absolute nonsense. I know girls that hold down high profile careers and do this part time. I know girls that are studying for degrees and PHDs and good stable mothers who want nothing more than to provide for their children while working hours that fit around school times. Most of my friends and family know what I do and are fine with it. However my inlaws weren't so impressed and do not talk to me anymore, their loss but people can be funny and have strange perceptions about things they know nothing about.
So should I go for it?
In short, like any career change, think about it very carefully, do your research and make your own decision based on your own values.
