Anyone noticing a drop in massage rates?

[Trick]

On 2/9/2024 at 10:35 PM, Capitano said:

I am willing to go up to $180 for someone who has excellent reviews here, but other than that, I'd like to keep it at $160 or lower. Nudity, MT, and willingness to provide a HE if the chemistry is there included. I do prefer 90 minute appointments, so this translates to $260 max and I'd like to keep it at $240 or lower.

I notice a big push to normalize $250 per hour, which is a no-go for me. Also, many advertise sensible rates but then jack them up for sensual or erotic. Sorry, dudes, I can still get top-notch therapeutic massage at $120 an hour, so that should be your base rate. Having said this, I WILL tip generously if someone turns out friendly and competent, but that has to be my decision.

I was interested in trying these two this weekend, but decided to pass, both quoted me $250/$300 for 60/90 minutes. Yeah, they are hot, but they are pushing it IMHO.

Massagtherlx on RentMasseur

RENTMASSEUR.COM

---

View my profile on RentMasseur.com

Massagejay on RentMasseur

RENTMASSEUR.COM

---

View my profile on RentMasseur.com

 

Did you know that they were traveling together?

[fancyboot]

I'm not noticing a drop in prices.  I am seeing more guys advertise $200/60 min, or maybe $250, even though they have no reviews, a short bio, one pic, etc.  Some of these guys look like they just decided one day to advertise on Rentmasseur to make some $$$. I see it less often on masseurfinder.  If I pay $200 or more for a session where I have no previous experience, then I'm an idiot. 

[jharrison10343]

17 hours ago, fancyboot said:

I'm not noticing a drop in prices.  I am seeing more guys advertise $200/60 min, or maybe $250, even though they have no reviews, a short bio, one pic, etc.  Some of these guys look like they just decided one day to advertise on Rentmasseur to make some $$$. I see it less often on masseurfinder.  If I pay $200 or more for a session where I have no previous experience, then I'm an idiot. 

A few days ago I came across a new masseur on RM who has no training, no table, no reviews and has only given a few massages and admitted his sessions right now are essentially practice for him. Lookswise, I'd rate him a 4/10. I asked him what he charges for 1 hour and he said $250. I didn't respond and he came back with $180. I think he's hovering around $150 now which is still way overpriced IMHO.

Edited July 2 by jharrison10343

[+ glutes]

Then you have $250/hour therapist staying at a $&(/night hotel.

[Monarchy79]

The problem with the rate hikes is this: 

A large crop of masseurs really aren’t masseurs at all. 

They are hustlers who actually should be escorting, but have found  the easiest “money grab”, without the actual work of escorting…. here’s their method:

1.) hot, salacious pics

2.) exorbitant pricing

3.) provide mediocre massage without any massage tools (no table, no proper massage oil, and no skills) or having to provide any other service, because only massage it’s “what’s advertised.”

on sites such as RM, they are usually good looking, nice bodies, and look like instagram models, and are usually self-described as “Mediterranean” or “Latin”.

They rope suckers in by the hot pics and the “idea” and “innuendo” of what’s to happen, all for the customer to end up snookered, with an empty wallet, and a pair of blue balls. 

 

Edited July 2 by Monarchy79

[d.anders]

6 hours ago, Monarchy79 said:

They rope suckers in by the hot pics and the “idea” and “innuendo” of what’s to happen, all for the customer to end up snookered, with an empty wallet, and a pair of blue balls. 

It is a strategy for far too many guys. The lure of easy money is very real and it's powerful. They know there are a lot of gay men out there (straight/bi too) looking for sensual touch (or just a less lonely handjob), with money to spend, and they abuse the work by disrespecting it and taking advantage of vulnerable, horny men. Sites like RM make a ton of money off the opportunists. Forums like this help expose the flaws and frauds.

There are a few gems in the hay stack of dreadful and disappointing. There are men who know their healing powers and who truly enjoy making another man happy and stress free.

If you are talented, massage is a great job to have because of the joys and freedom of self-employment. There will always be bad apples to spoil the cart. The key is to find the cream that always rises to the top, and if you can avoid temptation, remain loyal once you've found it.

Far too many gay men find loyalty unexciting. They need a new massage guy every month or every week. As long as those customers exist, it's open season for the blue ball brigade.

[Monarchy79]

On 8/16/2023 at 6:59 PM, BeefyDude said:

SAME here... ATL  Prices keep creeping up YET the quality is going DOWN (IMHO).  I see some of these ads and ask myself why the __ are they charging so much

I get it you need to make money.  But if you want me to be a repeat, make it a reasonable rate.  Just sayin

You’re absolutely right. Unfortunately, the masses of victims who make the mistake in hiring these guys, aren’t aware of this site, which has saved many of us allot of wasted time and money. 

[DFdub]

On 7/1/2024 at 6:16 PM, fancyboot said:

If I pay $200 or more for a session where I have no previous experience, then I'm an idiot. 

I guess I'm an idiot every so often. 🤣 Or, I like twentysomethings and $200 is insignificant to some. 😉

[Kneads]

After working 27 years in thr Massage and Bodywork industry,  I keep my rates low, you shouldn't have to chose between groceries and a massage. I make enough to pay bills and vacation. 

[d.anders]

On 7/2/2024 at 11:54 PM, Kneads said:

After working 27 years in thr Massage and Bodywork industry,  I keep my rates low, you shouldn't have to chose between groceries and a massage. I make enough to pay bills and vacation. 

Wish there were more like you. Most of the 60-minute massages in my life cost around $80 with tip. The massage was $60, and I tipped $20. I was a very regular customer, once a week, sometimes twice. When prices rose to $150, I had to cut back. Anything over $200, I'd be lucky to get four a year. Covid killed everything for me, so now I'm starting from scratch. I can barely afford to fantasize about the $300 guys.

[jharrison10343]

One concept I think a lot of masseurs (especially younger ones) don't understand is that they'll probably make more money by offering lower rates because it will attract more new clients and encourage more repeat visits from existing ones. Kind of like how people spend usually more money on cheap stuff that doesn't last very long versus expensive versions that last longer and save more money in the long run. And going over $200 seems moronic to me because it seems like a lot more money psychologically than $160 or $180 even though it's just slightly more (which is basically why retailers always use left digit bias pricing).

Edited July 7 by jharrison10343

[UncutDad]

I'm pretty loyal to the very few massage men that I see...only (3) now sadly.  But they actually do excellent bodywork.  Some extras are thrown in, but I don't demand that much.   

I  inquired with a provider two weeks ago that first gave me a quote of 250.  When I didn't respond he texted back 180. I still didn't answer.  I'll go up to $180 if the masseur is super hot.  But if I feel it's a bad session, I will absolutely leave the appropriate review on R.Masseur.  There are too many other guys that maybe are not as handsome, but at least they respect money.

The high dollar fast cash  guys don't seem to last very long, as they shouldn't.  When I see the "ASK" option only for payment on Rentmasseur, it's a significant turn off for me.  My opinion is that part of something is better than ALL of nothing.  But I shouldn't expect lazy minded men to come to that conclusion.

There was a guy years ago that did a sliding scale for me.  He was more of a scort.  He gave me a reasonable rate for less time spent.  I had a great time and I've been a loyal client every time he comes into town...12 years now.  If more massage men and escorts realized that, they'd probably have more longevity. 

Edited July 7 by UncutDad

[d.anders]

13 hours ago, UncutDad said:

When I see the "ASK" option only for payment on Rentmasseur, it's a significant turn off for me.

I don't mind it because it offers hope, that maybe a price is negotiable. Since I'm no longer interested in extras, I often ask if there's a rate for massage only. Many guys come back with something more affordable, but I won't spend anything if a guy does not convince me he's a professional.

Also, since so many of the HE guys have a menu, what good does it do them to offer a single number? A lot of the HE guys do not like CHEAP, and they just don't want to deal with hagglers. ASK seems the only logical place to be if you want to offer varied services.

[UncutDad]

If they want to offer a menu of pricing that's fine.  But a client should at least be able to know where the range starts.  There is a significant difference between a 150 starting price and a 300 starting price.  

[hopeman]

My 2 cents:

1. I have one consistent provider I've been seeing for over 5 years (lives nearby) who charges $120 for 90 mins and a HE. I pay him $200. 

2. I just saw a brand new guy (also lives near) who charged me $200 for 90 minutes and a HE. I gave him $240.

3. I saw a rentmen guy (traveller) with a big dick who gave me an amazing "workout" for $350 for 90 minutes. On a bed. No table. No fucking.  He tried but it was just too big. And I'm not ready yet! He got $400.

 

 

[Existinguser]

On 7/2/2024 at 11:54 PM, Kneads said:

After working 27 years in thr Massage and Bodywork industry,  I keep my rates low, you shouldn't have to chose between groceries and a massage. I make enough to pay bills and vacation. 

You're a wise person. I've maintained business relationships with some providers for over seven years where they contract me prior to coming into town, we schedule a session, they come to my house and because they kept their rates inline, I tip them well. It's definitely a win/win.

Edited July 22 by Existinguser

[d.anders]

On 7/9/2024 at 2:50 PM, UncutDad said:

If they want to offer a menu of pricing that's fine.  But a client should at least be able to know where the range starts.

It's not the masseur's fault if the website does not offer a "Prices start at" option on their price menu. I wish they did. It would be a great service and eliminate the need to dig further.

[BigNoiseDallas]

3 hours ago, d.anders said:

It's not the masseur's fault if the website does not offer a "Prices start at" option on their price menu. I wish they did. It would be a great service and eliminate the need to dig further.

I hate the providers whose say "Ask". I'm much more inclined to book someone who publishes their rates and clearly outlines what's included. I saw a masseur here a while back who charged a flat rate for 60 minutes and one for 90 minutes, regardless of modality or "extras." And I seem to recall the prices were pretty reasonable. 

[BeefyDude]

4 hours ago, d.anders said:

It's not the masseur's fault if the website does not offer a "Prices start at" option on their price menu. I wish they did. It would be a great service and eliminate the need to dig further.

Or the site could remove "ask me" so they have to put something in

[BigNoiseDallas]

16 minutes ago, BeefyDude said:

Or the site could remove "ask me" so they have to put something in

100% percent -- it's the old saying, "If you have to ask the price, you probably can't afford it" -- or something like that.

[BeefyDude]

14 minutes ago, BigNoiseDallas said:

100% percent -- it's the old saying, "If you have to ask the price, you probably can't afford it" -- or something like that.

Normally I would an agree.  But with most here I suspect it's a luring in to get you to view their profile IMHO

The site should remove it, it's useless to have that.  I then have to reach out to the masseur only to find out too $$ for me - wastes both people's time

[d.anders]

On 7/23/2024 at 2:34 PM, BeefyDude said:

wastes both people's time

It can be a time waster, but I imagine many, many providers like and want the Ask Me option. Since the providers are paying for their ads, they need to pleased.