Setting Your Rates as an Independent Companion: A Practical Framework
Pricing is one of the hardest decisions for any independent professional, and companions are no exception. Charge too little and you attract the wrong clients and burn out; charge too much without the profile to support it and your phone stays silent. There is no universal "right" rate, because markets differ enormously between cities and countries. What you can do is set prices with a clear method rather than guesswork. Here is a framework.
1. Start with your costs
Before looking at anyone else's prices, work out what it costs you to work. Include:
- Rent or incall costs, including hotel rooms.
- Advertising, photography and your work phone.
- Transport, clothing, beauty and hygiene products.
- Health care and regular sexual health testing.
- Taxes and social contributions, where they apply.
- Time that is not paid: screening, messages, travel and admin.
Divide your monthly costs by the number of bookings you realistically expect. That figure is the floor below which you are losing money.
2. Decide how much you want to work
Decide your ideal number of bookings per week and your income goal. If the rate needed to reach your goal with that number of bookings is far above the local market, you may need to adjust either the goal or your positioning.
3. Study your local market
Browse profiles in your city with a similar style, experience and presentation to yours. Look at:
- The typical range for one hour, two hours, dinner dates and overnight bookings.
- Incall versus outcall differences.
- Minimum booking lengths.
Expect large differences between cities. Rates in London, Zurich or Dubai are not comparable with smaller cities, and touring companions often charge more in high-cost destinations.
4. Position yourself deliberately
Your rate tells clients something about you. A premium rate needs a premium experience: excellent photos, a well written profile, fast and professional communication, flexibility for longer bookings and, often, languages or conversational skills. A mid-range rate with high consistency and reliability can be just as successful. Choose your position and make everything on your profile support it.
5. Structure your rates
- Minimum booking: many companions set a minimum of one hour or longer, which reduces rushed bookings.
- Longer bookings: offer a slightly lower hourly equivalent for dinner dates and overnights, which encourages quality bookings.
- Outcall: add a travel supplement or require the client to cover transport.
- Travel and touring: price in travel time and accommodation. Many companions require travel costs to be paid upfront.
- Deposits: state clearly when a deposit is required, how much and whether it is refundable.
- Cancellation policy: decide how much notice is needed and what happens with late cancellations or no-shows.
6. Publish clearly and stick to it
Put your rates on your profile. Clear prices filter out time-wasters and people who want to haggle. When someone tries to negotiate, a polite, firm reply is enough: "My rates are as listed. I understand if they don't suit your budget." Giving discounts to people who push undermines your positioning and rewards the wrong behaviour.
7. Review regularly
Review your rates every six to twelve months. Signs that you could raise your prices include being fully booked most weeks, a long waiting list of regular clients or rising costs. When you raise rates, announce it in advance and consider honouring old rates for regulars for a short period.
8. Keep it legal
Where sex work is legal or tolerated, income is usually taxable. Keep records of your income and costs and get advice from an accountant who understands self-employment, or from a sex worker support organisation that offers financial guidance. In countries where advertising or certain services are restricted, take care with the wording of your rates and services.
A quick worksheet
- Total monthly costs.
- Target monthly income after costs.
- Realistic number of bookings per month.
- (Costs + target) / bookings = average rate per booking.
- Compare with your local market and adjust your positioning or goals.
Ready to publish your rates? Create or update your profile on Escorts Guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I offer discounts to regular clients?
That is up to you. Many companions prefer to reward loyalty with priority booking rather than lower prices, which protects their positioning.
Should rates be shown in local currency?
Yes. Show rates in the local currency of the city where you work, and state clearly if you accept others.