New Pricing

[BeefyDude]

I know this topic has come up here and there.  I would like to get a thread started again.

I have noticed along with talking with other members here who have been around for a bit:

Massage prices USED to be in the $120-$140/150 range (with 140/150 being more for the extra stuff).

Now it seems the new norm is $160-180 as the base with many in the 180-200 range.  Quite frankly some of these ads who go that high - i'm like how the #$% do you get away with that and justify it.

When did this happen and why? Seems like it has been over the past 1-2 years.  

I know there are ma y legit masseurs on here and would love to get your take on this.

It's one thing to pay more for amenities (heated table, candles etc etc etc). But the ones visiting from out of town who advertise this but obviously dont bring the table etc, where are you justifying this cost.

I could be one of the few on here who is not looking for "sex" like activities.  So to pay that much for a mediocre massage is just frustrating to me.  I know i'm not alone.  I am a beefy/worked out guy so I do like to get worked on as often as I can.  I enjoy the touch of a man, hence why I come here.   I know this post isn't going to fix it.  Just looking for thoughts and to spread awareness.

For me, who was recently unemployed for 9 months I couldn't do a massage.  I'm working now (luckily) but funds are not recharged yet.

I'm just curious where this significant shift in pricing is coming from.  Please DONT say covid - that excuse is wearing too thin on me and many.

Thanks for listening...

[+ sam.fitzpatrick]

@BeefyDude - from what I've heard from guys I see for massage, COVID has been an impact.  (not saying that is the thing for everyone, but it is definitely for some.)  They are incurring additional expenses for sanitizing the area above the levels they previously had done.  For example, one guy I see, now changes the hand towels and cleans the toilet seat and sink after every client leaves.  Another traveling guy was needing to bring his own extra towels (and launder them) as housekeeping services at various hotels have been unreliable.

 

[Redwine56]

1 hour ago, sam.fitzpatrick said:

@BeefyDude - from what I've heard from guys I see for massage, COVID has been an impact.  (not saying that is the thing for everyone, but it is definitely for some.)  They are incurring additional expenses for sanitizing the area above the levels they previously had done.  For example, one guy I see, now changes the hand towels and cleans the toilet seat and sink after every client leaves.  Another traveling guy was needing to bring his own extra towels (and launder them) as housekeeping services at various hotels have been unreliable.

 

You both bring up very valid points.  There were some legitimate masseurs who sat on the sidelines in the early COVID days pre-vaccine and sometime thereafter.  Then when they resumed business, had to follow safety protocols as well as limit the amount of clients for their safety as well as for their clients' sake.  Some masseurs were only seeing their trusted regular clients.  These reasons factor in to the increased pricing.  However, for the out of towners, I believe a different rationale.  They come to the NYC market to make a killing.  They think that we will pay $100 above market since they are so special.  I believe in most cases, they are not legitimate masseurs but more in escort territory.  I reached out to one recently who quoted $300 for a 1-hour massage.  I told him way above my price range.  He came back to me with $250 is my best offer but "I will take you to new heights".

[musclestuduws]

I agree that the spike in prices is excessive, way overpriced. The average price is $ 200, and a lot of the most popular masseurs are now charging $ 250 for in calls. Spas are much cheaper now and you get all the amenities. 

[BeefyDude]

Guys thanks for that...  I actually do agree

However, I have noticed this PRE-covid as well though more pronounced since Covid.

So charging $20-40 more per massage cuz of sanitation still doesn't fully fly with me.  Also what about out of owners who do it on a bed or come to me.

Just seems this is the new norm.  Like any prices DOUBT they will go down when and if Covid is over

I think over the last few years masseurs have been slowly testing the waters to see how far they can go IMHO.

[BeefyDude]

Sorry forgot to respond to another earlier part of this thread

@Redwine56 I have ZERO problems with asking a masseur if their price is strict or any wiggle room.  Hey never hurts to ask.

[hrlmguy]

I have noticed the trend too and hv admittedly went along with it (especially if the guy checks all boxes, shrug).
 

However, it shouldn’t be the norm for those w/o a table, minimal skills, and haven’t been vetted. Hopefully we (the consumers) can facilitate some sort of self-correct with this trend pricing and the “ask” listings. 

[massagefan320]

At least in NYC, lease renewals are going up dramatically.  I am being increased 15% next month, I have read of higher like 30%.  I have noticed the trend too.  The ones that were not $200 are now approaching it.

[Daniel84]

I increased my rates to be more inline with what other people charge. I also escort and felt that my massage rate was undercuting my escort bussines. The lines are blurred when it comes to a eroctic massage. i’ve had regular clients tell me that I’m not charging enough, so Ok have slowly raised my rates and I'm very happy where they are at.

Edited January 9, 2022 by Daniel84

[allyouknow]

Since massage experiences ( in nyc ) don't have an explicit menu option as escorts do I think that the 180-200 dollar charge is rather extreme. I have found that the guys who charge ( 140-160 ) will get larger tips based on the experience and get a loyal following. 

[Jamie21]

9 hours ago, Daniel84 said:

I increased my rates to be more inline with what other people charge. I also escort and felt that my massage rate was undercuting my escort bussines. The lines are blurred when it comes to a eroctic massage. i’ve had regular clients tell me that I’m not charging enough, so Ok have slowly raised my rates and I'm very happy where they are at.

Yes I also escort and it can be difficult to differentiate that from the sensual/erotic massage I do. I charge massage rates (London UK based). There’s a wide variation in rates here for erotic or sensual massage which I think reflects the wide range in quality. The cheap guys are often amateurs trying it on, they come and go but because this is London there’s a lot of them. I get enough business at my rates, a lot from regulars so I think I’m about right in the market for massage and probably a bit low for escort work but I’m ok with that given the overlap. 

[BeefyDude]

some great responses and dialogue

@Daniel84I respect your answer very much. But IMHO that is what I was saying by testing the waters. For you its working.   I don't agree with just raising  prices just because everyone else is - but I RESPECT your  honest answer. Oh and Daniel, you are a HOT guy.  Great profile too. If you ever get to Atlanta, let me know.  Masseur pool here SUCKS (with very few exceptions).

As clients we enable these prices by not pushing back or by going to them.

Now i'm starting to get the MANY profiles that show their price as "ask" - they are likely testing the waters as well and do not want to lock in on a rate.

There is no right or wrong answer.  And Daniel I wasn't being negative towards you (even though I mentioned you).

Another comment I heard a few times here was "based on location".   Sure as @massagefan320stated rates in NYC are skyrocketing - totally respect that. But if you are traveling to another city, know the market.  NYC prices may or may not be the same nor appropriate for another city.

Again thanks for listening and for some great dialogue.

[+ beethoven]

I've noticed that prices have inched up, and my first response is "supply and demand," as it usually is with prices and services.

I haven't noticed anyone give another Covid-based explanation, and that is the increased money available to spend on massages.  I'm sorry that BeefyDude was unemployed for nine months, and I'm glad that he's at work again.   But many of us, including me, have been spending much less money on theater, restaurants, and travel, our usual expenditures.

I've greatly increased my donations to non-profits, such as the West Side Coalition Against Hunger, but there is still more discretionary money for me to spend these days.  I'm sure others are in the same situation, and this leads to willingness to spend more money on the pleasures that are still available to us.

Nationally, this "more money chasing fewer goods" has led to supply chain problems, especially in home furnishings.  People take fewer vacations, so buying that recliner chair or building a deck results in higher prices and shortages.

BeefyDude may be tired of hearing about Covid, but it's an important factor, and not just in towels and hand sanitizer.

[Sixpack]

Prices have gone up on most things so a 10 to 15 percent price increase seems reasonable. M

[BeefyDude]

@beethovenIts not that i'm tired of hearing it (well i kinda am). Its just becoming the convenient goto excuse that no one can challenge.

Having said that, in my post I mentioned (along with a reply) I noticed this pre-covid.  So yes covid is one reason. Its not all the reasons.

Daniel's comment which was very honest and I respect - he's just doing what others do. I think many are testing the waters to see how far they can take it.

Some sure are worth it. But many are NOT IMHO.

@Sixpack10-15% is an understatement.  From what I have seen and talked to others, alot higher than that.

Ok so if your rent went up, more sanitizing cost etc I GET that.  But if you are traveling then all those costs don't exist  yet you are still charging the high price as if you were.  That plus when your add offers so many ammenities which are only available at your home base when traveling I don't think its as justified.

Again, no wrong or right answer here. I value and respect other people's input.  Its just that I have seen this SO rampant and from talking to many on here who feel the same.

Thanks again for listening...

[Guest MikeThomas]

Where does Bernie Sanders "stand" on this issue?  Time for government price regulation?

[ontheroad]

I do think inflation and rent increases are pushing this to some extent. One guy I go to spends a lot on just doing laundry. Plus some aren’t doing as many as they used to in a week because they are being selective or the clients aren’t coming as frequently due to Covid—yet their overhead is still the same. And then others are just pushing the market to see what people will pay. Like you say, some of these guys give a mediocre massage at best and it isn’t worth it to me or you—but perhaps it is ok for others. 
 

In NYC I think the norm was more like 140-160 (for sensual plus or erotic) and now it is 180-200 and in several cases 250. And that’s for 60 mins.

Edited January 9, 2022 by ontheroad

[BeefyDude]

some more great dialog.

In summary - seems like a combo of costs and guys just testing the waters to see where they can go

Where I am it used to be 120-140 now 160-180 - HUGE jump.

By going to them and paying, we are enabling it!!

[Guest MikeThomas]

It’s a simple matter of pay and have fun, or don’t pay and stay home and jerk off to porn

[Daniel84]

18 hours ago, BeefyDude said:

@beethovenIts not that i'm tired of hearing it (well i kinda am). Its just becoming the convenient goto excuse that no one can challenge.

Having said that, in my post I mentioned (along with a reply) I noticed this pre-covid.  So yes covid is one reason. Its not all the reasons.

Daniel's comment which was very honest and I respect - he's just doing what others do. I think many are testing the waters to see how far they can take it.

Some sure are worth it. But many are NOT IMHO.

@Sixpack10-15% is an understatement.  From what I have seen and talked to others, alot higher than that.

Ok so if your rent went up, more sanitizing cost etc I GET that.  But if you are traveling then all those costs don't exist  yet you are still charging the high price as if you were.  That plus when your add offers so many ammenities which are only available at your home base when traveling I don't think its as justified.

Again, no wrong or right answer here. I value and respect other people's input.  Its just that I have seen this SO rampant and from talking to many on here who feel the same.

Thanks again for listening...

In am traveling in SF for work and my hotel is $2200 for 7 days.. on top of the flight and meals. I need to make $3500 just to break even.. Why would anyone lower there rates when they travel.

[Daniel84]

11 hours ago, BeefyDude said:

some more great dialog.

In summary - seems like a combo of costs and guys just testing the waters to see where they can go

Where I am it used to be 120-140 now 160-180 - HUGE jump.

By going to them and paying, we are enabling it!!

In went from $165 to $175 for sensual and $200 for erotic. I also have 10 years experience and I studied massage therapy. You get a really good massage and more so I would never be charging $120

[Rod Hagen]

On 1/8/2022 at 10:32 AM, musclestuduws said:

I agree that the spike in prices is excessive, way overpriced. The average price is $ 200, and a lot of the most popular masseurs are now charging $ 250 for in calls. Spas are much cheaper now and you get all the amenities. 

Well....not ALL the amenities :-)

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

I feel like this thread could use some advice from the other thread...

 

 

[Rod Hagen]

p.s. some schooled and skilled masseurs, and affectionate escorts, have NOT raised their prices.

[Daniel84]

1 hour ago, Rod Hagen said:

p.s. some schooled and skilled masseurs, and affectionate escorts, have NOT raised their prices.

My escort rate is $300 plus travel. Which is the standard in big cities. I am very happy where my rates are at the moment.