What a great forum topic, thanks Sue.
I recently had a client from Langtrees inbox me re: booking privately in Perth.
There is a duality when it comes to working from an establishment as essentially you as a WL are a sole trader and 'rent' the establishment. The establishment also takes a reservation fee for upkeep.
However, the clients who walk through the door are clients of the establishment, brought in by the establishments reputation and advertising (that is subsidised by our reservation fees).
My opinion is this - if the client came to you via the establishment, the client is 'a client of the establishment'.
However, this implies that if you are 'contracted' by the establishment, you cannot work privately. This I do not support. As a WL, I work in several locations across Australia. In NSW, I work privately. Things in NSW are very different and it is hard to find an establishment that is as professional and well run as Langtrees of Perth. Men are heavily involved in the running and ownership of establishments. This can present a whole range of dramas, and as a consequence, I decided to go private with a good friend of mine.
Does this mean we are ripping off the other establishments in the area, many of which we have worked in before?
I have had many clients who I did see in other establishments find me privately (and no, my work number was not given to them whilst working there) by word of mouth (one part of the industry that is quite often overlooked but absolutely integral) and by my own advertising. These clients have made thier own decision as to who they do and do not want to see, and where - and therefore it is my belief there is no wrong doing on our behalves.
Does working privately in another state or area equate to disloyalty to your 'contract' with an establishment?
It is by no means a black and white argument. What other industry has such an 'ownership mentality' towards sole traders? It comes down to the integrity of all three parties. The establishment, the client and the worker. If the establishment takes good care of the worker, I believe that care should be given back to the establishment. It is worthwhile to note that Langtrees of Perth is by far the best I have ever worked and I absolutely love it there, but not all girls are taken care of so well in other establishments across the country. Does such an establishment deserve the loyalty of its sole traders?
As to the integrity of the client, it can go both ways, according to the clients whim or mood on the day (or week, or month) and as such, they are free to persue thier own interests.
This is a wonderful study of human nature, of social interaction between men and women. Women are fiercely loyal creatures, men are widely known not to be. This is as true in the sex industry as in the real world. As women, we must be loyal to each other first and foremost. We are there on the front lines together, the clients (as integral as they are to the industry and therefore thier needs are to be considered) come and go. But, add to this the powerful nature of attraction and things can most certainly go pear shaped!
This is such a great topic, thank you Sue. It absolutely requires discussion as there is so much grey area.
In conclusion I will ask the question, will the establishment be there to protect you if something goes wrong? Look at the ladies behind reception of Langtrees of Perth. I compare them to lioness' in charge of a pride. They are there for you, and the establishment. Does the client have your best interests at heart?