Read the listing first
Before you get in touch, read the listing and the business's own website properly. Most questions about hours, location, incall or outcall, and how bookings work are already answered there. Asking something that's clearly written on the page is the quickest way to get a short reply.
Check how the business prefers to be contacted. Some want a phone call, others prefer a text or email, and some ask that you don't use withheld numbers. Following their preference shows respect from the start.
It's also worth checking the business is open when you get in touch. A call at 3am to a place that closes at midnight won't get far, and some independents won't reply at all to messages sent late at night.
Your first message
Keep it short, polite and practical. Something like: Hi, I'd like to book an hour on Friday at 8pm, incall, is that possible? Say who you'd like to see or which service you're interested in, the date and time you have in mind, how long you'd like, and whether it's incall or outcall. For outcall, mention the area or hotel.
Avoid explicit language. Agencies and independents receive a lot of crude messages, and many simply ignore them. A respectful, everyday tone really does stand out and is far more likely to get you a confirmed booking.
What to confirm
Before you meet, make sure you have agreed the date, start time, length of booking and the total price, including any travel costs for outcall. Ask how payment is expected, for example cash on arrival, and note it down so there's no confusion later.
If you're booking a venue rather than a person, confirm opening times, entry fees, dress code and any membership rules. Our guide to what affects prices explains why costs vary between places.
Once it's agreed, jot the details down: time, length, price, address or area, and the number you used. It sounds fussy, but if anything changes it's easy to check what was said, and you won't be scrolling through old messages in a hurry.
Warning signs while booking
Be wary of anyone who pushes you to pay a large deposit by bank transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency, who changes the price once you have agreed, or who refuses to answer simple questions. Genuine businesses are usually happy to be clear.
If something feels off, stop and walk away. Our guide to spotting fake profiles and scams covers the common tricks, and you can tell us about a suspicious listing through our report form.
Your questions, answered
Should I call or text?
Use whatever the listing asks for. If it doesn't say, a short, polite text is a good first step.
Can AskedFor book on my behalf?
No. AskedFor is a directory. You arrange everything directly with the business.