Let me start off by saying that I won't be calling anyone out on this topic nor do I want anyone else to. I'm also not here to complain about what a Pro decides to list as their charge rates at, I know each person is different in their reason to do so and many times there are other options if I feel the person is simply setting it high because they can with no other reason for it.
All that said, I am genuinely interested in how someone, both a seasoned Pro or someone starting out and wanting to become a Pro, decides what hourly rate to charge. I've seen some profiles that go through and list certifications, degrees, and/or training list from $60-80/hour and some profiles list 8-10 random single words describing their personality list from $80-100/hour... both will be anywhere from 18-45 years old. The ones that have training or an established history for being a professional cuddler even before coming here I can see and understand paying more for depending if they are using it as their primary source of income and what the demand is for them (higher demand could be great for raising the rate, or because you have a high demand keeping the rate low for a better service means more options and a steady business), but profiles that have no experience yet the person is young and/or cute and this is more of a side thing to them seems more as though they are relying on their attractiveness to up the cost than being any good at cuddling.
Over the last year I've booked time with Pros that are in their early, mid, or late 20s to early or mid 30s and talked with some that were comfortable about it to get their understanding and reasoning behind it. Some it is their primary source of income and they have a steady demand so they've kept it at about $60-80, some only have a rare cuddler every so often and will do it for $50-100, some see it as a little extra cash and enjoy cuddling for $50, while others see it as extra cash and it's only about the money for $80+.
For me, I'm more inclined to book time with someone around $50-70/hour as I find a 4 hour session is my general go-to for a great cuddle session length and that tends to stay within a decent budget... the $80-100+/hour being a rarity that, to me, isn't very affordable and can't be done as often for the multiple hours like I prefer to do.
I'll leave out anything to do with discounts for things like multiple hours, specials for birthdays or if you're getting a hotel, and things like that as those can vary wildly.
So for Pros, what is your thought process for choosing your hourly rate?
And for the non-pros, what is your thought process when basing who you'll choose to hire.. price, location, looks, karma, etc..?