This is what I put down for another person who was asking for advice:
1. Burner phone/app with alternative numbers. Last thing you want is the providers calling you/texting you at the worst times.
2. Always check for reviews before going to a place. That will save you a lot of time and money. (While you're at it, learn the acronyms: TOFTT, YMMV, LMP, AMP, RMP, etc.)
3. Make your appointment and honor it. No one likes a time waster. If you can't make your appointment, let them know. They'll appreciate that.
4. Know the Avg Pricing; this way you can see if you're being ripped off or not. Rubmaps is also a good place to get the pricing.
4a. Speaking of Rubmaps, I always recommend paying for a month, when starting the hobby; it gives a pretty damn good idea of how much you should be expecting to pay and what you may/may not expect from the location. At the same time, you can get a pretty good idea of what's in the towns you frequent. (Discovered a few gems that way myself.)
5. Trust your gut. If you arrive at the location, and something seems off; you're probably right. So GTFO.
6. Avoid places that ask for a deposit via venmo/cash app first. Typically scams.
7. Treat your Providers nicely. Life is already as hard as it is.
8. Don't fall for the provider. This is their job. Their job is to be nice to you and give you the best experience they can give you.
9. When you go in, and they leave you alone to change, make sure you're naked when getting on the table.
10. If offered a table shower, take it.
11. Only keep the amount that you're willing to pay for on you.
12. The provider will 99% of the time, NOT look like what you saw on the ad.
13. You're allowed to not continue the service, ask for your money back, and leave; if things aren't working out.
There are some other good ones on this stream:
https://www.ampreviews.net/index.php?threads/new-to-the-hobby.62730/#post-502187