I realize I said I wouldn’t post again on this thread but I’m compelled to add one more thing then I’ll give everyone else the last word.
Firstly, I think it’s worthy to note that this thread had considerable disagreement but remained civil. Everyone respectfully disagreed without disparaging one another. I think that is a good outcome even if we continue to disagree. With incivility on the increase I think that is a great gift, a sincere thank you for that.
In regards to discussion around expectations, the thread is really an example of an argument where people talk past one another. Originally, the point being made was about services offered that were less than standard for a VIP rate. Many of responses focused on the motivations of the provider for why the experience was different. I don’t think anyone is in disagreement about a provider having more or less a connection with a client. Or that some clients might receive more affection and warmth than others. Or even that a provider is free to make negative judgements about one client while making positive judgements about another.
My point is that it is a reasonable expectation that if there is VIP level of service for a certain rate, and you’ve paid that fee (and presuming no bad behavior on your part), then you should experience that level of service. Notwithstanding that everyone’s experience of the same service will be different based on the level of connection between the two, but the service provided should be the same. If VIP includes X,Y, and Z (establishes by reviews and reputation) then X,Y, and Z should be the norm for that rate regardless of whether there is a personal connection or not.
The whole VIP arrangement makes little sense if there is the offer of VIP service for an additional fee, and once paid, services are only actually delivered at the discretion of the provider without any refund of the difference between the standard rate. If this were true, nobody could ever make the claim of being “ripped off” because failed expectations could always be explained away by the provider “not having a connection”. This whole game is built on discretion and trust, and I’ve never read in any review someone ask a provider if they’ve made connection with each other prior to requesting VIP level service. I also doubt this would be acceptable in any other kind of transaction by any of the mongers advocating for a provider being paid a bonus for VIP services, but exercising discretion as to whether they actually wanted to deliver that level of service or not.
Floor’s yours...