1) Start With Legality

  • Know local law: Regulations differ by country and city. Only proceed in ways that are fully legal where you are.
  • Licensed or registered: Where applicable, prefer providers that meet local licensing or business registration requirements.
  • Clear policies: The website or contract should state boundaries, prohibited activities, and codes of conduct.

2) Reputation and Transparency

  • Established presence: Look for a professional website, stable contact details, and consistent branding.
  • Verifiable profiles: Quality photos, coherent bios, and up-to-date availability indicate active management.
  • Reviews with context: Favor balanced, detailed feedback over vague praise. Watch for copy-paste patterns.

3) Contracts, Boundaries, and Scope

  • Written agreement: Time window, meeting location, dress expectations, cancellation terms, and rates should be in writing.
  • Boundaries upfront: Reputable providers set non-negotiable boundaries and decline illegal or out-of-scope requests.

4) Payments and Policies

  • Clear pricing: Rates, deposits, travel fees, and overtime should be transparent—no hidden charges.
  • Refunds and cancellations: Understand timelines and penalties before you book.
  • No pressure: High-pressure sales or urgency to transact off-platform are red flags.

5) Confidentiality and Data Protection

  • Minimal data collection: Only necessary information should be requested.
  • Privacy practices: Look for stated data-retention periods, limited access, and secure communication channels.
  • Discretion: Agreements should prohibit sharing client identities or details without consent.

6) Safety Basics

  • Meet in public first when appropriate (lobby, restaurant, venue check-in).
  • Share itinerary with a trusted person and keep your phone charged.
  • Trust your instincts: If something feels off—cancel. Reputable providers will respect safety decisions.

7) Red Flags

  • No written terms or refusal to discuss boundaries
  • Unclear pricing or requests for unusual payment methods
  • Pressure to ignore local laws or platform guidelines
  • Inconsistent identities, copy-pasted reviews, or unverifiable claims