Punting prices have barely kept up in the last 35 years

[andrewv]

Thinking back to 1990, some 35 years ago, NHJ was around $80 per hour, and FS in brothels was around $120 per hour.

In today's money, allowing for inflation, these would be about $200 and $300 per hour, respectively.

The moral of the story is that fees charged today are basically in line with what our older punters here were paying 20, 30 and 35 years ago, if you take inflation into account.

Prices today are not too high in the scheme of things.

[Wayne]

My first punt was at Tiffanys in 1978. Cost $120 for an hour, equivalent to more than two thirds of my weekly salary. Punting is much cheaper today in comparison.

[funseeker78]

Thinking back to 1990, some 35 years ago, NHJ was around $80 per hour, and FS in brothels was around $120 per hour.

In today's money, allowing for inflation, these would be about $200 and $300 per hour, respectively.

The moral of the story is that fees charged today are basically in line with what our older punters here were paying 20, 30 and 35 years ago, if you take inflation into account.

Prices today are not too high in the scheme of things.

Good analysis bro. What long term punters think about the quality?

[Smithlimited0101]

Good analysis bro. What long term punters think about the quality?

IÂ’m not sure youÂ’re comparing apples to apples. 1990 would have been mostly Caucasian. The influx of Asian ML/WLs has kept prices relatively low. Quality caucasians have however probably kept up with inflation!

[dvu420]

Maybe the RBA should add punting to the CPI basket.

But the main problem for punters (i assume) would be the fact that incomes probably haven't kept up. But just like all markets, prices are driven by supply and demand. Immigration and legalisation of prostitution probably helped increase supply over the years.

[orangewhitecat]

Thinking back to 1990, some 35 years ago, NHJ was around $80 per hour, and FS in brothels was around $120 per hour.

In today's money, allowing for inflation, these would be about $200 and $300 per hour, respectively.

The moral of the story is that fees charged today are basically in line with what our older punters here were paying 20, 30 and 35 years ago, if you take inflation into account.

Prices today are not too high in the scheme of things.


DELETE THIS BEFORE THEY GET IDEAS

[MrPB]

I would agree with general sentiment comments made here, alongside a few of my thoughts:

- This profession is largely service oriented - it's only applicable if the quality of service has stayed the same (i.e. is the service provided nowadays too "mechanical" or "procedural"?)
- Time - my experience back in the day was time was a guide, it was not strict as it is today. Girls had buffer time between customers to refresh. Shower times was not included sometimes. These days it feels like a production line, customer comes in, finishes in allocated time slot, and out they go. Next.
- Price split - Yes as the punter, we just see the final $ paid up front, but what are we really paying for?

In principle, I do see your intent looking at face value.

[justincase]

Has the punters wage gone up to $300 per hour?

[RogerWood]

When considering inflation its not as simple as using cpi or whatever rigged statistics available. Have to adjust for quality and consider costs not included in official statistics. I do believe the Chinese govt is/has been making sex cheap, the reason why, I have no idea.

[Double_Adapter]

I’m not sure you’re comparing apples to apples. 1990 would have been mostly Caucasian. The influx of Asian ML/WLs has kept prices relatively low. Quality caucasians have however probably kept up with inflation!

I reckon this could be a plausible explanation:
- Over time all the cauc's levelled up to SBs, and then half of 'em figured out they can make more on OF (aka OS) without leaving the couch.
- So there was a shortage in WLs and in roll the Asian chicks ie the Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese to fill the void
- Now these chicks are doing the same shit; all levelling up to SBs.
- And who's filling the gaps now? the Viets, Indians, and the MILFs/GILFs

[strongboi]

inflation or not, it's still not a cheap hobby

[GoldfishMan]

Has the punters wage gone up to $300 per hour?

Punters were earning $120 /hr 35 years ago? Or you'd rather we not let the details get in the way?

[andrewv]

I agree with many of the comments made above, including:

1. In the 1980 and early 1990, most WL/ML were not Asian.

2. WL/ML were not as mercenary as they are today. I don't recall a "menu of extras" in the old days, and we certainly didn't have pricing based on 15-minute increments. There were never the 30, 45 and 60 pricing. It was always one hour. There was no sense of being rushed. The 'sleaze' feelings we get today in many places didn't exist then. Even the massage shops around Artarmon station were great (yes, they existed 35 years ago).

3. You never felt like you were in a production line. Premises were cleaner (on average).

As for the economics:

In 1990, the median male wage was $500 per week (median (not average) means half the male population earned more and half earned less)
In 2025, the median male wage was $1,425 per week

So today's wages for men are 3 times higher. Yet, an hour's session today at $300 would be $100 in 1990. That's about right in the scheme of things.
It is probably higher today if we were to compare only Western girls. The many Thais, Japanese and other Asians have somehow put the scales out of balance.


And always remember, boys, it never costs you as much as getting divorced.

[HillsHaveEyes]

I don’t quite agree. Just reading this forum I have observed that prices have increased over the last 3 years.

Shops in the West which has standard services starting as low as $100 are now $130.

Some shops don’t even offer standard anymore. They just offer diamond at $170 saying that it is the ladies who refuse to offer a standard. I don’t think this is true. I don’t think any lady will be ready to offer unprotected services for an $10 or $20 more.

In the next 2 years, the low end shops will progressively Jack up their prices till they reach the $220 mark. Shops that were around the $250 Mark like liaisons or ATMC will reach Stilleto prices.

[NC3]

Thinking back to 1990, some 35 years ago, NHJ was around $80 per hour, and FS in brothels was around $120 per hour.

In today's money, allowing for inflation, these would be about $200 and $300 per hour, respectively.

The moral of the story is that fees charged today are basically in line with what our older punters here were paying 20, 30 and 35 years ago, if you take inflation into account.

Prices today are not too high in the scheme of things.

---
'''Prices today are not too high in the scheme of things''' ... there is not such a thing as 'are not too high', the rates are high [ service and quality in many shops is general low comparison with their rates they have], also in many massage shops the tips that ml's asking are extreme for the service that they offer.
Only Ginza is the exception, is the only shop that has average rate 290$ [for an hour session] and the service and quality is always high. - If all the shops were close to what Ginza offer [ the combination], yes, then maybe the prices would have been okay.

[JamesS]

You also need to remember that if say a guy was on $100k 10 years ago and WL was charging $400/hr, then if both go up 50% over that 10 year period, so he’s on $150k and she’s charging $600/hr it’s still more expensive for him because the tax man will be taking a chunk of his extra $50k but I’d reckon most WL pay little if any tax.

[GoldfishMan]

I don’t quite agree. Just reading this forum I have observed that prices have increased over the last 3 years.

Shops in the West which has standard services starting as low as $100 are now $130.

Some shops don’t even offer standard anymore. They just offer diamond at $170 saying that it is the ladies who refuse to offer a standard. I don’t think this is true. I don’t think any lady will be ready to offer unprotected services for an $10 or $20 more.

In the next 2 years, the low end shops will progressively Jack up their prices till they reach the $220 mark. Shops that were around the $250 Mark like liaisons or ATMC will reach Stilleto prices.

Yes, you have a point in saying that price increases have *accelerated* a lot more in the last couple of years. There's defo a problem there, and we all feel it in our balls that if it continues in this trajectory, it's going to be a huge problem real soon.
I mean you're right bro. No smoke where there's no fire as the saying goes. There's a very good reason people are complaining a lot more about the cost of punting lately.

[11Bravo]

Yes, you have a point in saying that price increases have *accelerated* a lot more in the last couple of years. There's defo a problem there, and we all feel it in our balls that if it continues in this trajectory, it's going to be a huge problem real soon.
I mean you're right bro. No smoke where there's no fire as the saying goes. There's a very good reason people are complaining a lot more about the cost of punting lately.
Seems to me, more pertinent things to complain about. Cutting back on punting doesn't REALLY hurt, but try cutting back on food - meal-a-day? Roof over your head? Tarps are cheap, but how practical? Barracks style/dorm style accommodations are cheaper, but... let's just say "noisy"

As said on a number of threads before, punting is a luxury, not a necessity. For those who think it's a necessity... just tells me, they've never been truly hungry, thirsty, homeless. Spoiled.

Anybody here voluntarily saying no to raises to reduce inflation? Let's be honest here - if YOU could increase your prices, you would.

And as I always say, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Expat life (like the providers): tax free, good money, "easy" living... Give it a try.

[johncitizen]

Yes, you have a point in saying that price increases have *accelerated* a lot more in the last couple of years. There's defo a problem there, and we all feel it in our balls that if it continues in this trajectory, it's going to be a huge problem real soon.
I mean you're right bro. No smoke where there's no fire as the saying goes. There's a very good reason people are complaining a lot more about the cost of punting lately.

I don’t much about economics, but I would’ve thought that if it gets too expensive for most punters, they stop visiting and shops/workers will have no choice but to reduce their rates to lure them back. Supply and demand and all of that.

[pornonporn]

Very expensive now days
Wish I had a friend with benefits

[GoldfishMan]

I don’t much about economics, but I would’ve thought that if it gets too expensive for most punters, they stop visiting and shops/workers will have no choice but to reduce their rates to lure them back. Supply and demand and all of that.

Yes of course the economics of supply and demand still applies here, but that's not the only thing that applies. You'd have to also include other factors that have been introduced over the many years since 35 years ago that can influence pricing.

Nowadays a girl who has the goods can make a motza through many other ways that never existed back then. OF, SB, Asian run escort agencies, multiple different escort platforms, the list goes on. It's a combination of all these factors that ultimately affect pricing.

Plus don't forget that this industry is really unique among other industries. It needs a person to be willing to sell their bodies for a price that is not only higher than other options, it has to be wayyy higher. It's literally the last resort for most girls. I reckon if she could get half the earnings she would be happy to not have to do this job. We gotta put that into perspective and stop comparing them to any other workers in other industries.

[11Bravo]

Plus don't forget that this industry is really unique among other industries. It needs a person to be willing to sell their bodies for a price that is not only higher than other options, it has to be wayyy higher. It's literally the last resort for most girls. I reckon if she could get half the earnings she would be happy to not have to do this job. We gotta put that into perspective and stop comparing them to any other workers in other industries.

Well said. Knew one BFL, hadn't seen her for awhile. Ran into her at the airport and after we passed security, had a chance to talk. She explained she'd managed to land a job at a supermarket chain as a cashier. "Much less money, but a job I can be proud of, tell my family." 'Nuff said.

[andrewv]

Plus don't forget that this industry is really unique among other industries. It needs a person to be willing to sell their bodies for a price that is not only higher than other options, it has to be wayyy higher. It's literally the last resort for most girls. I reckon if she could get half the earnings she would be happy to not have to do this job. We gotta put that into perspective and stop comparing them to any other workers in other industries.

I respectfully disagree. The reality is many young women today do not have the morality and ethics many of us were taught 40 and 50 years ago by our parents and at Sunday School, so to speak.

Many young women today see sex as just an act. It is now called the "Hookup Culture" -- where they have sex much more randomly than long ago, without any sense of guilt or only doing it with men they want to have some relationship with.

The "Hookup Culture" is benefiting punters today because these young women think it is smart to be paid for sex when they do it free on Friday night with young guys they meet at bars.
I have seen this much more with sugar babies one meets through seeking.com and similar sites. The girls don't see or feel that they are "selling their bodies". In fact a couple of mid-20 girls were proud and bragged how they just meet a man at a hotel room for a couple of hours and walk out with $1,000 cash in their handbags!!!

[andrewv]

Ginza is doing very well because wages in Japan are lower than in Australlia and the fly-in-fly-out Japanese girls make a lot of money than they would in Tokyo and Osaka.
They don't stay long enough to have to live the expensive Australian life -- expensive food, expensive rent, etc.

[andrewv]

The law of Demand and Supply works well, but it stops when the supply price drops below affordability.
If the number of punters decrease, or too many working girls enter the scene, then prices would stop rising (or drop a little), but if they were to drop too much then it becomes unviable for shop owners to keep trading, and the girls would do other jobs.

[johncitizen]

Plus don't forget that this industry is really unique among other industries. It needs a person to be willing to sell their bodies for a price that is not only higher than other options, it has to be wayyy higher. It's literally the last resort for most girls. I reckon if she could get half the earnings she would be happy to not have to do this job. We gotta put that into perspective and stop comparing them to any other workers in other industries.

A few of the girls IÂ’ve seen told me that they entered the industry because they earn a lot more than they did at their previous jobs as cleaners, waitresses, etc. They had other options, but this was (and still is) the best option for them because it pays the most, regardless of the shit they have to put up with. They could quit tomorrow and go back to their old jobs, but they donÂ’t because who really wants to earn less money, particularly in this city?

[strongboi]

Ginza is doing very well because wages in Japan are lower than in Australlia and the fly-in-fly-out Japanese girls make a lot of money than they would in Tokyo and Osaka.
They don't stay long enough to have to live the expensive Australian life -- expensive food, expensive rent, etc.

I wonder who the owners of ginza are

[GoldfishMan]

I wonder who the owners of ginza are

You don't know who the legendary Wilson is, bro?

[johncitizen]

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]I respectfully disagree. The reality is many young women today do not have the morality and ethics many of us were taught 40 and 50 years ago by our parents and at Sunday School, so to speak.

Yes, although remember that the whole sexual revolution thing was happening at the same time or even earlier. Maybe the hookup culture isn’t all that different from the swinging sixties 🤔

[strongboi]

You don't know who the legendary Wilson is, bro?

No i do not, he must be swimming in the dollaryroos

[GoldfishMan]

No i do not, he must be swimming in the dollaryroos

Indeed he is. Not sure about now but in the last few years before I stopped punting (about 1.5 years ago), there was a new luxury car parked in the GC courtyard every 6 months. The dude was definitely rewarding himself for doing well.

[personaa]

Interesting discussion.

- Goldman mentioned sex work is the last resort for the girls and in response someone referred to hook up culture and the fact that Gen Z is devoid of moralities of previous generations. I thought it would be good to have a closer look at the rate of sexual activity these days and there are numerous studies highlighting the fact that they are barely sexually active.

Rates of sexual activity have been in decline for years, but the drop is most pronounced for adults under age 25 (Gen Z).
For Gen Z, a rise in sexlessness has coincided with a decline in mental health.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-myths-sex/202209/generation-z-is-missing-out-the-benefits-sex

I don't think the lack of moral values (if such a thing exists) has to do with numbers in shops but I believe the taboo about adult industry is still quite a thing in their heads.

The problem these days is 30%-40% ( and for Mizuha a 66% percent :) haha) increase in the cost which is 5 times the inflation and the CPI index. Its good that RBA doesn't include thid industry in their listing of headline inflation otherwise we would have experienced a humangous rise in the interest rates! And clearly the wages are left far behind. The winner are the average shops which are charging same rate of 42G /No5 and there is not much of difference between who services you at No5 or 19 or 22 Rydalmere.

[drifter]

My first punt was at Tiffanys in 1978. Cost $120 for an hour, equivalent to more than two thirds of my weekly salary. Punting is much cheaper today in comparison.

Back in those days it was also bareback. Lol

[Axeman123]

Maybe with the young ones exposure to internet porn scares them shitless.

[justincase]

Punters were earning $120 /hr 35 years ago? Or you'd rather we not let the details get in the way?

The issue is that today’s Joe Average doesn’t make $300ph so why should he pay $300ph for sex?

Why is sex so highly priced?

Let’s face it, 99% of tarts are not getting rich from the top 1% of earners. They’re milking the battlers.

At the end of the day those battlers will have nothing while the tarts will be living it up in their condos overseas.

[JamesS]

Nowadays a girl who has the goods can make a motza through many other ways that never existed back then. OF, SB, Asian run escort agencies, multiple different escort platforms, the list goes on. It's a combination of all these factors that ultimately affect pricing.

. It's literally the last resort for most girls. I reckon if she could get half the earnings she would be happy to not have to do this job. We gotta put that into perspective and stop comparing them to any other workers in other industries.


Hopefully some factors over the next few years such as the exponential improvements in technology including AI Sex bots will push prices down.
Don't agree with the 'last resort' thing, especially in Australia. They are just leveraging their assets and taking advantage of males high libido to maximise their $.
I've had various regular privates over the years who are uni educated, hold down corporate roles during the day and escort as a second job. They don't need to do it at all, they love the extra cash, enjoy sex in general, and don't have any hangups about the moral side of it.
Even in shops, girls tell me they were waitesses or whatever but sex work pays so much more. Many are probably claiming unemployment benefits while earning plenty of cash in a shop. Like justincase noted, I'm sure some will retire very comfortably while some of their customers will be retiring to cans of baked beans and a studio apartment in downtown Penrith :)

[11Bravo]

The issue is that today’s Joe Average doesn’t make $300ph so why should he pay $300ph for sex?

Why is sex so highly priced?

Let’s face it, 99% of tarts are not getting rich from the top 1% of earners. They’re milking the battlers.

At the end of the day those battlers will have nothing while the tarts will be living it up in their condos overseas.

Aren't you the one who says "work longer, smarter, to make more"? Seems the ladies are just following your advice. To me, you never seemed all that concerned about battlers' welfare, often comparing your industriousness to their lack thereof.

As a fellow expat, I always wish them (ladies) well, hoping they've filled their money bucket first, rather than their shit bucket (the 2 buckets that every expat carries). Me, I'll be content with rice and beans, along with my MEMORIES...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9r_sMRkUY8

[Umitabi]

My first punt was at Tiffanys in 1978. Cost $120 for an hour, equivalent to more than two thirds of my weekly salary. Punting is much cheaper today in comparison.

In 78 how much was a average weekly wage?

[Wayne]

Back in those days it was also bareback. Lol

Yes, and first thing in the room would be an inspection under a strong light. Sometimes the girl would then charge extra to use a condom. True.

[andrewv]

In 78 how much was a average weekly wage?

Around $250 per week ($37,000 per annum).

1978: 120 per session at Tiffany's / $250 average wage p.w. = 48% ---- very expensive.

Today, the average weekly wage is around $2,000 per week.

2025: $300 per session at Ginza / $2,000 wage per week = 15%

Mind you, these average weekly wages are gross, so after-tax they would be a lot less.

[GoldfishMan]

Around $250 per week ($37,000 per annum).

1978: 120 per session at Tiffany's / $250 average wage p.w. = 48% ---- very expensive.

Today, the average weekly wage is around $2,000 per week.

2025: $300 per session at Ginza / $2,000 wage per week = 15%

Mind you, these average weekly wages are gross, so after-tax they would be a lot less.

I think you'll find that the biggest factor here is *disposable income*. It never cost so much to simply live here ... Putting a roof over your head, feeding yourself, clothing yourself, etc.

So what if we earn a lot more now? We also spend a lot more just to pay for the above than we've ever did before.

All said and done, I think the results speak for themselves. We truly are worse off now than we've ever been before. Punting and that whole industry is just collateral damage because it thrived on the availability of disposable income and people having enough money in their pockets to pay for what they "want" after they've paid for what they "need".

And I expect it to get even worse, a lot worse, before it even starts to get a little better. The system is simply broken and needs a serious reset.

[andrewv]

I think you'll find that the biggest factor here is *disposable income*. It never cost so much to simply live here ... Putting a roof over your head, feeding yourself, clothing yourself, etc.

So what if we earn a lot more now? We also spend a lot more just to pay for the above than we've ever did before.

A

I agree 100%..... In those old days (early 1990s), it was considered expensive to take out a $200,000 mortgage. Today, you don't have to look hard to find people with mortgages in the $1m to $2m range who are being killed by repayments.

I also agree with your comment that "I expect it to get even worse, a lot worse"..... What is called Free Market Economics has not served society well. Only the select few.