Quote Originally Posted by ecchi.gaijin View Post
The shop has been running in various locations for something like 5 years and only increased it's prices by $5. Hardly what I would call exploitation, especially when the costs of running a business now days are always going up.

When you are walking in blind, you are relying on luck of the draw that you will find a good ML. But I agree with you, in my experience it isn't so much about luck as it is about the punter himself. Sure everyone has bad punts, I reviewed a couple of unfavourable ones myself recently. But a good punter can make the most out of a bad situation or just write it off as a rare dud without whining about a measly $5 being "exploitation"
Firstly may I say I respect both your experience and your point of view. I myself do not like the word punting...to me everyone wise enough knows the what and why that goes on in these shops. To punt implies taking a gamble - when I walk in I expect a service esp if I am paying money. I cannot justify writing it off as rare dud because we all know the duds are sometimes quite regular. I recently went to a herb shop where I had a first day first session WG. She obviously should not have been working there as her massage was poor and there was no hint of anything. So for a $60 I got an oil bath. Now I know some will say well that's the chance you take if you visit these types of shops but really. Overseas when I monger you always pay after.
I also believe that if you subscribe to the above average price is ok then you must also agree that the service must be above average. Asking $15 more for the massage implies better service.
I agree and are quite happy to pay for above average service for above average price but as I said I am not willing to punt on this.

I have often thought what is a "fair" price?