Interesting note..

[hilton]

Gang,

Latinlove.net has recently raised their prices from $399 for a 10 day stay to, recently, $499 for the same 10 days.

It's still alot better than paying a membership fee.

But, I find this quite interesting, without going into conclusive arguments about why they made this move.

Peace,

Hilton

[kevinsnurb]

... in response to Interesting note.., posted by hilton on Dec 5, 2001

The problem with bargaining with an agency is the same as the problem of bargaining for any SERVICE for which you have to pay in advance. It is easy to throw the baby out with the bath water.  That is to say that one may get a very low price, accompanied by very little service. Why commit to all of the expense involved in acquiring a MOB, while attempting to cut costs by bargaining with the person who is charged with finding the bride?

[El Diablo]

... in response to Interesting note.., posted by hilton on Dec 5, 2001


As Pete said everything is negotiable in Cali.  You walk into an agency and the place is empty that week, your bargaining power goes way up.  On the other hand, if the place is packed with gringos, the agency is much less likely to come down from their published rates.

For a guy who is going to Cali for a long time, in your case five months, consider a membership arrangement instead of a daily or 10 day plan.  I know most guys don't like memberships but most guys leave in a week also.  (-:  A one time membership fee with no additional costs makes a lot of sense when you are in Cali for any extended period of time.

As I said before, you might check out a few agencies, stay a day or two on the daily rate and then see if you can't work out a one time membership fee for the time that you live in your own apartment .  ( I wouldn't mention that you'll be dropping in daily for five months as that might influence their pricing. lol )  

El Diablo

[Pete E]

... in response to Interesting note.., posted by hilton on Dec 5, 2001

Hilton,
Is the 10 day stay a minimum?Can you pay per day?The rate isn't bad but if you don't find the girl your looking for you may want to move on before 10 days.When getting in to a new and unknown situation flexibility can be an advantage.

Pete

[hilton]

... in response to Re: Interesting note.., posted by Pete E on Dec 5, 2001

Pete,

Common sense would tell me that for every 10 days that I would be at the agency I will have to pay the $49 a night.  I think, and I could be wrong, that the price would never change; even after the 10 day period.

Now, if they require that you pay the $499 straight up after the 10 day period is up, or if you can pay just $49 a night after the initial 10 day period is up, is another story....

Peace,

Hilton

[Pete E]

... in response to Common sense..., posted by hilton on Dec 5, 2001

Hilton,
I would think after the 10 days you could extend at the daily rate.Everything is negotiable.Remember this is Cali.
Except for the agencies that are really stuck on their fee to join,(as in latin best)I think you can show up on their doorstep and negotiate a stay for even a few(3-4)days at their daily rate or less.
Depending on how long you will be in Cali you may not want to commit it all to one place without even checking it out.
I would negotiate for a 5 day or so minimum stay.This isn't buying an airline ticket that will not be availiable tommorow.All these agencies have excess capacity.Its a buyers market.

Pete

[hilton]

... in response to Re: Common sense..., posted by Pete E on Dec 5, 2001

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[pack]

... in response to Interesting note.., posted by hilton on Dec 5, 2001

hilton get used to this. these agencies are all over the place when it comes to prices and deals. like many of the vets have told you especially cali-vet just go there and walk in the door and make your best deal you'll suddenly see these so called rates go right out the window!

[hilton]

... in response to Re: Interesting note.., posted by pack on Dec 5, 2001

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[Aaron]

... in response to Interesting note.., posted by hilton on Dec 5, 2001

Hilton,

It could be because of a number of things. Holiday season, or maybe the value of the dollar has dropped. Research it.
Personally, I don't think a lifetime membership fee of $500.00 to $1000.00 is that bad when taking an extended vacation to a foreign country. Renting a car to go on a week long road trip in the U.S. will cost $500.00.  

The only draw back of the lifetime membership fee that I see is "what if a guy meets he's wife to be on his first trip, after his 5th or 6th cita?" Then, that $500.00 to $1000.00 will be too much to pay for meeting 10 women or less. So, I guess the best thing is to make sure you get your money's worth. Meet all the women you can before selecting the girl you would like to fall in love with. Take multiple trips for a year or two. And be honest about this with the girls and agency up front.    

Chao,
Aaron