The theory behind high class escorts

The most obvious reason why high class escorts can charge so much is that they are supplying a commodity that is in high demand. This is also a ‘risky’ business so a premium fee is justified by the many risks involved in working in the industry, as well as the related stigma of being paid for sexual favours.

In the paper "A Theory of Prostitution", published in 2006 in the Journal of Political Economy, economists Lena Edlund and Evelyn Korn suggest there is a marriage market explanation behind why escorts are so well-paid:

One of the reasons they say is that woman cannot be both: high class escorts and wives. Combine this with the fact that marriage can be an important source of income for women, and it follows that the escort profession must pay better than other jobs to compensate for the opportunity cost of forgone marriage market earnings.

According to the most escort agencies, the women they provide not only possess exceptional beauty, but also intelligence and sophistication. Some, the escort agencies went on to say, are successful professionals in other high-profile industries. Though this last claim seems dubious, the women must be exceptionally attractive and sufficiently intelligent to hold a customer's attention. Unlike their low-end counterparts, high class call girls are expected to supply some level of companionship, and often accompany clients to dinners or parties. Because a beautiful and intelligent woman inevitably has other job (and marriage) options, a very high wage is necessary to encourage them to forgo other opportunities, and subject themselves to the risks.

While the hourly rate may sound high, you should remember that not all of that goes to the woman. A substantial amount goes to the escort service itself and of course another portion to the driver and security. Escorts must spend a great deal of their money maintaining their value without immediate compensation. Much time and money is spent on grooming: hair removal, nails and expensive hair-cuts as well as gym memberships. Many women have had plastic surgery and sport ’pornstar’ type figures and also maintain an expensive designer wardrobe.

Ultimately, the decision to become a high class escort is often not only an economic one, but is determined by a woman's attitude toward the ‘service’ they provide. For many women no amount of money would ever entice them into this profession while others are allured by the glamorous lifestyle. The market ultimately determines a price like any other industry. This is however one of the ‘oldest professions’ and has commanded a price even before the days of shell companies, complex money-laundering schemes and diamond smuggling. You have to admit and recognise your own ignorance: high class escorts do have a unique skill-set.

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