As to the first, our tribute serves several needs for both. 1) It serves to place "detachment" boundaries for the client and Domme. There is a saying with those that see escorts; one pays not for the services, but for the detachment with such an intimate encounter. 2) We provide a service that is sought out and is exclusive. It's not like getting coffee at Starbucks. I often, as with all of us, get the e mail or call from someone that says they want to be our slaves, and they will do whatever we want, oh, and they are very good with oral servitude. (As if we are impressed with that and it makes us drip. . . .it's insulting.) What I have found is that they are willing to eat our cunts in exchange for us "torturing" them, as if THAT pays our bills, which is the topic of this article. I could start ranting here, but that's not my intent. I also want to mention that though we are not union, we do have a strong network in place, as with other "professional" organization. We have also been trained, and some of us mentored under individuals, like "professionals" do. And, we are specialized, some more than others. Just because we like what we do, does not mean we should do it for free. (How silly some of you are to even suggest that).

Many of you think that with as much as our tribute is, we are rolling in the dough. The following is just to give you and idea of where some of your tribute goes. I am using my own experience as well as what is considered reasonable in the So. CA area.

Remember this is from an "independent's" experience. Commercial dungeons operate a bit differently. The amounts below are either averages, or an average range.

This is where your money goes:

The average tribute runs from $250-$350 for an hour session. This may or may not include play space rental.
Play space rental is anywhere from $80-$200 an hour. (If you are using a commercial play space, you will be charged either by the minute, or in increments of 15 or 30 minutes for run over time. This doesn't include a deposit, usually another $100)

Equipment:

• Bondage table : $350+ (made from wood with a cushioned bed, very simplistic)
• Cross : $350+
• Horse : $200+
• Cages : $2,000+
• Suspension : $1,000+ (this would include a bar and pully system, again, very simplistic)

Tools:

• Whips They run about $100 for every 3'. This also depends on the weight and kind of leather, if it's loaded, multicolored, etc.
• Floggers They also have similar stipulations as the above, but run about $175 for a decent handmade flogger. (Some of the smaller ones run less.)
• Electrical Tens Units- $150-$250
• Violet Wands- $400+
• Assessories- $50-$200 each.
• Sounds $200+ a set
• RubberVac-Pac $800-$1,000. (these are usually home made)
• Enema bags $40+ (not including attachments)

Toys:

• Clamps $10-$20
• Dildos $12+
• Vibrators $25+
• Strap-ons $40+
• Rubber Body Bags $400-$15,00 (this depends if it is inflatable or not)
• Leather Straight Jacket $500+
• Lycra hoods $25-$50
• Rope $1 per ft. (thank God for small favors)

• Corsets $450+ (leather or rubber) $350+ (fabric)
• Skirts $250+ (leather or rubber)
• Halters $150+ " "
• Dresses $500+ " "
• Shoes $80+
• Boots $100-$700 (more if they are fetish, or custom made)
• Stockings $12+ (they last on avg. about 3 sessions)
• Wigs $75+

Then there are the items I am constantly replacing, like condoms, lube, alcohol, disinfectants, latex gloves, viricides, candles, needles, etc. These run about $1,000+ a year.

Then there is advertizing, which averages me about $3,500 a year. (This does not include web hosting etc., add another $800+.) Let's not forget photo sessions, at about $300. My cell phone runs about $200 for business calls a month. Personal upkeep of nails, pedicures, hair, and occasional facials runs about $350 a month.

Then, there is my education. Workshops run between $20-$150 each. Did I mention accountant and lawyer fees? Add another $2,000 a year.

So there you have it from this Domme's experience and perspective. There are many other expenses that are not mentioned here, as I am only naming the basics.

I hope it has helped you to understand that our tribute is not lavish in consideration of our toys, time and skills that go into allowing us to make yours, and our fantasies happen.

Mistress Amber in L.A.