Melissaw1010

Hi Everyone.
What are some things you all do to stay safe going into strangers homes?
I am just starting out and would rather be safe than sorry. (Being from a law enforcement family it is my nature.)

Being a female and going to someones home could have some challeges & want to be prepared and not be naieve, I would try not to go alone, but that might not always be an option.
What are some safety precautions you all follow?

I will be advertising with signs on my car and what if some pervert thinks Im cute and calls me for a tan just to lure me into his house. Unfortunatly in this day stranger things have happened.
I am getting my concealed weapons permit and have mace, but has anyone experienced any strange appointments?

Thanks
Melissa

muttpuppy

I have not had any bad experiences. People contact me via text and email, so with any new client, make sure to call and talk with them personally before going into their home. My car magnets promote my website (which lists my contact information) but no phone number on the magnet.

SprayRayz

I have been in the mobile business for a little over a year. Safety is a big concern for me also. I always ask new clients how they heard of me or who referred them. I also like to check their address to make sure I'm comfortable with the neighborhood. Sometimes I'll pay my friend a little just to ride along and act as my "assistant" for safety. Also, I try to leave the address I'm going to with a friend, call them before I go into the appointment and then tell them to call after a certain amount of time. Now the tricky part is I haven't really figured out what to do after that in case I did need help. Luckily I have not had a problem, but I have checked with my referrals to see if someone is ligitimate.

Also, alway trust your gut instinct. I have a man calling me often and suggesting to come to my house and be tanned instead of me coming to him. He also eluded to the fact that he wanted to be tanned nude. I told him our schedules just did not seem to be working out (which they weren't) and gave him suggestions on how to tan himself at home.

Hope these suggestions help! Concealed weapons permit sounds like something I'd be interested in!

DB Hottie

I think all mobile tanners should go in twos. Price and schedule for the expense of two.

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Find your zipper

Melissaw1010

Thanks guys, some very good ideas. I also heard to be very careful advertising on craigslist and obviously not having anyone come to my home. Im sure in the beginning anyway most of my clients will be referalls, (but Im still checking them out)

Paradise Bronze

60% of my clients come from my Craigslist advertising and the others, referrals and website. Take a self defense class, that helps. I've never had a problem with any clients but you never know nowadays. Just everyone be careful.

kimmieKK

Great advice. I always ask how they were referred to me and get as much info out of them as possible. If the hair on the back of your neck is raised during a phone call.... trust your instincts. A few months ago I received a call from an older man inquiring about airbrush makeup. I was uncomfortable with his voice and ended the conversation.

I have a permit and carry a concealed weapon as well as a taser. Nobody's messing with me baby : )

Always protect yourself, know your rights & your state laws. Be safe!

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Kim

SunPerf

I've been mobile in your area now for 2 years and have only had one "potential" issue but thank goodness it really didnt go too far. I had one guy call me from my craigslist ad and wanted me to come into the store he owned to spray him while he was on break. He wanted to schedule for that day but wasnt sure what time so he was going to call me back to let me know. In the meantime I got his name and address and the name of the store and started researching. Everything seemed pretty ligit but still something didnt feel right (in my gut). When he called back to confirm the time, I agreed to go but told him since he was a male client that I just wanted to make him aware that I would be coming with a male security officer for my own safety. (because when I have a male client I ALWAYS bring a male with me for security) He said he could respect that and understood so we booked the appointment. About an hour later he called to cancel. Said he had to leave the store early that day for a family emergency. Could be true but also made me wonder if he changed his mind after I told him I was brining security? Who knows? Moral of the story...follow your gut. LOL

I always speake with everyone over the phone before going to their home. I also leave the name, phone number and address with my husband whenever I go to an appointment. I call him when I arrive and I call him as soon as I get back into my car. Like somemone else said..."follow your gut" if something doesnt feel right, dont go! Whenever I have a male client I always have another male come with me. No if's ands or buts about it. I will also google the address or the persons name to see what I can find, if anything just to be sure. If I dont like the neighborhood, I dont go.

For the most part I think if you take all of the precautions and be as safe as you can you probably wont have an issue. :)

Good luck, hope this helps.

Melissaw1010

Thanks for all of the follow up. Eveyone has some really good suggestions. I am a google and public record fanatic ( lol) so I will just trust my gut and not take chances. Leaving the address info etc with my BF will be a good idea. I will also bring him on any male appts ( He is law enforcement so I should be safe...lol)

The good thing in florida is that public records are free. I can check an address and then cross reference the name in criminal/civil/public searches in less than 5 minutes. I know it is not always foolproof but can at least be an extra tool :)

Tantilyze

I am a one man show for right now so as a rule of thumb I always leave basic information (names/locations) for my BF - I also send a text/call when I arrive/leave - Not sure how it will play out once I start to get busier but for now it works for me. Can't comment on the concealed weapons permit but as a former Flight Attendant I am well trained in self defense - very empowering is all I can say.