When you're starting out in escort work, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is whether to work with an agency or go independent. It’s not just about money - it’s about control, safety, time, and how you want to live your life. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but knowing the real trade-offs can save you months of guesswork and stress.
What Working with an Agency Actually Means
| Factor | Working with an Agency | Going Independent |
|---|---|---|
| Client Screening | Agency handles it - background checks, reference calls, sometimes even pre-screening calls | You do it yourself - often via messages, video calls, or third-party tools |
| Booking & Scheduling | Agency manages your calendar, takes calls, books appointments | You handle everything - texts, emails, calendars, reminders |
| Income Split | Typically 40-60% to you, 40-60% to agency | 100% of earnings, minus your own costs (ads, apps, travel) |
| Marketing & Visibility | Agency lists you on AdultWork, their own site, sometimes social media | You pay for listings on AdultWork, OnlyFans, socials, and maybe Google Ads |
| Support & Safety | Agency has a team to call if something goes wrong - emergency contacts, legal advice | You’re on your own - no built-in safety net |
| Flexibility | Fixed hours, mandatory availability, sometimes dress codes | You choose when, where, and how often you work |
Agencies in the UK, especially those listed on AdultWork, often operate like mini-businesses. They have receptionists, booking systems, and sometimes even in-house security. If you’re new, this can feel like a safety net. You don’t have to worry about cold-calling clients or dealing with creepy messages - the agency filters them out.
But here’s the catch: you’re giving up a big chunk of your income. If you make £1,200 in a week, and the agency takes 50%, that’s £600 gone. That’s rent, groceries, bills - gone. And you don’t always get a say in who you meet. Some agencies assign clients based on availability, not preference. You might end up with someone you wouldn’t have chosen on your own.
What Going Independent Really Looks Like
Going independent sounds glamorous - you’re your own boss, you keep all the cash, you pick your clients. But it’s not all freedom and flexibility. It’s also 100% responsibility.
You need to build your own brand. That means creating a profile on AdultWork, maybe setting up a discreet Instagram or OnlyFans, paying for promoted listings, and constantly updating your photos and descriptions. It’s part-time marketing work on top of your escorting. And if you’re not good at writing or photography, you’ll struggle to stand out.
Booking is all on you. You’ll get messages all day - some polite, some aggressive, some just weird. You have to respond quickly, set boundaries, and decide who to meet. No one’s there to tell you, “Don’t meet this guy.” You’re the only one making that call.
And then there’s the cost. AdultWork premium listings cost £15-£30 a week. A good camera or lighting setup? £200. A virtual assistant to handle messages? £10/hour. You’re not just an escort - you’re a CEO, marketer, customer service rep, and bookkeeper.
But here’s the upside: you keep every pound. And if you’re smart, you can scale. One independent escort I know in Brighton started with one listing on AdultWork. After six months, she had her own website, a small team of assistants handling admin, and clients who booked her months in advance. She’s now earning £4,000 a month - and keeps 90% of it.
Safety Isn’t Just About the Agency
A lot of people think agencies are safer. That’s not always true. Some agencies have terrible reputations - poor communication, no emergency protocols, even pressure to see clients you’re uncomfortable with. Others are run by people who’ve been in the industry for decades and genuinely care about their workers.
Independents can be just as safe - if they set up systems. Many use apps like EscortShield or SafeEscort to share location with trusted friends, record calls, and flag risky clients. Some have a buddy system - two independents check in with each other before and after every meeting.
One woman I spoke to in Brighton switched from an agency to going independent after a client showed up drunk and aggressive. The agency didn’t respond to her call for help until hours later. Now she uses a panic button linked to a friend’s phone, and she only meets clients in public places first. She says, “I didn’t feel safer with the agency. I felt safer when I took control.”
Who Should Work with an Agency?
You might want an agency if:
- You’re new and don’t know how to screen clients
- You’re not confident talking to strangers on the phone or online
- You don’t have time to manage marketing, bookings, and admin
- You need structure - regular hours, routine, less decision fatigue
- You’re in a city with limited independent opportunities
Agencies can be a good stepping stone. Many independents started with an agency to learn the ropes, build confidence, and save up for their own setup. If you go this route, pick one with clear contracts, transparent fees, and a reputation for treating workers with respect. Ask other escorts. Read reviews on forums. Don’t just sign anything because it’s the first offer.
Who Should Go Independent?
Going independent is best if:
- You’re comfortable with tech - using apps, websites, payment platforms
- You can handle rejection, weird messages, and slow periods
- You’re willing to invest time upfront to build your brand
- You want full control over your schedule, rates, and clients
- You’ve got savings to cover the first few months without steady income
It’s not for everyone. But if you’ve got drive, discipline, and a bit of hustle, you can build something sustainable - and profitable - on your own terms.
What Most People Don’t Tell You
There’s a myth that agencies are easier. They’re not. They’re just different. The stress shifts from managing clients to managing the agency - dealing with their rules, their delays, their politics. One escort told me she quit her agency because they wouldn’t let her take time off for a family emergency. Another said her agency cut her pay after she got sick.
And independents? They don’t talk about the lonely nights, the constant pressure to stay visible, the fear of a bad review ruining everything. But they also don’t have to answer to anyone else.
The real difference isn’t agency vs. independent. It’s dependence vs. autonomy.
How to Decide - A Simple Test
Ask yourself these three questions:
- Do I feel confident handling client communication, booking, and safety checks on my own?
- Can I afford to go 2-3 months without steady income while I build my client base?
- Do I want to keep 100% of my earnings - even if it means doing more work?
If you answered yes to all three, go independent. If you’re unsure or nervous about any of them, start with an agency. You can always switch later.
What Comes Next?
Most people think this is a one-time decision. It’s not. Many start with an agency, save up, build a client list, then go independent. Others go independent, hit burnout, and join an agency for a few months to recharge.
The best path isn’t the one that looks easiest. It’s the one that lets you stay in control - of your time, your money, and your boundaries. Whether you choose an agency or go solo, make sure your choice protects your safety and your peace of mind. That’s the only thing that matters in the long run.
Are agencies legal in the UK for escort work?
Yes, agencies are legal in the UK as long as they don’t directly manage or control the escort’s activities - meaning they can’t force clients, set prices, or require specific services. They act as intermediaries, providing booking services and advertising. If an agency takes control over how or when you work, it could cross into illegal territory under UK law.
How much do agencies typically take from earnings?
Most agencies in the UK take between 40% and 60% of your earnings. Some charge a flat weekly fee instead - around £100-£200 - and let you keep 100% of what you earn after that. Always ask for a written contract before signing. Avoid agencies that demand upfront payments or don’t explain their fee structure clearly.
Can I work with an agency and still be independent?
Technically, no - if you’re signed with an agency, you’re usually contractually bound to work only through them. But some escorts work with multiple agencies or list independently while being with an agency, especially if the contract allows it. Read your contract carefully. Violating exclusivity clauses can lead to being cut off or blacklisted.
Is it harder to get clients as an independent?
Yes, at first. Agencies have built-in traffic from their websites and listings on AdultWork. As an independent, you’re competing with hundreds of others. But if you’re consistent with your profile, respond quickly to messages, and build good reviews, you can grow a loyal client base within 3-6 months. Many independents end up with higher-paying, repeat clients than agency workers.
What’s the biggest mistake new escorts make?
Signing with the first agency they find, or going independent without a safety plan. Too many start without researching agencies, or without setting up tools like location sharing, client screening apps, or a trusted contact. Your safety isn’t just about who you work with - it’s about what systems you put in place.
If you’re considering either path, remember this: the goal isn’t to be the most popular or the highest-earning escort. It’s to build a life where you feel safe, respected, and in control. That’s worth more than any commission split.
