What's it Worth?: A real woman takes you out on a DRESSED adventure ...

[ashlylynn]

Ok ... so I am a genetic female ( and a part-time F2M - so I "get it" ...sorta )

I have a male friend my age whom I've known to be a CD for 5 or more years.
For a long time ( 3 years ) he asked/begged me to take him out DRESSED.

I resisted at first because
- he did not pass very well - he was a BAD CD lol
- It was my responsibility for his humiliation if he got "caught"

Anyway, I did his make-up 20 times while we were still in school and his or my parents were known to not return for 3 or more hours. And I could make his
face pass and eventually he bought a WICKED realistic hot girl wig and some clothes that were LOW KEY on my advice ...and with my help bc "I" bought them and kept them at my place until we realized he could just claim I left them at his house ...everything but his shoes ( too big to believe they were mine Size 10 womens and he was HURTING in them )

We did it in winter so he could wear a white & pink jacket to hi hide shoulder size and upper belly and chest
We got him (though much trial and error and cleverness) a pair of womens CHIC jeans big in hips and long in legs - a wiasit cincher and a wide leather belt to PULL his waist in. Some foam provided bigger hips and but and actually looked very real! ...at a stand-still.

Some thin leather gloves to make his hands look smaller.
Also some girly big sunglasses and a tall black Turtle neck to hide his slight apple

After MUCH practice WALKING we went to Wal-Mart and shopped in the undies dept ...both with our sunglasses on.

Then Security started to follow us ... with the sunglasses they though we were shoplifting and I never considered that before. So then we went to McDonalds and ate ...and we both went to the women's room....

...I had always wanted to go into the boys locker room at school and at bars would like to go into the mens washroom ( But I know I'd be killed ) ...so I knew he'd dig that. After he told me he was so nervous he could not even enjoy it. lol

But loved it.

Later we got him a black jumper dress - the kind that makes every girl look pregnant - and black tights and low heeled boots and I took him to a bar in another city on Halloween that way. Nobody ever knew I dont think- cuz I did all the talking.

Question: What would such a service be WORTH to you guys? If I can't find a bunch of COULD PASS cds...do you think they'd be interested in paying for tha service? How much? - Including

- shopping for a passable outfit (come on- evenmmost WOMEN can't attempt to wear what you guys LIKE TO wear

- doing the make-up

- escorting on an adventure

-- also -- who here SEEKS TO go into the taboo women's washroom?
( I know it's the ultimate proof of being feminine, passing in there )

[Danni Bear]

-- also -- who here SEEKS TO go into the taboo women's washroom?
( I know it's the ultimate proof of being feminine, passing in there )


[/B]

Ashly,
hate to tell you this hun. That taboo place you are talking about was conquered well over 40 years ago. I alone have been using ladies rooms since I was 14 and am now 62.

Danni

[7sisters]

Turn this into a film script and sell it to Miramax.
With a narrative like this... you're a good writer! All you need is a little luck!

[Stephenie S]

Most major cities have services just like you are describing. How much do they cost? Only about $100 an hour. Pure rip off considering anyone can do this on their own with just a little thought and effort. Is it more fun when you do it with some one? Yup. But $100 an hour? Sorry, not today.

None the less, a bit of advertising should get you some business if you live in a city large enough to give you a significant customer base. Good luck.

Stephie

[TxKimberly]

As Stephanie said, this sort of service does already exist in most major cities - you would have an uphill battle against those that are already established and have resources in place. I'm kind of on the fence as to if it is a rip off or not. Those of us that have been out a lot can sit here and tell everyone else that your being silly for being scared, just grab your courage and go do it, but the reality is that it is very frightening for most of us the first few times. Is it really a rip off for someone to charge for their time and effort in helping us get prepared and past that initial fear? I don't think so.
What's the value of what you offer? Damned if I know, but I do know you have a fine line to walk between what it is worth to YOU to be in public with one of us that might not pass, and what we are willing to pay before we start feeling abused and ripped off. Good luck walking that tight rope! :D

[AKAMichelle]

Sounds like a business is born. But this time maybe you should think about the person receiving the service. Charge a much lower fee and you could begin to make a name for yourself. It will take a lot of time for the business to take off. You will need to consider one thing though - The person you take out may stand out like a sore thumb. You will be known as the lady who does this. It will affect your life as much as the cd'er. The services which are out there are rip-offs. Charging to take you out the door but this time dressed seems obscene to me. Make it a package of makeover, shopping, and pics and you might just have a business. The ones out there can charge a higher rate because of their reputation. Until you get one, you have to go with price and more services for the buck.

If you would like you can contact me privately I will give you some more detailed advice.

[LitaKelley]

Hopefully you're very good with makeup for CD/TS/TG because I've seen an online transformation service with before & after photos and they're absolutely TERRIBLE.. The after photos looked more like ZOMBIES than women.

[Billijo49504]

A makeup make over cost me $30 at Ulta, andI got to select from any of their premium brands...BJ

[Stephenie S]

Dear Kimberly,

OK, maybe it's not a ripoff for some of us, especially newbies. I can remember being scared, and I can remember going to one of those services. My very first time out of the house, actually. I balked at spending that amount of money, however, and just got a makeup lesson. Even that was not worth it because I have NO desire to look glamorous, and that's what she did for me. (I just want to look normal)

We have since become good friends and I visit her often, but not for makeover services. Many area crossdressers use her services and I know that those who do consider it well worth the money. She does shopping and dinner trips, makeovers and photo shoots. She is very popular.

So, I stand corrected. Thank you.

Stephie

[ashlylynn]

Thanks all for your feedback!

This is a good cross-section of replies from folks - most of you guys seem very independent and had to handle things on your own, obviously!
And yes, I would bet that most services are rip-offs! I however enjoyed my many trips out with my friend and wanted to hear from others
to see how others felt before I invested in offering the service in my spare time ad what the fear/price threshold was...because it would need
to be worth my time and I KNOW that I would need to DENY service to many men who probably COULD NOT pass.

But I know there must be some guys who have not quite gotten courage to go out alone and who could use a female support to do so!
But you have answered my questions - there is just too much fear in the market, I think. Those who are not afraid, just go out on their own.

Again, thank-you very much for your time!

[ashlylynn]

Dear Kimberly,

OK, maybe it's not a ripoff for some of us, especially newbies. I can remember being scared, and I can remember going to one of those services. My very first time out of the house, actually. I balked at spending that amount of money, however, and just got a makeup lesson. Even that was not worth it because I have NO desire to look glamorous, and that's what she did for me. (I just want to look normal)

We have since become good friends and I visit her often, but not for makeover services. Many area crossdressers use her services and I know that those who do consider it well worth the money. She does shopping and dinner trips, makeovers and photo shoots. She is very popular.

So, I stand corrected. Thank you.

Stephie



Ahhh yes .... the lack of understanding is obvious - see, most little girls want to look as glamourous as possible - whereas in this lifestyle, that actually does not help you to pass! (As you know! )

Stephenie, I can't send PMs yet (tried) but you are welcome to PM me. I'm interested to know what your typical OUTSIDE THE HOME clothing consists of
(Eg. Do you usually wear Jeans or Dresses, What about footwear? And do you use your own hair or wear a wig? That kind of thing )

[faltenrock]

there are businesses in Germany and Great Britain like that. I don't believe they really work out. Personally, I would have a bad feeling about taking advantage of a very personal issue such as CDing.

[DonnaT]

IIRC, Amy takes the girls out after helping them dress in Las Vegas.

Yes, here it is:

http://www.crossdresslasvegas.com/

Some of her prices http://www.crossdresslasvegas.com/FantasyTransformations/FantasyTransformations.html

[JenniferR771]

Go for it Ashley. The economy needs new business and innovations. Charge for your time. And charge for extras above and beyound your usual. Expect some unusual requests. Everybody wants something a little different. Keep your day job. This type of business is by appointment only--Saturdays, so--you can schedule around your other activities, handy. Try to think of a way to get repeat business. Where will you advertise? You need a website, of course. It is a very personal business--so if you have a warm personality, and I think you do--it will work out just fine. Don't plan on turning down the ugly cds, they need help and encouragement more than anyone. Passable--no way--need help, certainly. Get comfortable shopping in "Plus Sizes", LOL!Find some stores or boutiques where you are welcome. It would help if you are a professional photographer, and have a studio and huge wardrobe of big girl dresses. Do everything the competition does--do it better--and add some extra features the competition does not have. Can you do manicures? Good luck! (And show us some pictures, please. Hide the face if you need to).

[Stephenie S]

Ashley,

But if you DO decide to go into business, you CAN'T deny some just because you think they won't "pass". If you are open to the public, ya gotta take the public. Of course it's your JOB to, if not make them "pass", at least make your customers look "presentable".

I called this kind of service a "rip-off" before. Kimberly pointed out the value they do have. I stand corrected. Go for it. But you will get ALL kinds. Just go with the flow. As a GG, you know that women come in all shapes and sizes (I hope), and that there is NO guarantee of beauty for any of us.

Stephie

[Lucy_Bella]

Ashley,

As a promoter ( I wish I was ).. Some ideals to offer.. You sound understanding enough for the Transgendered population I understand that you are a FTM so that may help. Might I suggest that you ,yourself place yourself in the shoes of a MTF ( sounds like you already have some ) and look for TG friendly bars,clubs and maybe a Ad posted somewhere that may get some interest.
I for one could never fully pass in public , adams apple , broad shoulders ,beefy arms and neck with a deep male voice. Things that are impossable to hide all alone in public and living in a Desert City can't cover up.. I would lean more towards an escort service ( non sexual of course ) with dress code enforced..
I think for those of us who are yerning to get out would perfer to go with someone who could be a catch all and ensure safety by knowing safe places to go.

Just a thought.

[Julogden]

I think it's rather discriminatory of you to limit your service only to "passable" CD's, sort of like the male therapists who a while back would only recommend GRS for TS's that they found attractive.:2c:

It may not even be legal to discriminate like that, but I'm not sure. You'll certainly not last long in business with that stipulation, or at least I hope you wouldn't. That's pretty despicable in my book.:thumbsdn:

Carol

[Stephenie S]

As for an "escort" service, I think it might fly. You would have to have a wide customer base. People can't spend that kind of money often.

You are ALWAYS less likely to be "read" when in the company of your happy natal friend. That would be a VERY reassuring feeling.

S

[AKAMichelle]

You talk about excluding your service from men that will never pass. Many of us will never pass 100%. I for one stand out right now because of weight. The rest of the issues are ok, but weight distribution gets me read every time. The secret to running a service like that is to find TG places that would be safe for them and for you. Then your service has value. It takes a long time for the girl to come out for some of us, but it does with the right help.