1 From my discussions with numerous Jomtien bar boys, I understand they can come and go as they please. They just get commision on drinks and customer tips.
2 I've arranged to meet boys via apps, without even being aware they were coming from a bar.
3 I've also seen them exchanging phone messages with someone else, then swiftly leaving the bar.
So a few days ago, I was surprised to hear a grindr boy ask for a 2000 baht short time tip, as he allegedly had to pay the bar a 300 off fee. We did not meet.
In principle, I don't mind paying an off fee, if actually offing the boy from the bar.
I'm less receptive to paying an "off fee" that is not applicable, as a way if increasing his tip.
Today I was talking to another lad. He asks how much I tip. I say XXXX, or YYYY if you're good.
He then asks for YYYY, because he "has to pay the bar 300". I'm sceptical. Even more so as it's early, so whilst the bars would be open, most of the boys wouldn't even be there at that time in the evening.
I say "no problem, we can meet another day, in the afternoon".
Suddenly, the story changes and he no longer has to pay an off fee.
We meet. Unfortunately, he's not slim, but he is smooth, cute and very friendly. Thankfully he's very good and gets tip YYYY anyway, based on performance.
Incidentally, whilst I rarely off lads from bars, this is more due to:
(i) separating drinking from sex
(ii) wanting to meet earlier in the day
(iii) getting better results via the apps
In Jomtien, the cost of the off fee isn't a factor. I can't claim otherwise, when I often sit with lads and tip them the equivalent of an off fee after a couple of drinks.
The "Off Fee" as a Negotiating Tool
Re: The "Off Fee" as a Negotiating Tool
I know a farang who comes here twice a year for holiday who went from exclusively offing boys from the bars - to only hooking up with boys on the apps. The reason for this is that he now has a physical handicap and has a very hard time getting around on his own.
He told me once that he has a set tip amount that he offers the boys (which happens to be generous) and never sways from this amount - so it doesn't matter if there's an off fee involved or not. He doesn't even get caught up in this - because half of the times its just a scam anyway.
Boys working the bars and the apps simultaneously is nothing new. Most bars (the ones I know about anyway) give the boys the option of either working the bar - or staying home and working the apps, although, if they show up for work an off fee is expected regardless if a farang is offing them from the bar - or hooking up with the boy via the apps from his hotel room which is perfectly understandable.
The bar owners aern't stupid.
No Money - No Honey!
He told me once that he has a set tip amount that he offers the boys (which happens to be generous) and never sways from this amount - so it doesn't matter if there's an off fee involved or not. He doesn't even get caught up in this - because half of the times its just a scam anyway.
Boys working the bars and the apps simultaneously is nothing new. Most bars (the ones I know about anyway) give the boys the option of either working the bar - or staying home and working the apps, although, if they show up for work an off fee is expected regardless if a farang is offing them from the bar - or hooking up with the boy via the apps from his hotel room which is perfectly understandable.
The bar owners aern't stupid.
No Money - No Honey!
Re: The "Off Fee" as a Negotiating Tool
At the bars I usually frequent, the boys can come and go as they please. They tell me they get 50 or 60 baht per boy drink and the tips off the customers.
So if they're not paid for their presence, there's no obligation to stay.
I've also had cases where a boy I know walks from his bar to greet me. Then, as all the seats are taken, he guides me to the bar across the road, which is managed by different people. The boy drink still costs 50 baht more.
This is all very flexible.
I suspect some bars have different terms for certain staff. One advertises a monthly salary of 6000 to 9000 before tips, which I think is for those who can participate in the show. I don't drink at that bar, due to a track record of excessive noise.
The boy who wanted 2000 wasn't participating in the show at his bar.
So if they're not paid for their presence, there's no obligation to stay.
I've also had cases where a boy I know walks from his bar to greet me. Then, as all the seats are taken, he guides me to the bar across the road, which is managed by different people. The boy drink still costs 50 baht more.
This is all very flexible.
I suspect some bars have different terms for certain staff. One advertises a monthly salary of 6000 to 9000 before tips, which I think is for those who can participate in the show. I don't drink at that bar, due to a track record of excessive noise.
The boy who wanted 2000 wasn't participating in the show at his bar.