Is punting a total waste of money?

[NIK]

Never thought I'd hear myself suggesting this. For years I scoffed at friends who used to tell me punting was a waste of money and that it could be spent on much more worthwhile things, but today really hit home to me how I've changed.

I was on the verge of booking my first punt in over a year. It would have been Chelsea Hart in Mansfield who seems to be the only local one who might float my boat these days. I was feeling semi like it, had the time available and she was working. I went to the cash machine and withdrew the £120 for the hour, although I think I might have booked half an hour as money is still tight and I have to be careful.

However before making a booking I went into Clarke's shoe shop. It is some years since I've bought any footwear and I was in need of a good couple of pairs. And so it was I ended up splashing the cash on a couple of pairs. £120 exactly and they were in the fucking sale! Didn't realise how decent shoes have increased in price since I last bought any. Prior to going into Clarke's I had been in a cheap shop who were offering two pairs of trainers for £25, but I expect these would fall apart after a few months. I know from past experience these particular types of footwear should last me years.

So something that I needed and will hopefully be with me for some time to come cost exactly the same as an hour's punt which may or may not have been vfm. This is why as I arrived home with my new shoes I didn't regret my decision at all and was extremely happy with it.

I can't believe that I regularly splashed £200 on a session with a prossy.  If I do ever punt again it will be most likely the £40 - £60 I used to spend in the early years. Then again as most of them were shite I probably won't bother.
I think I've just become an old bastard much quicker than I expected. 

[fredpunter]

It's certainly not cheap but the alternative is depressing to contemplate.

[NIK]

It's certainly not cheap but the alternative is depressing to contemplate.

I did have a wank after trying on my shoes! 

[threechilliman]

I think I've just become an old bastard much quicker than I expected.

We've all become old bastards much quicker than expected. For me, it was soon after I got married!

tcm

[Ipunter]

I agree it is expensive, but my punting money comes out of small jobs I do on the side so it doesn't really bother me too much.  Some times I think I could have bought this or that, but I like the feeling that I get punting.  I think we should all put a £10 in to get you a punt to get you back into the game lol

[Huckleberry]

Nik, your story resonates with my own only last week.
With recent hot weather on the horizon, I too had £250 in my pocket
which was going to be used for 2 slots with Maria in Edgware.
However, whilst paying TKMaxx store, popped in just look at their short sleeved shirts and they had a range of Ralph Lauren Polo branded shirts which I saw at Fenwicks at £89 each only last week.
So bought 6 lovely shirts, took them home, only to be complimented by Mrs H.
Wore them all this week and they will be with me for a long time, whereas 2 punts with Maria would have been good for a while but nothing to show for. At least now my wardrobe looks updated and I can appreciate my purchase.
Similarly, only sticking to £50 half hour punts now.
H

[HughJardon]

I packed in punting for nearly 2 years because of the points youve illustrated. The convenience of seeing a prossie, no ties no small talk just in and out suits me.
Wasnt it exciting when you first started punting,  sadly that excitment has quelled over the years..Not just because good regulars knocked the game on the head the influx of foreign scammers etc

Wait until this heatwave kicks in and all the totty are prancing around in tight clobber hot pants etc that will put the ding back in your dong

[punk]

punting is only a real waste when the prossie's don't deliver the goods.

[smiths]

Never thought I'd hear myself suggesting this. For years I scoffed at friends who used to tell me punting was a waste of money and that it could be spent on much more worthwhile things, but today really hit home to me how I've changed.

I was on the verge of booking my first punt in over a year. It would have been Chelsea Hart in Mansfield who seems to be the only local one who might float my boat these days. I was feeling semi like it, had the time available and she was working. I went to the cash machine and withdrew the £120 for the hour, although I think I might have booked half an hour as money is still tight and I have to be careful.

However before making a booking I went into Clarke's shoe shop. It is some years since I've bought any footwear and I was in need of a good couple of pairs. And so it was I ended up splashing the cash on a couple of pairs. £120 exactly and they were in the fucking sale! Didn't realise how decent shoes have increased in price since I last bought any. Prior to going into Clarke's I had been in a cheap shop who were offering two pairs of trainers for £25, but I expect these would fall apart after a few months. I know from past experience these particular types of footwear should last me years.

So something that I needed and will hopefully be with me for some time to come cost exactly the same as an hour's punt which may or may not have been vfm. This is why as I arrived home with my new shoes I didn't regret my decision at all and was extremely happy with it.

I can't believe that I regularly splashed £200 on a session with a prossy.  If I do ever punt again it will be most likely the £40 - £60 I used to spend in the early years. Then again as most of them were shite I probably won't bother.
I think I've just become an old bastard much quicker than I expected. 

Punting is only a waste of money for me after a bad punt or attempted punt then I go punt with a regular and get back on track. Obviously it would be great if it were a lot cheaper but in London at least I can punt with good WGs from £60 an hour, as long as I get what I view as VFM then its money I can afford and worth it to me.

[MancSean]

I tend to agree with you pal. After a long spell out of the game I started this year with a big punting bonanza and spent a small fortune.
Had a few punts booked in the last week or so which I cancelled as have been under the weather.
In the meantime I have been dating quire a few civvies and have not mossed spending the money for a few hours please.
Saying that all it takes is something small to trigger my urge for a punt . Giving up smoking was hard but I seem to got over the worst of it. Yet punting is not cheap and have saved over £1000 in the last 2 weeks

[madeinwales56]

I think this dilemma mainly affects older, more seasoned punters. We have experienced more punts, good and bad, and, like you, when you go to the atm and look at the cash you think of what else that could buy. Maybe, as we get older, we strive for more than the quick thrill of an hour with some prossie. Maybe the thrill diminishes over time. Nowadays I punt less frequently and normally with prossies I know.
This thread is particularly pertinent as I am trying to put together two prossies for a threesome in the next couple of weeks. I am in danger of spending £500 on two hours of (hopefully) filthy fun. However, I am beginning to wonder what else I could spend the same amount on. And I am also trying to second guess myself about how I would feel after the punt. Would I be happy and satisfied having spent that amount on a punt? I am beginning to think I wouldn't be. There are other things I could spend a monkey on which would give me greater and longer lasting satisfaction.

[Outcallguy]

What isn't a waste of money?

I drink whiskey, eat good food. Goto the cinema.

None of that enriches my life more or less than fucking...

[MancSean]

Reading festival in August costing me £200 odd for 2 days of class tuned plus and main reason I am going Metallica will be there

[Ramsbottom-the-snake]

I am lucky enough to have the next five days off work. This afternoon I have voluntarily spent £90 on decorating materials to do the hallway at home. I am single so was under no pressure or duress from a partner, missus or anything like that.
So what the hell is going on as normally I am looking to spend every last penny of spare cash looking for the next punt.

[385North]

Anything spent on a memorable life experience is worth it in my opinion. It's a bit like what smiths said; its only when you have a bad one that doubts set in. The good one's will keep you grinning to your grave.

NIK: you've acquired enough to have written a book. Surely that makes it all worth it in the end? 

[Jimmyredcab]

Not a total waste of money ------------ but think of the other things you could spend £120 on.

When I read some of the negative reviews on here I am so pleased that I am "semi retired" ---------- in the future my disposable income will go on holidays, far better value in my opinion.   

[NIK]

Anything spent on a memorable life experience is worth it in my opinion. It's a bit like what smiths said; its only when you have a bad one that doubts set in. The good one's will keep you grinning to your grave.

NIK: you've acquired enough to have written a book. Surely that makes it all worth it in the end?

Yes, as I said elsewhere I'm currently trawling through my diaries for another (not punting) book. Currently up to 2004 and I can't believe how much I was punting at the time. There was one week when I had a weekend punting in Manchester then the following Thursday went to London for another punting weekend. I don't think I will ever revisit those days - only in memory!

[ukguysix]

Had a lacklustre punt earlier. Now thinking of what I could have spent the money on. Unfortunately little head thought before big head. Think I'll stick to a regular next time

[NIK]

Had a lacklustre punt earlier. Now thinking of what I could have spent the money on. Unfortunately little head thought before big head. Think I'll stick to a regular next time

That's how I felt for years driving back from another disappointing parlour punt in Sheffield. The difference was I could comfortably afford to waste £60 a couple of times a week back then. Cannot risk it now.

[ukguysix]

It was just one of those days. Meeting a hot girl for sex felt like a chore. Gorged myself on a massive steak afterwards. Cost 10% of the punt. Dagnammit

[AgedCases]

After I left my one and only punt, merely a few months back, I instantly felt displeased about paying £200 just to lay in bed with a stranger.

That money could've paid for PC upgrades I want or something else that would last me.

[CasualPaul1999]

Yes,a total waste of money,Its ok if you have the spare cash I guess but nowadays I cant be bothered if Im honest,half the girls down here in Bristol are Romanian and the other half want £150 an hr,not for me anymore.

I used to see a couple of regular girls who have both moved on into different jobs and good luck to them but now I cant be arsed be messed around by Romanian/Poles etc who you turn up to see or take time off to arrange to see who end up just messing you around or you end up having a shit time with.

Id rather save the money and go on holiday now.

[Itsnotshy]

When on your deathbed will you regret all the money you spent on WGs,or all the WGs you didn't grope because you decided to buy other crap instead?

[a_polite_gentleman]

I did have a wank after trying on my shoes! 

I Hope you mean at home, and not in Clarks

[claretandblue]

I have been punting for only a couple of years,am in London and luckily have the cash and desire to do it

Nik I am assuming you have been a punter for many many years and are a lot older, if that is the case I can kind of see where you are coming from and will probably agree in 15 years

[justfornow]

What isn't a waste of money?

I drink whiskey, eat good food. Goto the cinema.

None of that enriches my life more or less than fucking...

+1

Punting is all about pleasure....it isn't a chore and you don't have to do it.

If buying a good pair of shoes makes you happy then that's what you should do. Priorities change every 2-5 years since you are born.
If fucking doesn't cut it anymore no point booking a wg.

Before last punt i was thinking about money a bit and wondering if i should go through with it.
When she opened the door i couldn't part with my money quickly enough.
I left relaxed, happy with a way more positive outlook on life . Not a waste in my book.

[NIK]

I Hope you mean at home, and not in Clarks

Indeed! 

[Huntsman]

Ah but in 10 years from now you won't be thinking of the shoes, but would be reminiscing about that great punt you had that fine day...... The great punts are what keeps us coming back. Especially as mentioned in the hot weather (tit Monday) when the urge comes back with a vengeance!!! 

[smiths]

Anything spent on a memorable life experience is worth it in my opinion. It's a bit like what smiths said; its only when you have a bad one that doubts set in. The good one's will keep you grinning to your grave.

NIK: you've acquired enough to have written a book. Surely that makes it all worth it in the end?

Yes the good punts I can recall give me great memories and I have fulfilled all my wildest fantasies which I certainly wouldn't of if I hadn't punted, so just on that level its been worth it to me.

[Hyperchicken]

Everybody spends money to make themselves happier or to feel better about themselves. Could be new clothes, gym membership, nights out, nice haircut/pampering, a wine collection, etc. If it works then it's worth it. Sure individual punts can be a waste of money, but so can shit films at the cinema, poor quality clothes or nights out being rubbish. If any part of your lifestyle, punting included, doesn't seem to work then sack it and find a new hobby.

[tazz]

If you havent punted in over a year, to me you have quit. Longest ive gone in the past 111 years is 5 weeks, cant imagine going for even 2 months without a punt as dont have a partner.

[jcdmj12]

No - I can get my sexual needs met for a few hundred quid a month.  That's a lot cheaper than the alternatives, especially when you factor the value of your time.   I get a better return on money spent in terms of enjoyment from my monthly punting budget, than I do from the money I spend at restaurants, for example.

If you're on a fixed income I guess the equation shifts somewhat.

[figleaf]

This story also illustrates how WG prices are staying static and not inflating.

2 pairs of shoes now cost 120 notes.  Hooker prices haven't changed in a decade.

That said, shoes or pussy.  I know which one I would rather have...

[Cuntminion]

Depends if you enjoy it, things I enjoy I don't notice the cost

£100 on lovely khloe, I am happy for days don't notice it

Done £200 at dentist was almost in tears when I got the bill

[threechilliman]

What isn't a waste of money?

I drink whiskey, eat good food. Goto the cinema.

None of that enriches my life more or less than fucking...

Indeed. What I spent last weekend on pampering Mrs tcm would have bought me a couple of hours with Rebecca More. The meal alone would have bought a weeks shopping. I did get two shags out of it so probably reasonable value. And I wouldn't change it either.

That said, this morning, via an RB, I managed a cracking 45min punt for £50.

tcm

[Pdubz]

I agree it is expensive, but my punting money comes out of small jobs I do on the side so it doesn't really bother me too much.  Some times I think I could have bought this or that, but I like the feeling that I get punting.  I think we should all put a £10 in to get you a punt to get you back into the game lol

+1
main job income would never go towards a wg, straight into savings and other stuff

[sam1]

£120 on two pairs of clarks shoes. Been better off going for the punt. Lucky if the shoes will last 6 months. By all means by quality shoes but not the mass produced clarks crap.

[Pdubz]

i bought some quality brown leather from next last year for £60, still looks good as new to me although i do take care of my stuff well.

[NIK]

£120 on two pairs of clarks shoes. Been better off going for the punt. Lucky if the shoes will last 6 months. By all means by quality shoes but not the mass produced clarks crap.

Well the ones I went to the shop in I've had for years. I told them I wanted something similar.   

[Cuntminion]

All this talk of secondary income, is punting a rich man's game ?

I get by it comes out my wages, not rolling in cash

The £200 dentist Bill stripped me of my second trip for the month so strategically placed my one visit middle of June

[Type_O_Negative]

1 punt £100-120 -----> nice casual Hugo Boss shirt
2 punts £100-120 ------> nice Gore-Tex jacket for my winter trips to south Poland
3 punt £100-120 -------> nice Hugo Boss leather jacket
10 punts £100-120 ------> second hand Nikon D800 or brand new D750
more than 10 punts £100-120 -----> nice second hand Tag Heuer or Omega watch

Fucking hell, where is my money gone??? Prostitutes???

[Ipunter]

1 punt £100-120 -----> nice casual Hugo Boss shirt
2 punts £100-120 ------> nice Gore-Tex jacket for my winter trips to south Poland
3 punt £100-120 -------> nice Hugo Boss leather jacket
10 punts £100-120 ------> second hand Nikon D800 or brand new D750
more than 10 punts £100-120 -----> nice second hand Tag Heuer or Omega watch

Fucking hell, where is my money gone??? Prostitutes???

That's just stuff. You can't pay for good memories.

[squeezebox]

If you havent punted in over a year, to me you have quit. Longest ive gone in the past 111 years is 5 weeks, cant imagine going for even 2 months without a punt as dont have a partner.

Way to go..Sakari

External Link/Members Only

[Cuntminion]

1 punt £100-120 -----> nice casual Hugo Boss shirt
2 punts £100-120 ------> nice Gore-Tex jacket for my winter trips to south Poland
3 punt £100-120 -------> nice Hugo Boss leather jacket
10 punts £100-120 ------> second hand Nikon D800 or brand new D750
more than 10 punts £100-120 -----> nice second hand Tag Heuer or Omega watch

Fucking hell, where is my money gone??? Prostitutes???

Expensive tastes you have

[Type_O_Negative]

That's just stuff. You can't pay for good memories.

Stuff can give you good memories too. Nice fotographs taken with mighty D800 somewhere in north Sweden...

[ik8133]

Well the ones I went to the shop in I've had for years. I told them I wanted something similar.   

A man after my own heart, I always go for the same style.  It must be because they never go out of fashion! 

[Type_O_Negative]

Expensive tastes you have

Well it was just quick "image" to show how expensive punting is. I decided to punt once a month again. So 12 punts x £100 = £1200. I could grab second hand Nikon D800...

Anyway i'm single so i can buy things i wouldn't dream of if i was in relationship. And i don't have a car which cost fucking fortune to run in these days.

[Cuntminion]

Well it was just quick "image" to show how expensive punting is. I decided to punt once a month again. So 12 punts x £100 = £1200. I could grab second hand Nikon D800...

£1200 I would say is roughly what I plan a year tops, I have no idea what I would do with it
Could clothe myself for the year have 1100 left

[Ipunter]

Well it was just quick "image" to show how expensive punting is. I decided to punt once a month again. So 12 punts x £100 = £1200. I could grab second hand Nikon D800...

Being that my punting money doesn't come out of my wages, I see what you're saying about comparing punts to potential purchases, just need to work out a way of making easy money on the side to pay for punting then it's a win win, I will punt at least twice a month and never once have I ever pulled money out the bank to do it.

[Type_O_Negative]

£1200 I would say is roughly what I plan a year tops, I have no idea what I would do with it
Could clothe myself for the year have 1100 left

My friend i work with told me: "Remember you have just ONE life. Go and treat yourself because tomorrow you may be dead".

Somebody in my family always wanted to have big 4x4 car. So bought Nissan Pathfinder. Was very happy and...died. Car was still on warranty...