Do they have a business license, or at very least a policy of compliance with Local, County, State and federal regulations?

If the answer is “I’m not sure”, “No”,  if they decline to answer, or the answer makes no sense, move on. No other answer but YES should be acceptable. If they are not a “business” they have nothing to lose, and this no vested interest in your safety, security, privacy, nor do you have any recourse should issues arise. As a sidebar, they are probably breaking the law.

What is their singles policy

Many new couples have found themselves in situations with themselves, the owner couple, three women and 30 single men  in boxers with prison tattoos. If they don’t balance their numbers or screen their singles, you don’t want to be there.

Do they provide security ?

The reasons you would not want to walk into a strange place with 50 other strangers at night and not have on site security are too numerous to even go into. When you ask if there is security, no answer but “yes” should be acceptable. Keep in mind, a the guy in the parking lot with a flashlight and large men with two way radios are not necessarily “security” Don’t be afraid to ask about who they are and what their function is.

Do they ask for at least a name and email?

Never attend a club event where you need not register and provide at least some information. A meet and greet is one thing, because they tend to be in public places, but never walk into a situation where no one has any way of knowing who is there and who is who.

Is the venue safe, legal and secure?

In addition to the absence of a business license or legal compliance , security, and or secure admissions policy, the safety and legality of the venue and location of the venue is a concern as well. Vacant  buildings and absentee owner houses in residential areas are HUGE red flags. There is no way of knowing if the owners know what the venue is being used for, and police interruptions are common. Many are in violation of zoning laws and local ordinances. In addition, these types of “clubs” are seldom if ever in compliance with fire codes (Exit signs, extinguishers, sprinkler systems, etc) and their facilities may or may not be up to health codes (Pools, spas, showers, food service, etc) Again, if in doubt, ASK,  insist on an answer, and error on the side of caution.

If anyone tells you sex at the club is a “sure thing”, do not walk, RUN away:

If they can make this claim, they are engaging in prostitution, not swinging. There are no exceptions.

Are certain races, sizes, ages or backgrounds an implied or stated  requirement?

If the answer is yes, even if this sounds appealing to you, trust us, it won’t be after the first hour you are there. With those requirements also come certain expectations in terms of behavior and attitude, and unless you are the worst kind of base level dupe, or totally lack self respect, you want no part of this. If anyone tells you elitism, racism and snobbery have to be part of the lifestyle, they are clueless. If anyone tells you only “certain types” of swingers will “accept you” because of who or what you are, what you look like, your height and weight, the color of your skin, or the size of your checking account, ask them to kindly piss off. In some cases, this is all easy to spot, but many clubs are not overt with their discrimination. Be leery of clubs that require a picture as a condition of admittance, this can be an indication that they are concerned with a lot of other issues than just “putting a face with a name”, including race, national origin, and background issues.  Ask questions about ”takeover” events that you may be invited to, that restrict admission to only members of certain web sites, groups, or cliques.  One of two things will generally happen; you will either be shunned as an outsider, or “tested” to see if you are worthy of the company of the guests. Either way, you want no part of this. If you need to know the places that are notorious for this, contact us and we will be happy to let you know. PP847s “Themes” are just for fun and are NEVER intended to limit attendance to anyone, quite the contrary. The themes are designed to let folks be a biker, fashonista, 80′s chick, guy in uniform”for the night” and is all totally optional.

Is your privacy protected?

If you pay with a credit card, who is their provider and are they reputable ? Who has access to the information on the guest list ? Do they deny access to the working media? Do they sell the info on their guest data base ? Are pictures allowed without permission ? Never hesitate to ask.

What is their refund policy?

There is no “right or wrong” on this. Different clubs have different policies. The point is they should HAVE a policy. Always ask.

Do they have overnight accommodations?

Apart from convenience, this can be a safety as well as a security issue. Ask if the club offers any kind of overnight accommodations, and if they do not, if there is available lodging near by.

 

Some other things to remember

Apart from these questions, use your instinct and good sense. If the club or it’s reps sound or seem questionable, error on the side of caution. No representative of a club should ever hesitate for a second to answer any questions you have in advance. At PP847 what we do is 100% legal, and NO club related question is ever off limits. If there is even a hint that there may be illegal activity associated with a club, or if they decline or hesitate to answer any questions, stay away.  We work with other clubs all the time and the clubs we choose to associate with all meet the litmus test of the questions above. Our affiliate clubs are found on ourfriends page. While these clubs are not the only legit clubs in the area, they are a good place to start. We have not been everywhere but if we haven’t been there personally, we know someone who has. If you are ever in doubt about another club or group, contact us and we will be happy to help.

You can tell a lot from what is contained, or not contained on a clubs web site as well. Beware of clubs who obligate you to disclose personal info just to view their site. The dangers of this range from identity theft to selling your information to spammers to the club attempting to hide it existence or location to authorities to finding yourself obligated to something you may not have been ready to commit to. Associations with swing organizations are nice, but they posting a banner for one does not assure legitimacy. Finally, look at the site and trust your instincts and as always, if you have questions or doubts, we are always willing to help, and you may contact us anytime

Drinking and driving is NEVER a good idea, in fact, it is a crime. It makes no difference if the ‘driving” is a motorcycle, a snowmobile, a boat or a car. While it amazes us that in 2011, these are still clubs that promote drinking and driving, they do. The reasons to avoid events that involve multiple stops at bars and taverns throughout the day and night and driving in-between are too many to mention, and should be self explanatory to any responsible adult.

Be careful giving out personal info to folks you just met. First names, email and cell number is best to start. Drink in moderation. If you have to be drunk to swing, the lifestyle may not be for you. NEVER swing while fighting or there is an argument pending. It will make it worse, not better. Move at your own pace. Remember no means no. No matter if you are a single or part of a couple, always approach a member of a couple, AS a couple. Never employ the “single swoop” where you wait for one member of the couple to go to the rest room, then approach your target. ASK before touching. “May I ?” is a great way to ask. Always respect the limits and boundaries of others. If you like to watch, keep one body length away, and avoid loud commentary. Be careful with your online activity. Avoid websites that promise you can “get laid tonight” are shills for or , are featured on porno sites, or show graphic sexual content on their home page. The PP847 approved sites are listed on our friends page. Married, or even many non married singles who cruise swinger sites are not ”swingers” or “lifestyle”, even if they claim to be.  There is a fine line between swinging and random booty calls, and NO ONE who has a partner unaware that they are having sex with others, is part of the “lifestyle”

Avoid falling into the “alphabet soup syndrome” both when dealing with others, and your own self image. BBW, SSBBW, HWP, BBD, SWMM, MWF, and all the rest are in 90% of cases, dog whistle code speak for  bias, exclusion of others who might well have been great friends and playmates, or an admission of  exclusionism, segregation elitism, stereotyping, or a lack of self esteem. Attraction IS important but pre-fabricated expectations are not fair to other or to yourself.  Boundaries  begin AFTER the questions are asked, not before. Be open minded and open to the potential of everyone. Avoid lifestyle politics and drama. People are people and just like any other group, folks in the lifestyle sometimes fall into this. It is never good, so if it comes your way, let it pass by you. The MOST important thing is to just have FUN !

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