vpFREE Admin wrote:
In reference to Jaimie's "Shoot me a note if you're interested in
learning more" comment: I've been trying, unsuccessfully, for some
time to find out some specifics on who qualifies for ValetNoir's
services, and why VN might be better than an in-house host. A
post that provides some details would be of interest to me, and
probably others also.
I'll offer a couple of anecdotal comments based upon limited
interaction with VN. However, the truth is that I'm sure Jaime would
love to respond in some fashion to this (but, of course, is now
hesitant given concerns/objections expressed to her earlier post).
That fact is that VN presents an opportunity that I'm sure many would
appreciate hearing about -- just as they value information about any
casino service. And, in this case, there's likely no better source
than the "horse's mouth". I might suggest that the vpFREE admin (VPA)
accept a statement directly from Jaime for his edit/approval ... to
then be posted here by him, with appropriate disclaimer that makes
clear it's been authored by a VN representative.
VN is a novel introduction to the casino scene and I'd definitely like
to read more.
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My grasp of VN (and I hope Jaime, et al, will excuse any
misrepresentation) is that it can be a valuable avenue for the
"mid-roller" (and up) to find an introduction to a casino with which
they have no prior experience. (I suspect we're talking about play as
low as a daily average of $15K in some cases, but of greater value to
higher level players).
For example, based upon confirmed play at one casino, they can arrange
an upfront comp for a first time visit at one of their clients. This
is an alternative to coming into a casino cold on a "casino rate" and
looking to receive a comp at the end of the stay based upon actual
trip play.
So, by example, someone who is rated at NYNY or Harrah's (VN clients)
might come into Venetian (another client) on their first visit as a
comped guest. I would have to think that coming into a property via
VN for the first time might serve to "authenticate" the player right
from the start with a host (at least to some extent), rather than the
player enduring the "wait and see" introduction that's generally the case.
And, going one step further, it's my understanding that VN has the
ability in some cases to get a first time player in on a promotion
(such as a tournament) that they otherwise wouldn't qualify for. (I'm
on really shaky ground in stating this, and in any case, it would be
the exception rather than the rule.)
Brian, in a separate post, discusses the "freelance host" concept.
However, this largely reflected the guys out there who are recruiting
whales (remember the episode in "Casino Diaries"). We're pretty much
talking about far more basic services with VN, with the key benefit
simply being an alternate door by which to explore new properties.
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One case where I suspect (but again, am only specuating) VN can
present a unique opportunity otherwise unavailable to a player might
be with Harrah's. They operate a number of junkets, such as to
Tahoe/Reno or New Orleans, for their players - where airfare is fully
comped or offered at a discount, in addition to the standard room comp.
To the extent that a particular junket has openings, VN might be in a
position to recruit non-Harrah's players for the junker, qualifying
them based upon play at other casinos.
Outside of VN, non-Harrah's players would have no way of getting in on
one of these junkets (perhaps with the exception of players at fairly
lofty levels).
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The VPA inquires about who qualifies for VN services. My guess is
that any player whose play would be expected to qualify for at least a
room comp at the property in question would be a prospective VN customer.
For what it's worth, there's every indication that coming into a
casino under VN auspices has little impact on the player's status at
the casino (at the least, it shouldn't have negative impact). While
it's obvious that VN will be compensated for the introduction, the
casino is going to treat it as promotion/recruitment expense and in no
way penalize a player.
If anything, I can only see a player benefiting because they come into
the property pre-qualified -- something that's definitely to the
casino's advantage. The casino has a reasonable idea of a player's
potential theo up front and can expect to be far less likely to waste
resources on someone who turns out to be half-hearted.
There's no indication that VN involves itself with a player's
relationship with the casino subsequent to the initial visit. (I may
be subject to correction on this. In any case, I expect there's no
impact to the player, whatever the arrangement between the casino and VN.)
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This said, speaking for myself, I'd be inclined to simply introduce
myself to a new casino given general circumstances by booking in with
a host under a casino rate (as described above). I tend to prefer to
keep things simple.
However, as I suggest, this has the disadvantage of coming in as an
unknown ... there'll be no consideration up front. Potentially, in
documenting previous play level, VN might be able to score a preferred
room location, possibly an upgrade, and if the player is at a level
that qualifies, be extended more than just a room comp.
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I think VN is definitely worth exploring. (http://www.valetnoir.com/)
If you find something that piques your interest, give them a call.
They're low key and if you tell them a little about your play, will
share what they might offer you. (We're not talking timeshare
salespeople 
I'll simply offer up one caveat: Ultimately, what they can offer is
through an extention by the casino in question. VN can collect
information about your play and pass your interests onto the casino(s)
for which you're interested and your play is most likely to draw an
offer. But, when it comes down to the bottom line, it's the casino
that will make the determination of what to extend.
- Harry