Everyone has their own methods. Personally, I won't see a girl unless I have everything locked in ahead of time. I just don't have the time to waste. I'm also not going into a date with a penny more than what I'm expecting to spend. I typically go off of referrals (so I know they're legit), or find UTR's on CL / FB and only engage when I've been able to research them. If they give you a phone number, email address, or sometimes even a photo they can easily be researched. Most of the time I know these girls' real names before I actually meet them.
Also, if they don't give me the rate up front, I don't ask them, I make an offer. Being 'on offense' with that works well for me, as there are a lot of girls I see reported on here that I get a better menu selection at times for half of the reported damage. My personal best day included 4 girls (one session was a double), 11 holes, 6 rounds, and I only spent. 6 out of pocket thanks to referrals.
Lastly, I'm always ready to walk away. With rare exception, once a girl becomes a pain (or a risk), I just disengage. The same if they try and negotiate. While I may not roll with deep pockets, I'm otherwise a fairly ideal john. I'm safe, polite, always bring what I say, treat the girls respectfully, and give them good referrals when requested. Most of the time the ones that I walk away from end up coming back to me on their own.
Stay Safe and Happy Hunting.
JDBoy.
