What Questions to Ask Before Booking a Reading

Booking a psychic reading without asking the right questions first is like hiring a contractor without checking their credentials. You might get lucky, but you're just as likely to waste money on someone who can't deliver what they promise.

The questions you ask before booking reveal everything you need to know about a practitioner's legitimacy, experience, and whether they're a good fit for your needs. Here's your complete vetting checklist.

Red Flag Alert

If a psychic refuses to answer basic questions about their practice, pricing, or methods, that's an immediate red flag. Legitimate practitioners welcome transparency and want you to feel comfortable before booking.

Essential Questions About Their Practice

"How long have you been doing readings professionally?"

What you're looking for: Evidence of experience and longevity in the field.

Good response: "I've been reading professionally for 8 years, though I've been studying tarot since I was a teenager. I started doing readings for friends and family before transitioning to paid work."

Red flag response: Vague answers like "I've always had the gift" or refusal to give specific timeframes.

"What methods do you use in your readings?"

What you're looking for: Specific tools and techniques they can explain clearly.

Good response: "I primarily use tarot cards, specifically the Rider-Waite deck, combined with intuitive guidance. For relationship questions, I sometimes incorporate astrology if I have birth information."

Red flag response: Vague claims about "channeling spirits" or "pure psychic ability" without explaining their actual process.

"Do you have any training or certifications?"

What you're looking for: Evidence of formal study or mentorship, though lack of formal training isn't automatically disqualifying.

Good response: "I completed a two-year tarot certification program through [specific school/teacher] and regularly attend workshops to improve my skills."

Note: Many legitimate psychics are self-taught or learned through mentorship. The key is whether they can speak knowledgeably about their learning process.

Questions About What to Expect

"What can you realistically tell me in a reading?"

What you're looking for: Honest discussion of limitations and realistic expectations.

Good response: "I can offer guidance and insights about your situation, potential outcomes based on current energy, and help you think through decisions. I can't predict specific events or guarantee outcomes."

Red flag response: Claims about seeing your exact future, guaranteeing specific outcomes, or promises to solve all your problems.

"How do you handle it when you don't get clear information?"

What you're looking for: Honesty about the limits of their abilities.

Good response: "Sometimes the energy isn't clear or the question needs to be approached differently. I'll tell you when I'm not getting clear information rather than guessing."

Red flag response: Claims they always get clear information or that unclear readings mean you're "blocked" and need additional services.

"What type of questions work best for readings?"

What you're looking for: Guidance on how to get the most value from your session.

Good response: "Open-ended questions about guidance and insight work better than yes/no questions. Instead of 'Will my ex come back?' try 'What should I focus on in my love life right now?'"

Critical Pricing and Policy Questions

Important Note

Any practitioner who won't discuss pricing clearly before booking is not someone you want to work with. Transparency about costs is non-negotiable.

"What exactly does your reading include and what does it cost?"

What you're looking for: Clear breakdown of services and costs with no hidden fees.

Good response: "A 30-minute reading is $75 and includes a comprehensive look at your question using tarot cards. You'll receive a summary of the key points via email afterward. There are no additional fees."

Red flag response: Vague pricing, reluctance to discuss costs upfront, or mentions of additional fees that might come up during the reading.

"What is your refund or satisfaction policy?"

What you're looking for: Some form of protection if you're completely unsatisfied.

Good response: "If you're completely unsatisfied with your reading, let me know within 24 hours and I'll offer a partial refund or re-reading."

Note: Not all psychics offer refunds, but legitimate ones should at least have a clear policy they can explain.

"Do you ever recommend additional services during readings?"

What you're looking for: Understanding of their sales practices and boundary setting.

Good response: "I focus on giving you the best reading possible in our scheduled time. If you want to book follow-up sessions, that's entirely your choice."

Red flag response: Mentions of "cleansing services," "curse removal," or pressure to book extended sessions to "see the full picture."

Questions About Their Background

"Where can I find reviews or testimonials from other clients?"

What you're looking for: Independent verification of their service quality.

Good response: "You can see reviews on my Google Business page, and I'm also rated on [platform name]. I'd be happy to provide contact info for a few clients who agreed to serve as references."

"Do you read for anyone, or do you specialize in certain areas?"

What you're looking for: Understanding of their expertise and whether it matches your needs.

Good response: "I work with most types of questions, but I particularly enjoy relationship and career guidance. I don't do medical readings or communicate with deceased pets."

Questions to Ask Yourself

Before booking, also evaluate your own readiness:

Self-Assessment Checklist:

Can I afford this reading without financial stress?
Am I seeking guidance rather than someone to make decisions for me?
Do I have realistic expectations about what a reading can provide?
Am I in a stable emotional state to receive potentially challenging information?
Have I prepared thoughtful questions rather than just hoping for general predictions?

Red Flag Responses That Should End the Conversation

Walk Away If They Say:

"I can see you have a curse/negative energy that needs immediate cleansing"
"I guarantee 100% accuracy in all my predictions"
"You must book today or miss this spiritual opportunity"
"I don't discuss my methods with clients"
"Payment is required before I can answer any questions"
"My rates depend on what I see in your energy"

How to Have These Conversations

For Platform Readers

Most platforms allow brief chat conversations before booking. Use this time to ask 2-3 key questions about their experience and methods.

For Independent Practitioners

Many independent readers offer brief consultation calls specifically for these questions. If they don't, email is usually an option.

For In-Person Readers

Call ahead or visit their location to ask questions before booking. Legitimate practitioners welcome this approach.

Pro Tips for Better Conversations

Ask open-ended questions and listen to how they explain their process
Notice if they're more focused on selling you services or answering your questions
Trust your gut feeling about their professionalism and communication style
Don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions if something isn't clear
Take notes during the conversation for later reference

"A psychic who gets defensive about basic questions isn't someone you want reading for you. Legitimate practitioners understand that trust must be earned."

When to Trust Your Instincts

Sometimes the answers to these questions are technically fine, but something still feels off. Trust that feeling. The relationship between client and psychic requires comfort and trust—if you don't feel that connection during the initial conversation, it's unlikely to improve during the reading.

Remember, you're the customer here. You have every right to ask questions, compare options, and choose someone who makes you feel confident in their abilities and comfortable with their approach.

Quick Reference: Questions Summary

About their practice: Experience, methods, training

About expectations: What they can/can't do, how they handle unclear information

About pricing: Exact costs, refund policies, additional services

About background: Reviews, specializations, client references

About yourself: Budget, expectations, emotional readiness

Knowledge is Your Best Protection

Taking time to ask these questions before booking might feel awkward at first, but it's the best way to ensure you find a legitimate, helpful practitioner who respects your time and money.