I let clients text me, and take text bookings - I know I'm one of the few but it's mostly because my day job means i can't always talk on the phone and it's just easier for me. 

If a client I've met before texts me a hi or whatever I'll answer to be polite...generally they are just 'checking in' anyway and they rarely get into long conversations.  When they do, or if it's someone I've never met and they're going on too much, I generally end it with 'Please give me a call or text when you'd like to make a booking.  Thanks, my name xx'.   If they are legit, they get the message and leave it like that.  If they go on further, I write them off as timewasters and don't respond any further.

I'd ask him to email all his queries in one go. Even if he's paid a deposit that doesn't entitle him to take up loads of your time before hand.

Thanks for the advice roseanna . Always a good idea to create an air of mystery with them eh? Fortunately he hasn't replied since my "when you're ready to book" text. I hope I haven't jinxed it now...

hollybolly

If you had would it really be that bad?  Clients like that tend to be more trouble than they are worth, trust me.  Sometimes we allow ourselves to be taken advantage of by a man who has no intention than just stooping it to us.  Never cross that barrier, you are a business woman first and foremost, always remind yourself that, time is money and if someone is monopolising it is it worth it?