Hi girls

How do you deal with text messages? Once I get more than 2 text messages from a guy, (particularly international phone numbers).
Not knowing that they are genuine frustrates me.

Recently I've had text messages and I've been firm asking them to phone me. then I never heard from them again

How do you be polite? Do you send x number and say that it no more.


thanks girls

If they sound genuine/OK, I just ask them to call me to discuss a booking. If it's more speculative/dodgy I direct them to my website and tell them to check it out and then call me if they want a booking.

Anything like 'Hi' or 'U free bbe' I just delete.

I almost always ask them to phone, I often ask where they got my number because most of my ads specifically say not to text me, to phone or email with specifics.

I never accept bookings by text other than by regulars. If someone does text I politely text back saying no texts, calls only and most of the time they never call! If someone is genuine they will call when they can! It does reduce no shows/timewasters this way but unfortunately doesn't do away with them altogether! 

I have an auto response that app that replies for me telling them to call or check my website for details. If they don't want to follow my no texts please request then they won't be getting a booking!

If a person persists after advising them of my text contact policy, I will put them into the blocker.

I state on my profile that I only accept bookings by phone, so when they text I ask them to call.

If they continue to text I ignore them and guess what? They don't book - no surprise there.

I am very strict and work this way because I cannot vet a client unless I hear his voice and therefore I don't compromise but this works for ME and may not suit everyone.

This is how I keep myself safe. In saying that, I still turn many away who call as I have learned to spot a TW a mile away. I did get caught out last week though - first in a long time, so no method is 100%. (It was a Star Trek role play and I'm a sucker for that series. I even got dressed up lol but at least I got some good pics for my gallery and didn't miss another booking  )

Just do what works for you x

I've taken bookings by text in the past without any incidents but find that most genuine clients eventually call to confirm everything anyway. I give them 3 texts to either mention a booking or at least be heading in that direction then I ignore, if they persist I block. Of course you ignore all the morons who text asking where you are, how much and are you available as they are just timewasters with too many free texts on their contract phone plans. Weeding out timewasters comes with experience though and it's sort of funny how they all stick to the same script when they are just wasting your time.

Obvious much?!

I don't speak to clients on the phone - they need to email first to make a booking. Then they get my number to text to confirm to on the day and they get the address by text.
If I've seen them before, they can make a repeat booking by text.
If you have asked them to ring and they don't, just don't answer any more texts, or answer each text with exactly the same message: Please ring to discuss a booking.