In business, I would normally return phone calls or text messages.  

In THIS business, due to the discretionary precautions, I only return phone calls if I am requested to do so, and abide by restrictions (ie. between 9-5 weekdays only).  On my voicemail, I ask the caller to please leave a message including the best times to call.

I will return text messages within about an hour or two, but what about a few hours later, or the next day?

If someone phones and does not leave me a message, I don't call back.  I feel that if he/she wanted a callback, a message would have been left.

If someone leaves me a message or sends me an email including a phone number (it is optional on my contact form) but does not request that I call, I would prefer to email.  In the absence of an email address, is it better if I call (the risk is calling at an inopportune time) or if I don't call (the risk is the gentleman thinking that I am not professional by not returning his call?

With discretion paramount in this industry, and without the information as to if the phone is private, or if the voicemail is private, you never know... I am here to bring pleasure, not strife.

This question is mainly in regards to new callers.  For people that I have seen before, I usually know if/when I can call or contact them.

Thanks for your opinion!

I prefer email as I have a private one just for the hobby. However there are times its easier to phone. I always leave a message that give my office phone and cell phone and the hours of 8 to 4. Even though I have caller i.d. the ladies phones usually don't tell me who's calling. I always tell the ladies they can leave a message on either phone as I'm the only one with access. I did have a lady call me the other evening at 7 which would not normally be good. However that evening I was running late from playing golf so I was in my car. I have had a few others after the hours stated and it didn't flip me out because I have a business that gets after hours calls so it doesn't really puts any suspension at home. My suggestion would be email first, cell second and other phone third but with the phones only during hours the client tells you in advance. Other wise don't call.

New client or regular I will call back within an hour if more then that time has past I don’t.
When  they call back I let then know that I will not call past that one hour mark so if they want to reach me keep calling. I’m a chicken I dread the idea of calling at the wrong time what a disaster that can be I can image  poor guy.

My opinion is that someone contacting you is responsible to give you clear options (preferably more than 1) regarding contacting them in return.
They should spell out method(s) and time(s).

If they don't, and if you can't call / email / text back promptly (during the day's business hours), I would put the onus on them to contact you again. I would place this policy on your contact page.

Personally, I ask ladies to email first, text second. My friends know that I will respond by phone as promptly as possible when I receive their text.

I usually make all contact by email first and this is what it would say as it pertains to return contact.

Please do contact be back in any fashion you wish.

My email is ([email protected])
My number is (555)212-5555
or you can PM me here on TER.

My email is passowrd and desktop protected feel free to contact me at anytime.

My Cell is prepaid hobby phone with keypad locked at all times when not answered or in my possesion.  It is also exceptable to call and/or leave a message anytime of day.

Pm is only acceisble by me so that is also available 24 hrs a day for your response.

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

See Gentleman It can be this easy. Lol We want to give you want  you want  and it’s so nice  when we know what it is.

Discretion is TOTALLY paramount.  You should explain your (very wise) policy on your web site.  Gentlemen should state how & when they wish to be contacted...  and if it is a private phone & email.
Some newbies just don't know yet & can screw things up for all concerned.  I was lucky when I started but luck is not to be relied upon...  
I have secure email & hobby phone now, of course.  I state on first contact that this is a secure phone/e-mail.
Thankyou for being so discrete...  it helps all concerned.
skb

Since I answer my own phone and do my own screening, I prefer the email first.  I first ask the person if they had read my entire website, including the etiquette and rates and I redirect them to the website.

I'm with everyone else that I dont call back anyone without a message... I also dont call gents that call in the middle of the night since all of my availabilities listed are daytime-evening.  I refer their inquiries back to the site also.

I do take evening calls but I need prearrangements. For me, knowing that they have read everything makes things easier for me and less awkward on the phone.

I dont like text messages...I didnt seem to ever the see the persons that I responded to so I figured that they were playing games so I dont answer texts now.

After I meet a new friend I then ask him his callback preferences, if he hasnt told me already. I get that in there casually so that I can know.
Maddie

give the lady detailed contact instructions.  My hobby phone is only "on" when I am expecting a call or if I need to contact a lady.  Otherwise, it is in my desk drawer at work.

I am not in a relationship AND have a private phone just for hobby.  Yet EACH time I leave a phone message for a lady I still explicitly say "I have a separate phone. You can call any time & leave any message at ..."

I feel silly doing it, but it is better to be clear & "profesional"