Workmen

Just lift the phone, ring him, and ask him when he thinks he will be able to return.

And leave feedback about your experience on the website you have been telling us that you found him on.

First I would put it writing, email or letter, asking when he plans to start work and give you a timetable and confirming the quote.

Personally, I would be hesitant to use someone who is so unprofessional as to not put his quote in writing and also not to keep you informed. Saying he would fit you in "between jobs" would also ring alarm bells with me.

I think I would give him a time limit of say 3-4 wks. If he can't confirm a start date in that time frame tell him "sorry but I will have to give the job to someone else"
He may well just be very busy. H does gardening jobs p/t and has to turn people away especially at this time of year.

I would find someone else,if he wants to slot you in between jobs you are not going to get his 100% commitment in my opinion,and certainly don't part with any cash until the job is done to your satisfaction and as per the quote which should be in writing.

I missed the verbal agreement of price in the op. Definitly needs to be in writing

Always get a quote in writing and if possible itemising the cost of materials and labour separately. Remember that an estimate is a rough guide, whereas a quote should be a definite price, unless something unforeseen occurs.
Never pay for the whole job until you are satisfied with the finished work, although paying a deposit for materials is usual for small sole traders. Bigger firms will have accounts at builders merchants, where they get their materials from. I would ask around, neighbours etc. To see if a personal recommendation can be made.

I would contact him and ask if he wants the work, then get a written price for complete work. The problem with the "in between jobs" idea is he may do an odd afternoon here or day there, and the job could go on for weeks/months.
Don't give money up front, only pay for materials which are delivered to your house. At least then you will have them even if you have to get someone else to do the work.
I have known a couple people who've paid up front for building/garden work and it's never been done or not done properly and then chaps have vanished.

We get this a lot. We even got a work man from Trust a Trader, he came, measured up and we never heard a word from him again. So much for that.

Also be careful he does not come, start the job and then disappear again!
I would contact again and say thanks but no thanks & that you have found someone else who can do the job to your timescale.

Update: I sent him an email and he's just phoned me to say that he still wants the work and will be over sometime this week to start the job.

He said that once he has started a job he will then be committed to finishing it.

He has been with "Bye with confidence" for several years and has good reviews so I think he is legit.

"Bye with confidence", sounds about right for some of these so called workmen.