Hey Ben, I personally believe that, everyone should have positive will power in each situation. Just because of few freelancers, who have fugitive mentality, please don't loose the trust. I am not sure actually what is happened with you, but I fell sorry for your present situation; I don't mind, you can share with me if you wish.
By the way, your existing website really need a new look & feel for better business prospective.
Now, please concentrate on requirement:
-I need to know your exact services details. accordingly I will move further.
-For service booking, there are various plug in available in word-press. like Pinpoint booking system, Checkfront Online booking system, Booking Calendar etc.
Among them, I must suggest you to go for Pinpoint system, it is best suited for schedule services. It is available with AJAX calendar & with a nice & clean interface. Most importantly, it is one page booking process without any complex.
Not only this, the administration area is intuitive, powerful, flexible & easily manageable.
Please let me know if you like this plug in. I can share you demo, if you needed.
>Please confirm me, if you like to continue with word-press or wish to go for another technology?
-Customer can add notes with services as well.
Regarding this point, please confirm me, whether the notes be visible to the admin or the notes will be for the customer's reminder only?
-Please confirm me, if you need payment module enabled with the website or not?
Hoping y