Effect on return:
once your client is registered voluntarily he must file returns every month even if his sales are zero.
Exemption:
sorry i need to make correction in my above comment, The basic exemption of 20 lacs is not available aftre registration. Once you register for GST either voluntarily or compulsorily you have to pay tax on 1 rupee sale and return must be filed. your client has to pay tax on whatever supply made. There is no exemption clause in return.
but he can claim input credit if he sells further to registered deler. and wholesaler will sale goods to your client because wholesaler will get input credit by selling goods to your client.
Concultion: take registration if your client purchases services from a registered dealer and that dealer is asking for GSTIN for his input credit. you can register as input service distributor.
If your client dont want to file rerunts every month then its better to cancel the registration and pay normal income tax.