Very well said in explaining  what may be involved in obtaining a copy and getting it to the client, not to mention the fact we cover the copy cost until we are paid for the copy...if ever. I basically bill it as a per page service. I did see a comment where an individual stated their search fee included the service of getting copies, so they only charged the county copy cost.  Makes no business sense to me. There is a huge difference in my personal cost for a one page report vs. a one page report with an additional 15 pgs in copies., not to mention my time, like many others have stated, I don't work for free.  I always state my costs up front.  I don't hide anything.

Today I was sharing with my recorder's office the debate of  copy costs on Source of Title, they were surprised that anyone would make the copies for free and be in business.  As the deputy recorder pointed out to me, we pay $50 an hr or more for labor charge when we take our car to the garage and you know the mechanic is getting paid that much an hr, it goes to cover all the garages overhead and other expenses. Was a good analogy I thought.