Every client and abstractor (in six states) that I deal with doesn't expect to get copies for free.  When necessary, I can give a copies-inclusive rate (where sometimes I come out behind and sometimes ahead, but all evens out).  And when you say "every search I do that needs copies beyond the current deeds is always more time consuming for me."  Well, of course it is!  You're not charging a 1 owner fee for that, are you?  If we get a 1 owner search and they calmly ask something ridiculous like "easements back 40 years", we're not doing it for a 1 owner fee.  It's a 40 year fee.  Maybe I'm not understanding what you're saying...

As for "giving copies away for cost", well, of course I do!  It's part of the search.  I'm being paid a fee for the search -- THAT'S the big money.  The copies are just incidental and if the client wants the copies, they pay for them.  It takes me LESS time to make copies than it does to just write out the information.  Even with microfilm, I have to look at the copy anyway so pushing a button to print, doesn't require any additional time.