I agree,  Anita. I think the only alternative left is for the abstractors is to unionize or form their own LLC/corporation so that they can legally act to defend themselves against the constant pressure to accept sub-standard prices for their work while expected to deliver a superior product. The past 5 years has shown that they are not going to be able to do it acting individually.

This is  primarily why I got out of abstracting 4 years ago .Too much aggravation and not enough money. It appears to have gotten worse within that 4 years. It is only going to get worse.

The only time I do a title search now is when it is part of a closing. It really is kind of humorous when the VM's contract me offering their sub-standard pricing with an attitude like they are doing me a favor , and try to convince me to do the abstract without the closing. Always a pleasure to tell them..."Not interested". I usually tell them that this is a law firm...not a used car lot, and we do not haggle over prices.