First, don't be offended by the "verification."  I've had it happen to me when an abstractor flat out lies (about a courthouse having computer problems) and the client going to check that out for themselves.  Makes ME look like the liar.  Now I veriffy FIRST.  It's pretty sad considering how many of the abstractors I work with are also friends (and all but a couple would NEVER put me in that position -- and vice versa).

And I've also had a client automatically adjust the copy costs!  Now THAT's offensive.

But my question is:  Would anyone drop a client if they insisted on flat fees?  I was told by a friend and associate that if I insist on flat rates in certain instances (where the client demands it of me), I'll lose abstractors.  We've dealt with flat rates for years.  We just take an average, add it to the charge, and go from there.  Sometimes we make a little more; sometimes we make a little less.  It all evens out.  Is that something you'd refuse to do in your counties/states?