Ok, I am a bit confused.  The deed copies are for one order (property) in particular right?  

 A current owner search as I know it would be the current owner shown of record provided the deed of conveyance is valid and at arms length - right???  So, if the owner got the property from mom, then you would have to go back to the next deed at no charge right???  Our deeds give the prior reference (or at least are supposed to) so I am not sure why one would rely on the appraiser for that.  

I believe I am in line with the copy charges - I would be willing to pay for that and would expect to pay for that.   But tryin to charge for a 3 owner (not sure what that is) I think seems a bit unfair.  No where in you post did you tell us that they were requesting anything more than a copy of a record.  They are not asking for you to look at it nor make an opinion on the deeds nor have they asked that you search the names of those on the deed to find any outstanding mortgages etc..  Just a simple copy that you could have made in less time then it took you to write these posts. 

 What would you charge if a someone added on to the order a 24 month chain of title and the current owner only had it 6 months????  I, as the title agent, don't charge anything to my client (lender etc) for that as it is part of what we do when requested.  Would that be a one owner search on every single conveyance?  

Perhaps instead of negotiating one owner searches you should have had a discussion about one owner searches, what constitutes one in your mind, the structure for add ons and other search types (i.e. 3 owner, deed copies, chain of title, etc.)  and the prices that go along with it.  Could have saved a lot of time and effort not to mention having them treat you the way they did.  Of course they are gonna say you are wrong.  I would too. 

For a brand new client I would have sucked it up and said, on this one set of orders - today only - I will give you a break as I must have mis-stated the arrangement (yes, it is called sucking up to the client and I do it quite well!!).  I would also tell them I would send them a complete fee sheet showing all my charges for all searches etc. so there would be no further mis-communictation on their part. 

As for the jerk that told you off, a call to his/her manager or the company owner might be in order as he could have been having a bad day and happen to blow a gaskett while arguing with you.  If he was the manager or owner you are probably better off with them.   They will most likely be problematic the whole time (been there done that) but depending on the volume it could be worth it in the end.