It may be the first time they have gotten so demanding, or it may even be the first time this company has asked for a reduction.  However, in this market, abstractors are already charging the bare minimum for their searches.  It amazes me how much operating costs have risen, yet prices have actually decreased in many markets.

As for rewarding the abstractors who agree to this... we will have to wait and see.  I don't see them every sending out a notice that says "thank you for reducing your fees by 3% for the past six months, you may now raise them by 6%."  Once prices go down, it is very difficult to ever raise them again.

I don't know this particular company as well as you seem to, so maybe you are right.  I still wouldn't agree to it.  What would they say if you said "hey I'm having a tough time paying my bills, I need you to raise your what you pay me by 3% for the next 6 months or I am going to do all of your searches last?"  Sounds like blackmail to me, I doubt they would be very receptive - should the examiners be receptive to the same type of treatment?

Just some food for thought... like I said, I don't work for them, and I never would under their terms.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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