Yes, I think the VMCs are trying to "nationalize" pricing and they do so according the are where the prices are the lowest.  For instance "...well, I have an abstractor doing them [somewhere] for $35."

What makes things so much worse is that there are so many more VMCs than there used to be.  They are all competing for the same work and, naturally, they are competing on price as well.  That is why I am not a fan of "volume discounts".  Volume discounts allows a competitive edge to your client that pays you the least.  They take more work from your clients who are paying your full fee, or your other clients have to lower their price to compete and they must ask you to lower your fees for them as well.

It is a vicious circle and in the end we all lose.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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