I agree that the price cutting is killing our business but don't take it personally. Keep in mind that the VMs that order from you are just trying to get the job done. You are merely a drop in the bucket, imagine how many abstractors they contract with from coast to coast. Just as we are constantly scrambling to keep our clients happy so are they. The most demanding VMs are usually the most successful and therefore worth bending over backwards for. I suggest that we all try to get more cost efficient in our operations because the price cut damage is already done. I have found that with all of the on-line access I can get much of my work done without all of the travel and wasted time running around the County Buildings.

I have also noticed a new trend...the VMs actually tell me what the price is and what volume to expect. Sometimes I take it and run with it other times I don't. As for not getting a call when they drop you for another abstractor, I suggest that you call them ASAP and ask them directly what is up. Be persistent, ask what price it will take to get the business back because 90% of the time it is an undercutting that took place. These are tough business decisions, especially when you have staff to pay and families to feed.