I had the same thing happen to me with one of my major clients - and I received an answer like that - then one person finally answered me honestly and they said the President told them not to send out any orders out to anyone over a certain amount.  I offered to reduce my fee for them to meet the competition in exchange for placing me #1 vendor in all counties.  That is a legal way of giving one client a price reduction over another.  They took my end of the bargain and paid me the reduced price but never kept their end of the bargain.  In Texas that is breach of contract - which oral agreements are upheld.  I can only assume that the person reduced again or all the people in the company did not know about the agreement - which is not my duty to inform everyone once it is made with an employee.  After this took place they wanted to send me to my outer counties with one order - I did it once.  Just Friday they wanted to send me out on another service - a one time deal - I informed them that it would be unethical for me to do so given the fact that I am contemplating filing suit for breach of contract.  I have come to the conclusion that if we don't all start using legal remedies available to us be it filing suit or claiming like they said for compensation with the state these types of behaviors will continue.  To that end, have any of you ever thought of entering into agreements with companies that state you will perform services for a period of time based on their continued use of your service during that time and a percentage amount of all work they have for your area?