As a vendor manager, I can tell you what we look for:

1.  Does the vendor have E&O insurance?  We will generally not use an abstractor that does not have E&O.  If an abstractor is willing to purchase E&O then they are probably committed to being an abstractor and not just someone who thinks they can set up shop and make a quick buck.

2.  We will use an abstractor at least once to get an idea of the quality of their work.  We only need to see a sample of their work and will know very quickly if they know what they are doing.  Neatness counts.  If we can't read your report then we won't use you again.  It's that simple.

3.  Experience does count but it is not everything.  I've seen alot of abstractors who have been abstracting for years and still don't know what they are doing.  More important to us is that an abstractor understands the title search process.  This isn't rocket science and an abstractor doesn't have to know everything but should know enough to recognize a potential problem.  Simply capture the information, write it up in an easy to read format and follow the instructions that the customer provides.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Identify for the customer any possible problems associated with an exam.

4.  Be consistent! Use a checklist if you have to.  Develop a process in every courthouse you provide searches.  Before you fax your report back to the customer, double check it.  Have you given the customer everything they have asked for? Can the customer read your hand writing? The report isn't much good to us if we can't read it.  

5.  Keep your customer informed.  Try to confirm the receipt of every order if possible.  Read and return "work in progress" sheets daily.

6.  Service is the name of the game! Provide an accurate report and quick turnaround time and you will get the work.  Most abstractors forget or never learned the fundamentals of a title search.

7.  Knowing that every county is different across the United States.  I might devise a test that requires the title abstractor to complete the following:

A.  Explain in detail the process of how to conduct a title search in their perspective county

B.  Provide a checklist of where and what offices the information is located.   

C.  Complete a search on a test property. (graded for accuracy and legiblity)

D.  Maybe add some general knowlege questions applicable to every abstractor in their home county and state and some nationwide questions.

Just some of my thoughts...