Great article, Will; you made some good points.  Question:  Couldn't one do a Patriot Sanctions Search right away?  Also, I would add to that - pick up the phone and call them and see if they even answer.  I had one company that kept ordering and trying to get prices and ETAs but would never pick up the phone. 

 Often, as anyone knows that has been independent, a company is just trolling for pricing so they can underbid the competition.  I try to be very careful who to send pricing to - also, anyone can pick up the phone and call an abstractor friend and ask around. 

 I had the gratifying experience today of receiving payment from a company I felt certain was going to stiff me - first they sent me for a 60-year, which was extensive, then changed to a document retrieval, so I was sure if I got paid AT ALL it would be only $35 and I had wasted my time.  I am happy to say they kept their end of the bargain on the flat fee I gave them and paid me!  This is not always the case. 

I always appreciate other title abstractors warning me about potential scams OR sending me bona fide great work.  We are all here to look out for each other ~ and I'm so thankful for those fellow title searchers of mine who have sent me great clients and given me good advice. 

 Great advice and Happy Searching!