Serena - "You've  hit the nail on the head" on two specific statements when you say "most companies do not want to pay local rates...".  We MUST NOT DROP OUR PRICES!!!   I've been saying it, too.  We have to stick together in the USA and keep our fees up.   They need us to go.  That alone makes it worth paying for.  Not to mention we're good & know our counties.  

The 2nd point you made is not to allow "clients to run up large unpaid balances".   If after 2 searches, maybe even one if possible, doesn't pay on time & you have to ask more than once I would recommend posting on SOT.  Chances are they will move on to the next abstractor & do the same to them.       I don't know if these companies who don't/won't pay are bad book keepers, unorganized in the accounts payable dept or just plain won't pay.  

So everyone keep your prices the same, remember your time & experience, your gas, tires, all wear & tear, parking and whatever else it costs to go get the work completed.     Personally, I will get it to them as fast as I can but only after I am satisfied that I am sending in a job well done!