Those agents will try lower pried inspectors, but I bet they will be back for any number of reasons, from good service to missed defects. You have an overhead you need to make, before you make a profit. You are in business and you need to stick to your guns.

I always tell my clients who charges more or less.  Sometimes they just don't have the funds to pay for the highest inspection.  With that said I also inform then many times you get what you pay for.

The reason they may care is that they want to recommend you, but feel they can't because they are hearing feedback from their clients that you are too expensive.  The realtor is looking out for their client...and they don't want to hear any complaints.  Some of their clients may be price sensitive.

That being said, $25-$50 really shouldn't make much of a difference.

On the other hand, one thing you could consider/test is to give those realtors a discount if their client mentions their name/that they recommended you.  See if it gives you some incremental biz. Try w/ 1 or 2 or 3.  (I say this assuming that you are not too busy/have time where it would make sense to do).  You could vary by season, too.

People are out to save that almighty dollar.  What do you offer that others don't would be my question.  

Michael Thornton It shouldn't matter to the agent at all. However, I believe more and more people are becoming price conscience today and let their pocketbook dictate their actions.

It's none of their business.  I had a customer who told me I was getting too much in commission and wanted a cut of it.  Even had a plan to set up a dummy account in another state.  After I hung up on him I reported him to the new construction agent and to my broker.  I received my commission and sent them as a housewarming gift a $7 candle and a lovely gushing card withing them wonderful days in their new gorgeous home.

As in most fields you get what you pay for. Sure consumers can shop around for teh lowest price, but may get a lesser service. If you are busy, then you are worth what you charge. I think often that agents just relay what buyers tell them. You need to meet with these agents to tell them what they get when they hire you and why you are worth more. 

"....AGENTS TELL ME........charge too much......Why should THEY care..."

Why? 

1. Perhaps they are giving you a 'heads up' regarding your competitors.

2. Perhaps they do not see the additional value your higher fee suggests.

3. Perhaps the agent is giving you notice they have a Plan B that they don't want to use, hoping you either adjust your fee or add value.

Finally, if your buyer clients are sourced from your own marketing (not agent referrals) "Why should you care what the agent thinks?"

I tell people they get what they pay for. I find it hard to believe people argue over $25. My primary inspector always does a "courtesy" discount for my clients of $25--so they feel like they are "getting something" extra.

Good morning Michael. I would ask them if it would be OK if you told them how much they should charge for their services?

Michael, I have had buyers with very limited funds, and know a few inspectors all with good quality, but some need the less expensive cost.

Because too many work on price instead of quality.

It is upto the buyers or sellers requesting the inspection . They shop around . I do not get involved with what is being charged.

They may be trying to get the best value for their clients.

James nailed this one!

Ask them do they charge to much for their services, that should shut them up.

I see your point but I don't think it's something to get too worked up over either. I have four home inspectors I recommend and some are more and some are less. For those charging $200 more I ask what are you doing to justify that price. $25 or $50... small potatoes.

When sourcing out trades for one of our custom home builds I'll call four excavation companies. If three of them quote similar prices and one is a bit more, I have no issue letting them know they are more than anyone else. Bigger job yes but probably less percentage-wise.

Michael - I wouldn't think $25-$50 would be that big of a difference that agents would really care. If you do a great job, then you are entirely worth the little extra you charge.

Perhaps there may be something else, and they are just using the extra fee as an excuse.

Michael Thornton - aren't they the same agents who charge lot more to their clients compared to discount brokers?

Michael if you're comfortable with what you charge and get plenty of business it really doesn't matter. I let my clients make the calls to a list of inspectors (2 or more, they decide how many to call). Some decide to go with the cheapest but most go with the one who gives them the best service.

A good home inspection is not the place to try and save $25-50. If the agents are truly representing their buyers, they should be looking out for thoroughness and quality of information, not best price. That being said, I'm sure you have a lot of reasons to justify your fee -- years of experience, additional training, etc. Make sure agents know the value that you bring to a transaction.

and how do they respond when a homeowner says that to them.... actually, I'm sure they hear that all the time....if the statement they made to you is their typical, their clients are getting robbed by hiring them....

With all due respect, there are buyers who don't have much money. Many clients will pick the lowest priced service. If it matters to our buyers, then it matters to us,

Hi Michael -- value is more important than price paid but there will be those who shop by price only.   You will likely never be able to convert those.  

The short direct answer in my opinion would be that it's part of our job to look out for our clients best interests. Not commenting on quality on way or the other, but that is "why" it matters to a good agent. Again, you may be worth every penny or more but if the buyer and their agent can get the same level of information for less then you would have your answer.