.... I've definitely seen an increase in the "race to the bottom" as of late...
Of late?
1980s and out looking for work. Potential customer asks what is your shop rate for manual mill and lathe work.
I try to explain that is end price not shop rate and some are more efficient than others.
He presses on and I say it is 32 to 36.
His answer that blew me away "We do not buy from anyone charging over 24 per hour and we have people down in the teens. You need to lower your rates".
This is not a new thing.
Bob