Clark -
How much information are you providing?
I've had drawings snagged and shared around. I used to send VRMLs (out of HSB) and multiple iso views, and the occasional SketchUp file.
Currently I send just 1 or 2 iso views, maybe an interior, in PDF on titleblock. Fairly hard to timber count from, and I tend to set them in perspective so the scale gets skewed. No dimensions or piece sizes. Definitely no joinery.
After I get comfortable with folks I might share a SketchUp or 3d solids model. Usually after they are on board with the price and we may be finalizing a contract.
Lots of 'shopping' going on this past year or two for sure, and not just from framer to framer - but from designer to designer and builder to builder.
IMHO if someone shops and finds a cheaper deal using my sketch - well, good luck - and its probably better that we part ways early on as opposed to down the road and then dealing with owner's regret for not choosing someone else. Its very hard to bid apples to apples - so someone who doesn't want to work with me solely on price... well... go to WalMart and get your timber frame.
But, I feel your pain. Sorry to hear you are on the short end. Most folks need the work now - so I won't say 'Tell em good riddance...' - but it might raise some red flags. I'd have a chat with the client and see whats driving it. If they are simply being sure of their choice by having a 3rd party keep you honest - well - that's a bit a given in a down economy (not much different then playing 1 car dealer off the other, or 1 supplier off the other... to get the best price)... but if they are truly shopping and taking advantage of you - you'll have to sort out what to do. The language they use to discuss and describe what they are doing will be a good sign of how future conversations will go...
