Gabel -
I agree that it is apples and oranges comparing commodity items to custom TF design... hence my suggestion at stepping away from these folks. They obviously don't see the value in what Clark is offering... and are treating it as a shopping expedition.
But - $$$ is a huge motivator. I drove by an entry that I designed a few years ago. The commercial builder went cold after I submitted PDFs and pricing. 'Project just withered' they said. I'm not sure who built it - but that damned thing was 90% of what I drew - and looked nothing like the hair brained sketch from the architect. (aside from the insistence on glue lams instead of solid timber)
Should I have tracked em down and sued? Over an 8.5" x 11" sketch I did as a pricing exercise? Maybe. How much $$ would it have cost? How much could I have recouped?
In most other cases where I've done a highly creative design I've never lost a client. Competence and creativity sell work. Skill and follow through back it up. For the average homeowner looking to get a deal on their timber frame package... I think most of this discussion would be lost on them. If they are 'looking to deal'... they might as well be looking to take a hike.
I like the suggestion of not leaving drawings. Very nice way to handle it assuming you can always meet face to face. And if you know up front that you are being bid out...
