In the course of getting a roof replaced, I encountered a variety of folks.
At one extreme there was the guy across the street, who assured me that he and his 'friends' could do it, after hours, etc., and save me a lot of money.
Then there were the various small roofing shops, the 3-person family operations operating out of their kitchen, with a pick-up truck and a shakey ladder. Neither license nor permit needed here, and they took full advantage.
Finally, there was the 'big contractor' in town. He was quite upfront about not being the cheapest guy. He showed me pictures of the specialized equipment - such as the scissor-lift style dumpster - that he would bring to the job. He explained how all his guys had workmans' comp. He explained that all his guys were certified by the manufacturer, and that his shop was the only one in the area that was certified by any manufacturer- and thus, he was the only guy who could offer the long guarantees.
I think we often fall short on salesmanship. It seems most guys never get past 'I'm booked solid,' then they cry that so many of their 'appointments' are at the fishing hole.
As for the general state of the economy .... we have collapsed so far that some items are disappearing from the market, as suppliers get out of all but their most profitable lines. Stuff that hasn't seen a price cut in decades is being discounted. "Service" is lost, as only the income-generators are kept on the payroll.
Collusion. Funny how that term changes from 'despicable' to 'respectable' depending on who's talking. Anyone who thinks licensing boards are created by angles, worrying about the public welfare, needs to get out more often. The same applies tenfold to the motives driving the expansion of government. "Government" is but a fancy term for 'legalized collusion.' Thus, government tries to claim a monopoly: two bureaus can collude, but not two contractors.
Small wonder that every new rule creates more gypsy contractors. Can we not see how our attempts to 'dump' on this 'undesireable' competition only fertilizes them, so they grow stronger?