Why is the Shadchan’s time and effort less valuable than the caterer, musicians, and the florist’s time, etc most of whom get paid with much profit after having spent way less time? In cases where there is no payment made to a caterer, musician, and florist, etc. its understandable.
Big bucks? $2,000 a year? C’mon. “
If that is the shadchan’s SOLE source of income (as it typically is with the other professionals whom you mentioned), I would agree. And if the shadchan spent as much time training to do his/her job as a musician, I might also agree with you. I still believe they should be upfront at the outset of what their expectations are. And in the case of a non-pro who just happens to think of a nice shidduch for a family member or friend, that just doesn’t sound right to me at all. The zechus of the mitzvah should take precedence over expectations of getting a huge monetary reward, though I think SOMETHING should be given even in that case.