I have a quality ,mount that was done by a well known Taxi. His work was excellent, the time frame was long but fair, and his price was above average.
IMO in addition to low repeat business, Taxis are selling thier time but have several other complications. Tanning, forms, the condition of the pelt... and then it's just the hours of work until they can do the art of pinning the cape and making it come alive (or skin for birds). I've talked to several Taxis and I belive the ones we hear about are burnt out. Taxidermy isn't scalable, and finding an apprentice at best is a temporary gig. I belive it would be really hard to developed a long term brand considering the issues outside of thier control.
Taxidermy is selling artwork for time, and I could only imagine how bad customers could ruin some ones drive, enthusiasm, and love of the work.