... did not make any attempt to answer the question....
To be absolutely clear, what i am saying is that they did answer your question, but not in the way you expect. You are asking for good, cheap calibration service but have not defined what is good, or cheap. Take a little look at my list and define what you expect for what money.
... pointing out that there might be incompetent calibration houses adds FUD....
I did not say incompetent. I said ignorant. What i mean is that calibration houses will perform there 'standard' service either ignorant that this might NOT be the service you want. Or in the absence of agreement cut procedures, calculations and traceability information where it wasn't requested.
Here is an example:
Calibration company A is one-man-band, picked up a calibrator on Ebay and then start advertising to do DMM calibration.
Calibration company B is a team working to accredited standard (assume some national or international standard).
You ask both for "Calibration and Adjust, Before and After Results. Use manufactures spec x for adjustment and either manufacturer verification or suggested points y".
.... which one has the cheapest quote? Which one do you want to use?