I had one shop, 40 miles from my home that refused to give me a price over the phone. They demanded I make an appearance. I told them that wasn't happening, I just wanted to put it on my charge card and have them deliver it.
They let me walk, couldn't believe it...
I gained a little respect for those that at least had the balls to tell me over the phone what it was going to cost over and above their advertised price....not so smart a sales tactic in my book but it must work for them, like you say they all do it.
