Seems like email would be a reasonable middle-ground.
But, I agree, the business should meet the customer with something as simple as providing a quote.
I paid $12,000 to have my roof replaced. They paid the tax if I paid in cash (I don't know, I don't care). I paid half up front, and when the job was completed, I emailed to get the final total so I could bring the other half. Believe it or not, I got push back. She didn't want to figure it out, or she thought I'd just show up with an approximate amount, etc.? It took three emails, and explaining that I was going to the bank to get the cash, so I'd like the exact total. On the upside, they did an excellent job on the roof, I was very happy with the work.