Price discrimination
dkokelley: A hidden benefit to consumers might be seen with complicated systems. If you were told that a complicated system was $10,000 base price, you might be upset that the typical price for the complete system is $30,000. You were expecting to pay one amount, but after realizing what your needs are you have a totally different price. The selling company can't expect to know what you need until you meet with them, which is why you have to meet before seeing a price.