Anecdote from a co-worker who'll remain anonymous: He used to work in car rentals. His boss told him "the best retort" to use when someone comes in just asking for a price. (The price varies depending on place, time, and car.) "How much to rent a car?" "I'd be happy to tell you - what's the city and the date?" "Hey, I just want a price." "OK. A million dollars." "What?!" "Well, if you give me a date and city we might be able to get something cheaper." :-p Hard business, working with people.