"unwilling dealerships were to quote prices by email or phone"
Several reasons. One is they can't close you over the phone or by email. Other is they open themselves up to other dealers quoting a price that they won't hold once you arrive at the dealer. And then that dealer gets a chance to close them (after bullshitting their way out of the lie).
That said I've bought several cars by phone and have received prices by email but get the best deals in person. That way you are dangling a sale in front of them and they tend not to want you to walk out the door and go elsewhere.
In sales the more time somebody invests (either buyer or seller) the less likely they are to walk away from something.
Several reasons. One is they can't close you over the phone or by email. Other is they open themselves up to other dealers quoting a price that they won't hold once you arrive at the dealer. And then that dealer gets a chance to close them (after bullshitting their way out of the lie).
That said I've bought several cars by phone and have received prices by email but get the best deals in person. That way you are dangling a sale in front of them and they tend not to want you to walk out the door and go elsewhere.
In sales the more time somebody invests (either buyer or seller) the less likely they are to walk away from something.