That may be so, Barb, but it puts the onus on the provider to mention a cost (assuming there is one). In business, it's important to make it as easy as possible for the other person to say 'yes'.
As stated in the original post, it sounds as if the asker wants this thing for free. By asking the more open question: 'How do we...?' the provider knows that the asker assumes there is a cost and is willing to offer something in return. The provider then has the option of stating terms or merely saying, 'I'd be happy to send it to you at no charge!'