iStore can't even tell me the cost of a battery replacement

Trying to easily get a quote for a replacement on a battery for a MacBook Pro is impossible at iStore. Regardless of the branch. iStore requires that the machine must be sent to their technical assessment centre before they will provide a quote for the battery replacement. This round trip takes 7-10 working days (possibly longer) according to staff in store. What insanity is that? I will be without a computer for nearly half of the month if something takes longer (like waiting for parts). How am I suppose to work and earn a living? This must be the most idiotic workflow I have ever seen.