The question about cost is a practical question, not necessarily a lack of enthusiasm.

Asking what something costs often gets heard as reluctance, so people learn not to ask, or to ask apologetically. But someone checking the number is usually trying to say yes properly rather than looking for a way out. They want to know whether they can commit without letting anyone down later, which is a form of taking the thing seriously.

Answer a question about your price plainly and without a defensive preamble. When you are the one asking, ask early and without apology. And if a person’s enthusiasm seems to cool at the number, that is information about their circumstances, not a verdict on what you are offering.