How to choose a funeral service provider

Many people are unaware that in most states they are not legally obligated to use the services of a funeral home to plan and carry out a funeral. However, many people feel relieved when they hire the professional services provided by a funeral home because they have little experience with the many details and legal requirements involved in a funeral and because they may also be emotionally affected when making the preparations.

People often choose a funeral company or a particular cemetery because it is close to their homes, because they have provided services to the family previously, or on the recommendation of some trusted person. But those consumers who limit their search to a single funeral company may be risking more than they need to pay for the funeral or may be reducing their options for items and services.

Price comparison and options for choosing a funeral home/funeral service provider

Compare prices and options to make a purchase decision does not necessarily have to be difficult, especially if it is done before the need arises. Thinking ahead can help you make informed and thoughtful decisions about the funeral arrangements you want. In this way, you can choose the specific items that you want and need, and you can compare the prices of various suppliers of funeral items and services.

The law states that if you visit a funeral home in person, the funeral service provider must provide you with a general price list detailing the cost of the items and services offered by the company. The law provides that if the specific prices of the coffins or outer containers for burial are not included in the general price list, the funeral director must show him a price list of said items before showing him the coffins or containers themselves.

Sometimes, it is more convenient and less stressful to compare prices by phone. The Funeral Rule states that funeral directors must provide price information by telephone to any person who calls and requests it. In addition, many funeral homes will gladly send you their price lists by mail, although it is not a legal obligation.

When comparing prices, apart from taking into account the cost of each item individually, be sure to consider the total cost of all items and services as a whole. All funeral homes must have price lists of all items and services essential to the different types of funeral arrangements they offer. Many funeral companies offer "packages" for funerals that may be cheaper than buying individual items or services. The offer of this type of "packages" is allowed by law, with the condition that they also provide you with a list of prices detailed by item. But you will not be able to correctly compare the total cost of a funeral unless you use the price lists.

In addition, there is a growing tendency for companies to consolidate in the funeral industry, and many funeral homes in neighborhoods that appear to be locally owned are actually owned by a national corporation. If this is an important issue for you, you may want to ask if the funeral home is an independent company owned by a local merchant.

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Created on Nov 15th 2018 05:29. Viewed 360 times.

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