INDUSTRY INSIGHT
FUNERAL SERVICES
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Funeral Pricing: Why Transparency Matters
Most people will make funeral arrangements only a few times in their lives. Unlike other major purchases, there is often little opportunity to learn about funeral costs beforehand. When the need arises, families may be making decisions while grieving, under time constraints, and without a clear understanding of what services typically cost. That makes transparency in funeral pricing especially important. Funeral homes are required to follow the Federal Trade Commission’ s Funeral Rule, which was created to give consumers certain protections when making funeral arrangements. Among its requirements, funeral homes must provide consumers with an itemized General Price List( GPL) when they meet to discuss funeral arrangements, goods or services, or provide pricing over the phone.
The GPL allows families to see individual prices for services and merchandise. It helps consumers understand which services they may select individually and which charges may be required as part of their arrangements. Funeral homes may also package popular selections into one price to make choosing services simpler.
What sometimes surprises families is that funeral homes are not currently required by the Funeral Rule to publish their General Price List on their website.
Also important to know is that the FTC Funeral Rule generally does not apply to cemeteries, even though they may sell similar merchandise such as burial vaults, caskets and monuments. Consumers may also find that some cemeteries offer additional discounts after the initial price is declined. It is another reason families should feel comfortable asking questions about pricing.
Shopping for funeral and cemetery services can therefore be very different from other significant purchases. One provider may offer detailed prices online, another may list packages without individual costs, and another may provide very little pricing information at all. That can make comparison difficult. Approximately 70 % of consumers have indicated they don’ t feel sufficiently educated about funeral expenses. That can make it especially challenging when a family suddenly needs to make arrangements.
At Sperling Funeral and Cremation Care, we believe families should be able to see that information before they ever walk through our door.
That is why we publish our pricing and General Price List on our website and encourage families to compare our prices with other funeral homes. More importantly, we encourage them to compare what they are receiving for those prices.
Transparency allows people to make informed decisions without feeling uncomfortable about asking what something costs. Funeral arrangements are both personal and financial decisions, and families deserve clear information about both.
Looking at funeral pricing also doesn’ t have to happen only after a death. Families can review information at any time, whether they are simply curious about local costs, helping an aging parent understand options, or considering preplanning. There is no obligation involved in becoming better informed.
A funeral home should be willing to explain its charges in plain language and answer questions about what is and isn’ t included. If something isn’ t clear, consumers should ask for an explanation. Those conversations should never feel rushed or uncomfortable.
Funeral service will always involve difficult circumstances, but understanding the cost of those services shouldn’ t have to be difficult.
Greater transparency gives families the ability to ask better questions, compare their options and make choices based on what is important to them. Ultimately, an informed family is in a much better position to decide the right combination of service, value and care for them.
If you have questions about us or our services, please feel free to call or find us on Facebook. You can also learn more about our family and services by visiting:
Sperling Funeral and Cremation Care, Inc. 700 Blazier Dr. • Wexford, PA 15090 Jarett D. Sperling, Supervisor 724.933.9200 • sperlingfuneral. com
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