Smart Consumer Information
Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars arranging more than two million funerals for family and friends. In fact, funerals can be one of the more expensive consumer purchases a person will make in a lifetime. Consumers should consider the following when they plan funeral services for a loved one or pre-plan one for themselves:
Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars arranging more than two million funerals for family and friends. In fact, funerals can be one of the more expensive consumer purchases a person will make in a lifetime. Consumers should consider the following when they plan funeral services for a loved one or pre-plan one for themselves:
- Get as much information as possible about the options available. If you choose to prepay, ask for a specific list of those items that are included as well as those that are not.
- Get EVERYTHING in writing and in detail. Like many contracts, details can become unclear over time if only general agreements made. This step may solve a lot of difficulties for your family in the future.
- Check to see if payment agreements can be made now with money delivered later. In some areas, for instance, consumers are allowed to make the funeral home a beneficiary of life insurance meant to cover this particular service.
- Check to see if the funeral home puts the money in a trust or escrow upon pre-payment. An affirmative answer is usually a sign that the funeral home is a reputable provider of pre-planning services.
- TALK TO YOUR FAMILY
Cemeteries
Many cemeteries have transformed in recent years from sellers of burial plots to providers of funeral services. Some cemeteries now offer ceremonial services both graveside and at on-site chapels, on a pre-need as well as at-need basis. These funeral services are similar to those offered by traditional funeral homes but may not be covered by the same protective regulations. There are thousands of public, private, military and religious cemeteries in the United States . It is, therefore, very important that families recognize that cemeteries may not currently be under the same price and service disclosure regulations as funeral firms. In addition, cemeteries may not be required to make important consumer disclosures, such as the fact that the law in a particular state may not require the purchase of an outer burial container or other cemetery goods or services. Accordingly, families should assure themselves that they understand, request and receive an itemized disclosure of all cemetery charges in advance, whether dealing with the cemetery directly or making cemetery burial arrangements through a funeral firm. And families dealing directly with a cemetery should also ask whether a particular cemetery item or service is required for burial.
Many cemeteries have transformed in recent years from sellers of burial plots to providers of funeral services. Some cemeteries now offer ceremonial services both graveside and at on-site chapels, on a pre-need as well as at-need basis. These funeral services are similar to those offered by traditional funeral homes but may not be covered by the same protective regulations. There are thousands of public, private, military and religious cemeteries in the United States . It is, therefore, very important that families recognize that cemeteries may not currently be under the same price and service disclosure regulations as funeral firms. In addition, cemeteries may not be required to make important consumer disclosures, such as the fact that the law in a particular state may not require the purchase of an outer burial container or other cemetery goods or services. Accordingly, families should assure themselves that they understand, request and receive an itemized disclosure of all cemetery charges in advance, whether dealing with the cemetery directly or making cemetery burial arrangements through a funeral firm. And families dealing directly with a cemetery should also ask whether a particular cemetery item or service is required for burial.
Crematories
The cremation rate in the United States has risen significantly in recent years . It is expected that by 2010, cremations will represent 40 percent of all funeral arrangements. Not surprisingly, there has been a parallel increase in the number of crematories in the United States . Some crematories offer direct services to families, while others primarily serve funeral firms or other funeral service professionals. And many funeral firms own crematories or have crematories on their premises. It is important that families considering cremation services explore and consider these various relationships, to ensure the best quality care possible.
The cremation rate in the United States has risen significantly in recent years . It is expected that by 2010, cremations will represent 40 percent of all funeral arrangements. Not surprisingly, there has been a parallel increase in the number of crematories in the United States . Some crematories offer direct services to families, while others primarily serve funeral firms or other funeral service professionals. And many funeral firms own crematories or have crematories on their premises. It is important that families considering cremation services explore and consider these various relationships, to ensure the best quality care possible.
Casket Stores
Many “direct casket retailers” have emerged in the funeral service market over the past decade, in the form of actual casket stores and internet-based sellers. These providers typically sell just caskets but, in some cases, may offer a range of services as well. Most direct casket retailers are currently not subject to price disclosure regulations. Therefore, consumers should be certain to obtain a price list for all available casket options they are considering. Also, casket stores, in most instances, are not required to make important consumer disclosures like the fact a casket is not required for direct cremation. Consumers dealing with direct casket retailers should always let a direct casket retailer know the type of funeral service they are considering and ask whether they should even purchase a casket at all. In this regard, there are many services for which a family can rent a casket from a funeral firm, and families should be certain to consider this option when dealing with a direct casket retailer as well. In addition, consumers purchasing a casket from a direct casket retailer should understand the liabilities and obligations of the parties in the event of a failure to deliver the casket on time or delivery of a damaged casket, which could substantially impact a funeral service.
Many “direct casket retailers” have emerged in the funeral service market over the past decade, in the form of actual casket stores and internet-based sellers. These providers typically sell just caskets but, in some cases, may offer a range of services as well. Most direct casket retailers are currently not subject to price disclosure regulations. Therefore, consumers should be certain to obtain a price list for all available casket options they are considering. Also, casket stores, in most instances, are not required to make important consumer disclosures like the fact a casket is not required for direct cremation. Consumers dealing with direct casket retailers should always let a direct casket retailer know the type of funeral service they are considering and ask whether they should even purchase a casket at all. In this regard, there are many services for which a family can rent a casket from a funeral firm, and families should be certain to consider this option when dealing with a direct casket retailer as well. In addition, consumers purchasing a casket from a direct casket retailer should understand the liabilities and obligations of the parties in the event of a failure to deliver the casket on time or delivery of a damaged casket, which could substantially impact a funeral service.