Choosing a casket for a friend or loved one is not a simple process – between choosing a special casket that represents the tastes of the deceased to deciding what materials the casket will be made of, many grief-stricken family members are too exhausted to object to the price. While funeral planning is a trying time for all, it’s important to remember that you do have certain rights when choosing a casket, which are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission – and it’s important to know what exactly those rights are.
Consumer advocates and funeral homes lobbyists have long battled over the rights of individuals to purchase third-party caskets, since many consumers found the inflated prices of funeral home caskets to be particularly deceptive. In response to complaints, the Federal Trade Commission passed the “Funeral Rule” in 1984, which states that a consumer has the right to purchase a casket from a third-party vendor – and the funeral home must use that casket according to your requests. While many funeral homes have grown to accept this new law, many homes will only mention these cheaper alternatives when you request more information. It’s worth knowing the FTC’s “Funeral Rule” and your rights before meeting with a representative about your loved one’s service, especially if you want to secure as fair a price as possible.
If you’re still not sure whether or not you’d prefer to buy online or at the funeral home, here are a few important points to consider:
